Eyeliner is one of the most expressive tools in any makeup bag - capable of everything from a subtle tightline to a sharp graphic wing. Choosing a cruelty-free option means you are supporting brands that refuse to test on animals at every stage of production. The five options below span pencil, gel, and liquid formats at a range of price points, all from brands with verified cruelty-free credentials.
| Product | Best For | Est. Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYX Epic Ink Liner | Sharp liquid wings, beginners | $10-$13 | 4.7/5 |
| e.l.f. No Budge Eyeliner Pencil | Budget retractable pencil | $7-$9 | 4.5/5 |
| Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil | Long-wear kohl pencil, smudging | $24-$27 | 4.8/5 |
| Milani Highly Rated Eye Liner | Affordable gel pencil | $8-$11 | 4.4/5 |
| Pacifica Aquarian Gaze Waterproof Liner | Clean beauty, waterproof formula | $12-$16 | 4.4/5 |
NYX Epic Ink Liner - Best for Sharp Liquid Wings
NYX Professional Makeup’s Epic Ink Liner has earned a devoted following for its brush tip, which is stiff enough to draw a precise line but flexible enough to flare into a wing cleanly. The jet-black formula is highly pigmented and dries to a matte, smudge-resistant finish within seconds. NYX is certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny. The lightweight pen format is comfortable to hold and gives excellent control even for beginners practicing their first wings. It is also vegan.
Pros: Precise brush tip, smudge-resistant, Leaping Bunny certified, vegan Cons: Tip can dry out if cap is left off, less forgiving than pencil for correction
e.l.f. No Budge Eyeliner Pencil - Best Budget Retractable Pencil
The e.l.f. No Budge Eyeliner Pencil is a retractable kohl pencil that delivers rich, creamy color without requiring sharpening. The soft formula blends easily for a smoky effect but sets to a budge-proof finish over time. e.l.f. is fully certified cruelty-free and vegan. At this price, it is an easy addition to any cruelty-free kit and is available in black, brown, and navy. The built-in smudger on the opposite end makes blending fast and convenient.
Pros: No sharpening needed, built-in smudger, vegan and cruelty-free, very affordable Cons: Softer formula may transfer slightly on oily lids without primer
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil - Best Long-Wear Kohl Pencil
Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil is a premium kohl pencil that lives up to its name. The intensely pigmented formula glides on smoothly and is available in an extensive range of shades - from classic black and brown to vivid cobalt and copper. It is water-resistant and tested to last up to 24 hours without fading or smudging. Urban Decay is certified cruelty-free and vegan. A smudge tip is built into the cap. This is the pick when you want serious color payoff and all-day staying power.
Pros: Exceptional pigmentation, huge shade range, 24-hour wear claim, cruelty-free and vegan Cons: Premium price, requires sharpening (traditional pencil format)
Milani Highly Rated Eye Liner - Best Affordable Gel Pencil
Milani’s Highly Rated Eye Liner is a waterproof gel pencil that delivers rich color and smooth application at a drugstore price. The self-sharpening tip keeps a consistent point without a separate sharpener, and the gel formula sets quickly to a crease-resistant finish. Milani is certified cruelty-free by PETA. It performs well for tight-lining, the waterline, and upper lash line definition. Available in multiple shades including black, brown, and teal.
Pros: Self-sharpening, waterproof gel formula, PETA certified, affordable Cons: Gel formula sets fast, leaving little time for blending
Pacifica Aquarian Gaze Waterproof Liner - Best Clean Beauty Waterproof Option
Pacifica’s Aquarian Gaze Waterproof Liner is a 100% vegan and cruelty-free formula free from parabens, mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, and talc. The waterproof kohl pencil delivers soft, blendable color that sets to a smudge-resistant finish. Pacifica is PETA certified and uses clean-formulated ingredients across its entire makeup line. This is the best pick for anyone building a fully clean and cruelty-free eye makeup routine without any of the common synthetic additives found in mainstream liners.
Pros: 100% vegan, clean formula, PETA certified, waterproof Cons: Less widely available than drugstore competitors
What to Look For
Choose your format based on your skill level and desired finish. Pencils are most forgiving; liquid felt-tips give the sharpest lines; gel pots offer the most professional finish but require practice. Always verify cruelty-free status through Leaping Bunny or PETA certification. For longevity, look for waterproof or long-wear claims and use an eye primer underneath. For the waterline, confirm the formula is ophthalmologist-tested to ensure eye safety.
Final Thoughts
These five cruelty-free eyeliners cover every format and most budgets. NYX Epic Ink is the strongest liquid liner at its price, while Urban Decay 24/7 is the clear premium choice for kohl depth and color variety. For those building a fully clean routine, Pacifica rounds out the list with an entirely synthetic-free formula. All five deliver real performance without any animal testing.
Frequently asked questions
What type of eyeliner is best for beginners?+
Pencil eyeliners are the most forgiving for beginners because they are easy to blend and mistakes can be corrected before the product fully sets. Felt-tip liquid liners are a good next step once you are comfortable. Gel pot liners offer the most precision and longevity but require an angled brush and more practice.
How do I make cruelty-free eyeliner last all day?+
Prime your eyelids with a cruelty-free eyeshadow primer before applying liner. Setting pencil liner with a matching eyeshadow powder increases longevity significantly. Waterproof and long-wear formulas are the most reliable for all-day wear. Avoid touching the eye area throughout the day.
Is waterproof eyeliner harder to remove if it is cruelty-free?+
Not necessarily. Many cruelty-free brands offer effective waterproof formulas that still remove cleanly with a plant-based micellar water or oil-based cleanser. Coconut oil and jojoba oil are effective cruelty-free makeup removers for stubborn waterproof liner.