What you should know when choosing non-toxic hand lotion & cream 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 Hand Lotion & Cream

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.

The Hand Cream - Necessaire

The Hand Cream - Necessaire
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
5
/5
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Certifications

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<p>Products rated EWG-1 indicate a top choice for personal care products, have 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/971091-Necessaire_The_Hand_Cream/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
<p>The B Corp certification indicates that a company meets high social and environmental standards. <a href="https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-corp/company/necessaire-inc/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
<p>The Climate Neutral certification verifies that a brand has measured, reduced, and offset its entire carbon footprint. <a href="https://www.changeclimate.org/brand/necessaire" 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>

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
$25.00

Product Details

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  • Features all-in-one barrier treatment that heals hands, reverses dryness, and recovers loss of volume.
  • Contains clinically-proven ingredients including 5 Ceramides, 5 Peptides, 2.5% Niacinamide, and Marula Butter/Oil.
  • Awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Approval.
  • Dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic.
  • Formulated without silicones, parabens, phthalates, PEGs; cruelty-free and certified vegan.
  • Packaging includes a tube made from 100% aluminum, with FSC-certified, PCR Kraft Board carton and insert.
  • Certified B Corp, Climate Neutral, Plastic Neutral, and a member of 1% For The Planet.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Moisturizing
  • Non-greasy
  • Softening

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: Aqua/Water/Eau, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Squalane, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Olivate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Sorbitan Olivate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Niacinamide, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Acetyl Heptapeptide-4, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Caprylyl Glycol

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.

Hand Cream for Sensitive Skin with Oat and Chamomile - Attitude

Hand Cream for Sensitive Skin with Oat and Chamomile - Attitude
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.95
/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/773189-ATTITUDE_Sensitive_Skin_Hand_Cream_Chamomile/" 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/attitude-bio-spectra/" 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
$12.32

Product Details

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  • EWG Verified for clean ingredients and full transparency.
  • Formulated with 98.9% naturally sourced ingredients.
  • Contains oat extract to improve skin’s appearance and soothe dry skin discomfort.
  • Enriched with chamomile extract to purify and revitalize skin.
  • Dermatologically tested and suitable for sensitive skin.
  • Vegan-friendly product.
  • Lightweight and non-greasy formula.
  • Leaves behind a comforting chamomile fragrance with notes of jasmine and vanilla.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Moisturizing
  • Non-greasy
  • Non-toxic

Cons Mentioned

  • Price

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: Aqua / Water / Eau, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Coco-Caprylate / Caprate, Cocoglycerides, Dicaprylyl Ether, Cetearyl Alcohol, Tapioca Starch, Glyceryl Stearate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Cetearyl Glucoside, Jojoba Esters, Avena Sativa (Oat / Avoine) Kernel Flour, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Levulinic Acid, P-Anisic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Levulinate, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax, Polyglycerin-3, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Triethyl Citrate, Linalyl Acetate (Floral), Geranyl Acetate (Floral)

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.

Men's Hand & Body Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid - Finally Pure

Men's Hand & Body Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid - Finally Pure
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/702419-Finally_Pure_Finally_For__Mens_Herbal_Hand__Body_Lotion/" 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/finally-pure/" 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. A GREAT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the middle third of the best products.
Est. Price
$25.95

Product Details

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  • EWG Verified and Certified Cruelty Free
  • Protects, softens, and nourishes skin
  • Contains anti-aging antioxidants
  • 100% natural, vegan, and gluten-free
  • Quickly absorbed and non-greasy hydration
  • Incorporates hyaluronic acid for moisture retention and skin elasticity
  • Includes Moroccan argan oil for its anti-aging properties and high levels of essential fatty acids
  • Formulated with shea butter, rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
  • Contains sunflower extracts, high in vitamins and essential fatty acids, ideal for sensitive and damaged skin
  • Jojoba included for its absorption qualities and nutrient richness
  • Enriched with avocado, high in vitamins and essential nutrients

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Clean
  • Smooth
  • Gentle

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, *Helianthus Annus (Sunflower) Oil, *Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Juice Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, *Vegetable Glycerin, Sodium Anisate, Sodium Levulinate, *Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, *Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, *Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, *Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil, L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Sodium Hyaluronate, *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.

