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Best Non-Toxic Pomade in 2024
Written by Camille May
Cofounder & Product Curator
Medically reviewed by Olushola Awoyemi
PhD Environmental Toxicology
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What you should know when choosing non-toxic pomade on Welpr:
- Only the cleanest products make it onto Welpr.
- We use a score called the Welpr Rating to rank each product.
- The Welpr Rating is based on math, not opinion, ensuring it's free from human bias.
Find Non-Toxic Pomade
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.
Castor & Amla Nourishing Pomade - Qhemet Biologics
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$16.50
Product Details
- Mineral oil-free and petroleum oil-free formulation designed to nourish the scalp and encourage growth.
- Effective in locking in moisture for protective styling, suitable for high porosity, 4C hair.
- Helps soften edges and ends to combat breakage and preserve hair length.
- Enhances softness, pliability, and sheen in locs, cornrows, twists, and loose hair.
- Contains moisturizing Castor Oil, a natural humectant that promotes hair growth and moisturizes dry, brittle hair.
- Free from mineral oil, proteins, silicones, artificial fragrances, dyes, or parabens.
- 100% Vegan product.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizing
- Nourishing
- Light
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: Castor (Ricinus Communis) Oil, Phyllanthus Emblica (Amla) Fruit Extract And Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Castor (Ricinus Communis) Wax, Citrus Limon, Citrus Aurantium, Vitamin E (Mixed Tocopherols)
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.
Black on White Scent Free Hair Pomade - Boyzz Only
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$22.00
Product Details
- Medium hold with a matte finish for all-day style.
- Unscented formula suitable for sensitive skin.
- Water-based, featuring nourishing canola and castor seed oils.
- Natural hold provided by candelilla, sunflower, and bayberry waxes.
- Lightweight and flexible, allowing for easy application and a soft, flexible hold.
- Non-greasy formula that doesn't cause stiffness; leaves no white residue.
- Cruelty-free and vegan, made with high-quality ingredients.
- Certified non-toxic, EWG Verified, and Leaping Bunny Approved.
- Formulated to work on classic, modern, retro, and old school styles.
- Can be reapplied throughout the day without hardening or setting.
- Manufactured in Canada adhering to high-quality and safety standards.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Natural
- Effective
- EWG-certified
Cons Mentioned
- Greasy
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Aqua, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Canola Oil (And) Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil (And) Polyhydroxystearic Acid (And) Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax (And) Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax (And) Tocopheryl Acetate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Behenyl Alcohol (And) Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate, Myrica Cerifera (Bayberry) Fruit Wax, Stearic Acid, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters (And) Water, Glyceryl Stearate, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Caprylhydroxamic Acid (And) Glyceryl Caprylate (And) Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Nutri-Pomade & Mask with Shea & Coconut - Qet Botanicals
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$40.00
Product Details
- Formulated with natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and essential oils for nourishment and hydration.
- Suitable for all hair types including curly, wavy, straight, and color-treated hair.
- The lightweight serum formula absorbs quickly without weighing hair down.
- Infused with a refreshing coconut scent for a pleasant aroma.
- Provides salon-quality results with improved manageability, softness, and shine.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Nourishing
- Lightweight
- Scented
Cons Mentioned
- Pricey
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Butyrospermum Parkii (Raw, Unrefined Shea Butter) Fruit*, Cocos Nucifera (Unrefined Coconut) Oil*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil*, Tocopherol (Non-GMO Vitamin E), Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Flower Oil*. *Organic Ingredient
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Glacial Hair Clay Pomade - Highland
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$28.00
Product Details
- Award-winning, recognized as 'Best Hair Clay' by Esquire Grooming Awards and featured in GQ's Best Men's Hair Clay
- Promotes hair and scalp health while styling
- Offers medium hold and low shine with a nearly matte finish
- Suitable for all hair types and styles
- Made with 100% natural, organic, and plant-based ingredients
- Free from parabens, sulfates, and chemicals; non-toxic and cruelty-free
- Packaging is 100% recyclable, made from infinitely recyclable aluminum
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Natural
- Effective
- Scent
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: Vegetable Glycerin, Shea Butter, Arrowroot Powder, Beeswax, Jojoba Oil, Kaolin Clay, Canadian Glacial Clay, Vitamin E Oil, Pine & Sandalwood Oil Blend
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.
Waves Pomade Argan Oil and Shea Butter - SheaMoisture
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$14.57
Product Details
- Contains Fair Trade Certified Organic Shea Butter and Argan Oil for moisturization and softness.
- Formulated with Candelilla Wax to help create lightweight hold for everyday styling.
- Designed to help create natural-looking waves and smooth wave patterns.
- Can be used as a hair putty or defining paste to manage frizz.
