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 Edge Control 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 edge control 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 Edge Control
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.
Laid Edge Control - Essations
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$15.45
Product Details
- Easy to use
- Manufactured in the United States
- Designed for all hair types
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Non-greasy
- Non-flaky
- 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: Aqua (Water), Ceteareth-25, Peg-7 Glyceryl Monococoate (Glyceryl Cocoate), Propylene Glycol, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Almond Oil), Honey
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.
Edge Control - She Is Bomb
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$9.40
Product Details
- Features a delicious scent
- Provides edge control for hairstyles
- Non-greasy formula
- Non-sticky feel
- Does not flake
- Offers long-lasting hold
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Long-lasting
- Nourishing
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: Water, Ceteareth-25, Polyvinylpyrrolidone, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glycerin, Beeswax, DMDM Hydantoin, PEG-8 Dimethicone, Polysorbate-20, 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.
Repairing Edge Control - Flawless By Gabrielle Union
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$8.99
Product Details
- Provides a long-lasting hold without flaking or build-up.
- Infused with biotin and passionfruit seed oil to deliver shine.
- Helps rebuild thinning edges.
- Great for natural, color treated, or relaxed hair.
- Smooths flyaways and holds hair in place without the crunch.
- Free of sulfates, parabens, and silicones, which can cause dehydration and breakage.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Soothing
- Moisturizing
- Nourishing
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: Water (Aqua, Au), Ceteareth-25, Glycerin, Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Diheptyl Succinate, Capryloyl Glycerin/ Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Fragrance (Parfum), Biotin, Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Oil, Creatine, Pvp, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Benzyl Benzoate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellol, 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.
Swag Goo Edge Control - The Doux
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$16.69
Product Details
- Contains aloe
- Enriched with Vitamin E
- Includes coconut oil
- Formulated with castor oil
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Hydrating
- Great-smelling
- Versatile
Cons Mentioned
- Flaky
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), Ceteareth-25, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Propylene Glycol, PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycereth-2 Cocoate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Silk Amino Acid, Disodium EDTA, 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.
Long and Luxe Groedge Edge Controller - As I Am
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$7.99
Product Details
- Provides long-lasting hold for edges without flaking.
- Rejuvenates and strengthens the hairline to promote healthier hair growth.
- Enriched with pomegranate, passion fruit, phytosterols, aloe vera, pomegranate juice, hydrolyzed lupine protein, and saw palmetto.
- Free from gluten, parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, mineral oil, DEA, lye, lauryl sulfates, and animal testing.
- Part of the Long & Luxe Collection, which includes 8 products designed for growing longer and stronger hair.
- Founded by Dr. Ali N Syed, a pioneer with 45 patents in the textured hair industry.
- Products are developed and crafted in the USA at the As I Am specialized haircare laboratory.
- Commitment to environmental sustainability by using decomposable materials to minimize ecological footprint.
- Formulas designed to retain moisture without compromising the natural balance of hair and scalp.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizing
- Non-greasy
- Fragrant
Cons Mentioned
- Sticky
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Ceteareth-25, Glycerin, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Punica Granatum Fruit Juice, Maltodextrin, Acacia Senegal Gum, Passiflora Edulis Fruit Juice, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein, Niacinamide, Caffeine, Biotin, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Cola Acuminata Seed Extract, Keratin, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Piroctone Olamine, Fragrance/Parfum, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Silica, Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract, Citric Acid, Red 33/C I17200, Benzyl Benzoate, 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.
Extra Strength Shea & Olive Oil Edge Control - Silk Elements
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$5.99
Product Details
- Perfect for relaxed or natural hair
- Sleeks edges
- Extra hold
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Hold
- Moisturizing
- Non-greasy
Cons Mentioned
- Oily
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, Ceteareth-25, Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Propylene Glycol, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Peg-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycereth-2 Cocoate, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Silk, Vp/Va Copolymer, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Benzyl Salicylate, 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.
Sleek Max Edge Control - Design Essentials
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$11.74
Product Details
- Provides touchable hold and adds intense shine
- Adds texture to short styles
- Provides two strengths of hold for all hair types
- Works well on wet or dry hair
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Powerful
- Smoothing
- Non-greasy
Cons Mentioned
- Residue
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), Ceteareth-25, Glycerin, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Methyl Gluceth-10, Phenoxyethanol (And) Caprylyl Glycol, Fragrance (Parfum), Palmitoyltripeptide (Peptide Solution), Amyl Cinnamal, Benzoyl Benzoate, Limonene
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.
Edgewax - Murray's
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$7.00
Product Details
- Combines premium gel with Australian beeswax for maximum hold
- Provides a high shine finish with no flaking
- Strong enough for demanding areas but soft enough for easy application
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Smooth
- Effective
- Light
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: Water (Aqua, Eau), Ceteareth-25, Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Beeswax (Cera Alba), Cyclopentasiloxane, Acrylates/Octylacrylamide Copolymer, Pvp, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Peg-12 Dimethicone, Peg-20 Hydrogenated Lanolin, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum), Aminomethyl Propanol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Methylpropanediol, Polysorbate 80, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl Cinnamic Aldehyde, Lilial, Linalool, D-Limonene
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.
