5 best cruelty-free eyeliners from certified brands, compared

5 cruelty-free eyeliners compared by formula and price

The 5 cruelty-free eyeliners compared below cost $8.00 to $26.00 and come from brands that a certifier lists today. Three are drugstore picks and two are prestige picks.

1. e.l.f. H2O Proof Inkwell: the best cruelty-free eyeliner for precision

e.l.f. H2O Proof Inkwell Waterproof Eyeliner is the best cruelty-free eyeliner for precision, at $8.00 at Ulta Beauty on October 2, 2026. e.l.f. describes a long-lasting, quick-drying waterproof liquid eyeliner with a precision felt-tip wand. Ulta Beauty shoppers rate it 4.3 out of 5 across 2,535 reviews. e.l.f. holds the Leaping Bunny certification and appears on PETA’s list with the vegan designation. e.l.f. states that its products are 100% vegan.

2. NYX Epic Ink: the best cruelty-free eyeliner for 24-hour wear

NYX Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner is the best cruelty-free eyeliner for 24-hour wear, at $10.00 at Ulta Beauty on October 2, 2026. NYX describes a waterproof liquid eyeliner with a matte finish and 24-hour, flake-resistant wear. Ulta Beauty shoppers rate it 4.2 out of 5 across 5,219 reviews. PETA lists NYX as cruelty-free.

3. Milani Stay Put Tank: the best cruelty-free eyeliner for transfer-proof wear

Milani Stay Put Tank Liquid Eyeliner is the best cruelty-free eyeliner for transfer-proof wear, at $12.99 at Ulta Beauty on October 2, 2026. Milani describes a fine felt-tip pen that is waterproof, transfer-proof and lasts up to 24 hours. Ulta Beauty shoppers rate it 3.8 out of 5 across 139 reviews. PETA lists Milani as cruelty-free.

4. Tarte Double Take: the best cruelty-free eyeliner as a vegan 2-in-1

Tarte Double Take Liquid & Gel Vegan Eyeliner is the best cruelty-free eyeliner as a vegan 2-in-1, at $26.00 at Ulta Beauty on October 2, 2026. Tarte describes a vegan, dual-ended eyeliner with a waterproof liquid liner at one end and a gel pencil at the other. Ulta Beauty shoppers rate it 4.4 out of 5 across 1,610 reviews. PETA lists Tarte as cruelty-free.

5. Benefit Roller Liner: the best cruelty-free eyeliner for a matte finish

Benefit Roller Liner Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner is the best cruelty-free eyeliner for a matte finish, at $26.00 at Ulta Beauty on October 2, 2026. Benefit describes a quick-dry, waterproof liquid eyeliner that lasts 24 hours and dries to a natural matte finish. Ulta Beauty shoppers rate it 3.8 out of 5 across 2,226 reviews. Cruelty Free International approves Benefit under its Approval Programme.

Which cruelty-free eyeliners are vegan?

The cruelty-free eyeliners in this list that are vegan are e.l.f. H2O Proof Inkwell Waterproof Eyeliner and Tarte Double Take Liquid & Gel Vegan Eyeliner. The other brands do not state a vegan status for these products.

What is the price of cruelty-free eyeliner?

The price of cruelty-free eyeliner is $8.00 to $26.00 across these 5 picks. In this list, the drugstore picks cost $8.00 to $12.99 and the prestige picks cost $26.00 to $26.00. The cheapest certified pick, e.l.f. H2O Proof Inkwell, costs $18.00 less than Benefit Roller Liner, the most expensive one. Prices are the Ulta Beauty prices on October 2, 2026.

How do you check that a eyeliner is cruelty-free?

You check that a eyeliner is cruelty-free by looking up the brand, not the product, on a certifier’s list. A certification covers the whole brand and its suppliers, and the word “cruelty-free” on a package is an unregulated claim in the US.

• e.l.f. and Benefit meet the Leaping Bunny criteria or its international version, which requires supplier monitoring and independent audits.
• e.l.f., NYX, Milani and Tarte appear as cruelty-free in PETA's cruelty-free listing, which rests on a signed statement of assurance from each brand and its suppliers.

Which other cruelty-free makeup goes with these eyeliners?

The other cruelty-free makeup that goes with these eyeliners is listed below, from the same certified brands.

• The mascara to finish the look is in our cruelty-free mascara.

Is there cruelty-free drugstore eyeliner?

Yes, there is cruelty-free drugstore eyeliner from e.l.f., NYX, Milani, all certified and priced at $12.99 or less.

Does cruelty-free eyeliner mean vegan?

No, cruelty-free eyeliner does not mean vegan eyeliner. Cruelty-free refers to animal testing, and vegan refers to animal-derived ingredients. Leaping Bunny states that its list does not cover the composition of ingredients.