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Best Non-Toxic Eye Drops 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 drops 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 Drops
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.
Retaine MGD Ophthalmic Emulsion - Ocusoft
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$19.70
Product Details
- Preservative-free ophthalmic emulsion designed specifically for moderate to severe dry eyes.
- Moisturizes, lubricates, and protects the ocular surface.
- Utilizes Nova orb, a proprietary cationic oil emulsion technology, to deliver ingredients effectively through electrostatic attraction between positively charged droplets and the negatively charged ocular surface.
- Provides long-lasting dry eye relief.
- Hypotonicity of the emulsion helps add moisture by reducing the salt concentration in tears.
- Lipid component aids in lubricating and protecting the eye's surface.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizing
- Lubricating
- Soothing
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: Light Mineral Oil (0.5%), Mineral Oil (0.5%)
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.
Optive Advanced Lubricant Eye Drops - Refresh
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$14.97
Product Details
- Preservative-free triple-action relief drop
- Lubricates and hydrates dry, burning, irritated eyes
- Helps prevent tears from evaporating
- Hydrocell technology enables hydration and maintains the volume of cells on the eye's surface
- Recommended for sensitive eyes
- On-the-go single-use vials
- The #1 selling brand in preservative-free artificial tears as per the 2021 REFRESH ECP Recommendation Survey by Ipsos Healthcare
- Clinically proven to lubricate for moisturizing dry eye relief, hydrate the eye surface cells, and protect natural tears with a lipid-enhanced drop
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Lubricating
- Convenient
- Moisturizing
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: Active Ingredients: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium 0.5%, Glycerin 1%, And Polysorbate 80 0.5%. Inactive Ingredients: Boric Acid; Carbomer Copolymer Type A; Castor Oil; Erythritol; Levocarnitine; Purified Water; And 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.
TEARS Plus Lubricant Eye Drops Relief for Dry Eyes - Oasis
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$41.84
Product Details
- Recommended for the relief of moderate to severe dry eye symptoms.
- Suitable for both day or night time use.
- Preservative-free formula.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Soothing
- Lubricating
- Preservative-free
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: Active Ingredients: Glycerin (0.22%) Inactive Ingredients: Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Phosphate Dibasic, Sodium Phosphate Monobasic, Water
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Optive Gel Drops Lubricant Eye Gel - Refresh
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$14.99
Product Details
- Extended relief plus protection for dry, irritated eyes.
- Comprehensive gel formula offers anytime relief, day or night.
- Feels like a drop but works like a gel for lasting comfort.
- Features Hydrocell technology to enable hydration and maintain the volume of cells on the eye's surface.
- Doctor recommended, part of the REFRESH Family of Products with over 30 years of experience.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Lubricating
- Soothing
- Quality
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: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium (1%) Eye Lubricant, Glycerin (.9%) Eye Lubricant
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.
Preservative Free Eye Drops - Rain
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$69.95
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Soothing
- Preservative-Free
- Moisturizing
Cons Mentioned
- Hard
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: Calcium Chloride, Hydrochloric Acid, Magnesium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Purified Water, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Lactate
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.
Lid and Lash Cleanser Spray - Heyedrate
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$25.25
Product Details
- Deep cleansing action designed to penetrate eyelids and lashes, removing dirt, oil, and bacteria.
- Contains 0.015% Hypochlorous Acid, Electrolyzed Water, and Sodium Chloride for a pure and soothing experience.
- Gentle formula that is effective in cleaning, free from alcohol, fragrance, parabens, sulfates, and preservatives.
- Convenient pump bottle for easy application with a cotton pad.
- Supports vision health through a charitable program, donating profits to eye care for those in need.
- Suitable for all ages and can be used on any skin part of the body.
- Designed to alleviate symptoms such as itchy, irritated eyes and other skin irritations.
- Compliant with being manufactured without the use of harsh chemicals or bleach.
- All products in the Heyedrate line are manufactured in the USA.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Comforting
- Effective
- Refreshing
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: Hypochlorous Acid, Electrolyzed Water, Sodium Chloride
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.
Manuka Dry Eye Drops - Optimel
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$23.00
Product Details
- Made with glycerine and pharmaceutical grade Manuka+ honey to restore eye comfort and stabilize surface health of the eye.
- Active hydrating agents help quickly reduce debris buildup on the eyelid margin, easing discomfort and inflammation.
- Designed to temporarily alleviate mild to moderate symptoms such as soreness, irritation, and redness in eyes and eyelids.
- Initial use may cause stinging and redness.
- Natural Manuka+ honey used in the drops is traceable to the individual bee-keepers and forest location in Australia and New Zealand.
