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Best Non-Toxic Eye Cream 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 eye cream 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.
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Find Non-Toxic Eye Cream
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.
Berry Bright Firming Vitamin C Eye Cream - Kora Organics
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$45.00
Product Details
- Certified Organic eye cream designed to illuminate and provide nutrients to the skin around the eyes.
- Contains a 5.5% active blend of stabilized Vitamin C to minimize puffiness and fine lines.
- Formulated with antioxidants from Certified Organic Kangaroo Paw Flower, Kakadu Plum, Cloudberry, Red Ginseng, and Quinoa.
- Enhances skin's hydration and overall glow.
- Application involves gently massaging a small amount around the eye area using the ring finger.
- Features refillable glass jars to reduce waste by recycling the empty pod.
- Products are cruelty-free, vegan, and free from artificial fragrances or colors.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Hydrating
- Moisturizing
- Refillable
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: Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice*, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Seed Oil*, Glycerin, Balanites Roxburghii Seed Oil*, Cetearyl Alcohol, Water/Aqua/Eau, Coconut Alkanes, Lactobacillus Ferment, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Propanediol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Lactobacillus, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Potassium Sorbate, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Sclerotium Gum, Rubus Chamaemorus Fruit Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract*, Sodium Phytate, Anigozanthos Flavidus Extract*, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Hydroxide, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn) Fruit Oil*, Tocopherol, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, 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.
Miracle Tea Complete Eye Creme - Juara
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$61.00
Product Details
- Boosts radiance and nourishes the skin around the eyes.
- Hydrates and improves elasticity of the eye contour area.
- Minimizes the appearance of fine lines, reduces dark circles, and puffiness.
- Formulated with fermented sweet black tea to smooth fine lines and signs of aging.
- Contains powerful herbs and essential oils to reduce puffiness, hydrate, soften, and protect sensitive skin.
- Includes antioxidant-rich minerals to enhance skin firmness and even out complexion.
- Fragrance-free and non-oily, suitable for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers.
- Designed for use under concealer and makeup with application recommended morning and night.
- Packaged in an airless pump bottle to preserve integrity, reduce contamination risk, and minimize waste.
- Features ingredients from Indonesian herbal medicine practice, Jamu, including turmeric, candlenut, and other botanicals.
- Made in the USA with high quality, custom formulated raw materials.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
Cons Mentioned
- Malfunctioning
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, Candlenut (Aleurites Moluccana) Oil, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Cetearyl Olivate, Shea (Butyrospermum Parkii) Butter, Stearyl Alcohol, Rice Bran (Oryza Sativa) Oil, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Avocado (Persea Gratissima) Oil, Phytosterols, Olive (Olea Europaea) Fruit Oil, Illipe (Shorea Stenoptera) Seed Butter, Aamla (Phyllanthus Emblica) Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tetrahydrocurcuminoids, Ferulic Acid, Di-Potassium Glycyrrhizinate, Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) Leaf Extract, Plankton Extract, Brown Algae (Ascophyllum Nodosum) Extract, Red Algae (Asparagopsis Armata) Extract, Golden Chamomile (Chrysanthellum Indicum) Extract, Saccharomyces/Xylinum Black Tea Ferment, Five Flavor Berry (Schizandra Chinensis) Fruit Extract, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Sorbitan Oleate, Tocopherol, Butylene Glycol, Bismuth Oxychloride, Maltodextrin, Glycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Citric Acid, Sodium Levulinate, Potassium Sorbate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Phytate
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.
Oceanly Eye Cream Bar - Attitude
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$21.70
Product Details
- Gentle unscented solid formula designed to not irritate the delicate skin around the eyes.
- Enriched with naturally sourced ingredients such as phytoglycogen, ecklonia cava extract, and peptides.
- EWG verified formula contains no ingredients of concern according to Environmental Working Group standards.
- Product is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and made with revitalizing elements.
