Non-Toxic Eyeliner: Guide To Clean Beauty For Your Eyes

For most women, eyeliner is a beauty staple—a small but powerful tool that defines and enhances the eyes, effortlessly elevating any look. From a subtle daytime flick to a bold, dramatic evening style, eyeliner adds that perfect finishing touch, making you feel polished and confident. Personally, I’ve always loved how eyeliner can transform my look in seconds, especially on days when I feel tired or need a little extra boost. It helps draw attention to my eyes rather than fine lines, making me feel more refreshed and put together. Whether I go for a soft, smudged effect or a crisp, precise line, eyeliner is one step I never skip.

But when it comes to choosing the right eyeliner, we also want to consider more than just the aesthetic benefits. Many eyeliners on the market today contain a variety of chemicals and toxins that can be harsh on the delicate skin around the eyes and be concerning for health in general. This is where finding a non-toxic eyeliner becomes crucial. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients in various pencil eyeliners by clean beauty brands, grouping them into “not-a-fan,” “better,” and “best” categories based on their ingredients.

What Makes A Non-Toxic Eyeliner?

To begin, a non-toxic eyeliner is one that is formulated without harmful chemicals that could potentially irritate the sensitive skin around the eyes or cause any health risks. Generally speaking, the criteria for a toxic-free eyeliner include the absence of potentially toxic chemicals. Ideally, you want to buy from companies that have earned your trust over the years.

Additionally, a toxin-free eyeliner should be made with high standards in mind to ensure it is safe for both your skin, health, and the environment. Further, it is great if a clean eyeliner is gluten-free, cruelty-free, and formulated with natural, organic ingredients. If in your skincare routine you prioritize non-toxic skincare products, it seems logical to give the same care to your eye makeup.

In search of a safe eyeliner, I looked into pencil eyeliners (not liquid eyeliners) by companies marketed as “clean beauty brands.” As a result, I grouped them into “not-a-fan,” “better,” and “best” categories based on their ingredients. Let’s look at the ingredients to avoid in a healthy eyeliner.

Ingredients To Avoid In An Eyeliner

“Not-A-Fan” Eyeliners

The first criterion for the eyeliners in this category is phenoxyethanol, and the second is cyclopentasiloxane. While some eyeliners in this group do not have these ingredients, they contain more than two other ingredients of concern listed above. Some of the “not-a-fan” eyeliners include:

• Arbonne It’s A Fine Line Pencil Eye Liner
• Celesty Dream Eyes Eyeliner
• Clinique Quickliner™ For Eyes Eyeliner
• Farmasi Eye Liner Pencil
• Kosas Soulgazer
• Sei Bella Eyeliner
• Seint Eyeliner
• Tarte Double Take Eyeliner
• Thrive Causemetics Infinity Waterproof™ Eyeliner, and
• Younique Moodstruck Precision Pencil Eyeliner.

“Better” Eyeliners

As we move toward better options, there are some eyeliners that improve on the ingredients used in their formulations. These products tend to avoid some of the harsher chemicals. But they still contain some ingredients that it is best to avoid if you want to be 100% sure you are using a non-toxic eyeliner. Some of the eyeliners that fall into this category are:

• Bare Minerals Mineralist® Lasting Eyeliner (polyethylene, synthetic wax)
• CMYK Wingmaster Versatile Eye Liner (bismuth oxychloride, synthetic wax)
• ILIA Clean Line Gel Liner (polyethylene).

“Best” Pencil Eyeliners

This category features only two options, namely:

• Burt’s Bees Nourishing Eyeliner Pencil and
• Crunchi Highliner® Pencil Eyeliner.

Neither pencil contains any of the ingredients to avoid listed above, and both are made from wood (not plastic). While I haven’t used the Burt’s Bees eyeliner and, hence, cannot tell you about its performance, I will share my experience with the Crunchi eyeliner. Also, note that while I vetted all Crunchi makeup and skincare products for safety, I cannot say the same about Burt’s Bees. So I encourage you to check the ingredients of their products before purchasing.

In my opinion, Crunchi eyeliner is a prime example of what a clean eyeliner should be. Formulated without harmful chemicals, synthetic dyes, and cyclic silicones, it meets my high standards for ingredient transparency and safety. The pencil is wooden, made in Germany, and comes in a recyclable paper carton. Plus, it’s easy to apply and stays on all day without smudging.

Next, Crunchi eye pencil delivers smooth, precise lines while also nourishing the skin around the eyes. I apply it to the lash line with an even, smooth stroke. For a smokey-eye look, I blend it with No. 10 brush. I sharpen it occasionally with a pencil sharpener (available at Crunchi).

Additionally, I wear contacts, lead a very active lifestyle, and am off gluten. Therefore, it is important for me that this eyeliner is safe for contact lens wearers, sweat-resistant for active lifestyles, and gluten-free. To remove, I use either an oil-based makeup remover or a water-based makeup remover.

Crunchi Eyeliner Ingredients

It is worth mentioning that Crunchi Highliner® is made in Germany and third-party laboratory tested for heavy metals like lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium. The levels are well below the United States, Canadian, and European Union cosmetic limits. Remarkably, Crunchi invests in the highest purity grade colorants (iron oxides) with the goal of achieving the lowest possible heavy metal levels. (Learn here why all makeup contains heavy metals.)

