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Best Non-Toxic Cologne in 2024
Written by Camille May
Cofounder & Product Curator
Medically reviewed by Olushola Awoyemi
PhD Environmental Toxicology
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What you should know when choosing non-toxic cologne 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 Cologne
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.
No. 1 Cologne for Men - DIME Beauty
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$52.00
Product Details
- Features a bold blend of sparkling grapefruit, blue lavender, and amber woods.
- Top notes include lime, sparkling grapefruit, and dark rhum.
- Middle notes of blue lavender, rosemary sprig, and crushed cardamom add earthiness.
- Base notes comprise tonka bean, amber woods, and leather for a masculine finish.
- Utilizes sustainable packaging and clean ingredients.
- Vegan and cruelty-free formulas.
- Each ingredient has a safe Environmental-Working-Group rating, ensuring daily use confidence.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Appealing
- Long-lasting
- Affordable
Cons Mentioned
- Faint
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, Dipropylene Glycol, Iso E Super, Habanolide, Dihydro Myrcenol, Verdox, Ethylene Brassylate, Lemon Oil California Type, Linalool, Linalyl Acetate, Kephalis, Methyl Pamplemousse, Ethyl Linalool, Bergamot Oil Ns, Bois Ambrene Forte, Orange Terpenes, Hedione, Amber Xtreme, Cedramber, Bicyclononalactone, Muscenone, Lavender Oil Barreme Nat, Vanillin, Vanillin Iso-Butyrate, Ambroxan, Anethole, Bacdanol, Trimofix O, Helional, Ionone Alpha, Allyl Amyl Glycolate, Amyl Salicylate, Vetiver Oil Haiti, Hexyl Acetate, Styrallyl Acetate, Cardamon Oil, Cyclogalbanate, Patchouli Light He, Phenoxanol, Rosemary Essential Oil, Allylcyclohexylpropionate, Mousse De Metra, Baie Rose Ext Co2, Benzyl Propionate, Calone 1951, Ebanol, Ethyl 2.4 Decadienoate, Floralozone, Galbascone, Heliotropine, Javanol, Nootkatone, Rhubofix, Veltol Plus, Vetiver Acetate, Manzanate, Alpha-Damascone, Fennel Oil Sweet, Allyl Heptanoate, Citral 95, Undecavertol, Ginger Fresh Oil, Damascenone, Liffarome, Mandarin Ald, Hivernal Neo
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.
Men's Cologne - Herban Cowboy
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$25.90
Product Details
- Vegan friendly and formulated without parabens or phthalates.
- Cruelty-free, not tested on animals.
- Part of a range of eco-friendly grooming products including soaps, body washes, and shaving cream.
- Designed to perform like conventional grooming products.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Woodsy
- Lasting
- Natural
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: Alcohol, Fragrance
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.
Accolade Cologne for Men - Brickell
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$60.00
Product Details
- Blended with botanicals and natural ingredients to exude class and sophistication.
- Suitable for men of any age or skin type.
- Cedarwood, Guaiac Wood, and Sandalwood provide a warm, full-bodied fragrance.
- Italian Bergamot and Lemon add a crisp hint of citrus to the scent profile.
- Made with all natural and organic ingredients, including key components such as Cedarwood and Guaiac Wood.
- Free from harmful ingredients like parabens, glycols, phthalates, allergens, synthetic dyes, or sulfates.
- Produced by Brickell, a company that specializes in natural and organic skincare and grooming products for men, with international presence in over 20 countries.
- Featured in reputable men's magazines such as GQ, Men's Health, and Men's Journal.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Refreshing
- Sophisticated
- Lasting
Cons Mentioned
- Peppery
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: Alcohol (Denta), Fragrance (Parfum), Water (Aqua), Linalool, D-Limonene, Geraniol, Citral
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.
Genderless + Vegan Eau de Parfum - Dedcool
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$90.00
Product Details
- Genderless and vegan eau de parfum designed for all.
- Scents designed to evoke confidence and uniqueness, reminiscent of budding flirtation.