So Silky Hand Crème - Elta MD

So Silky Hand Crème - Elta MD
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/1051873-EltaMD_Elta_MD_So_Silky_Hand_Creme/" 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>

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
$29.00

Product Details

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  • Contains ceramides, sclareolide, and vitamin E
  • Designed for dry, flaking hands
  • Provides up to 12-hour moisture

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Silky
  • Non-greasy
  • Moisturizing

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: Purified Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Ethyl Hexyl Isononanoate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Jojoba Esters, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ceramide NP, Cholesterol, Ceramide EOS, Ceramide NS, Ceteareth-25, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide AP, Caprooyl Sphingosine, Caprooyl Phytosphingosine, Silica, EDTA Disodium, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Polyacrylate, Hydroxyacetophenone, 1,2- Hexanediol, Sclareolide, Behenic Acid, Titanium Dioxide, Mica

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 Hooray Hand Crème - Living Libations

Organic Hooray Hand Crème - Living Libations
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>

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
$30.00

Product Details

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  • Thick, nourishing moisturizer designed to penetrate and protect very dry skin.
  • Formulated for multiple uses: softens hands, elbows, cuticles, and feet.
  • Features a pleasing aroma.
  • Made with natural, organic, wildcrafted ingredients.
  • Handmade in small batches, with expected variations in color, consistency, and scent.
  • Packaged in recyclable glass bottles.
  • Free from parabens, sulfates, cruelty, gluten, and is vegan.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Nourishing
  • Wonderful
  • Best

Cons Mentioned

  • Counterfeit

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: Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera), Rosa Damascene (Rosewater), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba), Calophyllum Inophyllum (Tamanu), Persea Americana (Avocado), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea), Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender), Melissa Officinalis (Lemon Balm), Avena Sativa (Milky Oat Straw), Citrus Aurantium (Orange), Chrysopogon Zizanioides (Vetiver), Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit), Cymbopogon Martini (Palmarosa), Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile), Curcuma Longa (Turmeric), Daucus Carota (Carrot Seed), Thuja Plicata (Red Cedar), And Rosemarinus Officinalis And Salvia Officinalis (Rosemary And Sage)

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.

Hand Cream - Salt & Stone

Hand Cream - Salt & Stone
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.6
/5
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on Amazon

Certifications

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<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/salt-stone" 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. A GREAT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the middle third of the best products.
Est. Price
$20.00

Product Details

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  • Hydrates, nourishes, and softens skin
  • Restores dry, cracked hands
  • Fast-absorbing
  • Cruelty-free and vegan

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Moisturizing
  • Non-greasy
  • Velvety

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: Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Octyldodecyl Myristate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Spirulina Maxima Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract, Niacinamide, Algin, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Carbomer, Betaine, Sodium Hydroxide, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Beta-Glucan, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Benzoic Acid, Sorbic Acid

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

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

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

Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Body Cream - Weleda

Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Body Cream - Weleda
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.6
/5
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on Amazon

Certifications

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<p>Products rated EWG-5 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/841766-Weleda_Skin_Food_Original_UltraRich_Cream_2020_formulation/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
<p>The B Corp certification indicates that a company meets high social and environmental standards. <a href="https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-corp/company/weleda-a-g-group/" 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>

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
$17.99

Product Details

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  • Intensively hydrates dry, rough skin to improve luminosity.
  • Formulated with pansy, chamomile, and calendula extracts.
  • Contains sunflower and sweet almond oils for additional nourishment.
  • Can be used on various body parts, including hands and elbows, and for multiple purposes like taming frizz or as a beauty highlighter.
  • Certified Natural by NATRUE, ensuring a plant-rich, natural formulation.
  • Free from parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, preservatives, and materials derived from mineral oils.
  • Dermatologically tested and not tested on animals.
  • Part of Weleda's commitment to using natural extracts and oils to support the body’s own systems.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Hydrating
  • Nourishing
  • Moisturizing