- Optimel promises to replace or refund purchases if customers are unsatisfied with the outcome, acknowledging that results may vary per individual.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Hydrating
- Effective
- Relieving
Cons Mentioned
- Burning
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: Glycerin 0.2%, Inactive: Honey (Leptospermum Spp.), Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, 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 Eye Drops
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
Benzethonium Chloride
Benzalkonium chloride, when used as a spermaticide, can cause vaginal irritation. A fatal dose by ingestion is 1-3 grams, with symptoms including vomiting, convulsions, and coma. It is corrosive to eyes, a skin irritant, and can cause allergic contact dermatitis, methemoglobinemia and hemolysis. It has a potential to kill within 1-3 hours if concentrated solutions are ingested. Despite the threat it poses, there are no data on its carcinogenicity or teratogenicity and it doesn't interfere with embryo development in rats.
Cetrimonium Bromide
Cetrimonium Bromide is a versatile substance utilized in various products, including topical anti-bacterial and anti-fungal preparations, cosmetics, hair care, throat lozenges, antiseptic gels, and vaccine production. It serves as a surfactant and emulsifier and typically requires skin contact to cause a rash. Its applications range from skincare and haircare products to throat lozenges and vaccine production.
Polyquaternium
Polyquaternium, modified polymers through quaternization are known for skin toxicity and allergenicity. Prolonged exposure, especially for hairdressers and janitors, may pose risks. It's found in various products, including hair conditioners, creams, and household cleaning items. Concerns include skin irritation, formaldehyde release, and contact dermatitis. Regulations in the EU limit Quaternium-15 to 0.2% in cosmetics, while the US lacks specific regulations.
Chlorhexidine
Chlorhexidine, in its various forms, is primarily used in disinfectants, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products in the U.S. Chlorhexidine acetate is acutely toxic when applied to the eye and can cause skin reactions, with some instances resulting in severe reactions such as anaphylactic shock. It can also cause discoloration of teeth and damage to the knees. Occupational exposure can lead to asthma in health care workers. Animal studies have shown ocular irritation in rabbits, and while there are mixed results in bacterial mutagenic studies, no carcinogenic effects were noted in long-term studies.
Sodium Borate
Sodium borate, a toxic white powder, is used in various products ranging from cleaning agents and personal care items to children's toys for pH adjustment. Commonly known as borax, it's found in cleaners, detergents, air fresheners, diaper creams, and some toys like playdough. Although often considered a "green" component, sodium borate can lead to organ system toxicity, fertility issues, harm to an unborn child, endocrine disruption, skin allergies, eye and respiratory irritation, and damage to the male reproductive system. Canada has imposed restrictions on its use in cosmetics.
Sources:
Assessment of consumer exposure to boron in cleaning products: a case study of Canada, Watch Out For Borax, Borax: Not the green alternative it's cracked up to be, Antimicrobial agents, triclosan, chloroxylenol, methylisothiazolinone and borax, used in cleaning had genotoxic and histopathologic effects on rainbow trout ,
Ethylene Glycol
Ethylene glycol is a synthetic, odorless liquid with a sweet taste and water absorption properties. It is commonly used in antifreeze and de-icing solutions for vehicles, hydraulic brake fluids, and certain inks. Although lethal in large ingested quantities, leading to central nervous system depression, cardiopulmonary effects, and renal damage, exposure to low levels can cause minor throat and upper respiratory tract irritation. Chronic exposure in animals has demonstrated kidney toxicity and liver effects. Despite its potential toxicity, ethylene glycol poisoning is unlikely through skin contact and inhalation at room temperature due to its low volatility, though caution should be taken if the liquid is heated or sprayed.
Benzalkonium Chloride
Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) is an organic salt known for its robust antimicrobial properties, effective against various bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It is frequently employed in healthcare settings like hospitals for disinfecting instruments and surfaces. Additionally, BAC is present in many consumer items, including hand sanitizers, wipes, eye solutions, nasal sprays, and personal care products such as soaps and shampoos. Although typically safe when used as instructed, BAC can lead to skin and eye irritation, particularly at elevated concentrations.
Sources:
Ecological Risk Analysis for Benzalkonium Chloride, Benzethonium Chloride, and Chloroxylenol in US Disinfecting and Sanitizing Products, Evaluation of pulmonary toxicity of benzalkonium chloride and triethylene glycol mixtures using in vitro and in vivo systems, Quaternary Ammonium Compounds in Cleaning Products, Impact of benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride and chloroxylenol on bacterial antimicrobial resistance, Benzalkonium Chloride, SpecialChem: benzalkonium-chloride, Impact of benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride and chloroxylenol on bacterial antimicrobial resistance
Quaternium-15
Quaternium-15 is a preservative commonly used in cosmetics which is known to significantly contribute to allergic contact dermatitis in users. This condition has been reported in various professions, including hairdressers, machine maintenance engineers at a chicken processing plant, and photocopy workers. Notably, Quaternium-15, as a formaldehyde releaser, increases dermatitis risk. However, rinse-off products typically pose a lower risk of resulting in allergic contact dermatitis.
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