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 Dry Shampoo in 2024
Updated:
Nov 18, 2024
Written by Camille May
Cofounder & Product Curator
+ 1 more
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 dry shampoo 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.
SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS
Find Non-Toxic Dry Shampoo
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.
Powder Dry Shampoo - Qet Botanicals
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$26.00
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Lightweight
- Effective
- Natural
Cons Mentioned
- Clumpy
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: Maranta Arundinacea (Arrowroot Root) Powder, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Flower Oil, *Organic Ingredient
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 Natural Dry Shampoo Powder for Dark Hair - Chagrin Valley
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$18.50
Product Details
- Absorbs excess oil and refreshes dark hair using organic ingredients like Arrowroot Powder, Cocoa Powder, Tapioca Flour, and Kaolin Clay.
- Adds volume and body, revitalizing hair to appear bouncy and soft.
- Contains lavender and rosemary essential oils that help balance scalp oils and provide a fresh, clean scent.
- Vegan and eco-friendly, featuring biodegradable ingredients and packaged in recyclable paperboard tubes with a small plastic sifter cap.
- Free from synthetic fragrances, alcohols, aluminum, talc, micas, and preservatives, using Certified Organic, non-GMO, cruelty-free, sustainably produced, and ethically traded ingredients.
- Helps extend time between washes and is ideal for use when camping or traveling.
- Available for both light and dark hair in two scents, helping to make the powder blend seamlessly into various hair colors.
- Can be applied using an applicator brush or shaker method directly to the roots of dry hair, followed by massaging and tousling for even distribution.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Non-toxic
- Organic
- Absorbent
Cons Mentioned
- Messy
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 Arrowroot Powder, Organic Cornstarch, Organic Cocao Powder (Fair Trade), Organic Tapioca Flour, Kaolin Clay, Organic Burdock Root, Organic Plantain, Organic Lavender Essential Oil, Organic Rosemary 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.
Organic Dry Shampoo Powder - Beauty By Earth
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$21.99
Product Details
- Protects natural hair color by preventing melanin depletion caused by overdrying.
- Made with natural, organic ingredients and free from harsh chemicals such as GMOs, sulfates, gluten, and parabens.
- USDA Organic Certified, ensuring high standards of quality and safety.
- Quick and easy to use, ideal for time-pressed situations or late starts.
- Enhances hair volume without the need for time-consuming styling techniques like blow drying upside down or teasing.
- Customer care promises satisfaction with a focus on improving the hair's appearance and manageability.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Light
- Organic
Cons Mentioned
- Itchy
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 Zea Mays (Corn Starch), Organic Maranta Arundinacea (Arrowroot) Powder, Kaolin Clay, Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda), Organic Theobroma (Cocoa) Powder, Organic Lavandula Hybrida (Lavender) 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.
Natural Organic Dry Shampoo - Butter Me Up Organics
Certifications
Highlights
Est. Price
$22.95
Product Details
- First ingredient commonly found in other dry shampoos is butane, which is avoided in this product.
- Designed to absorb oil and give the appearance of freshly washed hair.
- Not intended as a replacement for regular shampooing.
- All-natural ingredients and handcrafted.
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: Sodium Bicarbonate, White Kaolin Clay, Arrowroot Powder, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cocoa Powder, Activated Charcoal
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.
Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair - The Earthling Co.
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$25.99
Product Details
- Refreshes and volumizes hair by absorbing oil and adding body and fullness without build-up.
- Strengthens and nourishes hair using natural, protein-rich ingredients such as Rice Protein, Biotin, Bamboo Stem, and Rosemary.
- Suitable for all hair types including straight and curly hair, effective for both men and women.
- Contains no aerosol, harsh chemicals, sulfates, silicones, parabens, or preservatives, featuring organic, vegan, and cruelty-free ingredients.
