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Best Non-Toxic Heat Protectant in 2024
Updated:
Nov 18, 2024
Written by Camille May
Cofounder & Product Curator
+ 1 more
Medically reviewed by Olushola Awoyemi
PhD Environmental Toxicology
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What you should know when choosing non-toxic heat protectant on Welpr:
- Only the cleanest products make it onto Welpr.
- We use a score called the Welpr Rating to rank each product.
- The Welpr Rating is based on math, not opinion, ensuring it's free from human bias.
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Find Non-Toxic Heat Protectant
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.
Magic Serum - SEEN
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$36.00
Product Details
- Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, suitable for sensitive, eczema, and acne-prone skin.
- Formulated without fragrances, sulfates, silicones, phthalates, parabens, dyes, cocamidopropyl betaine, gluten, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.
- Provides UV, pollution, and heat protection up to 450º Fahrenheit.
- Serum reduces frizz, adds shine, nourishes, and strengthens hair.
- Contains hemisqualane for color protection, frizz reduction, and to maintain smooth hair.
- Includes squalane, a plant-derived moisturizer that restores luster and adds shine.
- Features ethylhexyl olivate from olives to soften and nourish hair.
- Awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance and "Best for Sensitive Skin" Trusted Choice badge by SkinSAFE.
- Reduces hair breakage by up to 81% after a single use, as per independent third-party lab testing.
- Application instructions suggest using 2-5 drops on damp or dry hair, focusing on mid-lengths and ends, and can be mixed with SEEN styling creams.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Shiny
- Smooth
- Fragrance-free
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: Ethylhexyl Olivate, C13-15 Alkane (Plant Derived), Squalane
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 Serum Heat Protectant - NUELE
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$33.99
Product Details
- Features a lightweight, residue-free blend of five concentrated oils that detangle, restore, enrich, and protect hair.
- Functions as a deep moisturizer and heat protectant suitable for all hair types.
- Free from parabens, sulfates, alcohol, GMOs, added fragrances, and oily residue.
- Made with clean, natural, and organic ingredients sourced from female farmers in Ghana and Morocco.
- Contains no synthetic ingredients and has no unnecessary dilution.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Silky
- Hydrating
- Natural
Cons Mentioned
- Allergenic
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 Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Organic Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Organic Argania Spinosa (Argan) Nut Oil, Organic Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Flower Oil, Organic Salvia Sclarea (Clary Sage) Flower/Leaf 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.
OI All in One Milk - Davines
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$40.00
Product Details
- Acts as a powerful hair detangler.
- Provides heat protection.
- Helps smooth frizzy hair.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizing
- Detangling
- Softening
Cons Mentioned
- Pricey
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Fragrance, Behentrimonium Chloride, Benzyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Cetyl Alcohol, Amodimethicone, Cetrimonium Chloride, Amodimethicone, Silsesquioxane Copolymer, Sodium Benzoate, Trideceth-5, Citric Acid, Glycerin, Trideceth-12, Cyclopentasiloxane, Citronellol, Geraniol, Phenoxyethanol, Helianthus Annus, Sunflower, Seed Oil, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, Bixa Orellana Seed Extract
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.
Leave in Hair Conditioner Spray - Yarok
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$32.00
Product Details
- Features jojoba oil for hair growth and other nutrients for hair oil balance.
- Included ingredients like grapeseed oil help smooth and detangle hair, reducing frizz.
- Infused with primrose oil and apricot for a pleasant, gentle fragrance.
- Aims to promote natural hair growth and revive hair texture using apricot oil.
- Free from parabens, sulfates, and gluten.
- Products are certified organic and crafted from wildcrafted and responsibly harvested plant ingredients.
- Leaping Bunny certified as vegan and cruelty-free, with 3% of profits donated to protect the Amazon Rainforests.
- Manufactured in small batches with a "use by date" to ensure quality and freshness.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Softening
- Detangling
- Natural
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: Vitamin Aqua (Water), Certified Organic Simmondsia Hinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Pure Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Organic Vitis Vinifera (Grapeseed) Oil, Organic Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Oil, Organic Oenothera Biennis (Primrose) Oil, Pure Plant-Sourced Kosher & Vegan Xanthan Gum, Plant Sourced Kosher & Vegan Potassium Sorbate, Essential Oils Of: Organic Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary), Organic Litsea Cubeba (May Chang)
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.
Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Cream Heat Protectant for Hair - Briogeo
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$12.00
Product Details
- Smooths hair and minimizes frizz while providing protection against heat up to 450°F.
- Formula scientifically proven to decrease frizz by 80% for up to 48 hours, enhancing hair's ability to lock in hydration and withstand humidity.
