What you should know when choosing non-toxic hair masks 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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The Welpr Rating is determined by a scoring formula. The formula takes into account the products safety, user satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing. Click here to learn more.
Our Methodology and Ratings

Find Non-Toxic Hair Mask

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.

Nutri-Pomade & Mask with Shea & Coconut - Qet Botanicals

Nutri-Pomade & Mask with Shea & Coconut - Qet Botanicals
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.85
/5
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on Amazon

Certifications

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<p>The EWG Verified certification indicates that a product meets rigorous health and environmental safety standards, provide full ingredient transparency, and avoid harmful substances. EWG ratings may change. Check the source for most up to date rating. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/663961-Qet_Botanicals_NutriPomade__Mask_with_Shea__Coconut/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
<p>The USDA Organic certification confirms that agricultural products meet strict organic standards, ensuring sustainable practices from farm to consumer.</p>
<p>The Leaping Bunny certification assures that products are genuinely cruelty-free, verified through rigorous audits and a comprehensive Supplier Monitoring System. <a href="https://www.leapingbunny.org/brand/qet-botanicals" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

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<p>The Made in USA label indicates that a product has substantial U.S. content and manufacturing.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GREAT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the middle third of the best products.
Est. Price
$40.00

Product Details

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  • Formulated with natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and essential oils for nourishment and hydration.
  • Suitable for all hair types including curly, wavy, straight, and color-treated hair.
  • The lightweight serum formula absorbs quickly without weighing hair down.
  • Infused with a refreshing coconut scent for a pleasant aroma.
  • Provides salon-quality results with improved manageability, softness, and shine.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Nourishing
  • Lightweight
  • Scented

Cons Mentioned

  • Pricey

Ingredients

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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: Butyrospermum Parkii (Raw, Unrefined Shea Butter) Fruit*, Cocos Nucifera (Unrefined Coconut) Oil*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil*, Tocopherol (Non-GMO Vitamin E), Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Flower Oil**Organic 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.

Perfect Hair Day Weightless Mask - Living Proof

Perfect Hair Day Weightless Mask - Living Proof
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.8
/5
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on Amazon

Certifications

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<p>Products rated EWG-2 feature a low potential hazard rating and good or robust ingredient transparency. EWG ratings may change. Check the source for most up to date rating. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/1026341-Living_Proof_Perfect_Hair_Day_Weightless_Mask/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
<p>The PETA certification identifies cosmetics, personal-care, and household products as cruelty-free ensuring no animal testing or animal-derived ingredients are used worldwide. <a href="https://crueltyfree.peta.org/company/living-proof/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
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User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. An EXCELLENT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the top third of the best products.
Est. Price
$45.00

Product Details

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  • Part of the Perfect hair Day collection which provides smoothness, volume, conditioning, strength, and polish.
  • Formulated for fine to medium hair types.
  • Enhances hair's natural shine and manageability.
  • Contains patented Healthy Hair Molecule and biomimetic emollient blend for strengthening and smoothing hair.
  • Includes Murumuru butter for softness and shine.
  • Designed to not weigh hair down.
  • Helps you wash your hair less often while maintaining hair health.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Soft
  • Shiny
  • Lightweight

Cons Mentioned

  • Drying

Ingredients

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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/Aqua, Cetearyl Alcohol, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Behentrimonium Chloride, Octafluoropentyl Methacrylate, Ppg-3 Benzyl Ether Ethylhexanoate, Ppg-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Cetyl Alcohol, Lauryl/Myristyl Polyricinoleate, Pca, Myrica Cerifera (Bayberry) Fruit Wax, Sodium Pca, Sodium Lactate, Jojoba Esters, Arginine, Polyglycerin-3, Glycine, Linoleamidopropyl Dimethylamine Dimer Dilinoleate, Alanine, Serine, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Valine, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Proline, Threonine, Quaternium-87, Isoleucine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Propylene Glycol, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Ceteth-20, Steareth-20, Peg-75 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Fragrance/Parfum, Glycolic Acid, Aspartic Acid, Cetylpyridinium Chloride, Hydroxyacetophenone, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Citronellol

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.

