Hi my loves! So today I’m back with another post on cruelty free makeup and beauty, and this time I’m going to be talking all about the best cruelty free and vegan* mascara picks that you have to try. In 2021, there are now more awesome vegan friendly makeup and beauty brands than ever before, so the selection is insane.

*Some of the products on this list contain beeswax, so if you strictly avoid products derived from bees then avoid these mascaras. If something does contain beeswax then I will denote that under the product description for it.

With so many choices, it can be hard to make a decision without wasting time and money, since you risk potentially picking up a mascara that you don’t like. So today I’m throwing all of the best cruelty free mascaras that I’ve tried into one list to make it super easy to find one that you love!

Mascara is one of my favorite makeup products because when you lengthen and volumize your eye lashes, your eyes instantly look brighter and more awake, which helps cut down on applying other makeup products and saves you time in the morning! It’s definitely one of my must have products if I only have a short amount of time to do my makeup in the morning.

 

I could on and on about all of the reasons why, but the main reason is that animals are kept in cages for their entire lives and typically never see sunshine or the outside of a testing lab. It’s an extremely harsh and cruel environment (not to mention the fact that they have to endure chemical burns on a regular basis) and it’s not “only” rodents that companies test on, it’s cats, dogs, and rabbits too.

Because you’re here reading this, you are most likely already aware of all of that, so thank you for looking into cruelty free and vegan mascara today! If you have a family member or friend who isn’t aware of the realities of animal testing, you could share this post with them to help inform them of why it’s so important to avoid buying products that are tested on animals.

 

How Is The Term Cruelty Free Defined?

In this post, the term cruelty free is going to be defined as any company or brand that does not conduct animal testing of any kind themselves, does not hire or commission any other companies or third parties to test either individual ingredients or finished products on animals on their behalf, and does not sell their products in any countries or markets where animal testing of cosmetics is required by law.

A large majority of the brands included in this post have also received the cruelty free certification from an organization like PETA or Leaping Bunny.

Keep scrolling to check out the best cruelty free mascara options I’ve found so far:

DISCLOSURE: THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS, WHICH MEANS THAT I GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH THESE LINKS, AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU.

 

1. Bite Beauty Upswing Full Volume Mascara

I had to put this one right at the top because out of all of the amazing products on this list, this one is the highest rated and most loved on Sephora’s website! It has a clean formula that works to lift, lengthen and volumize your lashes without any clumping or flakiness.

It’s smudge resistant and contains a vegan tree berry wax, which helps the brush grip every single lash and build volume!

Ingredient List: Aqua/Water/Eau, Glyceryl Stearate, C18-36 Acid Triglyceride, Synthetic Wax, Copernicia Cerifera Cera/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire De Carnauba, Acrylates Copolymer, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Octyldodecanol, C18-38 Alkyl Hydroxystearoyl Stearate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Rhus Verniciflua Peel Cera/Rhus Verniciflua Peel Wax, Tocopherol, Iron Oxides (Ci 77499).

 

2. Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara

This one is higher end and the price reflects that, but it’s well worth it. The Caution Extreme Lash mascara is great for lifting and lengthening as well as giving the impression of “spider lashes” that we all want from a mascara.

The brush design of this one is so cool because it’s actually two brushes in one, and I think that really helps with getting the product to coat evenly and getting every single lash.

Ingredient List: Water/Aqua, Paraffin, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate Copolymer, Alcohol Denat., Palmitic Acid, Polybutene, Stearic Acid, Pvp, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Acrylates Copolymer, Triethanolamine, Hydrated Silica, Talc, Panthenol, Propylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Laureth-21, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol. May Contain (+/-): Iron Oxide (Ci 77499).

 

3. Glossier Lash Slick

This is such a great brand because they really promote minimalism and taking care of your skin first rather than covering yourself up with too much makeup. They’re all about letting your natural beauty shine through, which I think is so great.

Lash Slick has a really nice precise brush that allows you to evenly coat each and every lash without any clumping! I find that this mascara is best for lengthening. It is water resistant but not water proof – so it isn’t hard at all to remove it with water when you’re washing your face at the end of the day before bed.

It’s described by Glossier as “the perfect everyday black mascara” and I could not agree more.

**Side note: this cruelty free mascara is of course NOT tested on animals, but if you are completely vegan and avoid all products derived from bees then this one isn’t for you, since it contains beeswax.

Ingredient List: Aqua/Water/Eau, Acrylates Copolymer, Alcohol, Cera Alba/Beeswax/Cire d’abeille, PEG-15 Glyceryl Stearate, Cera Carnauba/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire de Carnauba, Butylene Glycol, Kaolin, Pullulan, Behenyl Alcohol, Bentonite, Rayon, Alcohol Denat., Dimethicone, Stearic Acid, Sucrose Distearate, VP/VA Copolymer, Nylon-6, Aminomethyl Propanol, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Silica, Panthenol, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol. May Contain/Peut Contenir (±): CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77266 (Black 2).

