What you should know when choosing non-toxic mousse 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.
SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS
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 Mousse

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 Altitude Bodifying Blow Dry Mousse - SexyHair

Big Altitude Bodifying Blow Dry Mousse - SexyHair
Welpr Rating
tooltip icon
Welpr rating icon
4.87
/5
Buy Now
Buy Now
on Amazon

Certifications

tooltip icon
<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/1040185-Sexy_Hair_BIG_SEXYHAIR_BIG_ALTITUDE_BODIFYING_BLOW_DRY_MOUSSE/" 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/sexy-hair-company/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
tooltip icon

User Satisfaction

tooltip icon
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
$22.95

Product Details

arrow down
  • Provides volume with hold
  • Offers up to 72 hours of humidity resistance
  • Includes thermal protection

Pros & Cons

arrow down

Pros Mentioned

  • Volumizing
  • Manageable
  • Body

Cons Mentioned

  • Control

Ingredients

arrow down

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: PEG/PPG-17/18 Dimethicone, Steareth-21, Polyquaternium-46, VP/Methacrylamide/Vinyl Imidazole Copolymer, Polysorbate 20, Ethyltrimonium Chloride Methacrylate/Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein Copolymer, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Tapioca Starch

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 Lift Volumizing Foam - Innersense

Create Lift Volumizing Foam - Innersense
Welpr Rating
tooltip icon
Welpr rating icon
4.75
/5
Buy Now
Buy Now
on Amazon

Certifications

tooltip icon
<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/innersense-organic-beauty/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
<p>The Plastic Neutral Certified label indicates that a brand has measured and offset its plastic footprint by supporting equivalent plastic waste recovery and recycling efforts. <a href="https://repurpose.global/brand-partners/innersense" 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/innersense-beauty" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
<p>The Leaping Bunny certification assures that products are genuinely cruelty-free, verified through rigorous audits and a comprehensive Supplier Monitoring System. <a href="https://www.leapingbunny.org/brand/innersense-organic-beauty" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
tooltip icon

User Satisfaction

tooltip icon
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
$28.00

Product Details

arrow down
  • Provides a lightweight styling foam to uplift roots and build body.
  • Shapes, defines, and smooths both wet or dry hair while enhancing natural texture and offering a light hold.
  • Suitable for all hair types and can be used to add texture, boost volume, define curls, and as a root refresher between washes.
  • Formulated with organic ingredients including aloe vera, honey, lavender, orange flower oil, and frangipani, promoting peace and balance.
  • Ingredients are organically grown and sustainably sourced without chemicals from transparent plantations, orchards, and farms globally.
  • Free from silicones, resins, plastics, sulfates, parabens, silicones, phthalates, propylene glycol, ethoxylates, synthetic fragrances, gluten, PEG, MEA, TEA, MIA, EDTA, and artificial dyes.
  • Vegan and cruelty-free, emphasizing ethical harvesting and sourcing.

Pros & Cons

arrow down

Pros Mentioned

  • Voluminous
  • Moisturizing
  • Soft

Cons Mentioned

  • Erratic

Ingredients

arrow down

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, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Gel*, Cyamopsis Tetragonolobus (Guar) Gum*, Sorbitol, Sclerotium Gum, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Water*, Organic Rooibos African Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract*, Gluconolactone, Sodium Benzoate, Calcium Gluconate, Potassium Sorbate, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Glycerin, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract*, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract*, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract*, Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract*, Eucalyptus Globulus Extract*, Citric Acid, Maltodextrin, Honey Extract*, Linalool* Certified Organic *A Natural Component Of Essential Oils

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.

