By Megan Prowd

A quick sweep of your makeup bag might reveal a variety of natural-based formulas, creams, and powders. But how clean is your mascara? Easily overlooked, this everyday staple can contain a bucket-load of potentially harmful synthetic ingredients. 

If that’s not bad enough; the chemicals in traditional mascaras can reportedly cause lash-loss and thinning over time. We’ve researched some of the best natural mascaras on the market, that will save your lashes, without the chemical load. Read on for our list of natural-based mascaras worthy of your beauty bag. 

NUDE BY NATURE, Allure Defining Mascara

A great budget-friendly and readily available option in the natural mascara market, this cruelty-free formula uses pro-vitamin B5 for ongoing conditioning. We love the gentle formula, which provides great lash definition and lasts flake-free all day. One thing to note is  the brush applicator was more flimsy than other products we tried.

Best for: budget friendly

ILIA, Limitless Lash Mascara

Although one of the pricier options out there, for our money, this natural mascara might just be one of the best,  and good enough to convince even the most demanding mascara junkie. The 99 per cent natural, clump-free formula uses Shea Butter to condition and strengthen, and reportedly builds thicker lashes over time. We loved the double-sided wand which does triple duty to curl, volumise and lengthen lashes, allowing us to create a natural look or buildable coverage for a more dramatic effect. 

Best for: all-rounder, lengthening

ERE PEREZ, Natural Almond Mascara

This natural-as-it-gets mascara has an almond oil base, to provide long-lasting conditioning and gloss, and we loved that the fragrance-free formula didn’t irritate our sensitive eyes. It goes on smoothly, without clumping, and the water-resistant formula lasts the day without unwanted smudging. A little almond oil is the best remover for this beauty, and a drop or two into the canister will also extend the life of your product. 

Best for: Conditioning, sensitive eyes

W3LL PEOPLE, Expressionist Mascara

This cruelty-free, water-resistant mascara separates and lengthens lashes and is one of the few natural offerings we tried that provides lasting curl. If you’re prone to dryness, the plant-based formula contains castor seed oil (a natural lash plumper) and jojoba oil to condition and nourish, so you’ll notice a lovely dewy finish, and no flaking. The plant-based formula didn’t irritate our sensitive eyes, and the rubber wand is one of our favourites for creating length, volume and curl. 

Best for: Dry lashes, plumping

RAWW Cosmetics, Moringa Lash Impact Mascara

This natural Moringa oil-based mascara, reportedly stimulates lash growth over time, and is a great budget buy for everyday use. The 87 per cent natural, certified-organic formula also contains Chia Seed and Argan Oil to protect and condition the lashes. We loved the subtle coconut fragrance, which didn’t sting or irritate, and the way it stayed on, smudge-free, throughout the day. It’s also Australian made and available in two shades; black and cocoa brown.

Best for: everyday use

INIKA ORGANIC, Long Lash Vegan Mascara

This might just be our favourite natural mascara discovery yet. A veritable all-rounder, it’s 100 per cent natural, vegan and cruelty-free formula offers smooth, clump-free application, and doesn’t irritate sensitive eyes or smudge off during the day. It thickens and lengthens and gives a lovely full yet natural effect. Best of all, it’s Australian owned and comes in black and brown shades. 

Best for: Clump-free finish, all-rounder 

bareMinerals, Strength & Length Serum-Infused Mascara

You will either love or hate the unique paddle-brush applicator, which takes some practice and a YouTube tutorial or two to get the hang of. Once we overcame the initial issues with the wand, we loved it for its full-lash coverage, but you might want to check it out for yourself before investing. Beyond this, the vegan, serum-infused formula rates a mention for its use of red clover peptide, which reportedly strengthens and minimises lash loss over time, making it a great option for lashes that are thinning due to age or overuse of non-natural mascaras.

Best for: Contact lens wearers (it’s Opthamologist tested) 

Megan Prowd is a former magazine journalist and digital editor, with experience across fashion, beauty and lifestyle publications in Australia and the US. She has a particular love of clean beauty and sustainable fashion.