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Best Non-Toxic Feminine Wash in 2024
Written by Camille May
Cofounder & Product Curator
Medically reviewed by Olushola Awoyemi
PhD Environmental Toxicology
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What you should know when choosing non-toxic feminine wash 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 Feminine Wash
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.
Ultra Sensitive Foaming Feminine Wash - Good Clean Love
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$9.99
Product Details
- Gynecologist-recommended for daily use.
- Made with natural ingredients, free of petrochemicals, parabens, and synthetic fragrances.
- pH-balanced to mimic body’s natural chemistry.
- Formulated with calming and soothing botanical extracts like calendula, cucumber, and snow mushroom.
- Helps maintain a natural pH balance and proper moisture levels.
- Designed to reduce abnormal odor while providing gentle cleansing.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Gentle
- Cleansing
- Unscented
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: Purified Water, Cocoamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Lactic Acid
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.
Feminine Wash - Rael
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$17.96
Product Details
- COSMOS Certified Natural with 98.22% natural origin ingredients
- Formulated to maintain pH levels to alleviate odor and irritation
- Features an easy pump applicator for dispensing light, foaming wash
- Free from BPA, parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrances, dyes, alcohols, and animal-derived ingredients
- Dermatologist tested and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
- Vegan and cruelty-free certification
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Gentle
- Cleansing
- Fresh
Cons Mentioned
- Drying
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: Purified Water (Aqua), Coco-Betaine, Glycerin, Decyl Glucoside, P-Anisic Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate, Levulinic Acid, Sodium Levulinate
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.
Feminine Wash for Women - Love Wellness
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$14.99
Product Details
- Gently cleanses the vulva without disrupting natural flora and pH levels.
- Formulated to match the acidic pH levels needed for sensitive skin, ensuring safety and effectiveness.
- Contains aloe vera and calendula, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.
- Free from parabens, sulfates, and fragrances; also vegan and cruelty-free.
- Designed for daily use in the shower or bath, easily applied and rinsed off.
- Product lasts up to 2 years unopened and is recommended to use within 2 months once opened.
- Consultation with a doctor recommended before use during or after pregnancy.
- Part of a broader range of wellness products from Love Wellness, focusing on gut, brain, and vaginal health.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Gentle
- Effective
- Fresh
Cons Mentioned
- Small
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, Disodium/Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Decyl Glucoside, Citric Acid, Chondrus Crispus Extract (Carrageenan), Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Gluconolactone, Xanthan Gum, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Acacia Senegal 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.
Foaming Feminine Wash - Aleva Naturals
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$9.99
Product Details
- pH balanced formulation specifically designed for external vaginal areas
- Contains Organic Witch Hazel and Natural Tea Tree Oil to cleanse and refresh intimate areas
- Dermatologist and Gynecologist tested and suitable for daily use
- Self-foaming with a pump, gentle for use during sensitive times such as pre and post natal or menstrual cycles
- Free of dyes, perfumes, parabens, and foaming agents to ensure suitability for sensitive skin
- Made with natural and organic ingredients
- Formulated by a pharmacist, naturopath, and herbalist for therapeutic results
- Part of a comprehensive range of plant-based, certified vegan, and cruelty-free products
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Gentle
- Refreshing
- Effective
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 (Water), Glycerin, Cocoamidopropyl Betain, Witch Hazel, Decyl Poly Glucose, Aloe Barbadensis* (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Butyrospermum Parkii* (Shea Butter) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea* (Olive) Fruit Oil, Tocopherol Acetate, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Melaleuca Alternafolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Propanediol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Xanthan Gum *Certifed 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.
WASH - zerotaboos
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$19.00
Product Details
- Noticeable decrease in body odor after 10-12 days of continuous use.
- Beneficial bacteria suppress odor-causing bacteria and support a healthy skin microbiome.
- Safe and gentle pH-balanced formula suitable for everyday use and sensitive skin.
- Free from sulfates, parabens, fragrances, essential oils, and herbal extracts.
- Supports skin's native bacteria that produce lactic acid leading to balanced pH levels.
- Uses novel amino-acid-based surfactants to clean without stripping skin of natural elements.
- Suitable for use by both men and women.
- Reinforces healthy skin flora with prebiotics (food for good bacteria) and postbiotics (peptides produced by good bacteria).
- Maintains skin neutrality with a pH similar to water (6.5-7).
