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Best Non-Toxic Hairspray 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 hairspray 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 Hairspray
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 Sea Spray - Qet Botanicals
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$26.00
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Natural
- Light
- Effective
Cons Mentioned
- Greasy
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: Distilled Water, Maris Sal (Himalayan Pink Salt), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Flower Oil*, Daucus Carota (Carrot) Seed Oil*, Rubus Idaeus (Red Raspberry) Seed 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.
Flex-form Hair Spray - Intelligent Nutrients
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$34.50
Product Details
- Features a high-performance, medium-hold with a flexible, re-workable finish.
- Non-aerosol hairspray that nourishes without leaving hair stiff or crunchy.
- Formulated without phthalates and conventional preservatives.
- Contains aloe vera juice to help maintain a healthy scalp balance, addressing both dryness and oiliness.
- Incorporates a blend of antioxidant-rich oils such as black cumin seed, raspberry seed, and geranium oils.
- Can be used on dry hair for finishing, control, reactivation, and reshaping of styles.
- Designed to minimize hair frizz and enhance volume when mixed with Amplifi-hair Spray.
- Developed by Horst Rechelbacher, known for advocating organic, environmentally-friendly hair care products.
- All products are gluten-free, cruelty-free, and feature sustainable packaging.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Nice
- Light
- Holding
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: Water, Alcohol Denat., Methacryloyl Ethyl Betaine/Acrylates Copolymer, Propanediol, Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin) Seed Oil,1,2 Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil,1,2 Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil,1,2 Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil,1,2 Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Oil,1,2 Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice 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.
Styling Spray - Lily Of The Desert
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$9.68
Product Details
- Formulated with certified organic aloe and other hair-enriching ingredients for styling frizzy hair or providing a gentle hold.
- Fragrance-free and suitable for individuals with skin sensitivities.
- Free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, artificial dyes, and fragrances.
- Contains no animal byproducts and is not tested on animals, supporting ethical product standards.
- Enriched with nutrients such as vitamin B5, biotin, and quinoa protein to condition and protect the scalp.
- Uses high-quality, certified organic aloe grown in the company's own fields, boasting over 200 beneficial bioactive compounds.
- Alcohol-free to avoid stripping or drying out the hair.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Natural
- Soft
- Hold
Cons Mentioned
- Defective
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: Certified Organic Aloe Vera Gel, PVP, Certified Organic Aloesorb, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Dl Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Biotin, L-Lysine HCI
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.
Texture Sea Salt Hair Spray - Captain Blankenship
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$29.00
Product Details
- Texturizing sea salt spray suitable for fine, curly, wavy, or straight hair, including color-treated hair.
- Formulated with Ancient Sea Salt and Organic Aloe Vera to provide light hold, texture, and body for beachy waves.
- Incorporates Organic Sea Kelp Extract rich in minerals and vitamins, offering shine and nourishment without greasy residue.
- Scented with organic essential oils of Rose Geranium and Palmarosa for a beachy rose aroma.
- Vegan product made with sustainable plant-based and organic ingredients.
- Free from parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances; cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny Certified.
- Packaged in a BPA-free, recyclable aluminum bottle.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Texturizing
- Eco-conscious
- Organic
Cons Mentioned
- Smell
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Sea Salt (Sel Marin), Laminaria Digitata Extract*, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract*, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract*, Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract*, Alaria Esculenta Extract*, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil*, Cymbopogon Martini Oil*, Glycerin* * Certified 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.
Organic Hair Spray - Nature's Brands
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$17.99
Product Details
- Offers effective hold with a chemical-free, long-lasting grip suitable for all hairstyles
- USDA Certified Organic, free from gluten, dairy, soy, phthalates, synthetic chemicals, and dyes
- Non-GMO, paraben-free, and preservative-free formulation
- Nourishing formula includes biotin and botanical extracts to maintain natural hair oils and a fresh herbal aroma
- Cruelty-free, vegan, and vegetarian-friendly, promoting ethical styling
- Safe and gentle for use on chemically sensitive scalps, color-treated hair, and with henna
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Organic
- Hold
- Vegan
Cons Mentioned
- Grungy
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 Brown Sugar, Organic Sweet Orange Oil, Organic Geranium Oil, Organic Green Tea, Organic Sage Herb, Organic Thyme Herb, Organic Bergamot Oil, Organic Olive 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 Finish Finishing Spray - Innersense
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$28.00
Product Details
- Provides natural, flexible hold with a shiny finish
- Formulated with organic honey for touchable hold and rooibos tea for antioxidant care
- Incorporates aloe and rice proteins to nourish and strengthen hair
- Suitable for all hair types and textures
- Ingredients are organically grown and sustainably sourced without chemicals
- Free from parabens, sulfates, gluten, silicones, phthalates, propylene glycol, ethoxylates, synthetic fragrances, PEG, MEA, TEA, MIA, EDTA, and artificial dyes
- Cruelty-free product, not tested on animals
- Committed to ethical harvesting and transparency in sourcing from global plantations, orchards, and farms
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Non-toxic
- Hold
- Buildable
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: Alcohol (Dent), Water, Sucrose, Glycerin, Acacia Senegal Gum, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract, Honey Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Lactobacillus/Arundinaria Gigantea Leaf Ferment Filtrate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Linalool, 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.
