The Welpr Rating is determined by a scoring formula. The formula takes into account the products safety, user satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing. Click here to learn more.
Best Non-Toxic Anti Aging Products in 2024
Written by Camille May
Cofounder & Product Curator
Medically reviewed by Olushola Awoyemi
PhD Environmental Toxicology
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Our use of affiliate links does not influence how we rate products. Learn more about our affiliate policy here.
What you should know when choosing non-toxic anti aging products on Welpr:
- Only the cleanest products make it onto Welpr.
- We use a score called the Welpr Rating to rank each product.
- The Welpr Rating is based on math, not opinion, ensuring it's free from human bias.
Find Non-Toxic Anti Aging Products
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
STEM CELLULAR Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizer - Juice Beauty
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$70.00
Product Details
- Formulated with Fruit Stem Cells, Vitamin C, and Resveratrol
- Targets fine lines and wrinkles
- Hydrating formula
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizing
- Organic
- Non-irritating
Cons Mentioned
- Overpowering
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Juice, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Juice, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Juice, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Vegetable Glycerol Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearyl Citrate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Squalane, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Ceramide Np, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Narcissus Tazetta (Sacred Lily Bulb) Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Leaf Cell Extract, Malus Domestica (Apple) Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Cell Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Allantoin, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), Sodium Pca, Beta-Glucan, Diheptyl Succinate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Phytate, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, Gluconolactone, Cinnamomum Camphora (Ho Wood) Oil, Litsea Cubeba (May Chang) Oil
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Antioxidant Serum - Sally B's Skin Yummies
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$45.15
Product Details
- Packed with organic antioxidants like Olive Leaf Extract, Green Tea, and Helichrysum.
- Lightweight formula that absorbs quickly for all-day moisture.
- Helps prevent wrinkles, fine lines, and other skin damage.
- Provides an extra layer of protection against daily environmental elements.
- Suitable for most skin types.
- EWG Verified for health and transparency.
- Gluten-free, cruelty-free, and vegan.
- Application: Apply 1-3 drops over face and neck after cleansing and/or toning, suitable for daily use.
- Bottled in a high-quality, airless pump to enhance stability and maximize shelf life.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Softening
- Glowy
- Hydrating
Cons Mentioned
- Pilling
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Fractionated Coconut Oil (Caprylic Capric Triglyceride), Hyaluronic Acid, Organic Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Organic Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin Seed Oil), Organic Olea Europea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Organic Hammamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Organic Helichrysum Stoechas Extract, Organic Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Green Tea), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Organic Pelargonium Graveolens (Essential Oil Of Geranium), Citrus Aurantium (Neroli) Oil, Organic Lavandula Angustifolia Essential Oil, Xanthum Gum, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Bulgarian Rose Anti Aging Program - Isoi
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$54.00
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Alcohol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Betaine, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Glyceryl StearateSE, Allantoin, Panthenol, Adenosine, Xanthan Gum, Pleurotus Cystidiosus Ferment Filtrate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Coptis Chinensis Root Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Castanea Crenata (Chestnut) Shell Extract, Malpighia Emarginata (Acerola) Fruit Extract, Corchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, Melaleuca Viridiflora Leaf Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower/Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Prevent Anti-Aging Facial Oil - Naked + Thriving
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$64.00
Product Details
- Combats signs of aging by providing essential fatty acids and vitamins.
- Helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Provides a nourishing barrier over the skin that does not clog pores and protects against daily aggressors.
- Includes Moringa, Carrot, Apricot, and Jojoba oils to nourish the skin.
- Formulated with certified organic ingredients and free from synthetics and over 2,700 potentially harmful ingredients.
- Vegan and cruelty-free.
- Uses high-quality, organic, food-grade ingredients that are locally and sustainably sourced.
- Partners with organizations to plant a tree for every bottle sold.
- Uses recyclable glass containers.
