Best Eyeliner Pencils 2026 — Long-Lasting Eyeliner Ranking

Eyeliner in 2026 — a wealth of forms and formulas

Today's eyeliner market offers far more than the traditional cosmetic pencil. In 2026 we have kajals, gel eyeliners, pen liners, waterproof liners and vegan formulas free from animal-derived ingredients at our disposal. Each of these forms has different application properties and a different INCI composition — and because the product is applied so close to the eyes, the safety of its ingredients is especially important here.

Eye cosmetics are subject to special regulations under EU Regulation 1223/2009 — particularly when it comes to pigments and preservatives, which can trigger allergic reactions on the delicate skin of the eyelid. It's worth checking the ingredients before a product ends up in your makeup bag.

Types of eyeliner — which one should you choose?

Pencil liner (kajal and kohl)

The classic pencil format usually contains a wax-and-fat core with pigments. A typical composition includes: Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Candelilla Wax, Carnauba Wax, Ozokerite, Isododecane and pigments (most often Black 2 / CI 77266 — carbon black, or CI 77499 — black iron oxide). Historically, kajal contained lead sulphide (Kohl) — this substance is banned in the EU, but products imported from outside the EU may still contain it. Always buy kajal pencils from verified distributors and check the ingredients using the PurScore search engine.

Gel eyeliner

Gel eyeliners come as a creamy paste in a jar or as a pencil refill. The base: Isododecane, Polyethylene, Carnauba wax, Ozokerite. Gels are usually longer-lasting than pencil liners, but they may contain parabens (e.g. Methylparaben, Propylparaben) as preservatives — permitted by the EU in specified concentrations, though some consumers prefer to avoid them. Alternative preservatives include Phenoxyethanol or Benzyl Alcohol.

Pen liner (liquid liner)

Liquid eyeliners have a precise brush or felt tip and consist mainly of Aqua, Acrylates Copolymer (a film-forming polymer responsible for longevity), Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer and pigments. They are waterproof thanks to these polymeric film formers — but they can be difficult to remove without a dedicated makeup remover.

Key INCI ingredients — what to look out for?

• CI 77266 (Carbon Black / Black 2) — an intense carbon black; studied by the SCCS with regard to its nano fraction, but approved for use in eye cosmetics at concentrations of up to 10%
• CI 77499 (Iron Oxide Black) — a safe alternative, gentler on sensitive eyes
• Carnauba Wax and Candelilla Wax — plant-based waxes, good for sensitive skin and vegan choices (an alternative to Beeswax)
• Isododecane — a light isoparaffin, a water-resistant carrier that improves longevity and resistance to sebum
• Acrylates Copolymer — a waterproof film former; it can irritate the eyes if it comes into direct contact with the cornea

You'll find detailed data on each ingredient in the PurScore ingredient encyclopaedia, where we publish ratings from the CosIng database and SCCS guidelines.

Eyeliner longevity — how to achieve up to 24-hour wear?

How long a pencil lasts depends on several variables:

• Eye primer — using an eyeshadow primer extends the wear of any liner by several hours
• Wax vs gel formula — gels hold up longer than wax pencils
• Waterproof — products labelled as waterproof contain film-forming polymers or hydrophobic waxes (Cera Microcristallina, Ozokerite)
• Setting technique — setting the liner with a colour-matched eyeshadow significantly extends its wear

The safety of using eyeliner — what to watch out for?

The eye area is particularly sensitive. When you apply liner to the inner waterline, you bring the product into direct contact with the conjunctiva. Not all products are intended for this — look for ophthalmologically tested labels or kajal formulas designed specifically for the waterline. Avoid ingredients such as Camphor, Menthol or strong biocidal preservatives in the zone of direct contact with the eye.

Remember, too, that mechanical friction around the eyes accelerates the formation of wrinkles and can irritate the delicate skin of the eyelid — avoid rubbing hard when applying and removing the product.

You'll find a full list of liners assessed for ingredient safety in the PurScore eyeliner catalogue and in our bestseller rankings.

Note: the above information is educational in nature and does not constitute medical advice. If you experience eye problems, allergies or irritation, consult an ophthalmologist or dermatologist.

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