Curl Mousse - SheaMoisture

Curl Mousse - SheaMoisture
Welpr Rating
tooltip icon
Welpr rating icon
4.67
/5
Buy Now
Buy Now
on Amazon

Certifications

tooltip icon
<p>Products rated EWG-3 feature a moderate potential hazard rating and fair ingredient transparency. EWG ratings may change. Check the source for most up to date rating. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/1007436-Shea_Moisture_Coconut__Hibiscus_FrizzFree_Curl_Mousse/" 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/sundial-brands-llc/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

tooltip icon
<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

tooltip icon
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
$10.97

Product Details

arrow down
  • Blended with Fair Trade Shea Butter to enhance curl bounciness and manageability.
  • Designed to enhance natural curl memory and wave pattern while leaving no residue.
  • Contains coconut and neem oil to control frizz and add brilliant shine to curly hair.
  • Incorporates Silk Protein to make wavy and curly hair smooth, silky, and bouncy.
  • All products are ethically traded, sustainably produced, and cruelty-free.
  • Free from silicones, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, and petrolatum.
  • Legacy of Sofi Tucker, who sold Shea Butter and homemade beauty products in Sierra Leone in 1912.
  • Supports the company's mission to reinvest in their communities with every purchase.

Pros & Cons

arrow down

Pros Mentioned

  • Moisturizing
  • Nourishing
  • Non-sticky

Cons Mentioned

  • Watery

Ingredients

arrow down

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, Cocoamidopropyl Betaine, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*+, Panthenol, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Flower Extract, Hydrolyzed Silk, Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil, Glycerin (Vegetable), Polyquaternium-7, Polyquaternium-10, Fragrance (Essential Oil Blend), Potassium Sorbate, Gluconolactone, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride

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 Cloud Airlight Volumizing Mousse - AG Care

Natural Cloud Airlight Volumizing Mousse - AG Care
Welpr Rating
tooltip icon
Welpr rating icon
4.65
/5
Buy Now
Buy Now
on Amazon

Certifications

tooltip icon
<p>Products rated EWG-4 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/1024194-AG_Care_CLOUD_AIR_LIGHT_VOLUMIZING_MOUSSE/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

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

User Satisfaction

tooltip icon
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
$28.00

arrow down

Pros & Cons

arrow down

Pros Mentioned

  • Lightweight
  • Soft
  • Non-crunchy

Cons Mentioned

  • Pricey

Ingredients

arrow down

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), Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Pvp, Decyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Gluconolactone, Polysorbate 20, Lactic Acid, Polyquaternium-70, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Polyglyceryl-10 Caprylate/Caprate, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Dipropylene Glycol, Limonene, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Citric Acid, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract, Malic Acid, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract, Calcium Gluconate, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Panicum Miliaceum (Millet) Seed Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Tilia Tomentosa Bud Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, 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.

Locking + Coconut Curls Decadent Creamy Mousse - OGX

Locking + Coconut Curls Decadent Creamy Mousse - OGX
Welpr Rating
tooltip icon
Welpr rating icon
4.65
/5
Buy Now
Buy Now
on Amazon

Certifications

tooltip icon
<p>Products rated EWG-4 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/1005252-Ogx_Locking__Coconut_Curls_Decadent_Creamy_Mousse/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

tooltip icon
<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

tooltip icon
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
$7.97

Product Details

arrow down
  • Part foam, part cream formula offers the hold of a mousse and hydration of a cream.
  • Infused with shea butter and coconut oil to enhance and de-frizz curls.
  • Designed for thick, curly hair to help maintain moisture and fight frizz.
  • Can be applied to damp hair from roots to ends to enhance and tighten curls.
  • OGX hair care products are inspired by nature and aim to enhance hair’s natural texture.
  • Suitable for everyday use to achieve bouncy and smooth curls without frizz.

Pros & Cons

arrow down

Pros Mentioned

  • Soft
  • Hold
  • Smell

Cons Mentioned

  • Crunchy

Ingredients

arrow down

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), Isobutane, Propylene Glycol, Polyimide-1, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Panthenol, PEG-12 Dimethicone, PVP, Polyquaternium-4, Polysorbate 80, Propane, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Diazolidinyl Urea, Fragrance (Parfum)

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.

