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Best Non-Toxic Hair Gel 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 hair gel 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 Hair Gel
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.
Sweet Pea Alcohol Free Styling Gel Firm Hold - Carina Organics
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$24.00
Product Details
- Alcohol-free styling gel with medium to firm hold
- Formulated with certified organic plant, vegetable, flower, and tree extracts
- Helps add volume, enhance definition or separation
- Allows control of shaping and scrunching
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Non-toxic
- Natural
- Effective
Cons Mentioned
- Weak
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: Filtered Aqua, Acacia Senegal (Gum) Extract, Pinus Banksiana (Pine) Extract, Matricaria Chamomilla (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Urtica Dioca (Nettle) Leaf Extract, Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion) Leaf Extract, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract, Lathyrus Odoratus (Sweet Pea) Flower Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Oil
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 Hair Gel for Men and Women - Nature's Brands
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$16.99
Product Details
- Provides strong, powerful hold for taming hair and reducing frizz using organic olive oil and botanicals.
- USDA certified organic, formulated with plant-based ingredients suitable for both curly and straight hair.
- Designed to be gentle on both hair and scalp, making it suitable for color-treated hair and henna users.
- Vegan-friendly blend that includes lemongrass, sweet orange, patchouli oils, green tea, apple cider vinegar, and sage.
- Free from PEG, parabens, sulfates, hexane, soy, and does not leave stickiness or residue.
- Features a light, invigorating citrus aroma and is easy to use.
- Contains nutrients like vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants that absorb into the scalp to strengthen hair and enhance shine.
- Made in the USA and certified USDA Organic, PVP, and copolymer free, with no animal testing.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Nourishing
- Organic
- Softening
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: Purified Water, Organic Vodka, Organic Guar Gum (Natural Plant Based), Organic Sweet Orange Oil, Organic Lemongrass Oil, Organic Olive Oil, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (Raw, Unfiltered), Organic Green Tea, Organic Sage Herb, Organic Bilberry Leaf, Xanthan Gum (Natural Gum), Organic Patchouli Oil, Organic Primrose Oil, Organic Thyme Oil, Organic Rosehip Oil
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.
Create Hold Styling Gel - Innersense
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$12.50
Product Details
- Made with natural ingredients like aloe and honey to achieve shape, definition, and firm hold.
- Enhances shine, flexibility, and strength through nettle and eucalyptus.
- Incorporates rooibos tea which provides antioxidant rejuvenation and care.
- Suitable for all hair types and textures.
- Free from parabens, sulfates, gluten, silicones, synthetics, phthalates, propylene glycol, and artificial fragrances.
- Does not contain ethoxylates, PEG, MEA, TEA, MIA, EDTA, or artificial dyes.
- Cruelty-free, ensuring no animal testing at any stage of product development.
- Ingredients are ethically harvested and sourced from transparent and trusted plantations, orchards, and farms worldwide.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Gentle
- Moisturizing
- Lightweight
Cons Mentioned
- Flaking
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, Aloe Barbadensis Gel*, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Maltodextrin Copolymer, Potassium Hydroxide, Gluconolactone, Sodium Benzoate, Calcium Gluconate, Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Phytate, Glycerin*, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract*, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract*, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract*, Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract*, Honey Extract*, Limonene
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Defining Styling Gel For Thick, Curly Hair - SheaMoisture
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$7.17
Product Details
- Formulated specifically for thick and curly hair.
- Provides frizz control and defines hair while delivering a healthy-looking shine.
- Contains natural ingredients like Coconut Oil, Silk Protein, Neem Oil, and Flaxseed.
- Offers long-lasting hold suitable for twisting, braiding, and wash 'n go styles.
- Does not contain alcohol, silicones, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, or petrolatum.
- Intended for damp hair application, with a small amount needed for effective styling.
- Sustainably produced and Cruelty-Free.
- Supports community reinvestment through each purchase.
- Part of SheaMoisture's range, continuing the legacy of founder Sofi Tucker.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizing
- Smells
- Defining
Cons Mentioned
- Heavy
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 (Eau), Propanediol, Polysorbate 20, Carbomer, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*+, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Seed Oil, Silk Powder (Poudre De Soie), Linum Usitatissimum (Flax) Seed Oil, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Sodium Polyitaconate, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil, Glycerin (Vegetable), Sodium Hydroxide, Betaine, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum)
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Lightweight Hair Styling Gel - Cleure
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$13.00
Product Details
- Formulated for sensitive skin and scalps, free from common irritants such as essential oils, harsh chemicals, dyes, gluten, or salicylates.
- Designed to prevent dryness, flakes, itching, and flare-ups associated with skin conditions or scalp irritation.
- Incorporates Polyacrylate-14 to control frizz, define curls, and maintain style with a medium hold.
- Non-greasy formula allows for a matte finish without stiffness, flakes, or residue.
- Suitable for all hair types, helping to define curls, tame flyaways, and maintain styles.
- Free from SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate), fragrances, essential oils, parabens, and other irritants.
