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Best Non-Toxic Body Butter in 2024
Updated:
Nov 18, 2024
Written by Camille May
Cofounder & Product Curator
+ 1 more
Medically reviewed by Olushola Awoyemi
PhD Environmental Toxicology
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What you should know when choosing non-toxic body butter 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.
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Find Non-Toxic Body Butter
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.
Natural Body Butter - Naples Soap Company
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$40.00
Product Details
- Richly hydrating with luxurious cocoa and shea butters to nourish all skin types, leaving skin soft and supple.
- Restores elasticity with intense hydration, suitable for skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis.
- Antioxidant-rich formula revitalizes and protects skin, using cocoa butter's occlusive properties to reduce water loss.
- Fragrance-free, containing no added scents or dyes, ideal for sensitive skin.
- Absorbs quickly, forming a natural moisture barrier, and can be used on sunburn, rash, itchy, dry, or inflamed skin.
- Comprised of anti-aging antioxidants that combat free radical production and enhance skin's brightness and softness.
- Pure, nourishing ingredients improve skin hydration and elasticity, especially beneficial for dry skin.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizing
- Scented
- Non-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: Reverse Osmosis Water, Cocoa Butter, Cetearyl Alcohol And Ceteareth 20 (Emulsifier), Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Flax Seed Oil, Carbomer, Hemp Seed Oil, Mango Fruit Extract, Red Raspberry Seed Oil, Cranberry Seed 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.
CLOUD MILK Firming Fast-Absorbing Moisturizing Body Cream - Herbivore
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$40.00
Product Details
- Buttery and indulgent body cream with a scent of coconut and vanilla
- Formulated for intense hydration and firming
- Recommended for all skin types
- Targets dryness, loss of firmness, and dullness
- Velvety cream texture
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizing
- Hydrating
- Absorbent
Cons Mentioned
- Pricey
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/Eau, Squalane, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Behenate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cetearyl Olivate, Propanediol, Sorbitan Olivate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Juice, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water, Coconut Alkanes
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.
Healing Body Cream - Butter Me Up Organics
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$33.50
Product Details
- Organic formulation ensures a natural and safe application
- Provides deep moisture ideal for dry skin
- Infused with nourishing vitamins and minerals to hydrate and heal skin
- Contains a combination of Shea, Mango, Coconut, and Grapeseed oils
- Cruelty-free – not tested on animals
- Zero waste product with plastic-free packaging in a glass jar with a metal lid
- All-natural ingredients for a healthier skincare option
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: Shea Butter*, Mango Butter*, Beeswax, Grapeseed Oil, Vitamin E*
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.
Whipped Patchouli Vanilla Shea Butter - evanhealy
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$39.99
Product Details
- Daily care suitable for dry, dehydrated, mature, and/or sensitive skin featuring a jojoba oil infusion with vanilla from Madagascar, infused calendula blossoms, and Indonesian honey-sweet patchouli.
- Designed to soften stretch marks, smooth wrinkles, restore soft, radiant skin, and alleviate signs of stress in the face and eye area.
- Contains unrefined Patchouli Vanilla Shea Butter cream rich in essential fatty acids, cinnamic acid, and vitamins C, E, K for healing dry, red, and sensitive skin.
- Formulation includes Calendula-infused extra-virgin olive oil, and Madagascar vanilla infused jojoba oil, handcrafted in small batches.
- Certified organic, 100% gluten-free, non-GMO, fair trade, and cruelty-free with no parabens or synthetic fragrances.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizing
- Earthy
- Multifunctional
Cons Mentioned
- Overpriced
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: Shea (Butyrospermum Parkii) Butter*, Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) Seed Oil*, Sesame (Sesamum Indicum) Seed Oil*, Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis) Seed Oil*, Vanilla (Vanilla Planifolia) Oil*, Patchouli (Pogostemon Cablin) Leaf 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.
Undaria Algae Body Butter - Osea
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$54.00
Product Details
- Infused with rich shea butter, clinically proven to hydrate skin for 72 hours.
- Contains Undaria Seaweed, a source of vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants, and minerals, which replenishes the skin's moisture barrier.
