Eco-Friendly Lashes: The Surprising Benefits of Switching to Organic Mascara

It’s the item in our makeup bag that we use without really ‘batting an eye’ – enter mascara! We just whip out that old wand, take a swipe, and voilà – voluminous, flirty lashes await! But all this eye-catching loveliness actually comes with a catch: most mascaras aren’t made with your health in mind.

Thankfully, the beauty industry has recently experienced a major shift towards clean and natural products, and organic mascara is no exception. Unlike traditional mascaras that often contain harmful chemicals that can damage lashes and affect eye health, organic mascaras are made of eco- and eye-friendly ingredients.

We’re here to pull back the curtain on toxic preservatives and chemicals that could be lurking in your favorite tube of mascara. Plus, we’ll show you the peeper perks of using natural and organic mascara and the best formulas for you for healthy and beautiful lashes.

Mascara can be our golden ticket to wider, brighter eyes and long, flirty lashes. With each swipe or zig-zag from our bestie formula, we can feel our eyes (and hearts) widening with every layer of inky, creamy mascara. But all this adoration comes with some hidden dangers: most mascaras aren’t made with your health in mind.

Some mascaras on the market contain harmful ingredients that can pose a threat to your lashes, eyes, internal health, and even the environment. These toxic substances can be absorbed by the small pores and blood vessels around the eyes, causing a host of eye problems, including potentially dangerous effects on the body.

Here are some ingredients to avoid in traditional mascaras:

Parabens
Most modern mascaras include a variety of parabens used as preservatives to keep bacteria at bay and make mascara last longer. These cosmetic culprits can be absorbed around the eye area and can cause eye irritation, inflammation around the eyes, lash breakage, and the hindering of lash growth.

These problematic preservatives can also be absorbed into our bodies, where they can disrupt normal hormone functions. Not only do parabens often cause irritation and allergic reactions, but parabens have even been linked to breast cancer.

Fragrance
While it may make the mascara smell nice, fragrance can have adverse effects on the sensitive skin around the eyes. It can cause irritation, reddening, and even allergic reactions in some people. It's important to read the labels carefully and choose fragrance-free, organic formulas to avoid eye discomfort and potential long-term issues.

Synthetic and Coal Tar Dyes
While many mascara companies are moving towards coal tar-free mascara options, consumers need to be aware of the potential dangers of this harmful ingredient. These dyes contain heavy metals and are carcinogenic, and could be absorbed into your bloodstream.

Just like fragrance, the colors added to cosmetics, like FD&C artificial additives such as FD&C Blue No. 1, Red. No. 40 and Yellow No. 5 are also curated from chemicals. Petroleum, heavy metals, or coal tar are often the origins of these colors, which can cause eye irritation, inflammation around the eyes, and lash breakage.

Teflon
Yes, the non-stick coating…we’re talking about Teflon. The chemical coating has been found in traditional mascara! The dangers of Teflon in cosmetics have been debated for years and for good reason. According to the EWG, prolonged exposure to this chemical can lead to health issues including cancer, hormone disruption, and thyroid disease. Teflon dangers are especially concerning when it comes to mascara, as it is applied close to the eyes.

Synthetic Pigments
Artificial colorants are often used to give mascara its rich black color, but they are not without risk. They can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation, and even damage to the corneas. Opt for natural and organic mascara options to avoid the harmful effects of synthetic pigments.

Petroleum
Traditional mascaras not only have some eye-palling chemicals that can damage your eyes and health, but these chemical culprits can also wreak havoc on the environment, too. Since many mascaras are composed of synthetic chemicals, many of which are petroleum-based, they can end up in waterways and harm aquatic life.

Plastics
Mascaras on the market can also contain microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles that can end up in the ocean and be consumed by marine animals. These plastic pieces and the plastic tubes that mascara comes in are not biodegradable and may end up in landfills, where they could take hundreds of years to decompose.

If you're looking for some va-va-va-voom eyelashes without sacrificing your health, organic formulas might be the solution you've been searching for, especially if you have sensitive eyes. If you’re looking to boost your lash game, switching to organic mascara will be a game changer for your eyes and overall look and more!

#1. Organic mascaras are often loaded with natural ingredients, like chamomile extract, vitamin E, and maracuja oil, which promote healthier lashes, all powered by the goodness of Mother Nature.

#2. Unlike traditional mascaras that can dry out delicate skin and cause irritation, organic options contain safe, wholesome ingredients that are gentle on your eyes, providing a more comfortable application experience.

#3. Organic mascaras are free of synthetic preservatives and artificial colors that can irritate your skin and pretty peepers. They are instead infused with healthy, natural hydrators like vitamin E and pro-vitamin B5 to moisturize lashes.

#4. Since organic mascaras are null and void of harmful chemicals or dyes, your lashes have a chance to flourish and lengthen as well as grow longer, thicker, and stronger.

#5. At the end of the day – and lash – organic mascaras contain nourishing properties for your skin and lashes. The natural ingredients that help to condition your lashes also go a long way in lengthening and defining those peepers for a true makeup transformation.

#6. The absence of harmful synthetic dyes and using natural fruit pigments means that you can enjoy bold, beautiful lashes without the threat of burning, irritation, or watery eyes.

From volumizing formulas to curl-inducing wands, there's a natural mascara out there for everyone! Speaking of wands – and formula tubes - using organic mascara has a positive environmental impact. At 100% PURE, each one of our formulas (not just our cosmetics) is fully biodegradable. We use recycled or recyclable packaging.