- Sulfate-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free.
- Free from silicones and sulfates, suitable for daily use.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Natural
- Moisturizing
- Hold
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: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Passiflora Edulis (Passion Fruit) Seed Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Fragrance *Certified Organic Ingredient, Fair Trade 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.
Matte Hair Pomade - Ouai
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$26.00
Product Details
- Provides moldable hold, texture, and separation for creating a lived-in look.
- Helps control frizz and leaves a matte finish.
- Enhances limp, lifeless hair by adding texture and volume.
- Features a French-inspired fragrance of gardenia, ylang ylang, and white musk.
- Formulated without parabens.
- Designed to simplify hair styling routines while nurturing hair health.
- Part of a product line that aims to be luxurious yet affordable and user-friendly.
- Complements with other anti-frizz products for enhanced results.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Scent
- Texture
- Hold
Cons Mentioned
- Residue
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: Petrolatum, Kaolin, Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Paraffin, Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil), Parfum (Fragrance), Synthetic Beeswax, Microcrystalline Wax (Cera Microcristallina), Bht, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Linalool, Stearic Acid, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Geraniol
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 Hair Pomade - John Masters Organics
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$24.00
Product Details
- Utilizes a rich blend of ingredients for conditioning and styling hair
- Helps combat frizz and define curls
- Provides beachy texture and minimizes heat damage
- Made with USDA organic certified ingredients
- Contains 95% or more organic content
- Cruelty-free and not tested on animals
- Formulated with organic beeswax and mango fruit extract to lock-in moisture and protect from environmental stressors
- Includes organic sunflower seed oil to prevent breakage
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Organic
- Moisturizing
- Long-lasting
Cons Mentioned
- Greasy
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Beeswax*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Orbignya Oleirfera (Babassu) Seed Oil*, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil*, Laurus Nobilis (Bay Laurel) Leaf Oil*, Cedrus Atlantica (Cedar) Wood Oil*, Abies Balsamea (Fir Balsam) Oil*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf 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.
Beard Balm & Hair Pomade - Bevel
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$11.95
Product Details
- Melts into hair and beard to lock in moisture, helping reduce frizz and sculpt your look.
- Designed for use on both hair and beard without leaving a sticky finish.
- Infused with Sweet Almond Oil, Coconut Oil, and Shea Butter for a polished look.
- Formula excludes drying or harsh chemicals such as mineral oils, alcohols, and petroleum.
- Suitable for styling waves and locs, ensuring an all-day hold.
- Can be applied to damp hair for styling, ensuring even distribution by brushing downwards in each section.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Softening
- Fragrant
- Moisturizing
Cons Mentioned
- Availability
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: Cocos Nucifera [Coconut] Oil, Beeswax, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis [Sweet Almond] Oil, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Coconut Alkanes, Butyrospermum Parkii [Shea] Butter, Maranta Arundinacea Root Powder, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Theobroma Cacao [Cocoa] Seed Butter, Fragrance
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Flexible Hold Wax Pomade for Men - Brickell
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$18.00
Product Details
- Provides a flexible hold with a natural shine finish
- Suitable for men of any age with medium to short hair
- Effective on any hair type for achieving flexible styles
- Formulated with beeswax for flexible hold
- Contains Vitamin E to condition the hair
- Includes Castor Oil to promote hair growth
- Composed of natural and certified organic ingredients including Beeswax, Vitamin E, and Shea Butter
- 100% natural and 81% organic content
- Developed by Brickell, a company whose products are sold in over 20 countries and featured in major men’s magazines
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Flexible
- Natural
- Lightweight
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: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii* (Shea) Butter, Beeswax, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Stearic Acid, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis* (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus* (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Melia Azadirachta* (Neem) Seed Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Oil, Cymbopogon Flexuosus (Lemongrass) 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.
Clay Pomade - Jack Henry
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$28.00
Product Details
- Provides a 48-hour hold, suitable for all hair types.
- Offers a matte finish with zero grease or crunch.
- Resistant to humidity and sweat, allowing for reshaping as needed.
- Stimulates hair growth and helps fight off dandruff.
- Highly moisturizing for both hair and scalp.
- Includes four organic ingredients: coconut oil, bentonite clay, beeswax, and French lavender oil.
- Free from alcohol and crafted in Southern California using organic ingredients and packaging.
- Application method involves rubbing a small amount between fingers and distributing evenly through hair from roots.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Flexible
- Moisturizing
- Effective
Cons Mentioned
- Greasy
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Organic Beeswax, Organic Coconut Oil, Bentonite Clay, Organic Lavender Essential Oil
Our Product Rating System
First, Camille (co-creator of Welpr) hand picks cleaner product options from a variety of sources.
Next, we collect information about each product's safety, consumer satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing.