Let’s take a deeper look at the ingredients in Crunchi Highliner® Pencil Eyeliner. And why it stands out as a top choice for those seeking the best non-toxic eyeliner:

These ingredients are all carefully chosen for their safety, effectiveness, and skin-friendly properties. In fact, Crunchi’s commitment to using only clean – and whenever possible organic -ingredients in their makeup and skincare products is one of the reasons the company stands out in the clean beauty industry.

I ran these ingredients through credible sources and databases (listed on my Start here page) and found no potential health concerns with any of them.

Candelilla Wax

First, candelilla wax is a plant-derived wax that helps create a smooth application and offers natural emollient properties. When used in a makeup product, candelilla wax improves its texture, appearance, and stability. As well as makes it vegan friendly. Candelilla wax is common in, lip balms, creams, lotions, and other cosmetics, such as non-toxic lipsticks.

Undecane

Second, undecane is a plant-derived ingredient that works as an emollient, skin conditioning agent, and solvent, helping to stabilize the formula and maintain its smooth texture (source).

Shorea Robusta Resin

Third, shorea robusta resin is a resinous exudate from the Shorea Robusta, commonly known as the “sal tree” or “shala tree,” a species of tree in the Dipterocarpaceae family of trees known for their valuable timber, particularly in South Asia. It is a natural resin that adds a protective barrier to the skin (source).

Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Sebacic Acid Copolymer

Next, hydrogenated castor oil/sebacic acid copolymer is formed by the reaction of hydrogenated castor oil with sebacic acid. It is a skin-conditioning agent that enhances the formula’s texture and helps the eyeliner stay in place (source).

Silica

Further, silica is a natural mineral that absorbs moisture and enhances the longevity of the product (source).

Sunflower Seed Oil

Known for its antioxidant properties, sunflower seed oil is nourishing and hydrating (source and source). While it is better to avoid overconsumption of sunflower oil in food (especially, fried food) due to potential imbalance of Omega 3 and Omega 6 ratio, sunflower oil in skincare and makeup formulations is fine.

Tridecane

Up next is tridecane, a natural emollient that helps the eyeliner glide smoothly onto the skin (source).

Carnauba Wax

Additionally, the pencil formula contains certified organic carnauba wax. This is a plant-based wax that adds structure to the pencil and makes it long-lasting. Just like candelilla wax, carnauba wax makes your clean eyeliner vegan-friendly. And is common in lipsticks, lip balms, mascaras, foundations, deodorants, and skincare products (source).

Trihydroxystearin

Furthermore, trihydroxystearin is a plant-derived emulsifier and thickener used to maintain product consistency. Trihydroxystearin is common in the formulation of personal and skin care preparations as well as in makeup. Including eye makeup, blushers, face powders, foundations, and lipstick (source).

Tocopherol

This is Vitamin E, a natural antioxidant that helps protect and nourish the skin. As a natural moisturizer, it can help protect your eyelids from drying (source).

Ascorbyl Palmitate

Last but one, ascorbyl palmitate is a stable version of Vitamin C. It helps to protect the skin and promote a healthy complexion. By the way, ascorbyl palmitate can help minimize fine lines and wrinkles by offering a stable form of Vitamin C. You can read about this in my blog post What is a Vitamin C Serum?.

Pigments

Finally, when it comes to color, Crunchi stands out as the only high-performing clean beauty brand that avoids petroleum-based dyes and carmine. Instead, they use high-purity, expensive mineral pigments from reputable suppliers.  Yet, they still third-party test their products for heavy metals.

Conclusion: Why I Consider Crunchi The Best Non-Toxic Eyeliner

Crunchi Non-Toxic Pencil Eyeliner Not Only Meets High Standards For Safety And Ingredient Integrity, But Also Delivers A Smooth, Easy To Apply Finish That Stays On All Day.

In conclusion, when it comes to choosing the best non-toxic eyeliner, Crunchi Highliner® Pencil Eyeliner is the clear winner in my book. The clean, non-toxic formula provides a great alternative to conventional eyeliners that often contain irritating chemicals and synthetic ingredients.

Whether you’re looking for a product that works as part of your daily skincare routine or simply want an eyeliner that enhances your eye makeup without compromising your health, Crunchi Highliner® Pencil Eyeliner ticks all the boxes. With a focus on clean beauty, this eyeliner offers peace of mind and beautiful results. As a matter of fact, I vetted for safety all Crunchi makeup and consider it safe and well-performing. Be sure to read my Crunchi Makeup Reviews and use my discount code ADVOCATE10 for 10% off on your first purchase of $50+ at Crunchi.

By opting for a non-toxic eyeliner like Crunchi, you’re not only taking care of your skin but also contributing to the growing movement towards safer, cleaner beauty products. So next time you’re shopping for eye makeup, make sure you’re choosing a product that aligns with your values — and your health.

For safe, non-toxic makeup options, please visit the Nontoxic Makeup section of my shop. You are also welcome to shop non-toxic products at my Amazon shop. In addition, remember to read the latest blog posts published on the I Read Labels For You blog. And get access to my unprecedented e-books or book a consultation with me for help with making non-toxic decisions.

Download The Free Guide!

5 Powerful Steps To A Non-Toxic Home

Join our informed consumer community and get our free guide the “5 Powerful Steps To A Non-Toxic Home”.

SUBSCRIBE