- Produced in the USA using local and global ingredients.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizing
- Lightweight
- Absorbent
Cons Mentioned
- Smell
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil*, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil*, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Oil*, Moringa Oleifera (Moringa) Seed Oil**, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil**, Tocopherol**, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract**, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract**, Helianthus Anuus (Sunflower) Extract**, Cymbopogon Flexuosus (Lemongrass) Oil**
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Certified Organic Anti-Wrinkle Serum - Vika's Essentials
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$48.15
Product Details
- USDA Certified Organic and EWG Verified
- Reduces fine lines and improves skin elasticity and blood circulation naturally
- Handmade with finest organic essential oils including Rose Otto, Myrrh, Frankincense, Carrot Seed, Lavender, Almond, and Evening Primrose
- Free of synthetic chemicals and artificial fragrances
- Made in the USA
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizing
- Non-Toxic
- Calming
Cons Mentioned
- Scented
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis)*, Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera Biennis)*, Lavender Oil (Lavandula Angustifolia)*, Rose Oil (Rosa Damascena)*, Myrrh Oil (Commiphora Myrrha)*, Frankincense Oil (Boswellia Frereana)*, Patchouli Oil (Pogostemon Cablin)*, Carrot Seed Oil (Daucus Carota)*
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Super Nutrient Facial Balm - Cosmedica Skincare
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$18.00
Product Details
- Combines powerful actives like Rosehip Seed, Algae Keratin, MSM, and Vitamin C
- Designed to provide ultimate corrective results to combat sagging, aging, and dull skin
- Nutrient-rich formulation deeply penetrates the dermal layer to work from within
- Offers immediate color correcting benefits
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Free from parabens
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Hydrating
- Absorbs
- Natural
Cons Mentioned
- Greasy
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (Aloe), Algae Extract, Camelia Oleifera Leaf Extract (Green Tea), Glycerin (Kosher, Vegetable), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Organic Rosa Canina Oil (Rosehip Seed), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Vaccinium Macrocarpon Oil (Cranberry), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Rubus Idaeus Oil (Raspberry Seed), Oenothera Biennis Oil (Organic Evening Primrose), Vitis Vinifera Oil (Grapeseed), Dimethyl Sulfone (MSM), Camellia Sinensis Extract (Organic Green Tea), Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Extract (Cranberry), Ginkgo Biloba Extract (Ginkgo), Silybum Marianum Extract (Milk Thistle), Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract (Organic Sage), Schisandra Chinensis Extract (Organic Schisandra), Thymus Vulgaris Extract (Thyme), Centella Asiatica Extract (Organic Gotu Kola), Equisetum Arvense Extract (Horsetail), Taraxacum Officinale Extract (Dandelion), Geranium Maculatum Extract (Wild Geranium), (2S)-2-Amino-5-Guanidinopentanoic Acid, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Facelift in A Box - Instantly Ageless
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$61.95
Product Details
- Visibly reduces wrinkles, fine lines, puffiness, and dark under-eye circles.
- Contains Argireline, a non-toxic anti-aging peptide proven to prevent fine lines and reduce wrinkles without limiting facial expressions.
- Effective within minutes and lasts all day.
- Gentle enough for daily use and can be applied under normal makeup.
- Vials can be resealed for multiple uses and touch-ups throughout the day.
- Offers a non-invasive alternative to cosmetic procedures.
- Includes a free sample of Moisture Lift moisturizer with advanced peptides to boost collagen production and reduce signs of aging over time.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Tightening
- Fast-acting
Cons Mentioned
- Crusty
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Sodium Silicate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline), Phenoxyethanol, Ethylexylglycerin, Yellow 5 (Cl 19140)
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Anti-Aging Facial Serum - BeeRX
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$27.99
Product Details
- Stimulates collagen production to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
- Formulated with medical-grade New Zealand Kanuka honey and humanely sourced bee venom.
- Free of colorants and fragrances; never tested on animals.
- Improves skin tightness and radiance when used under moisturizer and makeup.
- Recommended for use on face, neck, and chest twice daily to see immediate effects.
- Only naturally sourced ingredients used, providing a clean and sustainable product alternative to Retinol, Collagen, and Hyaluronic Acid based products.
- Ingredients are sustainably and humanely sourced, prioritizing the health and well-being of bees.
- Kanuka honey acts as a barrier to protect from future skin damage and infections, and is hygroscopic, thus serving as an effective moisturizer.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Tightening
- Smoothing
- Firming
Cons Mentioned
- Irritating
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Medical Grade Kanuka Honey, Bee Venom
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
HYDRAGLOW Anti-Aging Stem Cell Moisturizer with Bakuchiol - CLEARstem
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$65.00
Product Details
- Formulated with bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol, offering anti-aging benefits without toxicity.
- Features plant stem cells and olive squalane to enhance skin's appearance, making it softer, younger, and healthier.
- Designed to be effective even after application, continuously improving skin texture while you sleep.
- Addresses multiple skin concerns including aging, acne, and the reduction of redness and inflammation.
- Packed with botanical ingredients that lighten acne scars and regulate oil production.
- Completely free from pore-clogging components and hormone disruptors, ensuring skin safety and health.
- Supports skin regeneration and repair, aiming to unveil improved skin quality.
- Cruelty-free with no animal testing, adhering to ethical standards in product testing.
- Made in the USA, ensuring quality and adherence to strict manufacturing guidelines.