- Top notes include bergamot and fresh dew.
- Middle notes feature floral scents and cassis.
- Base notes composed of vanilla and amber.
- Made with zero water, ensuring concentration and longevity of scent.
- Formulated with 100% organic and natural plant extracts.
- Utilizes biodegradable ingredients, minimizing environmental impact.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Comforting
- Long-lasting
- Beautiful
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: Alcohol Denat, Fragrance, *Cert Organic Extracts Of Borago Officinals (Borage)*, Sambucus Nigra (Elder) Flower Extract, Camellia Sinesis (White Tea) Leaf Extract, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Extract, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Extract, Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit (Rose Hip) Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract (Chamomile)
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.
MYTH Eau De Parfum - Ellis Brooklyn
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$110.00
Product Details
- Features jasmine petals, tiger orchid, liquid musks, and white cedarwood, creating a sophisticated fragrance experience.
- Contains top notes of bergamot, ambrette seeds, and cassis, with mid notes of tiger orchid, pink lotus, and jasmine petals, and dry notes of patchouli, liquid musks, and white cedarwood.
- Part of the Ellis Brooklyn ethos includes clean ingredients, sustainable sourcing, and memorable scents.
- Manufactured in the USA, ensuring local production standards.
- Free from parabens and phthalates, ensuring a safer product formulation.
- Certified by PETA as cruelty-free and vegan, confirming no animal products or testing.
- The packaging is made of glass to prevent leaching and is reusable or recyclable, promoting environmental responsibility.
- Inspired by the concept of an urban myth, reflecting changes and adaptations in stories.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Floral
- Sensual
- Long-lasting
Cons Mentioned
- Inconsistent
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: SD Alcohol 40B (Alcohol Denat.), Parfum (Fragrance), Aqua (Water), Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hydroxycitronellal, Benzyl Alcohol, Citronellol, Coumarin, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citral, Isoeugenol, Geraniol, Limonene, Benzyl Benzoate, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, 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.
Crescent Beach Eau de Parfum - Abbott
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$88.00
Product Details
- Inspired by summers in the New York Hamptons, the fragrance combines floral, amber, and oceanic notes to evoke fresh laundry drying beside fields in ocean breezes.
- Features captivating notes of peony, lily, and jasmine.
- Formulated to be clean and sustainable: paraben-free, phthalates-free, cruelty-free, vegan, and hypoallergenic.
- Bottle is crafted from glass which can be reused or recycled.
- Designed for long-lasting wear, apply to wrists, neck, and pulse points.
- Makes an ideal gift for individuals who appreciate floral scents.
- A portion of the proceeds from sales is donated to environmental conservation groups.
- Dedicated to transparency, the company discloses the full list of ingredients for all fragrances.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Alluring
- Sexy
- Ample
Cons Mentioned
- Fleeting
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: (10z)-1-oxacycloheptadec-10-en-2-one Safe Synthetic, 1-methyl-4-(4-methylpent-3-enyl)cyclohex-3-ene-1-carbaldehyde Safe Synthetic, 2,4-dimethyl-4,4a,5,9b-tetrahydroindeno[1,2-d][1,3]dioxine Safe Synthetic, Alpha-isomethyl Ionone Safe Synthetic, Cyclamen Aldehyde Safe Synthetic, Dihydro Pentamethylindanone Safe Synthetic, Dimethylcyclohexylethoxy Isobutylpropanoate Safe Synthetic, Ethyl Linalool Safe Synthetic, Ethylene Brassylate Safe Synthetic, Ethylene Dodecanedioate Safe Synthetic, Isobutyl Methyl Tetrahydropyranol Safe Synthetic, Methyldihydrojasmonate Safe Synthetic, Methylenedioxyphenyl Methylpropanal Safe Synthetic, Phenethyl Alcohol
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.
FUNCTIONAL FRAGRANCE Calming & Soothing, Stress Relief Fragrance - The Nue Co.