Lightweight Curls + Flaxseed Edge Control - Maui Moisture
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$7.97
Product Details
- Provides a strong hold for sculpting and managing hair edges and adds shine.
- Infused with flaxseed, coconut water, and citrus oil for nourishing and protecting the hair.
- Free from parabens, silicones, sulfated surfactants, synthetic dye, mineral oil, and gluten.
- Does not contain drying alcohols, ensuring no damage to hair during styling.
- Starts with 100% aloe vera as the base ingredient.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Lightweight
- Versatile
- Moisturizing
Cons Mentioned
- Flaky
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: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Ceteareth-25, Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Propylene Glycol, Disodium Edta, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, 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.
Artful Edges Edge Control Gel - Mizani
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$19.00
Product Details
- Provides strong hold for sleek hair styles
- Flake-free and no buildup formula
- Contains castor oil and shea butter
- Suitable for all hair types
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Scent
- Non-flaky
Cons Mentioned
- Pricey
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Ceteareth-25, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Parfum/Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Argania Spinosa Oil/Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil/Sunflower Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Oil/Jojoba Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethyl Hexylglycerin, Hexyl Cinnamal, Methylisothiazolinone, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Coumarin, Linalool, Benzyl Alcohol, Citronellol, Geraniol, 2-Oleamido-1, 3-Octadecanediol, 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 Edge Control
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
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
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Sodium laureth sulfate, derived from ethoxylated lauryl alcohol, is a surfactant used in sudsy products like toothpaste, detergents, and shampoos. While it acts as a cleansing and emulsifying agent, it can sometimes contain toxic impurities such as 1,4-dioxane. This chemical has raised health concerns due to its potential to cause skin, lung, and eye irritation, organ toxicity, and, primarily because of contamination by 1,4 dioxane, cancer.
Sources:
The Dirty Dozen: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, 15 Toxic Trespassers, SKIP PRODUCTS MADE WITH SLES (AND SLS, TOO!), Campaign for Safe Costmetics: 1,4-DIOXANE, WHAT IS SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE: CHEMICAL FREE LIVING, A new formula for a mild body cleanser: sodium laureth sulphate supplemented with sodium laureth carboxylate and lauryl glucoside,
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is recognised as a skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant according to ICSC. It may cause allergic reactions and eye irritation as stated by the HSDB. Exposure may even result in eye burns, as per CAMEO. Depending on its form - which may range from a solid (90-98% purity), to a paste (30-41%), or an aqueous solution (28-50%) - it can significantly irritate skin and eyes, with adverse effects escalating with increased concentration. Despite these hazards, it is not a skin sensitizer according to CHEMINFO, while eChemPortal: ERMA and MSDSonline endorse its classification as an irritant.
Triclosan
Triclosan is a synthetic pesticide with antibacterial properties commonly added to detergents, soaps, and various personal care products such as deodorants and toothpastes. Although it lacks the ability to combat viruses causing colds and flus, it's used in products like body washes, disinfectants, and some toothpastes to resist bacterial growth. In 2016, the FDA limited its use in antibacterial soaps, but the compound is still permitted in other products. The European Union prohibited its presence in food-contact items in 2010. Exposure to triclosan has been associated with hormone disruption, increased breast cancer risk, liver damage, and the development of resistant super-germs.
Sources:
Triclosan Exposure, Transformation, and Human Health Effects, Are antibacterial products with triclosan fueling bacterial resistance?, Antimicrobial agents, triclosan, chloroxylenol, methylisothiazolinone and borax, used in cleaning had genotoxic and histopathologic effects on rainbow trout, The Effects of Triclosan on Puberty and Thyroid Hormones in Male Wistar Rats, Triclosan is a potent inhibitor of estradiol and estrone sulfonation in sheep placenta, The in Vitro estrogenic activities of triclosan and triclocarban, Antibacterial Soap? You Can Skip It, Use Plain Soap and Water, Environmental Exposure of Aquatic and Terrestrial Biota to Triclosan and Triclocarban, Triclosan: Environmental Fate and Effects, Chemical Profile: Triclosan / Triclocarban, 5 Things to Know About Triclosan, Underarm Harm? Whats So Bad About Antiperspirants?, Some flame retardants and the antimicrobials triclosan and triclocarban enhance the androgenic activity in vitro, Triclocarban Enhances Testosterone Action: A New Type of Endocrine Disruptor?, Triclosan, a commonly used bactericide found in human milk and in the aquatic environment in Sweden
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:
Triethanolamine
Triethanolamine appears to cause occupational asthma and allergic contact dermatitis in machinists and photographers, as well as liver and kidney damage in animals with high-dose feeding. It's noted to be an irritant to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, with potential to cause skin sensitization, though the rate of skin sensitization in humans is low. Triethanolamine has low acute toxicity, with median oral LD50 values of 4,190-11,260 mg/kg in rats and 5,300-8,000 mg/kg in guinea pigs, and a median dermal LD50 greater than 2,000 mg/kg in rabbits. Triethanolamine is not carcinogenic, developmental toxicant, or toxic to the reproductive system. However, chronic exposure may lead to liver and kidney damage.