- Suitable for all hair types and textures, particularly those concerned with dryness and frizz.
- Contains rosehip oil for hydration and frizz control, argan oil for conditioning, coconut oil to seal in moisture and protect against breakage, and vitamin E to moisturize and shield hair from free radical damage.
- 94% naturally-derived ingredients, vegan, and Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free.
- Application advice: Distribute a small amount evenly through damp hair from root to tip before blow drying and styling.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Smooth
- Non-greasy
- Effective
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: Water/Aqua/Eau, Polyquaternium-37, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, PPG-1 Trideceth-6, Sorbitol, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Algae Extract, Bambusa Arundinacea Leaf Extract, Panthenol, Trametes Versicolor Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Glycerin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Abies Sibirica Oil, Polyquaternium-10, Cetrimonium Chloride, Fragrance (Parfum), Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol
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 Hair Love Prep Spray - Innersense
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$28.00
Product Details
- Primes and prepares hair for thermal, UV, and environmental exposure, enhancing body and style retention.
- Plumps each hair strand from roots to ends for thicker, fuller hair immediately upon application.
- Contains Vitamin B and rice protein to restore strength and shine during styling.
- Includes baobab and angelica root for added protection against thermal and UV damage and to nourish damaged hair cells.
- Suitable for all hair textures and types.
- Ingredients are organically grown and sustainably sourced from trusted plantations and farms worldwide.
- Free from sulfates, parabens, silicones, phthalates, propylene glycol, ethoxylates, synthetic fragrances, gluten, and artificial dyes.
- Cruelty-free, not tested on animals.
- Formulated without common synthetics that can build up and dull hair over time.
- Enhanced with amethyst crystal to support imagination and intuition, and aid in assimilating new ideas.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Cleans
- Nontoxic
- Effective
Cons Mentioned
- Snarly
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, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Potassium Sorbate, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice*, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Galactoarabinan, Pullulan, Sodium Phytate, Amethyst Powder, Citric Acid, Sodium Levulinate, Panthenol (Vitamin B-5), Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Glycerin*, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract*, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Extract*, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract*, Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract*, Honey Extract*, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, PCA, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Proline, Threonine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract*, Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Water, Sodium Benzoate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil Expressed, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Limonene, Lemon Oil Terpenes, Citral, Linalool
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.
Tame Hair Serum - Aesop
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$37.00
Product Details
- Formulated to gently smooth and control flyaway strands and frizz without causing stickiness or build-up.
- Can be applied to both damp or dry hair, and is easily removed with shampoo.
- Contains natural ingredients including Petitgrain, Bergamot Rind, and Patchouli.
- Suitable for most hair types and lengths, especially those prone to flyaways or frizz.
- Features a fresh, citrus, floral aroma.
- Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee for customer satisfaction.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Improves
- Control
- Fragrant
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), 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Acrylates Crosspolymer-3, Benzyl Alcohol, Hydrolyzed Oats, Xanthan Gum, Aminomethyl Propanol, Maltodextrin, Panthenol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Polysorbate 20, Dehydroacetic Acid, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Leaf/Twig Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Pogostemon Cablin Oil, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Oil, Limonene, Linalool, Benzyl Benzoate, Geraniol, Benzyl Salicylate
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.
Serum Spray - Josh Rosebrook
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$22.00
Product Details
- Acts as both a smoothing, defining styling treatment and a nourishing, bio-active scalp concentrate.
- Helps to banish frizz, tame wild ends, and enhance texture for waves and curls while shielding from heat stress.
- Leaves no oily residue or crunch upon application.
- Contains herbal nutrients including Oregano, Calendula, Chamomile, Thyme, Neem, and Bhringraj, which stimulate follicles and encourage hair growth.
- Incorporates nutrient-dense plant oils like Marula, Tamanu, Hemp Seed, and Argan to moisturize and condition hair.
- Aloe Vera phytonutrients included to smooth, soften hair, and support scalp health.
- Formulated for all hair types, textures, and conditions, and is safe for color-treated hair.
- Utilizes bio-technology and advancements in herbalism for efficacious formulas with potent botanical and biomimetic ingredients.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Softening
- Smoothing
- Lightweight
Cons Mentioned
- Scent
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 Vera Leaf Juice, Water, †Marula Seed Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, *Camelina Seed Oil, *Baobab Oil, *Tahitian Tamanu Seed Oil, *Argan Kernel Oil, *Olive Fruit Oil, *Sea Buckthorn Oil, *Oregano Extract, *Calendula Extract, *Chamomile Extract, *Thyme Extract, *Neem Leaf Extract, *Bhringraj Extract, §Xanthan Gum, *Guar Gum, Potassium Sorbate, †Orange Peel Oil Expressed, †Lavender Extract, †Rosemary Leaf Oil, †Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, †Ylang Ylang Flower 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.