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$90.00
Product Details
- Developed using insights into the connection between cognitive function and the olfactory system, utilizing fragrances like green cardamom, bergamot, and cilantro to impact emotional states immediately.
- Incorporates technology that uses the sense of smell to influence brain areas associated with awareness, memory, and mood.
- Features a composition of clinically proven, rigorously tested clean ingredients including green cardamom, bergamot, cilantro, and palo santo.
- Formulated to be vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, clinically studied, and made with traceable, non-toxic ingredients.
- Advertises potential benefits such as reducing stress and soothing tension through its calming scent.
- Includes instructions to spray onto pulse points, take a deep breath, and allow time to re-center, enhancing user experience.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Sensual
- Relaxing
- Long-lasting
Cons Mentioned
- Potent
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: Alcohol, Cardomome Verte Sfe, Cardomom, Bergamot, Cilantro, Myhrr Oil, Myrrhone, Orris Firabs (Iris), Violet, Jasmin, Cedarwood Oil, Musk, Palo Santo, Ambrox, Guaiacwood
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.
Proper Cologne - Duke Cannon
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$19.85
Product Details
- Product type: Solid cologne and liquid cologne available
- Scent options include Citrus Musk & Island Spice, Birchwood, Oak Barrel & Amber, Sea Grass & Sandalwood, Tobacco Leaf, Amber & Leather, Light Musk + Neroli, Vetiver + Oakmoss, Aromatic Cedar & Amber, Citrus, Oakmoss & Tonka, Aquatic Sandalwood & Vetiver, Bergamot Neroli Cashmere Woods
- Manufactured in the USA
- Benefits include support for U.S. veterans
- Cruelty-free, ensuring no animal testing
- Formulated without parabens or phthalates
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Portable
- Affordable
- Potent
Cons Mentioned
- Generic
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: Alcohol Denat., Fragrance, Water, Alcohol Denat., Fragrance, Water, Alcohol Denat., Fragrance, Water
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.
Sandalwood "Sweet" Solid Cologne - Arcadia Natural
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$22.99
Product Details
- Handcrafted with natural oils and butters
- Vegan and alcohol-free
- Handmade in Arizona
- Phthalates-free, paraben-free, and preservative-free
- Contains 95% natural ingredients
- Formulated with plant-based butters and waxes, vitamin E, essential oils, and fragrance oils
- Moisturizing effects suitable for use anywhere on the body as a perfume substitute
- Comes in a travel tin to protect from dust and dirt
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Pleasant
- Portable
- Feminine
Cons Mentioned
- Weak
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: Plant-Based Butters And Waxes, Vitamin E, Essential And Fragrance Oils
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.
Cologne Spray for Men - Stetson
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$21.31
Product Details
- Comes in a portable bottle suitable for travel.
- Features a masculine, woody, and earthy scent profile appropriate for any occasion.
- Fragrance composition includes top notes of bergamot, mandarin leaf, rhubarb, and elemi; heart notes of clary sage, lavender, and leather accord; base notes of amber, sandalwood, and musks.
- Designed to exude confidence, dignity, and individuality.
- Offers a long-lasting fragrance that remains calming and aromatic without being overpowering.
- Part of a brand with a rich heritage tied to the American spirit of freedom, independence, and self-expression.
- Scent Beauty aims to redefine the fragrance industry with sustainably-sourced formulas and collaborations with celebrities and perfumers.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Cost-effective
- Complimented
- Lasting
Cons Mentioned
- Synthetic
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: Alcohol Denat, Water (Aqua/Eau), Fragrance, Citral, Citronellol, Coumarin, Farnesol, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, 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 Fragrance Cologne - Barrel & Oak
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$42.99
Product Details
- Features Barrel and Oak's signature scent, Bourbon Cedar, with notes of cedarwood, bourbon accord, smoky vanilla, lemon, and lavender.
- Designed for long-lasting wear, suitable for transitioning from daytime outings to sophisticated nightlife with 1-2 spritzes required.