- Dermatologist recommended and endorsed by major institutions such as the Mayo Clinic/Skin Safe and Duke Dermatology.
- Multi-use gel provides long-lasting moisture and definition without stiffness or greasy appearance.
- Manufactured in the USA, not tested on animals, and gluten-free.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Fragrance-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Workable
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: Purified Water, Polyacrylate-14, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Triethanolamine
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.
L.A. Hold Styling Gel - Giovanni
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$25.88
Product Details
- Firm hold: Provides a secure shape and extreme, stylized hold.
- Frizz control: Helps manage frizz, allowing for a professional finish.
- Enhances curls: Defines curls and adds shine without stripping or dulling color.
- Cruelty-free: Certified by Leaping Bunny, not tested on animals.
- Eco Chic: Bridges the gap between natural and salon-quality hair care with a focus on high performance.
- Contains organically produced ingredients, emphasizing Giovanni's commitment to natural hair care solutions.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Nourishing
- Affordable
- Strong
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: Aqua (Purified Water), VP/VA Copolymer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Fragrance, *Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, *Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, *Betula Alba Extract, *Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Extract, *Achillea Millefolium Extract, *Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, *Equisetum Arvense Extract, *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, *Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Extract, *Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, *Tussilago Farfara (Coltsfoot) Flower Extract, *Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract*, USDA Organically Produced Ingredient
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 Rake Styling Balm - Reverie
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$36.00
Product Details
- Features a whipped balm texture that conditions hair while providing lightweight support and structure for a natural, lived-in look without sticky residue or buildup.
- Can be used as a curl cream to set and define curls, for air drying, or as a finishing balm to tame ends.
- Offers touchable hold while nourishing and conditioning with mango nut butter and a blend of botanical oils.
- Suitable for all hair densities and textures, from thin to thick and curly to straight.
- Free from sulfates, silicones, parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrances, artificial colors, glycols, petrochemicals, glutens, animal derivatives, T.E.A, and D.E.A.
- All ingredients and products are cruelty-free and sustainably sourced.
- Contains essential oils of rose, frankincense, bourbon vanilla, sandalwood, palmarosa, balsam, ylang ylang, patchouli, and rosemary.
- Incorporates meadowfoam oil, known for enhancing shine and hair color retention due to its resistance to oxidation.
- Includes castor bean oil, which stimulates scalp circulation and can help promote hair growth.
- Mango nut butter enriches hair with antioxidants and vitamins A and E, restoring and maintaining moisture for cell regeneration.
- Pomegranate seed oil, rich in punicic acid, revitalizes hair to make it appear thicker and shinier.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizes
- Flexible
- Hold
Cons Mentioned
- Sticky
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Aqua, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Bean Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Nut Butter, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Ethyl Palmate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Extract, Vanilla Planifolia (Bourbon Vanilla) Fruit Extract, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Oil, Boswellia Carterii (Frankincense) Resin Extract, Cymbopogon Martinii (Palmarosa) Leaf Oil, Santalum Spicatum (Sandalwood) Wood Oil, Myroxylon Balsamum (Balsam) Resin Extract, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Leaf Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Xanthan Gum, Lactic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Benzyl Benzoate, Geraniol, Benzyl Cinnamate, Linalool, Farnesol, Citronellol, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Eugenol, Citral, Benzyl Alcohol, Naturally Occurring By-Product Of Essential Oils
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.
Aloe Vera Hair Gel - Rahua
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$32.00
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Flexible
- Lightweight
- Gentle
Cons Mentioned
- Limp
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: Organic Aloe Vera, Sugar Cane, Guayusa, Rahua Oil, *Infused With Refreshing Cucumber And Green Chlorophyll
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.
Seal + Shield Curl Defining Gel - Boucleme
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$38.00
Product Details
- Strong hold styling gel designed specifically for defining curls.
- Formulated without glycerin and coconut oil to maintain style, volume, and definition by keeping humidity out.
- Free from sulphates, silicones, petroleum, synthetic fragrances, and synthetic colors.
- 95.69% naturally derived vegan ingredients utilized in the formulation.
- Packaging features a 100ml glass bottle that is 100% recyclable, though the pump due to its spring must be disposed of with general rubbish.
- Boucléme supports sustainability by planting a tree for every 300ml product sold, in partnership with Trees For The Future.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Defining
- Good-hold
- Bouncy
Cons Mentioned
- Smelly
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 (Vegetable), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Fruit Extract, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Virgin Coconut) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Tilia Cordata (Linden) Flower Oil, Litsea Cubeba (May Chang) Fruit Oil, Michelia Alba (Magnolia) Flower Oil, Michelia Alba (Magnolia) Leaf Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Red) Peel Oil, Origanum Majorana (Marjoram Sweet) Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange Sweet) Peel Oil, Cymbopogon Martini (Palmarosa) Leaf Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Leaf Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil, Styrax Tonkinensis (Benzoin) Resin Extract, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, Citral, Benzyl 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.