Restorative Conditioning Hair Mask - Act + Acre

Restorative Conditioning Hair Mask - Act + Acre
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.75
/5
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on Amazon

Certifications

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<p>The Certified Vegan label verifies through third-parties that a product contains no animal ingredients.</p>
<p>The CarbonNeutral certification confirms that a business has achieved true carbon neutrality.</p>

Highlights

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<p>The Cruelty-Free label indicates that a product says their product is free from animal testing, but without certifications such as PETAs Beauty Without Bunnies or Leaping Bunny, it cannot be verified.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. An EXCELLENT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the top third of the best products.
Est. Price
$38.00

Product Details

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  • Deeply conditions and restores dry and damaged hair in 5-10 minutes.
  • Utilizes fatty acids that penetrate the hair shaft for immediate softness and hydration.
  • Glycerin included to lock in moisture, enhancing hair texture and shine.
  • Suitable as a weekly deep moisturization treatment or a temporary conditioner substitute.
  • Formulated without silicones, uses plant-based fatty acids and glycerin to hydrate without heavy residues.
  • Free from silicones, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, gluten, and fragrances.
  • Leaping Bunny certified, cruelty-free, and vegan.
  • Ideal for all hair types, including fine, thick, and treated hair (color, keratin, straightened).
  • Rinses off easily without leaving hair weighed down.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Moisturizing
  • Smells
  • Nourishing

Cons Mentioned

  • Ineffective

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Isoamyl Laurate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Glycerin, Diheptyl Succinate, Triethyl Citrate, Arachidyl Alcohol, Di-C12-15 Alkyl Fumarate, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil (Amyris), Aquilaria Agallocha Wood Oil (Agarwood), Arachidyl Glucoside, Behentrimonium Chloride, Behenyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Nut Extract (Shea Butter), Cananga Odorata Flower Oil (Ylang Ylang), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Ceteareth-20, Cetrimonium Chloride, Cistus Ladaniferus Leaf/Stem Extract (Rockrose), Citric Acid, Dimethyl Heptenal, Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Oil (Cardamom), Ethylhexylglycerin, Gamma-Nonalactone, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract (Sunflower), Hexenyl Acetate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Ionone, Juniperus Virginiana Oil (Cedarwood), Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Panthenol, Phenoxyethanol, Pogostemon Cablin Oil (Patchouli), Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil (Castor), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract (Rosemary), Sclerotium Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Vanillin, Viola Odorata Flower/Leaf Extract (Violet)

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.

Omega 9 Hair Mask - Rahua

Omega 9 Hair Mask - Rahua
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.6
/5
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on Amazon
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Highlights

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<p>The Cruelty-Free label indicates that a product says their product is free from animal testing, but without certifications such as PETAs Beauty Without Bunnies or Leaping Bunny, it cannot be verified.</p>
<p>The Vegan label indicates that a brand says their product does not contain animal-derived ingredients, but without certifications such as Certified Vegan, it cannot be verified.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GREAT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the middle third of the best products.
Est. Price
$44.00

Product Details

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  • Professional hair conditioning treatment for strong, soft, shiny, and hydrated hair
  • Naturally scented with calming lavender and uplifting eucalyptus

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Effective
  • Softening
  • Healing

Cons Mentioned

  • Pricey

Ingredients

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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: Rahua, Sunflower Seeds Oil, Quinoa, Lavender, Eucalyptus

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 Wildcrafted Honey Myrtle Deep Conditioning Hair Mask - Living Libations

Organic Wildcrafted Honey Myrtle Deep Conditioning Hair Mask - Living Libations
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.6
/5
Buy Now
Buy Now
on Amazon
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Highlights

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<p>The Cruelty-Free label indicates that a product says their product is free from animal testing, but without certifications such as PETAs Beauty Without Bunnies or Leaping Bunny, it cannot be verified.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GREAT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the middle third of the best products.
Est. Price
$36.00