- Packaged in an easy-to-use, plastic-free travel size shaker tube, convenient for travel as it meets TSA requirements.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Nourishing
- Lasting
Cons Mentioned
- Messy
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 Arrowroot Powder, Bentonite Clay, Organic Raw Cacao Powder, Organic Rosemary EO, Organic Clary Sage Eo, Organic Geranium EO
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 Flowers in Her Hair Dry Shampoo - Living Libations
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$31.00
Product Details
- Designed to absorb excess oil and dispel dandruff
- Features botanical ingredients that soothe the scalp and increase hair shine
- Formulated with all-natural minerals, botanicals, and essential oils
- Bottled in recyclable glass
- Free from parabens, sulfates, and gluten
- Cruelty-free product
- Suitable for all hair types and colors
- May help extend the life of color-treated hair by reducing the frequency of shampooing
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Voluminous
- Absorbent
- Handy
Cons Mentioned
- Grainy
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: Arrow Root (Maranta Arundinacea), Kaolin Clay (Kaolinite, White Clay), Silk Peptides, Rosemary Antioxidant Extract (Rosmarinus Officinalis, CO2), Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate), Probiotics (Bacillus Subtilis), Chamomile Flowers (Anthemis Nobilis), Lavender Flowers (Lavendula Officinalis), Jasmine Sambac (Jasmine Sambac), Ylang Ylang (Cananga Odorata), Magnolia Blossom (Michelia Champaca), Roman Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis), Alpine Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia)
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.
Dry Shampoo - Acure
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$11.99
Product Details
- Infused with all-natural vegan ingredients for instant volume and body.
- Provides a quick hair refreshment without the need for water, suitable for on-the-go and travel use.
- Contains Arrowroot Powder to absorb oils and quickly rejuvenate hair.
- Includes Rosemary to reduce buildup and Peppermint to support scalp health.
- Enhances hair vibrancy, strength, and overall hair and scalp health.
- Designed for all hair types, it restores shine and absorbs oil effectively.
- Travel-friendly size for easy portability and use anywhere.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Natural
- Gentle
Cons Mentioned
- White-cast
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: Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Sodium Bicarbonate, Maranta Arundinacea Root Powder, Kaolin, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, *Certified Organic
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 Natural Dry Shampoo Powder - Chagrin Valley
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$18.50
Product Details
- Absorbs excess oil and refreshes dark hair using plant-based, organic ingredients such as Arrowroot Powder, Tapioca flour, Cocoa Powder, and Kaolin Clay.
- Enhances volume and body, making hair appear bouncy and soft.
- Contains a blend of organic essential oils for a fresh, clean scent and to help balance natural oils in hair.
- Vegan and eco-friendly, with biodegradable ingredients and packaged in recyclable paperboard tubes.
- Certified organic, free from synthetic fragrances, alcohols, aluminum, talc, micas, or preservatives.
- Features organic Cocoa to help powder blend seamlessly into medium and dark hair.
- Includes organic burdock root and plantain to soothe itchy scalp.
- Designed to extend the time between washes and is ideal for use in situations like camping or traveling.
- Application can be achieved using a brush or shaker method directly to the roots, and works best on dry hair.
- Recommended to apply before bed for optimal overnight oil absorption.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Lasting
- Effective
- Safe
Cons Mentioned
- Messy
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 Arrowroot Powder, Organic Cornstarch, Organic Fair Trade Cocoa Powder, Organic Tapioca Flour, Kaolin Clay, Organic Burdock Root, Organic Plantain, Organic Essential Oils: Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Rosemary, Spearmint, Lime & Tea Tree
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.
Plant-Based Fulvic Acid Volumizing Dry Shampoo - Act + Acre
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$20.00
Product Details
- Absorbs oil, odor, and impurities to refresh hair and enhance texture while boosting volume.
- Formula contains only 6 plant-based ingredients, aiming for simplicity and multi-functionality.
- Includes Fulvic Acid which detoxifies the scalp, delivers over 65 minerals to hair follicles, and restores the microbiome health.
- Utilizes rice and tapioca powders, which absorb more oil than talc and blend easily with all hair types and colors.
- Free from talc, aluminum, alcohol, aerosols, parabens, phthalates, gluten, and synthetic fragrances; Leaping Bunny Certified and cruelty-free.
- Suitable for all hair types, colors, and genders; transparent formula works well with dark or light, thin, thick, or textured hair, and is safe for colored or chemically treated hair.
- Designed for versatile use, including extending time between washes, refreshing hair post-workout, or adding texture and lift.
