Quick verdict
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.
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.
Check price on Amazon →These cruelty-free eyeliners - pencils, gels, and liquids - deliver sharp, long-lasting lines without any animal testing. Top picks for every skill level.
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 | Rating |
| — | — | — |
| NYX Epic Ink Liner | Sharp liquid wings, beginners | 4.7/5 |
| e.l.f. No Budge Eyeliner Pencil | Budget retractable pencil | 4.5/5 |
| Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil | Long-wear kohl pencil, smudging | 4.8/5 |
| Milani Highly Rated Eye Liner | Affordable gel pencil | 4.4/5 |
| Pacifica Aquarian Gaze Waterproof Liner | Clean beauty, waterproof formula | 4.4/5 |
Our methodology
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
Side by side
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYX Epic Ink Liner - Best for Sharp Liquid Wings | Check price | ||
| e.l.f. No Budge Eyeliner Pencil - Best Budget Retractable Pencil | Check price | ||
| Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil - Best Long-Wear Kohl Pencil | Check price | ||
| Milani Highly Rated Eye Liner - Best Affordable Gel Pencil | Check price | ||
| Pacifica Aquarian Gaze Waterproof Liner - Best Clean Beauty Waterproof Option | Check price |
The full reviews
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What matters most
What to consider
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.
Our take
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
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.
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.
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.