 

4. Too Faced Better Than Sex

This mascara comes in the cutest pink tube, and makes your lashes look super thick AND it lengthens pretty well too. They have a water proof version as well as a regular non water proof one (that one is linked above).

Too Faced is such a great vegan friendly brand and they keep making hit product after hit product, you really can’t go wrong with shopping from them! This amazing cruelty free mascara is one of the top selling beauty products in its category in the whole country!

**Side note: this mascara also contains beeswax.

Ingredient List: Water, Synthetic Beeswax, Paraffin, Glyceryl Stearate, Acacia Senegal Gum, Butylene Glycol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax/Oryza Sativa Bran Cera, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Polybutene, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Copernicia Cerifera Cera/Cire De Carnauba, Aminomethyl Propanol, Glycerin, PVP, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Polyester-11, Cellulose, Trimethylpentanediol/Adipic Acid/Glycerin Crosspolymer, Propylene Glycol, Disodium Phosphate, Polysorbate 60, Acacia Seyal Gum Extract, Sodium Phosphate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-1, Dextran, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Ultramarines (CI 77007), Black 2 (CI 77266).

 

5. Milk Makeup High Volume Mascara

Milk Makeup is super trendy and on their A-game right now. This cruelty free mascara nourishes and thickens – it even has a hemp derived oil in it to apparently condition and hydrate your lashes!

This one isn’t waterproof, so it washes off super easily when you wash your face and doesn’t make a mess!

Ingredient List: Water (Aqua, Eau), Paraffin, Glyceryl Stearate, Synthetic Beeswax, Stearic Acid, Acacia Senegal Gum, Butylene Glycol, Palmitic Acid, Polybutene, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Ozokerite, Aminomethyl Propanol, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil/Huile Végétale Hydrogénée, Phenoxyethanol, Stearyl Stearate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Nylon-6, Papaver Somniferum Seed Oil, Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Dipteryx Odorata Seed Extract, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire de Carnauba, Silica, Tropolone, Aframomum Melegueta Seed Extract, Helichrysum Italicum Extract, Iron Oxide (CI 77499).

 

6. BareMinerals Lashtopia Mega Volume Mineral Based Mascara

This product is amazing if you want a formula that contains nourishing ingredients that will help you get gorgeous, fuller looking lashes even when you’re not wearing it! Your lashes will be soft and silky and not brittle and crumbling when you use this.

Ingredient List: Water (Aqua/Eau), Glyceryl Stearate, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax (Cera Carnauba/Cire De Carnauba), Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Acrylates Copolymer, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Microcrystalline Wax (Cera Microcristallina/Cire Microcristalline), Ethylhexylglycerin, Lecithin, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Ceteth-10 Phosphate, Dicetyl Phosphate, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Citrate, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Bht, Phenoxyethanol. May Contain: Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499).

 

7. Marc Jacobs Beauty Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara

Marc Jacobs is one of the only luxury fashion brands with a beauty line that is cruelty free, and I support that 100%.

The curve of the brush works well for getting the center lashes, which are typically the hardest to reach. And, as you can probably guess from the name, it’s amazing for adding volume and lift to your lashes.

**Side note: this mascara also contains beeswax.

Ingredient List: Water, Paraffin, Glyceryl Stearate, Synthetic Beeswax, Stearic Acid, Acacia Senegal Gum, Butylene Glycol, Palmitic Acid, Polybutene, Oryza Sativa Cera (Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax), VP/Eicosense Copolymer, Ozokerite, Aminomethyl Propanol, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Stearyl Stearate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Nitrate, Tropolone, Disodium Phosphate, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Phosphate, Iron Oxides (CI 77499).

 

8. Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes, 4-in-1 Mascara

Tarte is one of my favorite beauty brands overall because of the fact that they’re proudly cruelty free, and I always find that they have some of the cutest products and packaging in Sephora!

Their Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara is great for volumizing, and I recommend you try this one if you have sensitive skin and tend to experience irritation because it is free of irritants like triclosan and mineral oil.

**Side note: this mascara also contains beeswax.

Ingredient List: Isododecane, Water, Pentaerythriyl Hydrogenated Rosinate, Cyclopentasiloxane, PVP/Eicosene Copolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polybutene, Cera Alba, Cera Carnauba, Alcohol, Polyquaternium -10, Phenoxyethanol, Iron Oxides (CI 77499).

 

9. Pixi Lash Booster Mascara

Pixi is another favorite brand of mine – they are extremely vegan friendly and their products are so affordable!