Big Waves Soft Hold & Volume Non-Aerosol Hairspray - Pacifica
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$14.00
Product Details
- For all hair types
- Scented with coconut and vanilla
- Non-aerosol spray
- Formulated without parabens, phthalates, SLS, or mineral oil
- 100% vegan & cruelty-free
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Light
- Smells
- Non-crunchy
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: Alcohol Denat., Aqua, Methacryloyl Ethyl Betainelacrylates Copolymer, Parfum, Sea Salt, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Erythritol, Cyclodextrin, Sodium Hydroxide
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 UltraFlex Hairspray - EVOLVh
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$12.00
Product Details
- Alcohol-free formula for a fast-drying, strong and flexible hold
- Leaves hair feeling clean, soft, and adds brilliant shine
- Can be used on both wet or dry hair
- Serves as an alternative to dry shampoo by refreshing looks and adding volume while removing oils
- Flexible and buildable hold without any crunchy texture
- Curly Girl Method approved
- Free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, silicones, gluten, synthetic fragrance, and GMOs
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Protects against heat and UV damage
- Infused with tapioca starch, flax, rice bran, cumin seed oil, and red raspberry seed oil for additional hold, shine, and protection
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Flexible
- Natural
- Fragrant
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: Water, Glycerine*, Manihot Esculenta (Tapioca) Root Starch*, Flax Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil*, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract*, Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin) Seed Oil*, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Kernel Oil*, Lecithin*, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Oil*, Rosa Canina Flower Extract†, Achillea Millefolium Extract†, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract*, Cymbopogon (Lemongrass) Schoenanthus Extract*, Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract†, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil†, Vitis Vinifera (Red Grape) Seed Oil*, Vaccinium Macrocapron (Cranberry) Seed Oil*, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil*, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil†, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil*, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil*, Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf Oil*, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Oil*, Citric Acid, Tocopherol From Rosa Canina (Rose Hip)†, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Gluconolactone*, Sodium Benzoate*, Calcium Gluconate*
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.
Hair Spray - John Masters Organics
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$30.00
Product Details
- Made with 95% organic content
- Contains organic aloe vera leaf juice for hydration and nourishment
- Includes organic acacia senegal gum for hold and volume
- Infused with organic bergamot oil to purify and uplift senses
- Offers medium, all-day touchable hold without flaky residue
- Cruelty-free and not tested on animals
- Features a fresh scent
- Formulated for hair, but part of a product line that also includes skin and body products
- Adheres to high standards of ingredient quality, community, and wellness
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Organic
- Smells
- Light
Cons Mentioned
- Sprayer
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera)*, Alcohol Dent.*, Acacia Senegal Gum*, Glycerin*, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil*, Xanthan Gum
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Brilliant Shine Hair Spray - Andalou Naturals
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$8.66
Product Details
- Offers medium hold for flexible styling and added volume.
- Infused with Fruit Stem Cell Science to help nourish and strengthen hair.
- Controls static and shields against humidity, frizz, and flyaways.
- Quick drying and non-sticky formula suitable for colored hair.
- Can be used to add volume at the roots or as a finishing spray for styled hair.
- Cruelty-free, gluten-free, and free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates (SLS & SLES), petrochemicals, GMOs, synthetic colors and dyes, and artificial fragrances.
- Formulated with fruit stem cell complex, citrus for brightness, and sunflower oil which is rich in Vitamin E.
- Nourishes and conditions hair, reducing the appearance of split ends and minimizing frizz.
- Designed to support hair flexibility, strength, and overall health for less hair-loss and more shine.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Natural
- Soft
- Shine
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: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Purified Water (Aqua), Ethyl Alcohol*, Algin, PVP/VA Copolymer, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Sodium PCA, Polysorbate 20, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Extract*, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Extract*, Arnica Montana Flower Extract*, Lavandula Officinalis (Lavender) Flower Extract*, Fruit Stem Cells (Malus Domestica, Solar Vitis), Bioactive Berry Complex*, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf Extract**, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract**, Tocopherol, Panthenol, Biotin, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil*
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 Hairspray
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
Benzophenone
Benzophenone (BZP) is a photoinitiator, fragrance enhancer, and ultraviolet stabilizer, used in a variety of industrial applications. Despite not being registered as a pesticide in the U.S., it's involved in the production of insecticides and agricultural chemicals. Its toxic effects on humans are scarcely documented, but it presents little hormonal activity on cell lines. Animal studies show it possesses no estrogenic activity, but it can transform into derivatives with such activity under UV irradiation. It did not show reproductive toxicity or carcinogenicity in rats and mice, respectively, even at high doses. It can be bioactivated through specific enzymes. For aquatic life, fathead minnow larvae were more sensitive to BZP, ranking it in the middle of the toxicity order of six benzene derivatives.