- Part of a broader range of skin care products that work synergistically to improve skin health.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Hydrating
- Lightweight
- Smoothing
Cons Mentioned
- Inflammation
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, *Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Propanediol, Squalane, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Raphanus Sativus (Radish) Seed Extract, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Lecithin, Lactobacillus Ferment, Bakuchiol, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Pullulan, Lysine, Histidine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Threonine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Proline, Glycine, Alanine, Valine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Rosa Canina (Rose Hip) Seed Oil, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Extract, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Raphanus Sativus (Radish) Seed Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus (Blueberry) Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Thioctic Acid (Alpha Lipoic Acid), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Callus Culture Extract, Isomalt, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Seed Oil, Boswellia Carteri (Frankincense) Oil, Lactic Acid, Phenethyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
holi (oil) Natural Refining Ageless Face Serum - Agent Nateur
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$135.00
Product Details
- Revive your complexion with a natural youth-illuminating serum.
- Contains natural ingredients rich in essential nutrients, antioxidants, and hydrating oils.
- Helps reduce the appearance of aging and leaves skin supple, lifted, and luminous.
- Formulated with organic and natural ingredients.
- Non-GMO and gluten-free.
- Petrochemical-free.
- Can be mixed with your favorite sunscreen or foundation for a luminous finish.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizing
- Hydrating
- Radiant
Cons Mentioned
- Heavy
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Organic Oryza Sativa (Rice Bran), Organic Rosa Mosqueta (Rosehip) Oil, Calcium Ketogluconate, Wildcrafted Rosa Damascena Oil, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Organic Helichrysum Gymnocephalum Oil, Wildcrafted Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil
Our Product Rating System
First, Camille (co-creator of Welpr) hand picks cleaner product options from a variety of sources.
Next, we collect information about each product's safety, consumer satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing.
Finally, we run all this information through an algorithm that calculates the Welpr Rating.
Welpr Rating:
5.0/5
Part 1: Product safety
We evaluate safety information from 3rd party organizations (e.g. EWG, Made Safe, etc.). Instead of relying solely on any one of these companies for safety information, we assess all of them.
Part 2: Consumer satisfaction
We scour the web for consumer ratings and reviews to verify products are not only cleaner options, but also effective. Products can either be Above Average, Average, or Below average for their respective category (e.g. cleaning products).
Part 3: Ethics & Environment
When you buy a product, you’re supporting that company with your dollars. We believe it’s important to support ethical companies, so we pool together certifications that verify a company's ethics and environmental impact.
Common Harmful Chemicals in Anti Aging Products
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is recognised as a skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant according to ICSC. It may cause allergic reactions and eye irritation as stated by the HSDB. Exposure may even result in eye burns, as per CAMEO. Depending on its form - which may range from a solid (90-98% purity), to a paste (30-41%), or an aqueous solution (28-50%) - it can significantly irritate skin and eyes, with adverse effects escalating with increased concentration. Despite these hazards, it is not a skin sensitizer according to CHEMINFO, while eChemPortal: ERMA and MSDSonline endorse its classification as an irritant.
Oxybenzone
2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (Benzophenone-3; BP-3) is a compound used as a UV absorber and stabilizer in plastics, paints, and sunscreens. Human studies have found photosensitivity to it, while non-human animal studies have found that high concentrations contribute to changes in liver weight and disruptions to reproductive parameters in mice and rats. It is identified as an endocrine-disrupting chemical and can affect the behavior of certain fish species. Despite this, it did not induce gene mutations in tests with the bacterium Salmonella typhimurium.
Butylated Hydroxytoluene
BHT, a toluene-based ingredient, serves as a preservative in food and personal care products. Safety assessments have noted toxic effects in lung tissue when BHT was applied to rats' skin but considered the low concentrations in cosmetics safe. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) suggests moderate evidence of BHT being a respiratory irritant in humans.
Toluene
Toluene is a clear, colorless liquid that naturally occurs in crude oil and the tolu tree. It's prominent in the production of gasoline, coke from coal, and various consumer products like paints, adhesives, and nail polish. Toluene is even added to gasoline, used to create benzene, and acts as a solvent. However, exposure to toluene, especially from inhalation, can have serious health effects. It primarily targets the central nervous system, inducing symptoms like fatigue, nausea, headaches, and in chronic cases, can cause severe dysfunction. Exposure has also been linked to developmental effects in children, but there isn't enough evidence to conclude its carcinogenic potential. Abuse of toluene can cause permanent brain damage, liver injury, and even potential birth defects or increased risk of spontaneous abortions in pregnant women. Despite these risks, cognitive deficits from toluene exposure below a threshold limit value (TLV) of 50 ppm remain extremely low.
Methylisothiazolinone
Methylisothiazolinone can reportedly cause allergic contact dermatitis in workers who interact with products containing it. This substance is recognized as a contact allergen for consumers using cosmetics that include it. It can cause skin burns and sensitization, and inhaling it may lead to corrosive injuries in the upper respiratory tract and lungs. Ingesting this substance is harmful, and inhalation is toxic. This preservative is linked to the category of isothiazolinones.
