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Best Non-Toxic Eyeliner in 2024
Updated:
Nov 18, 2024
Written by Camille May
Cofounder & Product Curator
+ 1 more
Medically reviewed by Olushola Awoyemi
PhD Environmental Toxicology
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What you should know when choosing non-toxic eyeliner 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 Eyeliner
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.
Clean Line Liquid Liner - Ilia
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$28.00
Product Details
- Cruelty-free, vegan, and gluten-free formulation.
- Classic black liquid liner with a flexible, finely pointed felt tip.
- Designed for creating both tight lines and bold cat eyes with lasting definition.
- Quick dry precision liner that is smudge-resistant and designed to stay put from day to night without feathering or running.
- Water-resistant composition.
- Made without carbon black.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Smooth
- Long-lasting
- Non-toxic
Cons Mentioned
- Dries
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, Charcoal Powder, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Diglycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Isostearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Pentylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin
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.
Clean Line Gel Liner - Ilia
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$26.00
Product Details
- Gel eyeliner with a soft tip that glides effortlessly and allows blending before setting for a difussed smoke-look or a bold, defined appearance.
- Features a built-in sharpener for convenience.
- Formulated to be cruelty-free, vegan, and free from gluten, carbon black, and cyclomethicone.
- Water-resistant and offers the precision of a gel with the ease of a pencil.
- Uses charcoal powder as a clean and safe alternative to carbon black for pigment.
- Designed to be airtight when closed to prevent the product from drying out.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Smooth
- Long-lasting
- Pigmented
Cons Mentioned
- Smudges
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: Dimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polyethylene, Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate, Polyisobutene, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Silica, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Trimethylpentanediol/Adipic Acid/Glycerin Crosspolymer, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Silica Silylate, Methicone, Glyceryl Caprylate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, CI 77499 (Iron Oxide), CI 77510 (Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide)
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 Vegan Eyeliner Pencil - Fitglow Beauty
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$24.00
Product Details
- Multiuse as both an eyeliner and a creamy eyeshadow
- Includes an angled buffing brush for easy blending
- Features a long-wearing, natural vegan formula
- Creamy texture glides smoothly for a tug-free application
- Can be used for subtle eyeliner look or blended for a soft eyeshadow effect
- Formulated with vegan, cruelty-free, organic, and natural ingredients
- Free from parabens and silicone
- Woman-owned company
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: Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Oil, *Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, *Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil (Cloudberry Seed Oil), *Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Silica, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Tocopherol, *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides
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.
Straight Line Eye Pencil - RMS Beauty
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$23.00
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Smooth
- Precise
- Blendable
Cons Mentioned
- Smudges
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: Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Mica, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Oil, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Candelilla Cera/Cire De Candelilla, Silica, Glyceryl Caprylate, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cera Carnauba/Cire De Carnauba, *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Tocopherol (Non-GMO), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)
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.
Fresh Lines Liquid Eyeliner - Well People
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$17.00
Product Details
- Water-resistant liquid eyeliner with superior staying power.
- Features a fine, felt brush tip for bold precision and perfect lines in one swipe.
- High-pigment, rich black color delivery.
- Infused with plant-based ingredients like Aloe and Rosemary to soothe the delicate eye area.
- Dermatologist-developed, vegan, and cruelty-free.
- Certified by PETA Cruelty Free and Leaping Bunny.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Smooth
- Dark
- Easy
Cons Mentioned
- Smudges
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: Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Rhus Verniciflica Peel Wax, Hydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides, Hydrogenated Coco Glycerides, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Cetyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Soy Lecithin, [+/-: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Ultramarines CI 77-7, CI 77013, Chromium Hydroxide Green CI 77289, Mica (CI 77019), Iron Oxides CI 77489, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499]
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 Jojoba Eye Pencil - Ere Perez
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$24.00
Product Details
- Smooth and soft eyeliner that can be sharpened for precision or blended for a smokey look.
- Contains a soothing formulation of oils including jojoba, which nourishes the skin and conditions lashes.
