Öko-Test examines 19 eyeliner pencils - only 5 are "good"
5.2.2025
Translation: machine translated
Critical ingredients, excessive nickel levels and a lack of transparency regarding child labour: Öko-Test has tested eyeliner. The results are quite something.
What you put on your eyes, you want to know is safe. The consumer protection medium Öko-Test takes the same view and has tested eyeliner pencils. Not only for potentially critical ingredients, but also for the willingness to disclose ethical aspects.
How it was tested
Öko-Test scrutinised a total of 19 eyeliner pencils. These were analysed for the following points, among others: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which according to the BAV Institute can enter cosmetics via contaminated raw materials. The laboratory found no devaluation-relevant findings here. There was also nothing to criticise in the search for problematic fragrance contents, PVC/PVDC/chlorinated compounds and in the determination of the titanium dioxide particle size.
In addition, the products were analysed for their heavy metal content and assessed to determine whether they contained the problematic mineral talc (classified as "probably carcinogenic to humans" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer). The paraben content was also analysed in the laboratory, but without any relevant findings. The presence of aromatic mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOAH) is also rated as critical by Öko-Test, as they may contain carcinogenic ingredients.
The test also examined whether the products had a hygiene seal. Cardboard packaging was penalised. Another point: the use of recycled plastic in the packaging. Last but not least, the manufacturers were asked to provide evidence of the origin of the mica used. Mica is a glitter pigment that is often extracted in illegal mines using child labour.
The results
That's quite a lot of criteria, isn't it? I've summarised the results for you below, with a focus on heavy metals, mica problems and other questionable ingredients. I have labelled products that are certified as natural cosmetics with a 🌱. You can find the detailed report from Öko-Test for a fee here.
Good
The test products that scored well either do not contain mica or can prove that they source their mica from places where child labour and other human rights violations are unlikely. However, according to Öko-Test, Sante's product contains too much nickel, which can trigger contact allergies.
Artdeco Kajal Smooth Eye Liner, 10 Black
Rival Loves Me Kajal Pen, 03 Black
Alverde Kajal Eyeliner, 01 Black 🌱
Benecos Natural Kajal, Black 🌱
Sante Eyeliner Pencil, 01 Intense Black 🌱
Eyeliner + Kajal
Quantity discount
CHF8.05 per piece for 3 units CHF7807.02/1l
Sante Eyeliner
01 Deep Black
Satisfactory
In the "Satisfactory" category, only Annemarie Börlind does not provide any information about the origin of its products, provided they contain mica. Their pencil is the only one to contain essential oils and, like those from Alterra, Lavera, L'Oréal and Terra Naturi, contains a high nickel content according to Öko-Test.
Annemarie Börlind Eyeliner Pencil, Black
Alterra Khol Kajal, 01 Deep Black 🌱
Dr. Hauschka Eye Definer, Black 01 🌱
Eyeliner + Kajal
Quantity discount
CHF11.40 per piece for 2 units CHF11 333.33/1l
Dr. Hauschka Eye Definer
01 Black
Lavera Soft Eyeliner, Black 01 🌱
Eyeliner + Kajal
Quantity discount
CHF6.80 per piece for 3 units
Lavera Organic Eye Pencil N°01 Black - 1.14g -
01 Black
L'Oréal Le Khôl Naturel by Paradise, 101 Midnight Black
Eyeliner + Kajal
Quantity discount
CHF10.20 per piece for 2 units CHF8916.67/1l
L'Oréal Paris Le Khol
101 Midnight Black
Terra Naturi Kajal Pencil, 01 Black 🌱
Sufficient
The products from the following brands performed just adequately. Deductions were made for Max Factor and Yves Rocher for the nickel content and the unproven mica traceability. Maybelline's product contains MOAH and the pencil from Trend !t Up contains talc.
Max Factor Kohl Pencil, 020 Black
Maybelline Line Refine Expression Kajal, 33 Black
Eyeliner + Kajal
Quantity discount
CHF5.85 per piece for 3 units CHF5701.75/1l
Maybelline New York Expression
33 Black
Trend !t Up Clean & Precise Kajal, 300 Black
Yves Rocher Kohl Pencil, 01 Noir
Inadequate
Two kajals are rated as unsatisfactory. Among other things, because they both contain the controversial substance MOAH and because of the lack of traceability in terms of mica.
Essence Kajal Pencil Eyeliner, 01 Black
Manhattan Eyemazing Khol Kajal Eyeliner, Black 1010N
Inadequate
The conclusion for the two last-placed products: too much packaging, MOAH and no evidence of traceability of the mica origin. The Nyx product also contains talc.
Nyx Professional Makeup Eye Pencil, SPE901 Black
P2 Intensive Khol Eyeliner, 010 Dramatic Japan
Header image: Shutterstock
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.
Beauty
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