Best Non-Toxic Cleansing Balm in 2024
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- Only the cleanest products make it onto Welpr.
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User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Papaya Enzyme Cleansing Balm - Glow Recipe
Product Details
- Balm-to-milky texture that smooths skin and melts away makeup, oils, and SPF.
- Contains natural enzymatic papaya as a gentle exfoliant for soft and bouncy skin.
- Formulated with blueberry extract which offers antioxidant properties, calms irritation, and combats free radical damage.
- Incorporates apricot kernel oil that nourishes with fatty acids and vitamin E while soothing the skin.
- Includes camellia oil to maintain hydration without feeling heavy.
- 100% of users in a consumer study reported softer and smoother skin.
- Recommended application involves massaging onto dry skin for one minute, emulsifying with water, and rinsing with lukewarm water to enhance glow.
- Free from Parabens, Mineral Oil, Sulfates, Pthalates, Dry Alcohols, and Synthetic Dyes.
- All skin care products in the line are Vegan and Cruelty-Free.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Refreshing
- Effective
- Nourishing
Cons Mentioned
- Drying
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: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Sorbitan Oleate, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Polyethylene, Aqua/Water/Eau, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Seed Oil, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Papain, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Fragaria Ananassa (Strawberry) Fruit Extract, Alkanna Tinctoria Root Extract, Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract, Maltodextrin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Levulinic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Metabisulfite
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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 Ginger Turmeric Cleansing Balm - True Botanicals
Product Details
- Effectively removes makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and impurities while nourishing the skin.
- Contains natural-biocompatible ingredients such as Yucca Extract, Turmeric, and Mango Butters to maintain skin moisture.
- Includes Lactic Acid and Azelaic Acid for gentle exfoliation and a brighter skin glow.
- Naturally scented with Ginger Root, Mandarin, and Neroli Oils.
- Certified non-toxic (MADE SAFE), paraben-free, vegan, and cruelty-free.
- Sustainably made and suitable for sensitive skin and safe for use during pregnancy.
- Formulated without endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, SLS & SLES, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, GMOs, and harsh surfactants like sulfates.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Hydrating
- Luxurious
- Effective
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: Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Oil*, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil*, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Oil*, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil*, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Tocopherol, Citrus Aurantium (Neroli) Oil, Azelaic Acid, Lactic Acid, Phosphoric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Aqua/Water/Eau, Limonene, Geraniol, Linalool
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User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Counter+ Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm - Beautycounter
Product Details
- Multi-tasking cleansing balm suitable for day and night use.
- Hydrates while cleansing, effectively removing makeup and impurities without stripping skin’s natural moisture.
- Can also function as a hydrating mask for an overnight facial.
- Formulated with lotus extract, jojoba seed oil, and avocado seed oil to soothe, destress skin, and enhance luminosity.
- Consumer perception study results after one week: 100% observed brighter and more radiant skin, effective removal of face and eye makeup, and increased skin hydration without greasy residue.
- Significant positive feedback from overnight mask use: 91% reported waking up to more radiant, luminous skin; 94% felt their skin was soft, nourished, and more supple; 100% experienced smoother skin.
- Clinically proven to increase skin hydration after eight hours.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Smooth
- Refreshing
- Smells
Cons Mentioned
- Goopy
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: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Polyglyceryl-3 Cocoate, Silica Silylate, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Cell Extract*, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Aqua/Water/Eau, Linalool, Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil, Cymbopogon Martini Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Fusanus Spicatus Wood Oil, Hexyl Acetate, Triethyl Citrate, 3-Hexenol, Phenoxyethanol, Linalool+, Limonene+, Geraniol+, Citral+, Citronellol+, Farnesol+
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.
B.O.M Voyage Cleansing Balm - Wander Beauty
Product Details
- Melt-Away Balm Cleanser that transforms from a balm to oil to milk, effectively removing makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and oil in one step.
- Enriched with pear fruit extract, jojoba seed oil, and evening primrose oil, which nourish and condition the skin while providing antioxidants.
- Designed for easy, sanitized use with a tube format, making it suitable for travel.
- Vegan and cruelty-free, formulated without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oils, synthetic fragrances, silicones, gluten, soy, nuts, alcohol; dermatologist tested.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Hydrating
- Effective
- Luxurious
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: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Polyglyceryl-3 Cocoate, Trihydroxystearin, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Dipropylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Pyrus Communis (Pear) Fruit Extract, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Hedera Helix (Ivy) Leaf/Stem Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Fragaria Chiloensis (Strawberry) Fruit Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizat
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.
Living Cleansing Balm - Then I Met You
Product Details
- Cleansing balm effectively removes long-wear makeup and water-resistant sunscreen, while eliminating excess oils and impurities.
- Nutrient-rich formula includes seaberry oil, persimmon extract, olive oil, and vitamin E to nourish and protect the skin.