HYDR-8 Leave In Conditioner - Vegamour
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$34.00
Product Details
- Formulated with VEGAMOUR's vegan alternative to keratin & silicone, Karmatin, which protects, strengthens, and repairs dry, damaged hair.
- Provides 14x hydration after one use, fighting frizz, humidity, flyaways, and tangles while delivering 72 hours of hydration for softer, more manageable hair.
- Offers heat protection for hair strands up to 450°F.
- Can be used on both dry and damp hair; spray on damp hair and style, or use on dry hair to refresh style or protect from heat-styling tools.
- Free from parabens, silicones, phthalates, sulfates, and artificial fragrances.
- Incorporates a fresh scent from plant-based ingredients including geranium, jasmine, and vanilla.
- Vegan, color-safe, and cruelty-free formulation.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Soft
- Growth
- Manageable
Cons Mentioned
- Overpowering
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Cetearyl Alcohol, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Behentrimonium Chloride, Copaifera Officinalis (Balsam Copaiba) Resin, Fragrance/Parfum, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetrimonium Chloride, Glyceryl Behenate, Sr-(Wasp Spider Polypeptide-1 Oligopeptide-178), Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Brassicamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-10, Mannitol, Phosphatidylcholine, Ximenia Americana Seed Oil, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cetyl Alcohol, Ceramide Np, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Biotin, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Seed Oil, Jasminum Grandiflorum (Jasmine) Flower Extract, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Gardenia Jasminoides Fruit Extract, Citrus Junos Peel Oil, Glycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene, Geraniol, Citral, Benzyl Alcohol, Citronellol, Amyl Cinnamal, Farnesol, Linalool
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.
Heat Protectant Shield - Rahua
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$32.30
Product Details
- Made with organic, natural, and pure plant-based ingredients sourced from the Amazon Rainforest.
- Committed to clean beauty and sustainability; each sale helps preserve 1 acre of the Amazon Rainforest.
- Protects hair from heat up to 450 degrees when using styling tools such as curlers, straighteners, and blow-dryers.
- Formulated with potent natural ingredients like cassava, organic star anise, and cosmetic clay.
- Aloe Vera, keratin, and vitamin E are included to prevent damage, soothe, and enhance hair shine and strength.
- Designed as a lightweight spray that does not leave buildup, offering a frizz-free, smooth, and shiny finish.
- Can be used on dry or damp hair, and suitable for all hair types including straight, wavy, curly, and coiled hair.
- Provides a long-lasting hold and helps seal the hair cuticle to prevent future damage.
- Features a natural botanical aroma from real plant sources without synthetic fragrances.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Protective
- Lightweight
- Shiny
Cons Mentioned
- Sticky
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Aqua, Coco Glucoside*, Cetyl Alcohol*, Organic Hibiscus Flower Sabdariffa Extract, Stearalkonium Chloride*, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Organic Avocado Oil, Organic Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Oenocarpus Bataua (Rahua Ungurahua) Oil, Organic Plukenetia Volubilis (Sacha Inchi) Seed Oil, Panthenol*, Mauritia Flexuosa (Morete) Fruit Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Citric Acid*, Propanediol*, Isopropyl Myristate*, Natural Aroma*, Hydrolyzed Quinoa Protein, Potassium Sorbate *Denotes Plant Derived Ingredient
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Natural SmartVolume Leave-In Conditioner - EVOLVh
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$13.00
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Silky
- Volume
- Detangling
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: Water, Glycerine*, 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 Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) 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*, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil*, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil*, Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf Oil*, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil*, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Oil*, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil*, Citric Acid‡, Tocopherol From Rosa Canina (Rose Hip)†, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Juniperus Virginiana (Cedarwood) Oil†, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Leaf Oil†, Lavandula Hybrida Oil†, Commiphora Guidotti†, Citrus Aurantium (Neroli) Oil†, Dehydroacetic Acid*, Benzyl Alcohol *
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 Heat Protectant
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
Butylated Hydroxyanisole
3-tert-Butyl-4-hydroxyanisole is a component of the food preservative Butylated Hydroxyanisole, used where Butylated hydroxytoluene is restricted. It serves as an oxidation inhibitor for human consumption. Despite lacking human studies, animal tests reveal no mutagenic activity. Its mutagenicity was evaluated using Salmonella typhimurium and Chinese hamster fibroblast cell line, with chromosomal aberrations induced only in the presence of the S9 mix.
