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Best Non-Toxic Eczema Treatment in 2024
Written by Camille May
Cofounder & Product Curator
Medically reviewed by Olushola Awoyemi
PhD Environmental Toxicology
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Our use of affiliate links does not influence how we rate products. Learn more about our affiliate policy here.
What you should know when choosing non-toxic eczema treatments 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 Eczema Treatment
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.
Original Skin-Soothing Cream - Eczema Honey
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$29.94
Product Details
- Provides relief for dry and eczema skin symptoms, offering itch relief and all-day comfort.
- Formulated with organic honey and beeswax to hydrate and maintain smooth skin.
- Contains 1% colloidal oatmeal, almond oil, and olive oil to soothe dry skin quickly.
- Free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or fragrances, ensuring no harmful chemicals are used.
- Leaping Bunny Certified, verifying that the product is cruelty-free.
- Received the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance, confirming its effectiveness and safety for eczema treatment.
- Safe for all ages and skin types, making it universally suitable.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizing
- Effective
- Soothing
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: Organic Pure Honey (Mel), Grapeseed Oil (Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil), Organic Grated Beeswax (Cera Alba), Sunflower Oil (Helianthus Annus Seed Oil), Colloidal Oatmeal (Avena Sativa Kernel Flour), Pure Spring Water (Aqua), And Optiphen (Phenoxyethanol (And) 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.
Eczema+ Extra Strength Body Cream - Skinfix
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$15.58
Product Details
- Soothes itching and irritation due to eczema and dry, sensitive skin.
- Contains 2% colloidal oatmeal and sweet almond oil to help halt the cycle of itching and scratching.
- Includes shea butter and moringa oil to enhance softness and suppleness of the skin.
- Formulated without fragrance; does not contain harmful ingredients, making it gentle on the skin.
- Received the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.
- Targets skincare concerns such as eczema, dermatitis, dryness, and sensitivity.
- Recommended for daily use, especially after bathing, to soothe dry, irritated, and itchy skin.
- Can be used in conjunction with Skinfix Eczema+ Foaming Oil Bodywash, Eczema+ Targeted Body Balm, and Eczema+ Hand Repair Cream for better results.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Healing
- Effective
- Hydrating
Cons Mentioned
- Irritating
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Active Ingredients: Colloidal Oatmeal 2%, Inactive Ingredients: Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Caprylate/ Caprate, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract, Moringa Oil/Hydrogenated Moringa Oil Esters, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Potassium Sorbate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Stearyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Water/Eau, Xanthan Gum.
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.
Eczema Soothing Therapy Cream + Skin Protectant - The Honest Company
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$13.97
Product Details
- Provides long-lasting moisturization to itchy, irritated eczema-prone skin.
- Contains prebiotics and colloidal oatmeal to help repair the skin barrier and provide itch relief.
- Includes safflower oil to enhance skin hydration and smoothness.
- Free from parabens, steroids, phenoxyethanol, mineral oil, and silicones.
- Steroid-free and recognized by the National Eczema Association.
- Naturally derived, hypoallergenic, and dermatologist approved.
- Cruelty-free, ensuring no animal testing was conducted.
- Safe for daily use on baby's sensitive skin or any affected area on the face and body.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Hydrating
- Soothing
- Non-greasy
Cons Mentioned
- Ineffective
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: Active Ingredient: Colloidal Oatmeal 1%; Inactive Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Diheptyl Succinate, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Jojoba Esters, Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax, Cellulose, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Squalane, Allantoin, Tocopherol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Cetyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Hectorite, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate
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 Skin Care for Eczema, Psoriasis - Green Goo
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$8.69
Product Details
- Skin-relieving salve and daily moisturizer designed for a variety of skin issues including eczema and psoriasis.
- Helps alleviate symptoms like cracked skin, dry hands, elbows, knees, rashes, and dry red bumps.
- Contains calendula, chamomile, elder flower, and yarrow for soothing and nourishing skin properties.
- All-natural, plant-based, organic ingredients, free from parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals, or artificial ingredients.
- Cruelty-free and made in the USA.
- Formulated by a women-owned, family-run company that is B-Corp certified.
- Ingredients include Jojoba Seed Oil for moisturization and calming effects, and Calendula known for preventing dryness and moisturizing the skin.
- Elder and Yarrow used for their skin calming, rejuvenating, and astringent properties.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Nourishing
- Effective
- Soothing
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: Active Ingredients: *Achillea Millefolium (Yarrow) Flower Extract, *Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower Oil, *Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower, *Sambucus Nigra (Elder) Flower, *Trifolium Pratense (Red Clover) Flower, Inactive Ingredients: *Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, *Cera Alba (Beeswax), *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, *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.
Eczema Lotion - Pipette
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$26.70
Product Details
- Formulated with colloidal oatmeal to soothe inflammation, replenish skin's lipid barrier, and hydrate dry, itchy areas.
- Contains ceramides, jojoba esters, and squalane to prevent moisture loss and comfort sensitive skin.
- Suitable for daily use by the whole family, including on eczema-prone skin.
- Incorporates sugarcane-derived squalane, mirroring the protective properties of the natural vernix.
- Free from synthetic fragrances, petrolatum, steroids, and over 2,000 potentially harmful or irritating ingredients.
- Products are hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and have received EWG verification.