- Formulated with shea butter and plant-derived amino acid DPHP to moisturize and firm the skin.
- Eco-conscious product from OSEA, a clean beauty pioneer since 1996, featuring climate-neutral and ocean-positive certification.
- Free from harmful chemicals, vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free, ensuring a safe and luxurious skincare experience.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Hydrating
- Non-greasy
- Smoothing
Cons Mentioned
- Pricey
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, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cetearyl Alcohol, Bentonite, Saccharide Isomerate, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Myristyl Myristate, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caffeine, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Xanthan Gum, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract, Tocopherol, Citrus Latifolia Peel Oil, Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Stem Oil, Behenyl Alcohol, Pentaerythrityl Distearate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Fragrance / Parfum*
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.
Whipped Body Butter - 8 Days
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$27.99
Product Details
- Features organic jojoba oil infused with calendula, lavender, and chamomile blooms to relieve dry skin.
- Contains aromatherapeutic certified organic essential oils to inspire serenity.
- Includes certified organic shea butter, mango butter, avocado butter, capuacu butter, and coconut oil to nourish the skin barrier.
- Uses sustainably-harvested sea buckthorn extract to promote skin elasticity and a natural glow.
- Offers a luscious, whipped mousse texture that quickly melts into the skin.
- Uses 100% vegan ingredients and commits to cruelty-free practices, with Leaping Bunny certification.
- Employs only fresh botanicals from an organic farm in Sonoma County, California, enhancing potency and sensory experience.
- Free from synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, dyes, and aluminum.
- Packaging and production choices are eco-conscious, including reusable glass containers and electric delivery vehicles.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Luxurious
- Moisturizing
- Organic
Cons Mentioned
- Thick
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: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Mangifera Indica (Mango Seed) Butter, Persea Americana (Avocado) Butter, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Theobroma Grandiflorum (Cupuacu) Butter, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Fruit Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Essential Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Essential Oil, Boswellia Frereana (Frankincense) Essential Oil, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Absolute, Santalum Spicatum (Sandalwood) Essential Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Essential Oil, Matricaria Chamomilla (Chamomile) Essential Oil, Daucus Carota (Carrot Seed) Essential 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.
Body Butter for All Skin Types - Mario Badescu
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$17.00
Product Details
- Formulated with shea butter for moisturization
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizing
- Smells
- Hydrating
Cons Mentioned
- Sticky
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, Eau), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, C10-18 Triglycerides, Glycerin, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Cetearyl Olivate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Isopropyl Myristate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Parfum (Fragrance), Sorbitan Olivate, Isododecane, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Rosa Canina Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl 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.
Magnesium Body Butter - BetterYou
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$14.59
Product Details
- Provides intense hydration using a blend of Magnesium Chloride, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, and Vitamin E.
- Supports over 300 vital bodily functions including stress management, energy production, relaxation, recovery, and restful sleep.
- Rehydrates and revitalizes tired skin with a blend that includes Shea Butter and Zinc for calming and protection.
- Facilitates effective Magnesium absorption through the skin, suitable for sensitive or atopic skin.
- Dermatologically tested to ensure suitability for sensitive skin conditions and withstand modern environmental stressors.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Luxurious
- Effective
- Relaxing
Cons Mentioned
- Sticky
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), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Magnesium Chloride, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Beheneth-25, Zinc Oxide, Phenoxyethanol, Polyurethane-62, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trideceth-6
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.
Honey Almond Whipped Body Butter - 100% Pure
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$30.00
Product Details
- Provides immediate relief from dry, flaky skin with enriching cocoa butter and avocado oil.
- Packed with vitamins and antioxidants from anti-aging superfruits like acai and goji berry.
- Helps restore natural radiance and repairs skin’s protective barrier with argan oil and Vitamin E.
- Offers daily hydration with a sweet scent of honey-glazed almonds, contains no actual honey.