Their Lash Booster mascara is so great for lifting and volumizing, and the formula is free of pthalates, parabens, and sulfates, so this is another one that is great for those with sensitive skin! It’s also water resistant and smudge proof.

Ingredient List: Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Dextrin Palmitate/Ethylhexanoate, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Microcrystalline Wax, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Aluminum Distearate, PEG-8 Dioleate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Simethicone. [+/- Talc, Mica (CI 77019), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510)].

 

10. Fenty Beauty Full Frontal Volume, Lift & Curl Mascara

I’m late to the Fenty party but I just discovered this mascara and it’s amazing. This one is again water resistant but not fully water proof, which I actually prefer because it honestly is the biggest pain to remove waterproof mascara and when you do a lot of the time your lashes fall out!

It’s a very dark shade of black – so if that’s what you’re looking for this is 100% for you!

It’s also great for curling your lashes, so you might be able to skip using your lash curler in favor of only using this!

**Side note: this mascara also contains beeswax.

Ingredient List: Aqua/Water/Eau, Synthetic Beeswax, Paraffin, Palmitic Acid, Styrene/Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Aminomethyl Propanediol, Cera Carnauba/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire De Carnauba, Glyceryl Stearate, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Acacia Seyal Gum, Polybutene, Phenoxyethanol, Nylon-66, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Sodium Laureth-12 Sulfate, Caprylyl Glycol, C11-15 Pareth-7, Potassium Sorbate, Tetrasodium Edta, Disodium Phosphate, Polysorbate 60, Silica, Bht, Sodium Phosphate, Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891).

 

11. RMS Beauty Volumizing Mascara

This cruelty free mascara from RMS Beauty is certified “Clean At Sephora”, which means that it doesn’t contain many of the typical potentially harmful ingredients that are in a lot of cosmetics these days!

This mascara is very buildable if you like doing a couple of coats, it has a really smooth formula and so it doesn’t clump or flake!

**Side note: this mascara also contains beeswax.

Ingredient List: Water (Aqua), *Cera Alba (Beeswax), CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), Glycerin, *Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Stearic Acid, *Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Starch, Glyceryl Stearate, *Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, *Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Hydroxide, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Limonene, Geranoil, Parfum (Natural Fragrance). *Certified Organic

 

12. Kosas The Big Clean Volumizing + Lash Care Cruelty Free Mascara

This mascara is relatively new and is also Clean At Sephora. It’s amazing for volumizing and making your lashes look super thick and luxurious! Also, it contains castor oil, which can be very beneficial for strengthening your lashes and helping them grow longer.

**Side note: this mascara also contains beeswax.

Ingredient List: Aqua, Beeswax, CI 77499, Diisostearoyl Polyglyceryl-3 Dimer Dilinoleate, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Pullulan, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Sorbitol, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Acacia Senegal Gum, Trehalose, Citric Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Phenethyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate.

 

13. Ilia Limitless Lash Lengthening Mascara

This mascara has amazing reviews on Sephora’s site, and I see why! I noticed after using this for a few weeks that my lashes seemed to be a little bit longer naturally, and it’s because this one also has ingredients to condition and strengthen your lashes so that they grow longer (keratin and shea butter).

Definitely pick this one up if you’re trying to get your lashes to be longer on their own and without mascara!

**Side note: this mascara also contains beeswax.

Ingredient List: Water, Beeswax*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Glycerin, Cera Carnauba/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax *, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch*, Xanthan Gum, Arginine, Phenethyl Alcohol, Biotin, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Benzoic Acid, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Iron Oxide (Ci 77499).

 

14. NYX On The Rise Volume Liftscara

This is a really affordable drugstore cruelty free mascara option from NYX that I’ve actually been using and loving for the past couple of months. I find that it has a really smooth formula that lifts and separates my lashes with no clumping! It’s very volumizing and has a matte black formula, so it makes your lashes look like they’re still your own natural lashes but better!

Ingredient List: Aqua/Water/Eau, Synthetic Beeswax, Polyethylene, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyurethane-35, Acacia Senegal Gum, Butylene Glycol, Oryza Sativa Cera/Rice Bran Wax, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Polybutene, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Copernicia Cerifera Cera/Carnauba Wax/Cire De Carnauba, Aminomethyl Propanol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol. May Contain: CI 77499/Iron Oxides.

 

15. Merit Clean Lash Lengthening Mascara

This is a relatively new brand at Sephora, and this product has amazing reviews on their website. It also has the “clean at Sephora” stamp of approval, so you know its formula doesn’t contain many of the typical harmful ingredients and irritants that are found in a lot of beauty products!

This product is amazing for lengthening and separating lashes without any clumping or flaking. It has a smudge proof formula which also contains fatty acids that nourish and hydrate your eyelashes, so it’s a really great everyday type of mascara!