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Non-irritating
- Long-lasting
- Gentle
Cons Mentioned
- Causes
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, Disodium Lauroamphoacetate, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine (Amino-acid-based Cleansers), Propanediol (Moisturizer Derived From Corn), Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Lactobacillus, Coconut Fruit Extract (Microbome-friendly Preservative), Alpha-glucan Oligosaccharide, Inulin (Prebiotics), Lauric Acid (Coconut-derived Thickener), Citric Acid (Ph Regulator), Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Phytate (Food-grade Preservative Boosters)
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.
Sensitive Wash - The Honey Pot Company
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$14.99
Product Details
- Supports intimate skin health by balancing pH, boosting moisture, and soothing the skin.
- Formulated with plant-derived and herbal ingredients such as lavender, organic apple cider vinegar, and lactic acid.
- Lavender helps soothe and calm the skin.
- Organic apple cider vinegar maintains a healthy pH level.
- Lactic acid provides gentle moisturizing properties, promoting a balanced pH range of 3.5 to 4.5.
- Free from added parabens, dioxides, and sulfates.
- Incorporates a preservative system featuring phenoxyethanol for antimicrobial properties, sodium benzoate to support pH balance, and propylene glycol as a humectant to aid moisture retention.
- Dermatologist-approved, hypoallergenic, and safe for sensitive skin.
- Clinically tested to minimize odor, cleanse, hydrate, and refresh.
- Developed by Bea Dixon following a vision to create science-backed, herbal-infused feminine care products.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Gentle
- Soothing
- Fresh
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, Potassium Cocoate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Acetic Acid (Apple Cider Vinegar), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Water, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Water, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root Extract, Asparagus Racemosus (Shatavari) Root Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Propanediol, Allium Sativum (Garlic) Bulb Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Hydrogen Peroxide
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.
Intimate Refreshing Cleanser With Postbiotics - Lady Suite
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$18.00
Product Details
- Formulated with probiotic-derived bioactives to combat unwanted skin odor, itchiness, and discomfort while supporting a healthy pH balance.
- Features a light citrus scent derived from naturally soothing fruit extracts without the use of artificial fragrances.
- Maintains a healthy vaginal pH of 4.0 for optimal intimate health.
- Free from parabens, phthalates, GMOs, petroleum, silicones, sulfates, carcinogens, soy, artificial colorants, and fragrances.
- Dermatologist-tested, gluten-free, vegan, and not tested on animals.
- Helps manage residue from daily activities such as sweat, humidity, menstrual periods, and sexual activity.
- Includes botanical extracts that cleanse, calm, and offer a naturally fresh aroma.
- Contains rose quartz powder which gently exfoliates and symbolizes self-love.
- Supports intimate skin pre/post-shaving, waxing, sugaring, or laser treatments by preventing ingrowns, razor bumps, folliculitis, and soothing irritation.
- Effectively supports dry or irritated intimate skin, ideal for post-partum, perimenopause, and menopause stages.
- Designed to cater to needs like pH imbalances, grooming support, skin sensitivity, and discomfort across all ages and stages of life.
- Formulated for conscious consumers, using natural and organic ingredients free of toxins or endocrine disruptors.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Gentle
- Refreshing
- Natural
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: Aqua/Water/Eau, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Lauryl Betaine, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl 3-Polyricinoleate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Caproyl/Lauroyl Lactylate, Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Sclerotium Gum, Quartz, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Extract, Ethyl Macadamiate, Panax Ginseng Extract, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Rosa Canina (Rose Hip) Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Anisate, Lactic Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate (*Indicates 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.
Vaginal Care Wash - Kolorex
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$18.22
Product Details
- Gentle herbal formulation
- For everyday use on sensitive skin
- Helps restore and support skin to feel healthy
- Certified natural
- Dermatologically approved
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Gentle
- Fresh
- Natural
Cons Mentioned
- Ineffective
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate (Corn And Coconut Derived), Coco Glucoside (Coconut And Fruit Sugar Derived), Sodium Magnesium Silicate (Silicate Clay), Vegetable Glycerine, Dehydroacetic Acid And Benzyl Alcohol, Lactic Acid, Kolorex Horopito (Pseudowintera Colorata) Leaf Extract And Olive (Olea Europaea) Oil, Xanthan Gum, Lemon Tea Tree (Leptospermum Petersonii) Leaf Oil, Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia) Leaf Oil, Aloe Vera (Aloe)
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.
