withSimplicity Organic Mascara

A botanical-rich, water-based mascara designed to define and condition lashes using plant extracts, natural waxes, and mineral pigments for a softer, lower-tox alternative to conventional mascaras.

Ingredients:

Formulated with water (aqua), Zea mays (corn) starch, Chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract, Coffea arabica (coffee) seed oil, lecithin, mica, Copernicia cerifera (carnauba) wax, Oryza sativa (rice) powder, Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, tocopherol (vitamin E), Vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil, Vanilla planifolia fruit extract, Origanum vulgare (oregano) leaf extract, Thymus vulgaris (thyme) extract, Cinnamomum zeylanicum (cinnamon) bark extract, Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) flower extract, Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal) root extract, Citrus limon (lemon) peel extract, and may contain (+/-) titanium dioxide (CI 77891) and iron oxides (CI 77499, CI 77491, CI 77492). *Certified organic ingredients noted.

What I like:

  • Water-based and plant-powered, rather than petroleum-based.

  • Uses coffee seed oil, grape seed oil, sunflower oil, and vitamin E to help condition and support lashes.

  • Natural waxes and starches help build definition without heavy synthetic film-formers.

  • Botanical extracts provide antioxidant and skin-supportive benefits, not just color.

  • Avoids petroleum ingredients, parabens, and heavy conventional mascara solvents.

  • EWG rating: 4 — this score reflects potential contamination concerns tied to ingredient processing (thyme, chamomile, and lecithin), not because the formula contains intentionally added high-tox ingredients. Because these ingredients are certified organic by the brand, there is added reassurance that they are free of contaminants and unwanted toxins.

Things to keep in mind:

  • As a natural, water-based mascara, this will not behave like a conventional waterproof formula.

  • May smudge in very humid conditions or on very oily lash lines.

  • Botanical extracts (oregano, thyme, rosemary, cinnamon, lemon) can be sensitizing for very reactive eyes — patch testing is important.

  • Natural mascaras often need more frequent replacement due to lower synthetic preservation.

Pregnancy / Breastfeeding Notes:

  • Corn starch, rice powder, carnauba wax, sunflower oil, grape seed oil, coffee seed oil, vanilla extract, and vitamin E are all considered low risk and safe for topical use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

  • Chamomile, oregano, thyme, rosemary, cinnamon, and lemon extracts raise EWG scores due to sensitization potential, not systemic toxicity. They are generally considered low risk when used topically in cosmetic amounts, but those with sensitive eyes should take note.

  • Goldenseal raises concern when taken orally, not when used topically. Oral goldenseal is not recommended during pregnancy, but the tiny cosmetic-level amount used here is generally considered low risk and minimally absorbed.

  • Mineral pigments (iron oxides, titanium dioxide) are generally considered low risk for topical use during pregnancy. Because this is a mascara (not a loose powder), inhalation concerns are minimal.

  • If you follow an ultra-conservative pregnancy approach, you may choose to avoid products with goldenseal and aromatic extracts as a personal comfort choice.

  • As always, patch testing is recommended, especially since eye sensitivity can increase during pregnancy and postpartum.