- Packaging is plastic-free, FSC-certified, and biodegradable.
- Phytoglycogen helps to reduce signs of aging, while ecklonia cava provides antioxidant properties.
- Peptides aid in rebuilding the skin’s moisture barrier for improved skin health.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Eco-friendly
- Great-value
Cons Mentioned
- Allergenic
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Undecane, Jojoba Esters, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Tridecane, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Aqua / Water / Eau, Behenyl Behenate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax, Polyglycerin-3, Sucrose Laurate, Sucrose Stearate, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Propanediol, Glycogen, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Nasturtium Officinale (Watercress) Extract, Ecklonia Cava Extract, Rice Amino Acids, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate, Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Extract, Proline
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.
Radically Rejuvenating Eye Cream - Acure
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$19.99
Product Details
- Fights aging signs by deeply hydrating and minimizing fine lines with CoQ10 and Edelweiss Extract.
- Provides deep nourishment with naturally derived age-defying botanicals and antioxidants.
- Enhances skin's moisture barrier to prevent under-eye dryness.
- Safe for sensitive skin with 91% allergen-free ingredients, and free of gluten, nickel, and common allergy-causing preservatives.
- 100% vegan and cruelty-free, supporting ethical beauty practices without animal testing or animal-derived ingredients.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Hydrating
- Moisturizing
- Soothing
Cons Mentioned
- Packaging
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: Chlorella + Edelweiss 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.
Countertime Ultra Renewal Eye Cream - Beautycounter
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$84.99
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Loved
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, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Coco-Caprylate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Isoamyl Laurate, Squalane, Coconut Alkanes, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Behenyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate, Bakuchiol, Rhododendron Ferrugineum Extract, Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract, Darutoside, Phytic Acid, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Pullulan, Lecithin, Lysolecithin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Silica, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Potassium Sorbate, 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.
Deep Hydration Eye Cream for All Skin Types - Honest Beauty
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$13.99
Product Details
- New packaging, identical formula
- Deeply hydrating eye cream that plumps, moisturizes, and hydrates
- EWG Certified & Dermatologist Tested
- Hypoallergenic and cruelty-free
- Packaging made from 100% tree-free paper
- Contains Hyaluronic Acid, Chamomile, Calendula, Barbary Fig, and Baobob Fruit
- Free from Parabens, Phthalates, PEGs, Dyes, Mineral Oil, and Synthetic Fragrances
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizing
- Non-irritating
- Affordable
Cons Mentioned
- Wasteful
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), Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Jojoba Esters, Cetyl Alcohol, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Glyceryl Stearate, Undecane, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Strelitzia Nicolai Seed Aril Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Cellulose Gum, Tridecane, Tocopherol, Sodium Phytate, Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Gluconolactone, Sodium Benzoate, Calcium Gluconate, Dictyopteris Polypodioides Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Gellan Gum, Cetearyl Glucoside, Arachidyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Ribose, Allantoin, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzyl 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.
Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream - 100% Pure
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$22.95
Product Details
- Contains three types of natural caffeine to boost circulation, collagen production, and provide antioxidant protection.
- Includes firms and stimulating ingredients to reduce puffiness and under-eye bags.
- Features rosehip oil, vitamin E, and vitamin C to combat aging by nourishing the skin and boosting collagen.
- Provides instant hydration with aloe, vanilla, and other soothing herbs to enhance firmness and elasticity.
- Made with organic and natural ingredients, free from harsh chemicals, heavy metals, synthetic fragrances, or dyes.
- Vegan, gluten-free, and made in the USA without animal testing.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizing
- Soothing
- Lightweight
Cons Mentioned
- Overpowering
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 (Organic Aloe) Leaf Juice*, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water (Organic Rose Hydrosol)*, Rosa Canina Seed Extract (Rosehip Oil), Coffea Arabica (Organic Green Coffee) Seed Extract*, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Sodium Ascorbate (Vitamin C), Extracts of Coffea Arabica (Coffee Cherry) Seed, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf, Origanum Vulgare (Oregano) Leaf, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/Leaf, Hydrastis Canadensis (Goldenseal), Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla Absolute) Fruit, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera (Candelilla Wax)* 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.