Sources:
Antimicrobial agents, triclosan, chloroxylenol, methylisothiazolinone and borax, used in cleaning had genotoxic and histopathologic effects on rainbow trout, Methylisothiazolinone toxicity and inhibition of wound healing and regeneration in planaria, Methylchloroisothiazolinone and/or methylisothiazolinone in cosmetic products, Isothiazolinone Biocides: Chemistry, Biological, and Toxicity Profiles, Methylisothiazolinone and isothiazolinone allergy, Analysis of isothiazolinones in environmental waters by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, Methylisothiazolinone induces apoptotic cell death via matrix metalloproteinase activation in human bronchial epithelial cells, EU REGULATIONS , Methylisothiazolinone contact allergy: a review, Effects of methylisothiazolinone and octylisothiazolinone on development and thyroid endocrine system in zebrafish larvae, Two Cases of Chloromethylisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone-associated Toxic Lung Injury, An update of the risk assessment for methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) with focus on rinse-off products, Effects of a mixture of chloromethylisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone on peripheral airway dysfunction in children, Isothiazolinone preservative: cause of a continuing epidemic of cosmetic dermatitis, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Phenoxyethanol
2-Phenoxyethanol is a hazardous substance toxic by all routes of exposure, and is used widely in products like cosmetics, soaps, and inks, among others. The effects of exposure to this faintly aromatic, colorless, oily liquid can include eye irritation, headaches, tremors, and CNS depression. It's crucial to rinse exposed eyes with tepid water for at least 15 minutes and to wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water in case of contact. The substance requires preheating before ignition can occur, and if involved in a fire, gentle water spray can extinguish the fire by inducing frothing.
Retinol
Oral administration of high doses in adults causes ciricrhosis, hemorrhage, anorexia, jaundice, and dermatitis. The use of this substance is contraindicated in pregnancy at doses larger than the FDA recommend daily allowance. Ingesting 25,000 IU/d over a period of 2-3 weeks may result in toxicity, symptoms of which include liver injury and increased intracranial pressure, leading to blurred vision, headaches, and changes to mental status. The substance is also found to be an irritant and harmful if ingested, with teratogenic effects observed in experimental animals.
Benzophenone
Benzophenone (BZP) is a photoinitiator, fragrance enhancer, and ultraviolet stabilizer, used in a variety of industrial applications. Despite not being registered as a pesticide in the U.S., it's involved in the production of insecticides and agricultural chemicals. Its toxic effects on humans are scarcely documented, but it presents little hormonal activity on cell lines. Animal studies show it possesses no estrogenic activity, but it can transform into derivatives with such activity under UV irradiation. It did not show reproductive toxicity or carcinogenicity in rats and mice, respectively, even at high doses. It can be bioactivated through specific enzymes. For aquatic life, fathead minnow larvae were more sensitive to BZP, ranking it in the middle of the toxicity order of six benzene derivatives.
Sources:
Benzophenone & Related Compounds, Chemical Profile: Benzophenone, Toxicological evaluation of benzophenone, Benzophenone – information sheet, Proposition 65 Warnings: Benzophenone, OEHHA: Benzophenone, FDA Removes 7 Synthetic Flavoring Substances from Food Additives List, Benzophenone-3, a chemical UV-filter in cosmetics: is it really safe for children and pregnant women? ,
Diethanolamine
Diethanolamine is a chemical found in various consumer products like shampoos, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Acute exposure in humans can result in irritation of the nose, throat, and skin. However, no detailed data is available on its chronic, reproductive, developmental or carcinogenic effects on humans. Studies on animals reveal that acute oral exposure can influence the liver, blood, kidney, and central nervous system, while dermal exposure has been connected with an increased incidence of liver and kidney tumors in mice. Production of first-degree burns, skin irritation, occupational asthma, kidney, and liver injury risk, and potential skin sensitization are some other adverse effects associated with diethanolamine.
Sources:
Chemical Safety Facts: Ethanolamines, NTP Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Diethanolamine, California Environmental Protection Agency: Diethanolamine , International Agency for Research on Cancer: Diethanolamine, Initial List of Hazardous Air Pollutants with Modifications, What is the Toxics Release Inventory?, OPINION CONCERNING DIALKYL- AND DIALKANOLAMINES AND THEIR SALTS IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS, Ethanolamine Compounds (MEA, DEA, TEA And Others), WHAT ARE ETHANOLAMINE COMPOUNDS (DEA, MEA, OR TEA): CHEMICAL FREE LIVING, The Dirty Dozen: DEA-related ingredients, FDA: Diethanolamine, Chemical Profile: Diethanolamine ,
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