Cons Mentioned

  • Greasy

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), Lanolin, Peanut (Arachis Hypogaea) Oil, Sweet Almond (Prunus Dulcis) Oil, Alcohol, Beeswax (Cera Flava), Glyceryl Linoleate, Fragrance (Parfum - Natural Essential Oils), Hydrolyzed Beeswax, Pansy (Viola Tricolor) Extract, Matricaria (Chamomilla Recutita) Extract, Calendula (Calendula Officinalis) Extract, Cholesterol

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.

Coconut Vegan Hand Cream - 100% Pure

Coconut Vegan Hand Cream - 100% Pure
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.5
/5
Buy Now
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on Amazon

Certifications

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<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/100-pure/" 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. A GOOD user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the bottom third of the best products.
Est. Price
$16.00

Product Details

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  • Deeply moisturizing, designed to soothe and nourish dry, flaky skin.
  • Enriched with cocoa butter and avocado oil for skin smoothing and softening.
  • Contains anti-aging rosehip oil and green tea, packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
  • Incorporates argan oil and vitamin E to help soothe cracked hands and smooth fine lines.
  • Offers a sweet, tropical coconut scent for daily hydration.
  • Cruelty-free and vegan, formulated without animal byproducts or toxic synthetic ingredients.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Nourishing
  • Softening
  • Vegan

Cons Mentioned

  • Strong

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: Theobroma Cacao Seed (Cocoa) Butter, Persea Gratissima Oil (Avocado Butter), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Argania Spinosa Kernel (Argan) Oil, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe Vera)* Leaf Juice, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Extracts Of Euterpe Oleracea (Acai Berry) Fruit, Resveratrol, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf, Garcinia Mangosteen (Mangosteen) Peel, Lycium Barbarum (Goji Berry) Fruit, Aristotelia Chilensis (Maqui Berry), Sambucus Canadensis (Elderberry) And Vitis Vinifera (Muscadine Grape) Skin, Extract Of Lonicera Caprifolium Flower, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf, Origanum Vulgare (Oregano) Leaf, Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf (Thyme), Ethyl Alcohol (Grain Alcohol), Cocos (Coconut Flavor) Nucifera Extract * Certified Organic

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 Hand Lotion & Cream

Chemical Name

Why it’s harmful

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: 
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.

Retinol

Oral administration of high doses in adults causes ciricrhosis, hemorrhage, anorexia, jaundice, and dermatitis. The use of this substance is contraindicated in pregnancy at doses larger than the FDA recommend daily allowance. Ingesting 25,000 IU/d over a period of 2-3 weeks may result in toxicity, symptoms of which include liver injury and increased intracranial pressure, leading to blurred vision, headaches, and changes to mental status. The substance is also found to be an irritant and harmful if ingested, with teratogenic effects observed in experimental animals.

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: 
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.

Toluene

Toluene is a clear, colorless liquid that naturally occurs in crude oil and the tolu tree. It's prominent in the production of gasoline, coke from coal, and various consumer products like paints, adhesives, and nail polish. Toluene is even added to gasoline, used to create benzene, and acts as a solvent. However, exposure to toluene, especially from inhalation, can have serious health effects. It primarily targets the central nervous system, inducing symptoms like fatigue, nausea, headaches, and in chronic cases, can cause severe dysfunction. Exposure has also been linked to developmental effects in children, but there isn't enough evidence to conclude its carcinogenic potential. Abuse of toluene can cause permanent brain damage, liver injury, and even potential birth defects or increased risk of spontaneous abortions in pregnant women. Despite these risks, cognitive deficits from toluene exposure below a threshold limit value (TLV) of 50 ppm remain extremely low.

DMDM hydantoin

DMDM hydantoin is a substance used in cosmetics that has the potential to cause allergic contact dermatitis, although rinse-off products generally have a low risk. According to various reports, skin sensitization patch testing has yielded positive results.

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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.