Selecting the right organic mascara can be a dubious task, as there are many factors to consider. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind when selecting an organic mascara:

Ingredients:

Look for natural ingredients such as plant-based oils, waxes, and pigments. Turn an eye (or both) away from toxic ingredients such as parabens, dyes, and synthetic fragrances. If you prefer a vegan option, make sure the mascara is free of animal-derived ingredients.

Performance:

This may be the time to be a little product detective. Consider the mascara's performance by reading reviews, including how well it lengthens, volumizes, and separates lashes. Look for formulas that work well for your lash type and needs.

Brand reputation:

Look for brands that are reputable and have a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. Brands that are certified organic or cruelty-free may also be good indicators of quality and ethical practices.

Packaging:

Consider the packaging of the mascara, including whether it is recyclable or made from sustainable materials. Some brands offer refillable or reusable packaging options, which can be a more sustainable choice in the long run.

Price:

Natural mascaras can vary in price, so consider your budget when making a selection. While some natural mascaras may be more expensive than traditional options, they can be a worthwhile investment in your health and the environment.

We know that mascara can be a tricky product to apply. One minute you'll be applying it peacefully on the lashes, and then you’ll take a step back from the mirror, and whoa – clumpy, stuck-together lashes are awaiting like more of an eye sore.

We have your back – and lashes! We have curated a few easy tips on how to apply the mascara perfectly without making a mess and the best organic mascaras for the most voluminous and healthiest lashes of your flirty dreams.

Use a Lash Primer
Before using mascara, apply an eyelash primer. These are typically made with keratin, which coats the lashes to improve pigment uptake. You’re left with bolder, longer-lasting color.

Curl Your Lashes
For anyone else desiring a more defined look, it’s best to curl your lashes with an eyelash curler. Gently press your lashes with an eyelash curler for 10 seconds, and try not to exceed this time limit.

Apply the Mascara on Upper Lash
First, adjust the amount of mascara on your wands. If there is too much product, then it will become difficult to spread evenly and your lashes can end up looking clumpy and sad. With steady hands, gently coat or roll on a layer of mascara on the lashes and wait till it dries. It’s best to not go overboard with the coating and only do it twice.

Apply the Mascara on Lower Lash
If you are up for more lash oomph, then you can also add the colored mascaras to the mix. The bottom line is mascaras are supposed to glam up your whole look even when you aren’t planning on doing any eye makeup. So, start using its transformative powers today!

Now that you have some pointers on how to apply mascara, you might be looking for the best natural mascaras to show off your new skills and lovely lashes. Here are two mascaras that will lift, separate, and volumize your lashes without harmful ingredients:

Fruit Pigmented® Ultra Lengthening Mascara
Looking for a mascara that gives you long, luscious lashes without any clumping, smudging, or flaking? Look no further than our Fruit Pigmented® Ultra Lengthening Mascara! With its slim, hourglass wand, this mascara is specifically designed to coat each lash with healthy conditioners and stunning natural pigment from black tea, berries, and cocoa.

Not only does this award-winning formula give your lashes a beautiful, natural look, but it's also water-resistant and free of any toxic petrochemicals, so you can feel good about what you're putting on your skin. Say goodbye to traditional mascaras and hello to healthy, ultra-lengthened lashes!

Maracuja Mascara
Get ready for luscious, dramatic lashes with our volumizing mascara formula! Unlike other mascaras that can leave your lashes clumped or flaky, our Maracuja Mascara formula is infused with Maracuja oil from passion fruit to smoothly coat each lash. And that's not all - Pro-vitamin B5 and lash-thickening seaweed also enhance volume and promote healthy hair growth.

What's more about this lash volumizing formula, thanks to a tapered oval tip and rich pigmentation from tea, cocoa, and coffee beans, this water-resistant mascara delivers both intense color and feathery, natural-looking volume. Say goodbye to lackluster lashes and hello to bold, beautiful eyes!

Mascara doesn’t have to be harmful to your eyes – in fact, it shouldn’t be. Stick to options that condition eyelashes, help improve eyelash growth, and use natural resources to achieve rich pigments and amazing volume.

Mascara is a makeup product that you can freely experiment with – the lash is the limit! The right formula can not only transform the look of your eyes but change your overall look. So, try to switch to organic mascara for the health of your eyes and lashes. Find a brand whose values align with yours (hint, hint), so you can rest assured that you’re using safe, quality ingredients.

Why not go green and give your lashes some love along the way? It’s your eyes but better, dramatically changed in the blink of an eye!

Can under-eye masks replace my regular eye cream?

Under-eye masks complement your regular eye cream or gel, but they don't necessarily replace it. While masks provide intensive and immediate care, using a daily eye cream ensures consistent, long-term nourishment and protection.

Can I use under-eye masks if I have sensitive skin?

Yes, there are under-eye masks formulated specifically for sensitive skin types. Look for masks with gentle ingredients and conduct a patch test before using a new product to ensure it suits your skin.

How long should I leave under-eye masks on?

The recommended time varies among products, but most under-eye masks are designed to be left on for about 15-20 minutes. Always check the instructions on the packaging to ensure the best results.

Can under-eye masks be used as a quick fix for tired eyes?

Yes, under-eye masks can work wonders as a quick pick-me-up for tired and puffy eyes. The cooling and revitalizing properties can make your eyes look more awake and refreshed in just a few minutes.

Can under-eye masks be used as a quick fix for tired eyes?

Yes, under-eye masks can work wonders as a quick pick-me-up for tired and puffy eyes. The cooling and revitalizing properties can make your eyes look more awake and refreshed in just a few minutes.