- Easy to handle and super blendable for a modern smudged look.
- Easy to sharpen and plastic-free.
- No to low irritation for sensitive eyes.
- Vegan and cruelty-free.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Natural
- Smooth
- Beautiful
Cons Mentioned
- Difficult
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: Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Coconut (Cocos Nucifera) Oil, C10-18 Triglycerides, Hydrogenated Vegetable (Olus) Oil, Mica, Carnauba (Copernicia Cerifera) Wax, Candelilla (Euphorbia Cerifera) Wax, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Oryzanol, Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Glyceryl Caprylate, May Contain +/- Iron Oxides, CI 77891
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.
Liquid Eyeliner - Zuzu Luxe
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$17.15
Product Details
- Features a fine calligraphy tip for precise application.
- Quick-drying and water-resistant formula.
- Formulated with Jojoba Oil to promote smooth application and hydrate skin.
- Free from gluten, parabens, coal tar derivatives, and animal by-products.
- 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
- Made in the USA using natural ingredients.
- High pigment concentration for consistent color.
- Includes beneficial ingredients like Eyebright extract and Vitamin E.
- Recommends gently shaking before application to ensure color consistency.
- Part of a comprehensive makeup line including eyeshadow, blush, and illuminator designed for a variety of skin tones.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Long-lasting
- Pigmented
- Easy
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: Aqua (Infusion Of Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice), Sorbitol, Cetyl Alcohol, Iron Oxides, Mica, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Bentonite, Bisabolol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Lecithin, Euphrasia Officinalis (Eyebright) Extract, Titanium Dioxide, Cellulose Gum, Hectorite, Potassium Sorbate
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 Eye Pencil - Alima Pure
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$26.00
Product Details
- Long-lasting pencil eyeliner enhanced with soothing natural oils, waxes, and Chamomile extract to protect the eye area.
- Glides on smoothly, blends easily, and provides all-day wear.
- Certified cruelty-free and vegan, with a Leaping Bunny certification.
- Formulated without nuts, gluten, fragrance, silicone, parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, phthalates, dimethicone, talc, bismuth oxychloride, and nanoparticles.
- Member of certified B Corporation, has been Carbon Neutral for 10 years, and donates 1% of annual sales revenue to environmental protection organizations.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Smooth
- Hypoallergenic
- Lasting
Cons Mentioned
- Smeary
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: Simmondsia Chinesis (Hydrogenated Jojoba) Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Gossypium Herbaceum (Hydrogenated Cottonseed) Oil, Mangnifera Indica (Mango) Seed Oil, Mica (CI 77019), Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Cera, Glyceryl Caprylate, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Cera, Macadamia Ternifolia (Macadamia) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Ascorbyl Palmitate, May Contain: CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491 (Iron Oxide-Red), CI 77492 (Iron Oxide-Yellow), CI 77499 (Iron Oxide-Black)
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.
Eye Liner - Lily Lolo
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$16.00
Product Details
- Long lasting and non-drying formula
- Vegan friendly
- Contains organic jojoba oil to regulate skin's oil and moisture content
- Includes shea butter for enhanced moisturization
- Formulated with canola oil for skin protection
- Enriched with vitamin E for anti-aging properties
- Made with natural ingredients
- Gluten-free
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Gentle
- Natural
- Durable
Cons Mentioned
- Splinters
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: Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Canola Oil, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Glyceryl Caprylate, Candelilla Cera, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate [May Contain Mica, Ci 77499 (Iron Oxide), Ci 77491 (Iron Oxide), Ci 77492 (Iron Oxide)]
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.
Eye Defining Pencil - Zuzu Luxe
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$15.20
Product Details
- Ultra-smooth, highly pigmented formula that enhances eye definition.
- Contains Jojoba Oil for smooth application and hydration benefits to the skin around the eyes.
- Product attributes include being natural, vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and manufactured in the USA.
- Free from parabens and coal tar derivatives, making it safe for all skin types.