- Formulated with natural, essential oil-based scents for a more subtle fragrance experience.
- Part of a comprehensive line of grooming and body care products aimed at the health-conscious and practical modern man.
- Free from parabens, phthalates, and SLS, ensuring a healthier product choice.
- Cruelty-free and vegan, making it an ethical choice for consumers.
- Packaged in recyclable materials, supporting environmental sustainability.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Earthy
- True
- Pleasant
Cons Mentioned
- Leaky
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: Alcohol (Natural Grain), Aqua (Water), 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.
Cologne Spray - Demeter
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$25.88
Product Details
- Launched by the design house of Demeter.
- Recommended for daily use.
- Designed to provide a long-lasting fragrance.
- Captures the essence of the warmth and comfort from behind a kitten's neck.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Layerable
- Creamy
- Warm
Cons Mentioned
- Fleeting
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: Alcohol Denat, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Fragrance (Parfum, Fragancia), Water (Eau, Agua)
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.
Wood and Spice Solid Cologne Balm - Reuzel
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$11.75
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Compact
- Woodsy
- Long-lasting
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: Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Fragrance (Parfum), Benzyl Cinnamate, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Water (Aqua), Benzyl Benzoate, Citral, Coumarin, Eugenol, Geraniol, 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.
Men's Cologne No. 2 Juniper & Sandalwood - Goodfellow
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$42.99
Product Details
- Features a coniferous juniper scent with creamy sandalwood for a woodsy and warm finish.
- Packaged in a glass bottle complemented by a handsome wood cap.
- Designed to layer well with other Goodfellow & Co grooming products to create a unique aromatic signature.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Invisible
Cons Mentioned
- Fades
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: Alcohol Denat. (SD Alcohol 40-B), Fragrance/Parfum, Water/Eau/Aqua
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 Cologne
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
Linalool
Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in many flowers and spice plants, consisting of two enantiomers. It is widely used in commercial products for its pleasant floral and spicy scent, serving as a key ingredient in soaps, fragrances, food flavors, household products, and insecticides. In plants, linalool functions as a metabolite, volatile oil component, antimicrobial agent, and aroma compound. Acute exposure to linalool can lead to central depressive effects with symptoms such as ataxia, reduced motor activity, and respiratory disturbances. Additionally, inhalation, oral intake, or skin absorption can result in irritation, pain, and allergic reactions.
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.
Phthalate
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.
Sources:
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
Styrene
Styrene is a colorless to yellowish, oily liquid used mainly in plastic, synthetic rubber, and resin production but also as a flavoring agent. Acute human exposure can cause irritation, drowsiness, and vertigo, with skin blistering and dermatitis resulting from long-term contact. It has been linked to increased rates of certain types of cancer, liver effects, and problems with the reproductive system. Animal studies have similarly shown irritation, central nervous system effects, and links to cancers. Styrene's endocrine disruptor activity appears negligible in humans and other vertebrates, but there is evidence of impact in certain aquatic species.
d-Limonene
d-Limonene is a liquid with a lemon-like smell, often used as a solvent to substitute for more volatile and toxic organic solvents. When it comes into contact with air, it can oxidize, and this oxidized form is a known skin sensitizer, capable of irritating skin and eyes. The combination of d-limonene and l-limonene is known as limonene or dipentene. The estimated lethal dose for humans is between 0.5 to 5 g/kg, and studies have shown that it can cause diarrhea and liver effects when ingested in high doses.
Butylparaben
Butylparaben, a chemical used in various products, has been shown to cause skin irritation in humans and potential sensitization in dermatitis patients. Animal studies indicate that it has low to moderate oral toxicity and can cause damage to the liver, spleen, and thymus. It can also lead to cell proliferation in rats' stomachs, though it was not found to be carcinogenic or mutagenic. However, it may negatively impact sperm viability and activity, as demonstrated in different in vitro and in vivo studies. Lastly, it proposed weaker aquatic toxicity compared to parabens with longer alkyl chains, but still showed estrogenic effects in certain fish species.
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