Caffeine Eye Cream - The INKEY List
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$11.00
Product Details
- Instantly reduces puffiness, under-eye bags, and fine lines.
- Hydrating formula that leaves skin lightweight and refreshed.
- Smooths the appearance of fine lines, creating a perfect canvas for makeup application due to Matrixyl 3000 peptide.
- Combines caffeine and Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract to reduce eye fatigue and puffiness.
- Recommended usage: After cleansing, pat a small amount around the contour of the eye both morning and night.
- Designed to be followed with your preferred moisturizer.
- Emphasizes the importance of knowledge in making informed skincare decisions.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Hydrating
- Effective
- Affordable
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: Water (Aqua / Eau), Glycerin, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Jojoba Esters, Glyceryl Dibehenate, Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract, Squalane, Caffeine, Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax, Phospholipids, Tribehenin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract, Polysorbate 60, Disodium Edta, Glyceryl Behenate, Glycolipids, Butylene Glycol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterol, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Hyaluronic Acid, Carbomer, Darutoside, Polysorbate 20, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Phenoxyethanol
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 All Seeing Opulent Eye Crème - Living Libations
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$52.00
Product Details
- Effortlessly sinks into skin and is formulated to nourish the tender skin around the eyes.
- Contains moisturizing jojoba, tamanu, shea, borage, and avocado oils.
- Incorporates refreshing rosewater and aloe vera, along with nourishing essences.
- Beneficial for dry skin, fine lines, and wrinkles, adding an influx of moisture.
- Can be used under makeup or applied to the entire face.
- Made from natural, organic, and wildcrafted ingredients.
- Handmade in small batches with potential slight variations in color, consistency, and scent.
- Bottled in recyclable glass packaging.
- Free from parabens, sulfates, cruelty, gluten; vegan friendly.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Hydrating
- Lightweight
- Natural
Cons Mentioned
- Stinging
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 Vera (Aloe), Rose Hydrosol (Rosa Damascena), Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis), Tamanu (Calophyllum Inophyllum), Avocado (Persea Americana), Borage (Borago Officinalis), Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii), Orange Wax (Citrus Aurantium), Cape Chamomile (Eriocephalus Punctulatus), Blue Tansy (Tanacetum Annuum), Carrot Seed (Daucus Carota), Frankincense (Boswellia Carterii), Rose Otto (Rosa Damascena), Eyebright (Euphrasia Officinalis), Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia), Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis), Milky Oat Straw (Avena Sativa), Rosemary + Sage Extracts (Rosemarinus Officinalis + Salvia Officinalis)
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.
Radiant Rani Brightening Retinol Eye Crème - RANAVAT
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$105.00
Product Details
- Targets dark circles, fine lines, and puffiness using slow-release retinol for a brighter, youthful appearance.
- 88% of participants noticed a reduction in dark under-eye circles and 94% saw a decrease in fine lines and wrinkles over a 4-week clinical test.
- Features micro-encapsulated retinol that provides a potent yet non-irritating effect.
- Contains antioxidant-rich saffron to enhance luminosity and promote a refreshed under-eye area.
- Includes calming bakuchi seed to smooth fine lines and wrinkles while promoting a rested appearance.
- Apply a thin layer outward and upward toward the brow, beginning every other night and gradually increasing to daily use.
- Combines Ayurvedic inspiration with clinically-proven effectiveness, backed by modern science.
- Packaging is designed to be recyclable, balancing quality and environmental consideration.