- Community-sized bottle lasting several months and convenient for travel or on-the-go application.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Absorbent
- Unscented
- Volumizing
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: Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Tapioca Starch, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder, Silica, Water/Aqua/Eau, Ioniplex Fulvic Ionic Mineral Complex
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.
Voluminous Dry Shampoo - Rahua
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$32.00
Product Details
- Made with organic, natural, and pure plant-based ingredients sourced from the Amazon Rainforest.
- Each purchase supports the preservation of one acre of the Amazon Rainforest.
- Formulated without aerosols; uses environmentally friendly packaging.
- Infused with real botanical aromas for a pleasant scent.
- Natural powders absorb oil, perspiration, and debris from scalp and hair.
- Enhances volume, texture, and hold, facilitating effortless styling and durable hairstyles.
- Suitable for nourishing and strengthening hair.
- Easy application with non-aerosol dispenser for even spraying.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Non-toxic
- Effective
- Volumizing
Cons Mentioned
- Dull
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: Fuller's Earth (Clay), Organic Tapioca Starch (Cassava Root), Illicium Verum (Star Anise), Vanilla Planifolia, Citric Acid
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.
Dry Shampoo - Vegamour
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$36.00
Product Details
- Formulated without benzene or talc, enhances volume and texture while supporting thicker, fuller-looking hair.
- Revitalizes hair roots on non-wash days, absorbing excess oils, sweat, and odors, and leaves hair smelling fresh.
- Efficient application and instant results without leaving a white cast; can increase volume by massaging into hair while upside down.
- Increases hair density by up to 52% and reduces shedding by up to 76%.
- Contains plant-based ingredients such as rice starch, mung bean, red clover, and kaolin clay.
- Free from parabens, silicones, phthalates, harmful sulfates, and artificial fragrances; features a natural bergamot scent.
- Compatible with GRO Hair Serum for optimal results and safe for everyday use, including on thinning hair.
- Vegan and color-safe formula.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Fresh
- Light
- 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: Isobutane, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Alcohol Denat., Kaolin, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Cetrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Water/Aqua/Eau, (Trifolium Pratense (Clover)/Vigna Radiata) Sprout 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.
Natural Refresh Dry Shampoo - Innersense
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$24.00
Product Details
- Eliminates excess oil and renews second-day hair using a foam-to-powder formula.
- Builds body and creates texture.
- Contains tapioca starch and witch hazel to absorb oils.
- Includes certified organic honey to enhance body and shine.
- Ideal for all hair types and textures.
- Features a fragrance with notes of orange and tangerine.
- Ingredients are grown organically and sustainably without chemicals.
- Ingredients ethically harvested and sourced from trusted, transparent plantations, orchards, and farms around the world.
- Free from parabens, sulfates, and gluten.
- Cruelty-free product, not tested on animals.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Organic
- Effective
- Non-toxic
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, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Tapioca Starch, Alcohol, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Zea Maize (Corn) Starch, Decyl Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Galactoarabinan, Pullulan, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Honey, Sorbic Acid, Panthenol (Vitamin B-5), Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract, Honey Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Linalool, Limonene
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 Dry Shampoo
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
Talc
Talc, a naturally occurring mineral, is commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products for its moisture-absorbing, smoothing, and anti-caking properties. It is also utilized in food products and animal feed. However, some talc may be contaminated with asbestos fibers, which are linked to cancer. This contamination occurs due to the proximity of talc deposits to asbestos mining sites. Health concerns associated with talc include irritation, cancer risks, and potential organ system toxicity.
Titanium Dioxide
The study on 1,576 U.S. workers exposed to TiO2 for over a year from 1956 to 1985 showed no increase in lung cancer or chronic respiratory disease, and no cases of pulmonary fibrosis. Cases of pulmonary fibrosis related to TiO2 exposure have been reported, possibly due to silica contamination. There are no listed effects for short-term or long-term exposure. Although NIOSH recognises ultrafine TiO2 as a potential occupational carcinogen, data is insufficient to classify fine TiO2 similarly. Epidemiological studies do not provide clear evidence of lung cancer risks from TiO2 dust exposure.