Organics Volumizing Foam - John Masters Organics

Organics Volumizing Foam - John Masters Organics
Welpr Rating
tooltip icon
Welpr rating icon
4.57
/5
Buy Now
Buy Now
on Amazon

Certifications

tooltip icon
<p>Products rated EWG-3 feature a moderate potential hazard rating and fair ingredient transparency. EWG ratings may change. Check the source for most up to date rating. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/962855-John_Masters_Organics_Volumizing_Foam_with_Quinoa__Acacia_Gum/" 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/john-masters-organics/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
tooltip icon

User Satisfaction

tooltip icon
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
$29.00

Product Details

arrow down
  • Contains over 70% organic ingredients
  • Non-aerosol dispenser for application
  • Offers long-lasting hold
  • Cruelty-free product

Pros & Cons

arrow down

Pros Mentioned

  • Volumizing
  • Light
  • Control

Cons Mentioned

  • Dry

Ingredients

arrow down

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)*, Water, Glycerin, Caprylyl/Capryl Glycoside, Alcohol, Pullulan, Decyl Glucoside, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Boswellia Carterii Oil (Frankincense)*, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Quillaja Saponaria Wood Extract*, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Oil*, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Green Tea), Sodium Surfactin, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate, Trehalose, Babassuamidopropyl Betaine, Acacia Senegal Gum*, Galactoarabinan, Sorbitol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Limonene, 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.

Feed Your Roots Organic Mousse - Yarok

Feed Your Roots Organic Mousse - Yarok
Welpr Rating
tooltip icon
Welpr rating icon
4.55
/5
Buy Now
Buy Now
on Amazon
tooltip icon

Highlights

tooltip icon
<p>The Vegan label indicates that a brand says their product does not contain animal-derived ingredients, but without certifications such as Certified Vegan, it cannot be verified.</p>

User Satisfaction

tooltip icon
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
$32.00

Product Details

arrow down
  • Infused with organic ingredients such as Black Currant, Coconut Oil, Beet Root, and Blueberries.
  • Designed to volumize hair by using a blend of botanicals, vitamins, minerals, and essential oils.
  • Suitable for all hair types, aims to promote hair growth, improve elasticity, and strengthen hair.
  • Formula is nutrient-rich, enhancing hair's volume and dimension without flaking or weighing it down.
  • Application requires only a golf ball-sized amount on either damp or dry hair.
  • Does not contain gluten, sulfates, alcohol, parabens, or other harsh chemicals.
  • 100% vegan and cruelty-free, adhering to ethical production practices.
  • Part of profits contribute to the Pachamama Alliance, supporting environmental conservation efforts in the Amazon Rainforest.

Pros & Cons

arrow down

Pros Mentioned

  • Effective
  • Natural
  • Soft

Cons Mentioned

  • Expensive

Ingredients

arrow down

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 Vitamin-Enhanced Aqua (Water), Non-Gmo Corn Or Rice Extract, Organic Vegetable Glycerol, Organic Herbal Extracts Of: Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Extract, Beta Vulgaris (Beet Root) Extract, Kham Thai, Vaccinium Myrtillus (Blueberry), Natural Plant Sourced Vitamins B1, B2, B3 & C, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Plant Sourced Kosher Vegan Xanthan Gum, Plant Sourced Kosher Vegan Potassium Sorbate, Organic African Black Soap, Vitamin A (Plant Sourced Infusion), Essential Oils Of: Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary), Lisea 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.

Air Dry Foam - Ouai

Air Dry Foam - Ouai
Welpr Rating
tooltip icon
Welpr rating icon
4.47
/5
Buy Now
Buy Now
on Amazon

Certifications

tooltip icon
<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/ouai" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

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

User Satisfaction

tooltip icon
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
$28.00

Product Details

arrow down
  • Provides effortless, frizz-free air-dried waves without extra styling tools.
  • Lightweight mousse formulated with protein extracts to condition and protect hair.
  • Delivers soft, touchable, and non-crunchy hair after use.
  • Application process involves massaging into damp hair and scrunching to shape into waves.
  • Includes kale and carrot extract for added hair conditioning and detangling.
  • Free from parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, emphasizing a commitment to healthy hair care.
  • Designed to simplify styling routines while still providing luxurious outcomes.
  • OUAI represents a casual Parisian approach, focusing on real-world, honest conversations and embracing imperfections.