Cleansing Wash - Lola
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$8.99
Product Details
- Formulated specifically for delicate vulvar skin.
- Helps maintain a healthy pH balance.
- Free from synthetic fragrances, additives, and harsh chemicals.
- Gynecologist-approved and hypoallergenic.
- Made with high-quality, clean ingredients.
- Free from toxins or dyes.
- Manufactured by a company specialized in feminine hygiene products.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Gentle
- Fresh
- Effective
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: Water, Decyl Glucoside, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Citric Acid, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Water, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Vinegar (Apple Cider), Glycerin, Sodium Benzoate
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
V Wash - Dr. Barbara Sturm
Highlights
Est. Price
$75.00
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, Coco-Glucoside, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Lactic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Lactitol, Xylitol, Pantolactone, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid
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.
Gentle 2-in-1 Foaming Wash - Kushae
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$21.99
Product Details
- Formulated by Dr. Barb, an OB/GYN, to meet the specific cleansing needs of women's intimate areas.
- Contains a pH-balanced, botanical formula free from glycerin, parabens, mineral oil, and artificial ingredients.
- Provides long-lasting freshness and moisturizing benefits with ingredients like pomegranate extract, French Montmorillonite clay, and aloe vera.
- Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and can be used as a body wash or shaving soap.
- Designed to provide irritation relief and maintain optimal hygiene without compromising health.
- Completely fragrance-free, ensuring suitability for users with sensitivities to scents.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Gentle
- Effective
- Fresh
Cons Mentioned
- Pump
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 (Distilled Water), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Gel, Decyl Glucoside, Coco Glucoside, Montmorillonite (French Green Clay), Organic Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract (Alcohol Free), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Marshmallow Root Extract, Organic Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Pomegranate Extract, Rosa Centifolia Extract, Garlic Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Glucono Delta Lactone
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 Feminine Wash
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
Methylchloroisothiazolinone
5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (CMI) is a compound frequently used as a preservative in cosmetics, hygiene products, and other industrial applications such as hydraulic fracturing fluids. It can also be deployed as a pesticide in the U.S, pending regulatory approval. CMI, which is often used in combination with 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (MI), can cause contact dermatitis in humans. Various animal studies have shown that a high exposure to a CMIT/MIT mixture can cause alterations in rats' liver function. The production and use of CMI in a range of products mean it can be release into the environment, with some susceptibility to degradation through photolysis in sunlight. Its mobility in soil is high but volatilization from soil or water surfaces is not expected to be significant. Occupational and general exposure to CMI can occur especially through inhalation and dermal contact with CMI-containing products.
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
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
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.
DMDM hydantoin
DMDM hydantoin is a substance used in cosmetics that has the potential to cause allergic contact dermatitis, although rinse-off products generally have a low risk. According to various reports, skin sensitization patch testing has yielded positive results.
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.
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:
1,4-Dioxane
1,4-Dioxane is a clear, water-soluble liquid that is primarily used as a solvent in chemical manufacturing and laboratory reagents. Other uses leverage its solvent properties, including cosmetics, detergents, and shampoos. However, manufacturers generally reduce 1,4-Dioxane to low levels in these products due to its potential health risks. Acute exposure can result in symptoms such as vertigo, drowsiness, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Chronic exposure may lead to liver and kidney damage, and the substance is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA. Notably, severe kidney and liver damage, CNS effects, and even death have been recorded after heavy or prolonged exposure.
Sources:
What Is 1,4-Dioxane in Laundry and Cleaning Products?, Effect of ethoxylation and lauryl alcohol on the self-assembly of sodium laurylsulfate: Significant structural and rheological transformation, Final Risk Evaluation for 1,4-Dioxane, Ongoing and Completed Chemical Risk Evaluations under TSCA, Preliminary Information on Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution, Use, and Disposal, TOXICOLOGICAL REVIEW OF 1,4-DIOXANE, 15th Report on Carcinogens, 1,4-Dioxane, Determination of residual 1,4-dioxane in surfactants and cleaning agents using headspace single-drop microextraction followed by gas chromatography–flame ionization detection, 1,4-Dioxane in Cosmetics: A Manufacturing Byproduct, An integrated assessment of the 1,4-dioxane cancer mode of action and threshold response in rodents, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: 1,4-DIOXANE, Product Profile: Hand Sanitizer, Occurrence of 1,4-dioxane in cosmetic raw materials and finished cosmetic products, Chemical Profile: 1,4-dioxane
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