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), Cetearyl Olivate, Psoralea Corylifolia (Bakuchi) Oil, Glycerin, Sorbitan Olivate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Niacinamide, Retinol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Bidens Pilosa Extract, Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Rubia Cordifolia (Manjistha) Extract, Crocus Sativus (Saffron) Flower Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera (Lotus) Flower Extract, Brassica Nigra (Black Mustard) Seed Extract, Prunus Cerasoides Extract, Inula Racemosa Root Extract, Ficus Benghalensis Bark/ Bud Extract, Berberis Aristata Root Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Extract, Symplocos Racemosa Bark Extract, Mesua Ferrea Flower Extract, Butea Monosperma Flower Extract, Callicarpa Macrophylla Vahl Extract, Cyperus Rotundus Root Extract, Cinnamomum Tamala (Indian Bay Leaf) Bark Extract, Rosa Centifolia (Rose) Flower Extract, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopherol, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Polyurethane Crosspolymer-1, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Methylpropanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenylpropanol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sodium Benzoate
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 Eye Cream
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
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.
Oxybenzone
2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (Benzophenone-3; BP-3) is a compound used as a UV absorber and stabilizer in plastics, paints, and sunscreens. Human studies have found photosensitivity to it, while non-human animal studies have found that high concentrations contribute to changes in liver weight and disruptions to reproductive parameters in mice and rats. It is identified as an endocrine-disrupting chemical and can affect the behavior of certain fish species. Despite this, it did not induce gene mutations in tests with the bacterium Salmonella typhimurium.
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.
Toluene
Toluene is a clear, colorless liquid that naturally occurs in crude oil and the tolu tree. It's prominent in the production of gasoline, coke from coal, and various consumer products like paints, adhesives, and nail polish. Toluene is even added to gasoline, used to create benzene, and acts as a solvent. However, exposure to toluene, especially from inhalation, can have serious health effects. It primarily targets the central nervous system, inducing symptoms like fatigue, nausea, headaches, and in chronic cases, can cause severe dysfunction. Exposure has also been linked to developmental effects in children, but there isn't enough evidence to conclude its carcinogenic potential. Abuse of toluene can cause permanent brain damage, liver injury, and even potential birth defects or increased risk of spontaneous abortions in pregnant women. Despite these risks, cognitive deficits from toluene exposure below a threshold limit value (TLV) of 50 ppm remain extremely low.
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
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.
Retinol
Oral administration of high doses in adults causes ciricrhosis, hemorrhage, anorexia, jaundice, and dermatitis. The use of this substance is contraindicated in pregnancy at doses larger than the FDA recommend daily allowance. Ingesting 25,000 IU/d over a period of 2-3 weeks may result in toxicity, symptoms of which include liver injury and increased intracranial pressure, leading to blurred vision, headaches, and changes to mental status. The substance is also found to be an irritant and harmful if ingested, with teratogenic effects observed in experimental animals.
Benzophenone
Benzophenone (BZP) is a photoinitiator, fragrance enhancer, and ultraviolet stabilizer, used in a variety of industrial applications. Despite not being registered as a pesticide in the U.S., it's involved in the production of insecticides and agricultural chemicals. Its toxic effects on humans are scarcely documented, but it presents little hormonal activity on cell lines. Animal studies show it possesses no estrogenic activity, but it can transform into derivatives with such activity under UV irradiation. It did not show reproductive toxicity or carcinogenicity in rats and mice, respectively, even at high doses. It can be bioactivated through specific enzymes. For aquatic life, fathead minnow larvae were more sensitive to BZP, ranking it in the middle of the toxicity order of six benzene derivatives.
Sources:
Benzophenone & Related Compounds, Chemical Profile: Benzophenone, Toxicological evaluation of benzophenone, Benzophenone – information sheet, Proposition 65 Warnings: Benzophenone, OEHHA: Benzophenone, FDA Removes 7 Synthetic Flavoring Substances from Food Additives List, Benzophenone-3, a chemical UV-filter in cosmetics: is it really safe for children and pregnant women? ,
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 ,
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