- Developed and supported by biologists and dermatologists; rigorously tested to ensure safety and hypoallergenic properties.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Nourishing
- Hydrating
- Gentle
Cons Mentioned
- Smelly
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: Inactive: Water, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Sunflower Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Hydroxystearic/ Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Jojoba Esters, Ceramide Np, Tocopherol, Sodium Phytate, Hydrogenated Sunflower Seed Oil Glyceryl Esters, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Active: Colloidal Oatmeal
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.
Medicated Eczema Relief Skin Protectant Lotion - Gold Bond
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$16.96
Product Details
- Relieves itching, dryness, scaling, roughness, and redness associated with eczema.
- Made with 2% colloidal oatmeal, seven moisturizers, and three vitamins to soothe skin and relieve itching.
- Dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic.
- Accepted by the National Eczema Association.
- Formula is steroid-free, dye-free, and fragrance-free.
- Gentle enough for daily use.
- Allows for recycling through TerraCycle account for empty packaging.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Moisturizing
- Soothing
Cons Mentioned
- Filmy
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: Active Ingredients: Colloidal Oatmeal 2.0%; Inactive Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Petrolatum, Propanediol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetyl Alcohol, Jojoba Esters, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, Isohexadecane, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Bisabolol, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters, Ceramide Ng, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Tocopheryl Acetate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Tribehenin, Potassium Hydroxide, Edta, Phenoxyethanol, Peg-10 Phytosterol, Methylparaben, Polysorbate 60, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
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.
Eczema Cream - Earth Mama
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$15.29
Product Details
- Provides immediate relief from skin irritation and itching due to eczema, rashes, poison ivy, oak, sumac, and insect bites.
- Formulated without steroids, petrolatum, fragrance, or artificial preservatives.
- Contains organic herbs and oils for therapeutic itch relief.
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance by the National Eczema Association.
- Pediatrician and dermatologist tested to meet rigorous safety standards.
- Safe for use by the whole family including babies, toddlers, children, adults, pregnant, and breastfeeding women.
- Contains organic colloidal oatmeal, rooibos, and black cumin seed extract with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Can be liberally applied anytime irritation occurs due to various itch-causing issues.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Natural
- Soothing
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: Colloidal Oatmeal 5% Active Ingredient Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Beeswax, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Powder, Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibos) Leaf Extract, Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin) Seed Extract, Tocopherol, Zinc Oxide 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.
Everyday Eczema Lotion - Acure
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$13.29
Product Details
- No animal testing for beauty products
- Protect and soothe skin
- Paraben-free, sulfate-free, mineral oil-free, petrolatum-free, silicone-free
- Cruelty-free
- Helps prevent and temporarily protects chafed, chapped, or cracked skin
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizing
- Soothing
- Effective
Cons Mentioned
- Smell
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Active Ingredients: Colloidal Oatmeal 2%, Ingredients: Aloe Vera Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Oil, Cocoglycerides, Glycerin, Glyceryl Laurate, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil, Sodium Levulinate, Sorbitan Olivate, Squalane, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Tocopherol, Water/Aqua, Xanthan Gum
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.
Eczema Relief Skin Protectant Cream Colloidal Oatmeal - Equate
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$15.49
Product Details
- Relieves redness and irritation associated with eczema.
- Contains 2% colloidal oatmeal, seven moisturizers, and three vitamins to enhance skin health.
- Clinically and dermatologically tested and proven to be effective.
- Apply to affected skin areas as needed.
- Free from parabens, steroids, and fragrances.
- Helps relieve itching and irritation caused by eczema and rashes.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Affordable
- Effective
- Moisturizing
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: Active Ingredients: Colloidal Oatmeal 1.0%; Inactive Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Petrolatum, Isopropyl Palmitate, Cetyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Dimethicone, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil, Steareth-20, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Benzalkonium Chloride, Ceramide Np, Sodium Chloride, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide
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 Eczema Treatment - Evereden
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$26.00
Product Details
- Plant-based, steroid-free formula with Barrier Restore Technology includes naturally-derived anti-inflammatories such as Golden Spent Barley and Quercetin, alongside Ceramides and Colloidal Oatmeal for eczema healing.
- Suitable for use across all body areas including dry, cracked hands and flaky facial skin.
- Designed for the whole family, from infants to adults, ensuring it is gentle yet effective.
- Clinically proven to significantly reduce redness and skin dryness by more than 98% in a 2-week study involving participants aged 3-36 months.
- Manufactured in the USA with non-toxic, clean, and pure ingredients that are dermatologist tested.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Smoothing
- Affordable
- Effective
Cons Mentioned
- Ineffective
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: Colloidal Oatmeal, Water (Aqua), Octyldodecanol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Squalane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Spent Grain Wax, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NP, Sodium PCA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Quercetin, Zinc Oxide, Hydroxyproline, Proline, Panthenol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Phytosphingosine, Menthyl Ethylamido Oxalate, Cholesterol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Xanthan Gum, Allantoin, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide
Multi-Purpose Baby Eczema Cream (3-pack) - Tubby Tod
Est. Price
$108.00
Ingredients
Ingredients: Colloidal Oatmeal 1%, Beeswax, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract*, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract*, Glycerin, Jojoba Esters, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract*, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Extract*, Propanediol, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Stearic Acid, Stearyl Alcohol, Water
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 Eczema Treatment
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
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.
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.
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