Frizz Control Styling Gel for Curly Hair - SheaMoisture
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$22.23
Product Details
- Natural hair gel designed for curly hair that helps control frizz and enhances shine.
- Alcohol-free formulation aids in blocking out humidity and maintaining curl shape with added shine.
- Suitable for multiple hair styling needs such as dry hair applications and firm hold styling for updos.
- Infused with papaya, neroli, elder flower, and fair trade Shea butter for all-day hair perfection.
- Free from parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, and petrolatum.
- Can be applied to damp or dry hair from roots to ends, and styled as desired for natural looking waves and curls.
- Continues the legacy of SheaMoisture's founder by using raw Shea Butter handcrafted by women in Africa.
- Purchases support SheaMoisture's mission to reinvest back into communities.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Smell
- Natural
- Frizz-Control
Cons Mentioned
- Runny
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, Glycerin (Vegetable), Lithium Magnesium Sodium Silicate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Sambucus Nigra (Elderflower) Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Flower Oil, Sodium Phytate, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Triethyl Citrate, Caprylyl Glycol, Benzoic Acid, Fragrance
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 Hair Gel
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.
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.
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.
DEA Oleth-3 Phosphate
DEA Oleth-3 phosphate is employed in skincare as an emulsifying, cleansing, and dispersing agent that facilitates the cohesive mixing of oil and water ingredients in cosmetic products. It is a combination of ethoxylated fatty acid oleic acid and liquid phosphoric acid. However, ethanolamines like diethanolamine (DEA), found in various consumer products including cosmetics and cleaning products, have been associated with liver tumors. To reduce contamination from carcinogenic nitrosamines, the European Commission prohibits the use of DEA in cosmetics.
Phthalate
Phthalates, linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and cancer, are banned in the European Union but remain prevalent in U.S. cosmetics. They are widely used in personal care products, such as nail polish, fragrances, and eyelash glue and other products. A significant loophole allows phthalates to be added to fragrances without disclosure. Health concerns include endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and potential carcinogenicity.
Sources:
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Phthalates, Product Profile: Hand Sanitizer, Phthalates in Cosmetics, Phthalates in cosmetic and personal care products: concentrations and possible dermal exposure, A Survey of Phthalates and Parabens in Personal Care Products from the United States and Its Implications for Human Exposure, Phthalates Factsheet, BPA and Phthalates: Chemicals found in our homes
Polyacrylamide
Acrylamide is a man-made white crystalline solid primarily used in the production of polymers and copolymers. In humans, it is toxic and irritates the skin and mucous membranes, and can affect the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems leading to symptoms like memory difficulties, confusion, slurred speech, and excessive sweating. It may cause peripheral neuropathy, resulting in loss of sensation and muscle wasting. Recovery after exposure can take months to years. Animal studies indicate acrylamide accumulates in the nervous system, liver, kidney, and male reproductive system, causing degenerative changes. It might disrupt metabolism, induce oxidative stress, cause chromosomal aberrations, and tumor initiation. There is no evidence of teratogenic effects in humans or causing cancer. It has also shown genotoxic effects in some aquatic species like C. Auratus and mussels.
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.
Styrene
Styrene is a colorless to yellowish, oily liquid used mainly in plastic, synthetic rubber, and resin production but also as a flavoring agent. Acute human exposure can cause irritation, drowsiness, and vertigo, with skin blistering and dermatitis resulting from long-term contact. It has been linked to increased rates of certain types of cancer, liver effects, and problems with the reproductive system. Animal studies have similarly shown irritation, central nervous system effects, and links to cancers. Styrene's endocrine disruptor activity appears negligible in humans and other vertebrates, but there is evidence of impact in certain aquatic species.
Titanium Dioxide
The study on 1,576 U.S. workers exposed to TiO2 for over a year from 1956 to 1985 showed no increase in lung cancer or chronic respiratory disease, and no cases of pulmonary fibrosis. Cases of pulmonary fibrosis related to TiO2 exposure have been reported, possibly due to silica contamination. There are no listed effects for short-term or long-term exposure. Although NIOSH recognises ultrafine TiO2 as a potential occupational carcinogen, data is insufficient to classify fine TiO2 similarly. Epidemiological studies do not provide clear evidence of lung cancer risks from TiO2 dust exposure.
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
Galaxolide
Galaxolide is recognized as an established contact allergen in humans, according to the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety's 2011 report on fragrance allergens in cosmetic products. This compound has been identified as a reproductive effector and acts as a moderate skin irritant, as documented in The Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS).
Sources:
Galaxolide: A Threat to the Environment and Human Health, Prolonged sub-lethal exposure to galaxolide (HHCB) and tonalide (AHTN) promotes the metastatic potential of glioblastoma tumor spheroids, Galaxolide: A Long-lasting Fragrance Contaminating the Great Lakes, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Galaxolide, Human dermal exposure to galaxolide from personal care products, Human dermal exposure to galaxolide from personal care products, Molecule of the Week Archive: Galaxolide
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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