- Intended for use as the first step of a double cleansing routine; apply balm with a spatula, massage in circular motions, and rinse after emulsifying with warm water.
- Formula is vegan, excluding polyethylene, mineral oils, alcohol, silicone, parabens, artificial coloring, and synthetic fragrance.
- Recipient of multiple skincare awards, including the 2019 Allure Best of Beauty Award, 2019 Byrdie Skincare Award, and 2020 Soko Glam Best of K-Beauty Award.
- Promotes contemporary Korean skincare rituals, intertwining intentional, innovative formulations for an enriched self-care experience.
- Key ingredients include seaberry/sea buckthorn oil, rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, and grape seed oil which supports skin health with linoleic acid and vitamin E.
- Persimmon extract contributes to skin brightening and sebum regulation benefits.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Luxurious
- Moisturizing
- Effective
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: Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Trii-sostearate, PEG-8 Isostearate, Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax/Cire Microcristalline), Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Oil, Ceresin, Synthetic Wax, Orbiignya Oleifera Seed (Babasu) Oil, Diospyros Kaki (Persimmon) Fruit Extract, Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Rosemarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer
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.
Cleansing Balm - Albolene
Product Details
- Melts away makeup including eye and waterproof makeup without harsh scrubbing.
- Hydrating formula enhanced with Shea Butter and Jojoba Oil leaves skin soft and radiant.
- Developed with dermatologists, ensuring it dissolves tough makeup without stripping skin of essential moisture.
- Gentle on sensitive skin, pH-balanced, and free from soaps, sulfates, phthalates, parabens, alcohol, and dyes.
- Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for preventing clogged pores and skin allergies.
- Fragrance-free, catering to users who prefer products without added scents.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Hydrating
- Affordable
- Effective
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: Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, Paraffin, Ceresin, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Beta-Carotene
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.
Organic Best Skin Ever Balm - Living Libations
Product Details
- Transformative cleansing balm that melts away makeup, daily dirt, and environmental exposures while providing pore-level purity and softness.
- Functions as a cleanser, exfoliator, moisturizer, and makeup remover.
- Suitable for dry, parched, scorched, and chapped skin and gentle enough for children.
- Can be combined with serums, elixirs, and essential oils to create customized skin care blends.
- Consists of juicy bio-essences and lush emollients to restore and nourish pores, leaving the skin with a dewy glow.
- Converts into a milky texture when mixed with water during rinsing.
- Offers protection for dry, wind-swept, and cold-chapped skin by maintaining a porous, protective barrier that retains emollients and excludes harsh elements.
- Made with natural, organic, and wildcrafted ingredients, handmade in small batches.
- Free from parabens, sulfates, cruelty, gluten; packaging is recyclable.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Gentle
- Moisturizing
- Effective
Cons Mentioned
- Expensive
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: Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis), Seabuckthorn (Hippophae Rhamnoides), Laurel Wax (Myrica Pubescens), Happy Beeswax (Cera Alba), Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia), Vetiver (Chrysopogon Zizanioides), Palmarosa (Cymbopogon Martini), Grapefruit (Citrus Paradisi), Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)
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.
Imperial Glow Facial Polish - RANAVAT
Product Details
- Effectively buffs away dead skin cells, uneven skin texture, and impurities using a blend of brightening rice powder and repairing ashwagandha.
- Designed for daily use, the finely milled rice powder in the scrub gently removes dead skin cells, promoting renewed radiance without irritation.
- Packed with adaptogenic herbs such as soothing ashwagandha, balancing lotus seed, and clarifying cardamom, which help combat environmental stressors, irritation, acne, and redness.
- Contains a blend of brightening saffron and licorice root to boost luminosity and diminish the appearance of dark spots, promoting an even-looking complexion.
- Vegan, cruelty-free, palm-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO, ensuring a product that is good for both your skin and the planet.
- Free of synthetic fragrance, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.
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), Vegetable Glycerin**, Cetearyl Alcohol**, Cetearyl Glucoside**, Sesame Seed (Sesamum Indicum) Oil*, Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)*, Lotus Flower (Nelumbo Nucifera), Sugandh-Bala (Valeriana Brunoniana), Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza Glabra)*, Indian Sarsparilla (Hemidesmus Indicus), Cobra Saffron (Mesua Ferrea)*, Green Cardamom (Elettaria Cardamom), Black Cardamom (Amomum Subulatum), Yellow-Fruit Nightshade (Solanum Xanthocarpum), Badi Kateri (Solanum Indicum Linn), Triphala Powder [Amla (Emblica Officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia Bellirica), And Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula)], Nutgrass (Cyperus Rotundus), Himalayan Cherry (Prunus Cerasoides), Punarnava (Boerhavia Diffusa), Glyceryl Stearate**, Rice (Oryza Sativa) Powder, Cetearyl Olivate**, Sorbitan Olivate**, Sweet Almond (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis) Oil, Dehydoacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Acacia Senegal Gum**, Xanthan Gum**, Tocopherol+ , Geranium (Pelargonium Graveolens Flower) Essential Oil, Rose Essential Oil (Rosa Damascena), Sodium Benzoate, Chlorophyll *Certified Organic, **Vegetable Derived, +Derived From Non-Gmo Soy
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.