Sources:
Benzophenone & Related Compounds, Chemical Profile: Benzophenone, Toxicological evaluation of benzophenone, Benzophenone – information sheet, Proposition 65 Warnings: Benzophenone, OEHHA: Benzophenone, FDA Removes 7 Synthetic Flavoring Substances from Food Additives List, Benzophenone-3, a chemical UV-filter in cosmetics: is it really safe for children and pregnant women? ,
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.
Oxybenzone
2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (Benzophenone-3; BP-3) is a compound used as a UV absorber and stabilizer in plastics, paints, and sunscreens. Human studies have found photosensitivity to it, while non-human animal studies have found that high concentrations contribute to changes in liver weight and disruptions to reproductive parameters in mice and rats. It is identified as an endocrine-disrupting chemical and can affect the behavior of certain fish species. Despite this, it did not induce gene mutations in tests with the bacterium Salmonella typhimurium.
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.
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.
Polyethylene Glycol
Ingestion or dermal absorption of the chemical at more than 800-1000 mg/kg/day can lead to central nervous system depression and liver and kidney changes in animals, despite there being no significant developmental toxicity. The chemical acts as an eye irritant; however, it is poorly absorbed through the skin. Unanticipated side effects are unlikely unless there is exposure to mists of heated liquid. Notably, animal feeding studies have shown that the chemical could damage the CNS, liver, kidneys, red blood cells, and the reproductive system.
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.
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
Methylchloroisothiazolinone
5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (CMI) is a compound frequently used as a preservative in cosmetics, hygiene products, and other industrial applications such as hydraulic fracturing fluids. It can also be deployed as a pesticide in the U.S, pending regulatory approval. CMI, which is often used in combination with 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (MI), can cause contact dermatitis in humans. Various animal studies have shown that a high exposure to a CMIT/MIT mixture can cause alterations in rats' liver function. The production and use of CMI in a range of products mean it can be release into the environment, with some susceptibility to degradation through photolysis in sunlight. Its mobility in soil is high but volatilization from soil or water surfaces is not expected to be significant. Occupational and general exposure to CMI can occur especially through inhalation and dermal contact with CMI-containing products.
Sources:
Antimicrobial agents, triclosan, chloroxylenol, methylisothiazolinone and borax, used in cleaning had genotoxic and histopathologic effects on rainbow trout, Methylisothiazolinone toxicity and inhibition of wound healing and regeneration in planaria, Methylchloroisothiazolinone and/or methylisothiazolinone in cosmetic products, Isothiazolinone Biocides: Chemistry, Biological, and Toxicity Profiles, Methylisothiazolinone and isothiazolinone allergy, Analysis of isothiazolinones in environmental waters by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, Methylisothiazolinone induces apoptotic cell death via matrix metalloproteinase activation in human bronchial epithelial cells, EU REGULATIONS , Methylisothiazolinone contact allergy: a review, Effects of methylisothiazolinone and octylisothiazolinone on development and thyroid endocrine system in zebrafish larvae, Two Cases of Chloromethylisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone-associated Toxic Lung Injury, An update of the risk assessment for methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) with focus on rinse-off products, Effects of a mixture of chloromethylisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone on peripheral airway dysfunction in children, Isothiazolinone preservative: cause of a continuing epidemic of cosmetic dermatitis, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Methylisothiazolinone
Methylisothiazolinone can reportedly cause allergic contact dermatitis in workers who interact with products containing it. This substance is recognized as a contact allergen for consumers using cosmetics that include it. It can cause skin burns and sensitization, and inhaling it may lead to corrosive injuries in the upper respiratory tract and lungs. Ingesting this substance is harmful, and inhalation is toxic. This preservative is linked to the category of isothiazolinones.
Sources:
Antimicrobial agents, triclosan, chloroxylenol, methylisothiazolinone and borax, used in cleaning had genotoxic and histopathologic effects on rainbow trout, Methylisothiazolinone toxicity and inhibition of wound healing and regeneration in planaria, Methylchloroisothiazolinone and/or methylisothiazolinone in cosmetic products, Isothiazolinone Biocides: Chemistry, Biological, and Toxicity Profiles, Methylisothiazolinone and isothiazolinone allergy, Analysis of isothiazolinones in environmental waters by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, Methylisothiazolinone induces apoptotic cell death via matrix metalloproteinase activation in human bronchial epithelial cells, EU REGULATIONS , Methylisothiazolinone contact allergy: a review, Effects of methylisothiazolinone and octylisothiazolinone on development and thyroid endocrine system in zebrafish larvae, Two Cases of Chloromethylisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone-associated Toxic Lung Injury, An update of the risk assessment for methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) with focus on rinse-off products, Effects of a mixture of chloromethylisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone on peripheral airway dysfunction in children, Isothiazolinone preservative: cause of a continuing epidemic of cosmetic dermatitis, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone
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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