Product Details

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  • Created with all-natural, organic ingredients.
  • Helps restore hair to its natural state, making it fortified, nourished, and protected from environmental stressors.
  • Effective for repairing and soothing dry hair, thinning hair, dry scalp, and damaged or over-processed hair.
  • Suitable for use as a daily conditioner, styling aid, or as a leave-in overnight treatment.
  • Free from parabens, sulfates, and cruelty-free.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Moisturizing
  • Softening
  • Natural

Cons Mentioned

  • Expensive

Ingredients

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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, Wild-Harvested, Gluten-Free Essences Of Avocado, Shea Butter, Fractionated Coconut Oil, Candelilla Wax, Essential Oils Of Lavender, Rosemary, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, And Pine, With Trace Minerals.Organic, Wild-Harvested, Gluten-Free Essences Of Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, Candelilla Wax, Aloe Vera, Essential Oils Of Sweet Orange, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Patchouli, And Ylang Ylang, Vitamin E, And Trace Minerals.Organic, Wild-Harvested, Gluten-Free Essences Of Macadamia Nut Oil, Beeswax, Cocoa Butter, Avocado Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Essential Oils Of Lavender, Geranium, Rosemary, And Tea Tree, Vitamin E, And Trace Minerals

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.

Color Full Hair Mask - Rahua

Color Full Hair Mask - Rahua
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.6
/5
Buy Now
Buy Now
on Amazon
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Highlights

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<p>The Cruelty-Free label indicates that a product says their product is free from animal testing, but without certifications such as PETAs Beauty Without Bunnies or Leaping Bunny, it cannot be verified.</p>
<p>The Vegan label indicates that a brand says their product does not contain animal-derived ingredients, but without certifications such as Certified Vegan, it cannot be verified.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GREAT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the middle third of the best products.
Est. Price
$44.00

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Ingredients

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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: Rahua, Morete, Sacha Inchi Oil, Blue Tansy Flower Oil, Organic Hibiscus Flower

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Deep Conditioner Strengthening Hair Mask with Almond & Shea Butter - Native

Deep Conditioner Strengthening Hair Mask with Almond & Shea Butter - Native
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.55
/5
Buy Now
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on Amazon

Certifications

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<p>Products rated EWG-3 feature a moderate potential hazard rating and fair ingredient transparency. EWG ratings may change. Check the source for most up to date rating. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/956602-Native_Strengthening_Hair_Mask_Almond__Shea_Butter/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
<p>The 1% for the Planet certification confirms that a business donates at least 1% of its annual sales to environmental causes. <a href="https://directories.onepercentfortheplanet.org/profile/native-cos-plastic-free-deoderant" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

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<p>The Cruelty-Free label indicates that a product says their product is free from animal testing, but without certifications such as PETAs Beauty Without Bunnies or Leaping Bunny, it cannot be verified.</p>
<p>The Vegan label indicates that a brand says their product does not contain animal-derived ingredients, but without certifications such as Certified Vegan, it cannot be verified.</p>
<p>The Made in USA label indicates that a product has substantial U.S. content and manufacturing.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GREAT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the middle third of the best products.
Est. Price
$21.49

Product Details

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  • Deep conditioning formula with almond and shea butter to help repair damaged hair.
  • Cruelty-free, not made with animal products or by-products.
  • Sulfate-free to help avoid hair damage from harsh chemicals.
  • Paraben-free to avoid harmful chemicals.
  • Silicone-free to prevent weighing down the hair.
  • Nourishes strands by restoring moisture and reducing breakage.
  • Use by applying generously to wet hair, allowing to sit for 3-5 minutes, and rinsing clean.
  • Features a warm and rich scent derived from almond and shea butter.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • None

Cons Mentioned

  • Frizzy

Ingredients

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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, Cetyl Alcohol, Behenamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Stearyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Glutamic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Fragrance

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.