Benzene
Benzene is a colorless, sweet-smelling, highly flammable liquid that evaporates quickly into the air and slightly dissolves in water. It's a byproduct of both natural processes and human activities, used extensively in the U.S production of other chemicals for plastics, resins, nylon, rubbers, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. Present in crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke, benzene is also released into the air from burning coal, oil, gasoline stations, and vehicle exhaust. Short-term exposure may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and irritation, while long-term exposure leads to blood disorders, reproductive effects, and even leukemia. Benzene has been classified by EPA as a known human carcinogen, and regulations apply to various industry sectors with potentially high exposure risks.
Sources:
Isobutane
Isobutane is a colorless gas used in various applications including organic synthesis, as a refrigerant, in motor fuels, aerosol propellant, and in synthetic rubber. In humans, isobutane can cause rapid breathing and heart rate with severe cases leading to low blood pressure, apnea, and cardiac arrest. Cases of ventricular fibrillation due to isobutane have been reported, along with substance abuse-related health issues in children and adolescents. Animal studies involving isobutane exposure led to various health effects such as eye irritation, fatal outcomes, anesthesia, and central nervous system depression. It, however, tested negative in a mutagenicity assay.
Propane
Propane is a colorless and odorless gas utilized in the formulation of cosmetics and personal care products like shaving cream, cleansing products, hair conditioners, and makeup. However, inhaling or ingesting propane can be harmful as it displaces oxygen in the lungs, leading to breathing difficulties or even suffocation.
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
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.
Ethylparaben
Ethylparaben is a chemical used as a preservative in various products including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and adhesives. It exhibits low toxicity in humans and animals, but can cause skin irritation, particularly when applied to damaged skin, and may worsen pre-existing skin conditions. Despite causing cell proliferation in rats' forestomachs and chromosomal aberrations in a hamster ovary cell test, it has shown no evidence of causing cancer. However, it was found to be toxic to fetuses at doses toxic to the mother, though it did not cause malformations (nonteratogenic). Interestingly, while it impacted sperm viability in lab conditions, it showed no negative effects on mouse sperm in actuality.
Sources:
Campaign For Safe Cosmetics: Parabens, Product Profile: Hand Sanitizer, Parabens At A Glance, What to Know About Parabens, The effects of ethylparaben and propylparaben on the development and fecundity of Drosophila melanogaster, Ethylparaben, Amended Safety Assessment of Parabens as Used in Cosmetics, WHAT ARE PARABENS: CHEMICAL FREE LIVING, Biomonitoring Summary
Methylparaben
Methylparaben is an antimicrobial preservative used in food, drugs, and cosmetics. Some individuals can develop contact dermatitis on skin exposure, and allergic reactions have been reported on ingestion, though the evidence is not conclusive. Data from animal studies suggest that methylparaben is practically non-toxic and non-irritating in normal skin conditions, with high thresholds for observed adverse effects. However, it showed chromosome aberrations in a cell assay and variable results in different uterotrophic assays. An ecotoxicity study found changes in the expression of certain genes at specific concentrations in male medaka, a type of fish.
Propylparaben
Propylparaben is a stable, non-volatile compound utilized as an antimicrobial preservative in food, drugs, and cosmetics. Human exposure can cause sensitization especially if applied to damaged skin and may cause contact sensitivity with high concentrations. Extensive animal studies reveal that propylparaben is relatively non-toxic, yet it can mildly irritate skin, affect sperm counts in substantial levels, and trigger cell proliferation in the forestomach of rats. However, it is not carcinogenic, mutagenic, or clastogenic, and a significant no-observed-adverse-effect level was reported in rats. Ecotoxicity studies show that it can lead to an increase in plasma vitellogenin levels in rainbow trout and a significant decline of vitellogenin production in zebrafish at varying concentrations.
Isobutylparaben
Isobutylparaben belongs to the paraben family of preservatives used in the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care product industries. Parabens mimic estrogen and have been found in breast cancer tumors in some studies. Parabens are commonly found in various personal care products and foods and have been associated with endocrine disruption, skin cancer risk, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and potential behavioral changes in offspring when exposed during gestation.
Isopropylparaben
Isopropylparaben belongs to the parabens family of preservatives utilized in the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care sectors. Parabens have estrogen-mimicking properties and pose a potential risk as endocrine disruptors. Research has detected parabens in the breast cancer tumors of a significant number of studied women, raising concerns about their safety and hormonal effects.
About The Author