Makeup Remover Cleansing Balm - Farmacy
Product Details
- Contains sunflower oil to gently remove long-wear makeup without drying the skin, leaving it hydrated and smooth.
- Features fragrance-free formula, suitable for sensitive skin types and free from essential oils, colorant/dyes, and PEGs.
- Incorporates natural moringa seed extract to remove impurities related to pollution, enhancing skin longevity.
- Included natural papaya enzymes exfoliate the skin, promoting a healthy glow.
- Made from naturally derived ingredients like moringa tree and sunflower seed oil.
- Free of parabens, sulfates, artificial coloring and is cruelty-free (not tested on animals).
- Travel-friendly design remains solid until it melts into a silky oil upon skin contact, suitable for carry-on luggage.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Gentle
- Effective
- Hydrating
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: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Peg-10 Isostearate, Polyethylene, Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Glycerin, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Amber Powder, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Water/Aqua/Eau, Butylene Glycol, Disodium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Citral, Limonene, Linalool
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 Hydrating Fig All-Beauty Jelly Cleanser - Ere Perez
Product Details
- Gently removes makeup and impurities, including eye makeup, without stripping the skin.
- Suitable for sensitive complexions, leaving skin soft and clean.
- Can be used as a mask, makeup cleanser, or to soothe dry skin patches.
- Add water to transform into a hydrating milky cleanser.
- Contains fig, rich in antioxidants and vitamins, and clove, a natural astringent that tightens pores and stimulates blood flow.
- Includes chamomile to calm and soothe the skin.
- Vegan, cruelty-free, non-toxic, non-GMO, and plastic-free.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizing
- Gentle
- Hydrating
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: Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Aqua, Sucrose Palmitate, Sucrose Stearate, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (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.
Cleansing Balm - DIME Beauty
Product Details
- Designed to melt away makeup and cleanse impurities, with a second use as an overnight hydrating mask featuring squalane and shea butter.
- Supports a double cleansing routine to help achieve clear, healthy skin.
- Can be used as an overnight mask for a dewy, hydrated appearance.
- Application involves massaging a quarter-size amount on dry face, then removing with a damp, lukewarm cloth.
- Features sustainable packaging and clean, vegan, and cruelty-free formulas.
- Each ingredient has a safe Environmental Working Group rating, ensuring daily usage confidence.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizing
- Hydrating
- Smooth
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: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Tristearate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Trihydroxystearin, Squalane, Polyglyceryl-3 Cocoate, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-6 Ricinoleate, Vanilla, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Unsaponifiables, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Phenethyl Alcohol, Propylene Carbonate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bisabolol
Common Harmful Chemicals in Cleansing Balm
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas with a pungent smell that's naturally produced in small quantities in human bodies and is also known as methanal amongst other names. It's used in the production of various items such as fertilizers, paper, plywood, and urea-formaldehyde resins as well as in some foods and household products like antiseptics, medicines, and cosmetics. Exposure to formaldehyde, which can occur through breathing contaminated indoor air, tobacco smoke, or ambient urban air can lead to respiratory symptoms, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat and has been linked to lung and nasopharyngeal cancer as well as leukemia. The EPA considers formaldehyde a probable human carcinogen (Group B1) and inhaling it can cause bronchospasm and pulmonary edema. Commercially, it's sold as formalin in solutions of 37%, 44%, or 50% and long-term exposure can cause first-degree burns, skin sensitization, squamous cell nasal cancer, and chronic pulmonary obstruction.
Formaldehyde and Cancer Risk, Cleaning Products & Indoor Air Quality, No More Toxic Tub, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Preservatives, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Formaldehyde And Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives, Formaldehyde may be found in cosmetic products even when unlabelled, Formaldehyde Found in Popular American Beauty Products, Hair Salons - Formaldehyde in Your Products, Formaldehyde in cosmetic products
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.
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
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.
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 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.
Phthalates, linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and cancer, are banned in the European Union but remain prevalent in U.S. cosmetics. They are widely used in personal care products, such as nail polish, fragrances, and eyelash glue and other products. A significant loophole allows phthalates to be added to fragrances without disclosure. Health concerns include endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and potential carcinogenicity.
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Phthalates, Product Profile: Hand Sanitizer, Phthalates in Cosmetics, Phthalates in cosmetic and personal care products: concentrations and possible dermal exposure, A Survey of Phthalates and Parabens in Personal Care Products from the United States and Its Implications for Human Exposure, Phthalates Factsheet, BPA and Phthalates: Chemicals found in our homes
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.