Vegan Deep Treatment Masque - Nubian Heritage

Vegan Deep Treatment Masque - Nubian Heritage
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.45
/5
Buy Now
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on Amazon

Certifications

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<p>Products rated EWG-2 feature a low potential hazard rating and good or robust ingredient transparency. EWG ratings may change. Check the source for most up to date rating. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/970071-Nubian_Heritage_Vegan_Deep_Treatment_Masque_Olive_Oil/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

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<p>The Cruelty-Free label indicates that a product says their product is free from animal testing, but without certifications such as PETAs Beauty Without Bunnies or Leaping Bunny, it cannot be verified.</p>
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Est. Price
$18.45

Product Details

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  • Hydrates and moisturizes dry, dull hair
  • Contains antioxidants like vitamin E and C to help protect hair from damage
  • Helps rejuvenate and restore moisture to dry, damaged hair
  • Specially formulated for all hair types, gentle enough for daily use
  • Made with natural ingredients like olive oil, coconut oil, and shea butter to nourish hair

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Ingredients

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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), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*~, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) Fruit Extract, Brassica Oleracea Acephala (Kale) Leaf Extract, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Lawsonia Inermis (Henna) Flower/Fruit/Leaf Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Allantoin, Panthenol, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Glyceryl Caprylate, Triethyl Citrate, Caprylyl Glycol, Benzoic Acid, Fragrance (Essential Oil Blend)

Our Product Rating System

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

The Welpr Rating takes into account 3 things:

  1. Product Safety
  2. Consumer Satisfaction
  3. Ethics & Environment
Product safety

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.

Consumer satisfaction

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).

Ethics & Environment

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 Mask

Chemical Name

Why it’s harmful

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.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Sodium laureth sulfate, derived from ethoxylated lauryl alcohol, is a surfactant used in sudsy products like toothpaste, detergents, and shampoos. While it acts as a cleansing and emulsifying agent, it can sometimes contain toxic impurities such as 1,4-dioxane. This chemical has raised health concerns due to its potential to cause skin, lung, and eye irritation, organ toxicity, and, primarily because of contamination by 1,4 dioxane, cancer.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is recognised as a skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant according to ICSC. It may cause allergic reactions and eye irritation as stated by the HSDB. Exposure may even result in eye burns, as per CAMEO. Depending on its form - which may range from a solid (90-98% purity), to a paste (30-41%), or an aqueous solution (28-50%) - it can significantly irritate skin and eyes, with adverse effects escalating with increased concentration. Despite these hazards, it is not a skin sensitizer according to CHEMINFO, while eChemPortal: ERMA and MSDSonline endorse its classification as an irritant.

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: 
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: 
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.

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.

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.

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: 
Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol has been shown to cause narcosis in animals during acute studies, as cited by ACGIH. However, according to research by Zimmerman, it is not hepatotoxic in either experimental animal studies or in human exposures. It's known to be a skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant, and if inhaled in high concentrations, it can cause CNS depression, as indicated by the ICSC.

Octinoxate

Octinoxate, commonly found in various cosmetic and personal care products such as hair color products, sunscreen, lipstick, and skin creams, is an endocrine disruptor that mimics estrogen and can affect thyroid function. It has been detected in human urine, blood, and breast milk, indicating systemic exposure. Octinoxate's potential health concerns include its impact on cell proliferation in response to estrogen exposure, disruptions in thyroid hormones, alterations in reproductive systems, and adverse effects on the development of male and female fetuses, as well as their offspring.

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About The Author

Camille May

Hey, I’m Camille, co-creator of Welpr and your clean living guide. After selling my last company in the health food space, I went non-toxic to heal an autoimmune condition. It did wonders for my health, but navigating which products to buy wasn’t easy. We created Welpr to make that journey feel a little bit easier. When I’m not working on Welpr, you can find me at the farmers market or unwinding in the sauna, always in bed at 9pm with a good book. I live in my hometown of Austin, TX with my pit bull, Romeo.