Ingredient List: Aqua (Water, Eau), Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate Copolymer, Acrylates Copolymer, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Stearyl Esters, Stearic Acid, Copernicia Cerifera Cera (Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Cire de Carnauba), Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax (Candelilla Cera, Cire de Candelilla), Acacia Senegal Gum, PVP, Tromethamine, Alcohol, Panthenol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ethylhexanediol, Steareth-20, Cetyl Alcohol, Simethicone, Steareth-2, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides).

 

16. Ciate London Wonderwand Intensely Volumizing Mascara

This product has a non clumping formula that is super easy to apply and is great for creating dramatic and intense eyelashes for a special event or a night out! I think that the brush size and shape on this one are perfect for really coating each individual lash and blending the product out.

Ingredient List: Water, Glyceryl Stearate, Copernicia Cerifera Cera (Carnauba Wax), Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax), Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Aminomethyl Propanol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides).

 

17. Nudestix Lash Lengthening Mascara

This product comes with a cute little black tin pencil case which is super chic! The mascara itself gives you that false lashes look without all the extra effort, and is best for volumizing and thickening your lashes. It’s super easy to remove, and it contains peptides which support and encourage eyelash growth over time! It’s also certified organic and sulfate and paraben free.

Ingredient List: Water, Candelilla Care/Euphorbia Cerifera (Canelilla) Wax, Acacia Decurrens/ Jojoba/ Sunflower Seed Cera/Polyglyceryl-3 Esters / Acacia Decurrens/ Jojoba/ Sunflower Seed Wax/Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Copernicia Cerifera Cera/ Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Ppg-25-Laureth-25, Styrene/Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Steareth-21, Alcohol Denatured Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Acacia Senegal Gum, Polysorbate 20, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Steareth-2, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Silica, Ppg-26-Buteth-26, Cellulose, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Xathan Gum, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Apigenin, Oleanolic Acid, Lecithin. [+/- Iron Oxides (Ci 77499)].

 

18. KVD Vegan Beauty Go Big or Go Home Mascara

This completely vegan and cruelty free brand’s mascara contains olive and sunflower oils which help give your lashes amazing volume. The formula is smudge resistant and long lasting, and the brush on this one helps your lashes keep their curl throughout the day!

Ingredient List: Water, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Stearyl Esters, Stearic Acid, Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate Copolymer, Helianthus Annuus Seed Cera/Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Oryza Sativa Cera/Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, Polybutene, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil/Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-3 Rice Branate, Propanediol, Glyceryl Stearate, C18-36 Acid Triglyceride, Polyvinyl Stearyl Ether, Aminomethyl Propanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Laureth-21, Iron Oxides (Ci 77499).

 

19. Saie Mascara 101 Lengthening and Lifting

This clean at Sephora product does exactly what the name suggests, and it contains shea butter to nourish your lashes – which potentially helps them grow longer! It is actually one of the best rated mascaras on this entire list, so a ton of other people love it and there’s a really good chance that you will too.

**Side note: this mascara contains responsibly sourced Australian beeswax.

 

20. Petite ‘N Pretty Fully Feathered Volumizing Mascara

This one is actually the first pediatrician approved mascara and is designed for tweens and teens to use (but can be used by adults too of course)! It has an hourglass shaped applicator that coats your lashes evenly and gives them a natural looking fuller appearance.

It comes in really cute packaging and is also ophthalmologist AND dermatologist approved.

 

Why Should You Buy Cruelty Free Mascara?

I could go on and on about all of the reasons why, but the main reason is that animals are kept in cages for literally all of their lives and most never even get to see sunshine or the outside of the testing lab. It is an extremely harsh and cruel environment (not to mention the fact that they have to endure chemical burns on a regular basis) and it’s not “only” rodents that companies test on, it’s cats, dogs, and rabbits too.

But because you’re here reading this, it’s pretty likely that you’re already aware of all of that, so thank you so much for looking into the best cruelty free and vegan mascaras today! If you have a family member or friend who isn’t aware of the realities of animal testing, you could share this post with them to help inform them of why it’s so important to avoid buying products that were tested on animals.

 

Related Posts:

• Glossier Futuredew Review

• Cruelty Free In Flight Beauty Tips

• Best Cruelty Free Products For Dry Skin

 

Thank you for checking out my picks for the best vegan friendly and cruelty free mascara! Is there one that I missed that should be on this list? Let me know what you think, and if you liked this post you can always share it on Pinterest! I also post a lot of similar content on my Instagram, so be sure to check that out if you’re interested as well 🙂

I hope you are all doing well and staying healthy! Until next time xx

beauty beauty and colour cosmetics cruelty-free fenty beauty hourglass makeup mascara Tarte too faced vegan