Butylated Hydroxytoluene
BHT, a toluene-based ingredient, serves as a preservative in food and personal care products. Safety assessments have noted toxic effects in lung tissue when BHT was applied to rats' skin but considered the low concentrations in cosmetics safe. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) suggests moderate evidence of BHT being a respiratory irritant in humans.
Phthalate
Phthalates, linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and cancer, are banned in the European Union but remain prevalent in U.S. cosmetics. They are widely used in personal care products, such as nail polish, fragrances, and eyelash glue and other products. A significant loophole allows phthalates to be added to fragrances without disclosure. Health concerns include endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and potential carcinogenicity.
Sources:
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Phthalates, Product Profile: Hand Sanitizer, Phthalates in Cosmetics, Phthalates in cosmetic and personal care products: concentrations and possible dermal exposure, A Survey of Phthalates and Parabens in Personal Care Products from the United States and Its Implications for Human Exposure, Phthalates Factsheet, BPA and Phthalates: Chemicals found in our homes
Polyacrylamide
Acrylamide is a man-made white crystalline solid primarily used in the production of polymers and copolymers. In humans, it is toxic and irritates the skin and mucous membranes, and can affect the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems leading to symptoms like memory difficulties, confusion, slurred speech, and excessive sweating. It may cause peripheral neuropathy, resulting in loss of sensation and muscle wasting. Recovery after exposure can take months to years. Animal studies indicate acrylamide accumulates in the nervous system, liver, kidney, and male reproductive system, causing degenerative changes. It might disrupt metabolism, induce oxidative stress, cause chromosomal aberrations, and tumor initiation. There is no evidence of teratogenic effects in humans or causing cancer. It has also shown genotoxic effects in some aquatic species like C. Auratus and mussels.
Polyquaternium
Polyquaternium, modified polymers through quaternization are known for skin toxicity and allergenicity. Prolonged exposure, especially for hairdressers and janitors, may pose risks. It's found in various products, including hair conditioners, creams, and household cleaning items. Concerns include skin irritation, formaldehyde release, and contact dermatitis. Regulations in the EU limit Quaternium-15 to 0.2% in cosmetics, while the US lacks specific regulations.
Styrene
Styrene is a colorless to yellowish, oily liquid used mainly in plastic, synthetic rubber, and resin production but also as a flavoring agent. Acute human exposure can cause irritation, drowsiness, and vertigo, with skin blistering and dermatitis resulting from long-term contact. It has been linked to increased rates of certain types of cancer, liver effects, and problems with the reproductive system. Animal studies have similarly shown irritation, central nervous system effects, and links to cancers. Styrene's endocrine disruptor activity appears negligible in humans and other vertebrates, but there is evidence of impact in certain aquatic species.
Titanium Dioxide
The study on 1,576 U.S. workers exposed to TiO2 for over a year from 1956 to 1985 showed no increase in lung cancer or chronic respiratory disease, and no cases of pulmonary fibrosis. Cases of pulmonary fibrosis related to TiO2 exposure have been reported, possibly due to silica contamination. There are no listed effects for short-term or long-term exposure. Although NIOSH recognises ultrafine TiO2 as a potential occupational carcinogen, data is insufficient to classify fine TiO2 similarly. Epidemiological studies do not provide clear evidence of lung cancer risks from TiO2 dust exposure.
Galaxolide
Galaxolide is recognized as an established contact allergen in humans, according to the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety's 2011 report on fragrance allergens in cosmetic products. This compound has been identified as a reproductive effector and acts as a moderate skin irritant, as documented in The Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS).
Sources:
Galaxolide: A Threat to the Environment and Human Health, Prolonged sub-lethal exposure to galaxolide (HHCB) and tonalide (AHTN) promotes the metastatic potential of glioblastoma tumor spheroids, Galaxolide: A Long-lasting Fragrance Contaminating the Great Lakes, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Galaxolide, Human dermal exposure to galaxolide from personal care products, Human dermal exposure to galaxolide from personal care products, Molecule of the Week Archive: Galaxolide
Quaternium-15
Quaternium-15 is a preservative commonly used in cosmetics which is known to significantly contribute to allergic contact dermatitis in users. This condition has been reported in various professions, including hairdressers, machine maintenance engineers at a chicken processing plant, and photocopy workers. Notably, Quaternium-15, as a formaldehyde releaser, increases dermatitis risk. However, rinse-off products typically pose a lower risk of resulting in allergic contact dermatitis.
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