Sources:
Safety assessment of triethanolamine and triethanolamine-containing ingredients as used in cosmetics, Toxicology of mono-, di-, and triethanolamine, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Ethanolamine Compounds (MEA, DEA, TEA And Others), The Dirty Dozen: DEA-related ingredients, Chemical Profile, Special Chem, Safety assessment of triethanolamine and triethanolamine-containing ingredients as used in cosmetics
Diethanolamine
Diethanolamine is a chemical found in various consumer products like shampoos, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Acute exposure in humans can result in irritation of the nose, throat, and skin. However, no detailed data is available on its chronic, reproductive, developmental or carcinogenic effects on humans. Studies on animals reveal that acute oral exposure can influence the liver, blood, kidney, and central nervous system, while dermal exposure has been connected with an increased incidence of liver and kidney tumors in mice. Production of first-degree burns, skin irritation, occupational asthma, kidney, and liver injury risk, and potential skin sensitization are some other adverse effects associated with diethanolamine.
Sources:
Chemical Safety Facts: Ethanolamines, NTP Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Diethanolamine, California Environmental Protection Agency: Diethanolamine , International Agency for Research on Cancer: Diethanolamine, Initial List of Hazardous Air Pollutants with Modifications, What is the Toxics Release Inventory?, OPINION CONCERNING DIALKYL- AND DIALKANOLAMINES AND THEIR SALTS IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS, Ethanolamine Compounds (MEA, DEA, TEA And Others), WHAT ARE ETHANOLAMINE COMPOUNDS (DEA, MEA, OR TEA): CHEMICAL FREE LIVING, The Dirty Dozen: DEA-related ingredients, FDA: Diethanolamine, Chemical Profile: Diethanolamine ,
Phenoxyethanol
2-Phenoxyethanol is a hazardous substance toxic by all routes of exposure, and is used widely in products like cosmetics, soaps, and inks, among others. The effects of exposure to this faintly aromatic, colorless, oily liquid can include eye irritation, headaches, tremors, and CNS depression. It's crucial to rinse exposed eyes with tepid water for at least 15 minutes and to wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water in case of contact. The substance requires preheating before ignition can occur, and if involved in a fire, gentle water spray can extinguish the fire by inducing frothing.
Methylisothiazolinone
Methylisothiazolinone can reportedly cause allergic contact dermatitis in workers who interact with products containing it. This substance is recognized as a contact allergen for consumers using cosmetics that include it. It can cause skin burns and sensitization, and inhaling it may lead to corrosive injuries in the upper respiratory tract and lungs. Ingesting this substance is harmful, and inhalation is toxic. This preservative is linked to the category of isothiazolinones.
Sources:
Antimicrobial agents, triclosan, chloroxylenol, methylisothiazolinone and borax, used in cleaning had genotoxic and histopathologic effects on rainbow trout, Methylisothiazolinone toxicity and inhibition of wound healing and regeneration in planaria, Methylchloroisothiazolinone and/or methylisothiazolinone in cosmetic products, Isothiazolinone Biocides: Chemistry, Biological, and Toxicity Profiles, Methylisothiazolinone and isothiazolinone allergy, Analysis of isothiazolinones in environmental waters by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, Methylisothiazolinone induces apoptotic cell death via matrix metalloproteinase activation in human bronchial epithelial cells, EU REGULATIONS , Methylisothiazolinone contact allergy: a review, Effects of methylisothiazolinone and octylisothiazolinone on development and thyroid endocrine system in zebrafish larvae, Two Cases of Chloromethylisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone-associated Toxic Lung Injury, An update of the risk assessment for methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) with focus on rinse-off products, Effects of a mixture of chloromethylisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone on peripheral airway dysfunction in children, Isothiazolinone preservative: cause of a continuing epidemic of cosmetic dermatitis, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol has been shown to cause narcosis in animals during acute studies, as cited by ACGIH. However, according to research by Zimmerman, it is not hepatotoxic in either experimental animal studies or in human exposures. It's known to be a skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant, and if inhaled in high concentrations, it can cause CNS depression, as indicated by the ICSC.
Octinoxate
Octinoxate, commonly found in various cosmetic and personal care products such as hair color products, sunscreen, lipstick, and skin creams, is an endocrine disruptor that mimics estrogen and can affect thyroid function. It has been detected in human urine, blood, and breast milk, indicating systemic exposure. Octinoxate's potential health concerns include its impact on cell proliferation in response to estrogen exposure, disruptions in thyroid hormones, alterations in reproductive systems, and adverse effects on the development of male and female fetuses, as well as their offspring.
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