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.
Best Non-Toxic Hair Mask in 2024
Written by Camille May
Cofounder & Product Curator
Medically reviewed by Olushola Awoyemi
PhD Environmental Toxicology
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Our use of affiliate links does not influence how we rate products. Learn more about our affiliate policy here.
What you should know when choosing non-toxic 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.
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
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$40.00
Product Details
- 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
Pros Mentioned
- Nourishing
- Lightweight
- Scented
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: 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
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$45.00
Product Details
- 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
Pros Mentioned
- Soft
- Shiny
- Lightweight
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: 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.
Organic Serum + Powder Hair Mask - NUELE
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$67.99
Product Details
- Made with 100% naturally derived organic ingredients, non-toxic and clean beauty compliant.
- Combination of serum and powder components that deeply hydrate, condition, and seal in moisture when mixed.
- Enhances hair and scalp nutrition, retaining moisture within the hair shaft to keep hair hydrated.
- Adds volume, protection, and strength to hair.
- Conditions hair by softening and smoothing the hair strands, increasing shine, soothing the scalp, removing buildup, and helping reduce split ends.
- Free from preservatives, synthetics, parabens, sulfates, alcohol, and GMOs.
- Contains no added fragrances or oily residues.
- Suitable for all hair types.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Hydrating
- Natural
- Effective
Cons Mentioned
- Messy
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: Serum: Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Oil), Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli Oil), Ricinus Communis (Castor Oil), Boswellia Carterii (Frankincense Oil), Mentha Pipperita (Peppermint Oil), Eucalyptus Smithii (Eucalyptus Oil) Powder: Moringa Oleifera (Seed Cake And Leaf Powder), Sapindus Mukorossi (Indian Soapberry Fruit Powder), Acacia Concinna (Shikakai Powder), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera Powder)
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
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$38.00
Product Details
- 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
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizing
- Smells
- Nourishing
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), 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.
Organic Wildcrafted Honey Myrtle Deep Conditioning Hair Mask - Living Libations
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$36.00
Product Details
- 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
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizing
- Softening
- Natural
Cons Mentioned
- Expensive
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: 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.
Omega 9 Hair Mask - Rahua
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$44.00
Product Details
- Professional hair conditioning treatment for strong, soft, shiny, and hydrated hair
- Naturally scented with calming lavender and uplifting eucalyptus
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Softening
- Healing
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: 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.
Color Full Hair Mask - Rahua
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$44.00
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: 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
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$21.49
Product Details
- 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
Pros Mentioned
- None
Cons Mentioned
- Frizzy
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, 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.
Detox Repairing Hair Mask With Apple Cider Vinegar & Aloe - The Seaweed Bath Co.
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$27.13
Product Details
- Contains 6 Detox Repairing Hair Masks.
- Purifies, protects and restores moisture and balance to hair and scalp.
- Formulated with organic, sustainably-harvested bladderwrack seaweed containing over 65 vitamins and minerals that detoxify and nourish.
- Apple Cider Vinegar helps restore pH balance and prevents moisture loss from scalp.
- Includes hair-conditioning aloe to increase softness.
- Free from sulfates, parabens, and gluten.
- Vegan and cruelty-free, not tested on animals.
- Leaping Bunny Certified.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Nourishing
- Softening
- Detoxifying
Cons Mentioned
- Thick
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) With Fucus Vesiculosus (Bladderwrack Seaweed) And Chlorella Vulgaris Extracts, Cetrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice*, Behentrimonium Chloride, Hydrolyzed Barley Protein, Amodimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Oil, Orbignya Speciosa Kernel Oil, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Juniperus Virginiana (Cedarwood) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Panthenol, Mentha Spicata (Spearmint) Oil, Montmorillonite (French Clay), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Charcoal Powder, Behenyl/Stearyl Aminopropanediol Esters, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Vinegar, Origanum Majorana (Sweet Marjoram) Oil, Orange Terpenes, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate *Certified 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.
Vegan Deep Treatment Masque - Nubian Heritage
Certifications
Highlights
Est. Price
$18.45
Product Details
- 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
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), 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
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 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.
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
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.
Sources:
The Dirty Dozen: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, 15 Toxic Trespassers, SKIP PRODUCTS MADE WITH SLES (AND SLS, TOO!), Campaign for Safe Costmetics: 1,4-DIOXANE, WHAT IS SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE: CHEMICAL FREE LIVING, A new formula for a mild body cleanser: sodium laureth sulphate supplemented with sodium laureth carboxylate and lauryl glucoside,
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:
Triclosan Exposure, Transformation, and Human Health Effects, Are antibacterial products with triclosan fueling bacterial resistance?, Antimicrobial agents, triclosan, chloroxylenol, methylisothiazolinone and borax, used in cleaning had genotoxic and histopathologic effects on rainbow trout, The Effects of Triclosan on Puberty and Thyroid Hormones in Male Wistar Rats, Triclosan is a potent inhibitor of estradiol and estrone sulfonation in sheep placenta, The in Vitro estrogenic activities of triclosan and triclocarban, Antibacterial Soap? You Can Skip It, Use Plain Soap and Water, Environmental Exposure of Aquatic and Terrestrial Biota to Triclosan and Triclocarban, Triclosan: Environmental Fate and Effects, Chemical Profile: Triclosan / Triclocarban, 5 Things to Know About Triclosan, Underarm Harm? Whats So Bad About Antiperspirants?, Some flame retardants and the antimicrobials triclosan and triclocarban enhance the androgenic activity in vitro, Triclocarban Enhances Testosterone Action: A New Type of Endocrine Disruptor?, Triclosan, a commonly used bactericide found in human milk and in the aquatic environment in Sweden
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.
Sources:
Safety assessment of triethanolamine and triethanolamine-containing ingredients as used in cosmetics, Toxicology of mono-, di-, and triethanolamine, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Ethanolamine Compounds (MEA, DEA, TEA And Others), The Dirty Dozen: DEA-related ingredients, Chemical Profile, Special Chem, Safety assessment of triethanolamine and triethanolamine-containing ingredients as used in cosmetics
Diethanolamine
Diethanolamine is a chemical found in various consumer products like shampoos, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Acute exposure in humans can result in irritation of the nose, throat, and skin. However, no detailed data is available on its chronic, reproductive, developmental or carcinogenic effects on humans. Studies on animals reveal that acute oral exposure can influence the liver, blood, kidney, and central nervous system, while dermal exposure has been connected with an increased incidence of liver and kidney tumors in mice. Production of first-degree burns, skin irritation, occupational asthma, kidney, and liver injury risk, and potential skin sensitization are some other adverse effects associated with diethanolamine.
Sources:
Chemical Safety Facts: Ethanolamines, NTP Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Diethanolamine, California Environmental Protection Agency: Diethanolamine , International Agency for Research on Cancer: Diethanolamine, Initial List of Hazardous Air Pollutants with Modifications, What is the Toxics Release Inventory?, OPINION CONCERNING DIALKYL- AND DIALKANOLAMINES AND THEIR SALTS IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS, Ethanolamine Compounds (MEA, DEA, TEA And Others), WHAT ARE ETHANOLAMINE COMPOUNDS (DEA, MEA, OR TEA): CHEMICAL FREE LIVING, The Dirty Dozen: DEA-related ingredients, FDA: Diethanolamine, Chemical Profile: Diethanolamine ,
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:
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
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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