- Cruelty-free and vegan, made without animal byproducts or toxic synthetic ingredients.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Softening
- Luxurious
- 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: Theobroma Cacao Seed (Cocoa) Butter, Persea Gratissima Oil (Avocado Butter), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Argania Spinosa Kernel (Argan) Oil, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe Vera)* Leaf Juice, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Extracts Of Euterpe Oleracea (Acai Berry) Fruit, Resveratrol, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf, Garcinia Mangosteen (Mangosteen) Peel, Lycium Barbarum (Goji Berry) Fruit, Aristotelia Chilensis (Maqui Berry), Sambucus Canadensis (Elderberry) And Vitis Vinifera (Muscadine Grape) Skin, Extract Of Lonicera Caprifolium Flower, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf, Origanum Vulgare (Oregano) Leaf, Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf (Thyme), Hydrastis Canadensis (Goldenseal), Ethyl Alcohol (Grain Alcohol), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Almond) Flavor * Certified Organic
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 Body Butter
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Sodium laureth sulfate, derived from ethoxylated lauryl alcohol, is a surfactant used in sudsy products like toothpaste, detergents, and shampoos. While it acts as a cleansing and emulsifying agent, it can sometimes contain toxic impurities such as 1,4-dioxane. This chemical has raised health concerns due to its potential to cause skin, lung, and eye irritation, organ toxicity, and, primarily because of contamination by 1,4 dioxane, cancer.
Sources:
The Dirty Dozen: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, 15 Toxic Trespassers, SKIP PRODUCTS MADE WITH SLES (AND SLS, TOO!), Campaign for Safe Costmetics: 1,4-DIOXANE, WHAT IS SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE: CHEMICAL FREE LIVING, A new formula for a mild body cleanser: sodium laureth sulphate supplemented with sodium laureth carboxylate and lauryl glucoside,
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.
Triclosan
Triclosan is a synthetic pesticide with antibacterial properties commonly added to detergents, soaps, and various personal care products such as deodorants and toothpastes. Although it lacks the ability to combat viruses causing colds and flus, it's used in products like body washes, disinfectants, and some toothpastes to resist bacterial growth. In 2016, the FDA limited its use in antibacterial soaps, but the compound is still permitted in other products. The European Union prohibited its presence in food-contact items in 2010. Exposure to triclosan has been associated with hormone disruption, increased breast cancer risk, liver damage, and the development of resistant super-germs.
Sources:
Triclosan Exposure, Transformation, and Human Health Effects, Are antibacterial products with triclosan fueling bacterial resistance?, Antimicrobial agents, triclosan, chloroxylenol, methylisothiazolinone and borax, used in cleaning had genotoxic and histopathologic effects on rainbow trout, The Effects of Triclosan on Puberty and Thyroid Hormones in Male Wistar Rats, Triclosan is a potent inhibitor of estradiol and estrone sulfonation in sheep placenta, The in Vitro estrogenic activities of triclosan and triclocarban, Antibacterial Soap? You Can Skip It, Use Plain Soap and Water, Environmental Exposure of Aquatic and Terrestrial Biota to Triclosan and Triclocarban, Triclosan: Environmental Fate and Effects, Chemical Profile: Triclosan / Triclocarban, 5 Things to Know About Triclosan, Underarm Harm? Whats So Bad About Antiperspirants?, Some flame retardants and the antimicrobials triclosan and triclocarban enhance the androgenic activity in vitro, Triclocarban Enhances Testosterone Action: A New Type of Endocrine Disruptor?, Triclosan, a commonly used bactericide found in human milk and in the aquatic environment in Sweden
Polyethylene Glycol
Ingestion or dermal absorption of the chemical at more than 800-1000 mg/kg/day can lead to central nervous system depression and liver and kidney changes in animals, despite there being no significant developmental toxicity. The chemical acts as an eye irritant; however, it is poorly absorbed through the skin. Unanticipated side effects are unlikely unless there is exposure to mists of heated liquid. Notably, animal feeding studies have shown that the chemical could damage the CNS, liver, kidneys, red blood cells, and the reproductive system.
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.
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
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.
DMDM hydantoin
DMDM hydantoin is a substance used in cosmetics that has the potential to cause allergic contact dermatitis, although rinse-off products generally have a low risk. According to various reports, skin sensitization patch testing has yielded positive results.
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