Pros & Cons

arrow down

Pros Mentioned

  • Effortless
  • Enhancing
  • Bouncy

Cons Mentioned

  • Frizzy

Ingredients

arrow down

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), Polyurethane-48, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Polysorbate 20, Pvp, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Brassica Oleracea Acephala Extract, Hydrolyzed Carrot Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Lemon Fruit Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Trimethylsiloxyamodimethicone, C11-15 Pareth-7, C12-16 Pareth-9, Glycerin, Trideceth-12, Methylpropanediol, Phenylpropanol, Sorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum (Fragrance), Alpha-Isomethyl, Ionone, Linalool, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene

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 Mousse

Chemical Name

Why it’s harmful

Phthalate

Phthalates, linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and cancer, are banned in the European Union but remain prevalent in U.S. cosmetics. They are widely used in personal care products, such as nail polish, fragrances, and eyelash glue and other products. A significant loophole allows phthalates to be added to fragrances without disclosure. Health concerns include endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and potential carcinogenicity.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

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

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

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

Triclosan

Triclosan is a synthetic pesticide with antibacterial properties commonly added to detergents, soaps, and various personal care products such as deodorants and toothpastes. Although it lacks the ability to combat viruses causing colds and flus, it's used in products like body washes, disinfectants, and some toothpastes to resist bacterial growth. In 2016, the FDA limited its use in antibacterial soaps, but the compound is still permitted in other products. The European Union prohibited its presence in food-contact items in 2010. Exposure to triclosan has been associated with hormone disruption, increased breast cancer risk, liver damage, and the development of resistant super-germs.

Sources: 
Benzene

Benzene is a colorless, sweet-smelling, highly flammable liquid that evaporates quickly into the air and slightly dissolves in water. It's a byproduct of both natural processes and human activities, used extensively in the U.S production of other chemicals for plastics, resins, nylon, rubbers, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. Present in crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke, benzene is also released into the air from burning coal, oil, gasoline stations, and vehicle exhaust. Short-term exposure may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and irritation, while long-term exposure leads to blood disorders, reproductive effects, and even leukemia. Benzene has been classified by EPA as a known human carcinogen, and regulations apply to various industry sectors with potentially high exposure risks.

Sources: 
Triethanolamine

Triethanolamine appears to cause occupational asthma and allergic contact dermatitis in machinists and photographers, as well as liver and kidney damage in animals with high-dose feeding. It's noted to be an irritant to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, with potential to cause skin sensitization, though the rate of skin sensitization in humans is low. Triethanolamine has low acute toxicity, with median oral LD50 values of 4,190-11,260 mg/kg in rats and 5,300-8,000 mg/kg in guinea pigs, and a median dermal LD50 greater than 2,000 mg/kg in rabbits. Triethanolamine is not carcinogenic, developmental toxicant, or toxic to the reproductive system. However, chronic exposure may lead to liver and kidney damage.

Diethanolamine

Diethanolamine is a chemical found in various consumer products like shampoos, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Acute exposure in humans can result in irritation of the nose, throat, and skin. However, no detailed data is available on its chronic, reproductive, developmental or carcinogenic effects on humans. Studies on animals reveal that acute oral exposure can influence the liver, blood, kidney, and central nervous system, while dermal exposure has been connected with an increased incidence of liver and kidney tumors in mice. Production of first-degree burns, skin irritation, occupational asthma, kidney, and liver injury risk, and potential skin sensitization are some other adverse effects associated with diethanolamine.

Phenoxyethanol

2-Phenoxyethanol is a hazardous substance toxic by all routes of exposure, and is used widely in products like cosmetics, soaps, and inks, among others. The effects of exposure to this faintly aromatic, colorless, oily liquid can include eye irritation, headaches, tremors, and CNS depression. It's crucial to rinse exposed eyes with tepid water for at least 15 minutes and to wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water in case of contact. The substance requires preheating before ignition can occur, and if involved in a fire, gentle water spray can extinguish the fire by inducing frothing.

Methylisothiazolinone

Methylisothiazolinone can reportedly cause allergic contact dermatitis in workers who interact with products containing it. This substance is recognized as a contact allergen for consumers using cosmetics that include it. It can cause skin burns and sensitization, and inhaling it may lead to corrosive injuries in the upper respiratory tract and lungs. Ingesting this substance is harmful, and inhalation is toxic. This preservative is linked to the category of isothiazolinones.

Sources: 
Isopropyl Alcohol

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

Octinoxate

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

about icon

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.