- Key ingredients include Carnauba Wax, Candelilla Wax, Jojoba Seed Oil, and Sea Fennel Extract.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Non-toxic
- Pigmented
- Smooth
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: Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Crithmum Maritimum (Sea Fennel) Extract, Hectorite, Lecithin, Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide
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.
Eye Love You Eye Pencil - Westman Atelier
Highlights
Est. Price
$44.00
Product Details
- Crafted with ultra-clean ingredients gentle enough for the delicate eye area, including the waterline.
- Velvet-soft kôhl formula allows for easy application without skipping or dragging.
- Capable of creating a variety of eye looks, from dramatic definition to subtle smudging for a smokey effect.
- Sharpenable format for customized application.
- Smudge-friendly to achieve a smokey effect.
- Instructions include tracing the pencil along the upper lashes and waterline for natural definition or smudging for more dramatic effects.
- Tips for application longevity include applying into the lashes to avoid transfer and using translucent pressed powder on eyelids and brow bone to set the product.
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: Iron Oxides 77491/77492/77499, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Mica 77019, Canola Oil, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Glyceryl Caprylate, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Tocopherol
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 Eye Pencil - Inika
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$23.00
Product Details
- Soft, silky-rich texture that glides on seamlessly and provides intense color payoff.
- Crafted from natural plant-based ingredients and pure mineral pigments for even color application.
- Formulated with organic coconut oil for added softness and nourishment.
- Easy-glide formula designed for achieving dramatic looks with longwear capabilities.
- Cruelty-free, vegan, and made with organic and natural components.
- Rich, creamy consistency.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Organic
- Smooth
- Shimmery
Cons Mentioned
- Fleeting
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: Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, C10-18 Triglycerides, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera (Candelilla Wax), Mica, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Oryzanol, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Glyceryl Caprylate, Benzyl Alcohol, Iron Oxide (CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
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 Eyeliner
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
Butylated Hydroxyanisole
3-tert-Butyl-4-hydroxyanisole is a component of the food preservative Butylated Hydroxyanisole, used where Butylated hydroxytoluene is restricted. It serves as an oxidation inhibitor for human consumption. Despite lacking human studies, animal tests reveal no mutagenic activity. Its mutagenicity was evaluated using Salmonella typhimurium and Chinese hamster fibroblast cell line, with chromosomal aberrations induced only in the presence of the S9 mix.
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 ,
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas with a pungent smell that's naturally produced in small quantities in human bodies and is also known as methanal amongst other names. It's used in the production of various items such as fertilizers, paper, plywood, and urea-formaldehyde resins as well as in some foods and household products like antiseptics, medicines, and cosmetics. Exposure to formaldehyde, which can occur through breathing contaminated indoor air, tobacco smoke, or ambient urban air can lead to respiratory symptoms, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat and has been linked to lung and nasopharyngeal cancer as well as leukemia. The EPA considers formaldehyde a probable human carcinogen (Group B1) and inhaling it can cause bronchospasm and pulmonary edema. Commercially, it's sold as formalin in solutions of 37%, 44%, or 50% and long-term exposure can cause first-degree burns, skin sensitization, squamous cell nasal cancer, and chronic pulmonary obstruction.
Sources:
Formaldehyde and Cancer Risk, Cleaning Products & Indoor Air Quality, No More Toxic Tub, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Preservatives, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Formaldehyde And Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives, Formaldehyde may be found in cosmetic products even when unlabelled, Formaldehyde Found in Popular American Beauty Products, Hair Salons - Formaldehyde in Your Products, Formaldehyde in cosmetic products
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.
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
Talc
Talc, a naturally occurring mineral, is commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products for its moisture-absorbing, smoothing, and anti-caking properties. It is also utilized in food products and animal feed. However, some talc may be contaminated with asbestos fibers, which are linked to cancer. This contamination occurs due to the proximity of talc deposits to asbestos mining sites. Health concerns associated with talc include irritation, cancer risks, and potential organ system toxicity.
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