Finally, we run all this information through an algorithm that calculates the Welpr Rating.
Welpr Rating:
5.0/5
Part 1: Product safety
We evaluate safety information from 3rd party organizations (e.g. EWG, Made Safe, etc.). Instead of relying solely on any one of these companies for safety information, we assess all of them.
Part 2: Consumer satisfaction
We scour the web for consumer ratings and reviews to verify products are not only cleaner options, but also effective. Products can either be Above Average, Average, or Below average for their respective category (e.g. cleaning products).
Part 3: Ethics & Environment
When you buy a product, you’re supporting that company with your dollars. We believe it’s important to support ethical companies, so we pool together certifications that verify a company's ethics and environmental impact.
Common Harmful Chemicals in Pomade
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
Phthalate
Phthalates, linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and cancer, are banned in the European Union but remain prevalent in U.S. cosmetics. They are widely used in personal care products, such as nail polish, fragrances, and eyelash glue and other products. A significant loophole allows phthalates to be added to fragrances without disclosure. Health concerns include endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and potential carcinogenicity.
Sources:
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Phthalates, Product Profile: Hand Sanitizer, Phthalates in Cosmetics, Phthalates in cosmetic and personal care products: concentrations and possible dermal exposure, A Survey of Phthalates and Parabens in Personal Care Products from the United States and Its Implications for Human Exposure, Phthalates Factsheet, BPA and Phthalates: Chemicals found in our homes
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Sodium laureth sulfate, derived from ethoxylated lauryl alcohol, is a surfactant used in sudsy products like toothpaste, detergents, and shampoos. While it acts as a cleansing and emulsifying agent, it can sometimes contain toxic impurities such as 1,4-dioxane. This chemical has raised health concerns due to its potential to cause skin, lung, and eye irritation, organ toxicity, and, primarily because of contamination by 1,4 dioxane, cancer.
Sources:
The Dirty Dozen: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, 15 Toxic Trespassers, SKIP PRODUCTS MADE WITH SLES (AND SLS, TOO!), Campaign for Safe Costmetics: 1,4-DIOXANE, WHAT IS SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE: CHEMICAL FREE LIVING, A new formula for a mild body cleanser: sodium laureth sulphate supplemented with sodium laureth carboxylate and lauryl glucoside,
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is recognised as a skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant according to ICSC. It may cause allergic reactions and eye irritation as stated by the HSDB. Exposure may even result in eye burns, as per CAMEO. Depending on its form - which may range from a solid (90-98% purity), to a paste (30-41%), or an aqueous solution (28-50%) - it can significantly irritate skin and eyes, with adverse effects escalating with increased concentration. Despite these hazards, it is not a skin sensitizer according to CHEMINFO, while eChemPortal: ERMA and MSDSonline endorse its classification as an irritant.
Triclosan
Triclosan is a synthetic pesticide with antibacterial properties commonly added to detergents, soaps, and various personal care products such as deodorants and toothpastes. Although it lacks the ability to combat viruses causing colds and flus, it's used in products like body washes, disinfectants, and some toothpastes to resist bacterial growth. In 2016, the FDA limited its use in antibacterial soaps, but the compound is still permitted in other products. The European Union prohibited its presence in food-contact items in 2010. Exposure to triclosan has been associated with hormone disruption, increased breast cancer risk, liver damage, and the development of resistant super-germs.
Sources:
Triclosan Exposure, Transformation, and Human Health Effects, Are antibacterial products with triclosan fueling bacterial resistance?, Antimicrobial agents, triclosan, chloroxylenol, methylisothiazolinone and borax, used in cleaning had genotoxic and histopathologic effects on rainbow trout, The Effects of Triclosan on Puberty and Thyroid Hormones in Male Wistar Rats, Triclosan is a potent inhibitor of estradiol and estrone sulfonation in sheep placenta, The in Vitro estrogenic activities of triclosan and triclocarban, Antibacterial Soap? You Can Skip It, Use Plain Soap and Water, Environmental Exposure of Aquatic and Terrestrial Biota to Triclosan and Triclocarban, Triclosan: Environmental Fate and Effects, Chemical Profile: Triclosan / Triclocarban, 5 Things to Know About Triclosan, Underarm Harm? Whats So Bad About Antiperspirants?, Some flame retardants and the antimicrobials triclosan and triclocarban enhance the androgenic activity in vitro, Triclocarban Enhances Testosterone Action: A New Type of Endocrine Disruptor?, Triclosan, a commonly used bactericide found in human milk and in the aquatic environment in Sweden
Benzene
Benzene is a colorless, sweet-smelling, highly flammable liquid that evaporates quickly into the air and slightly dissolves in water. It's a byproduct of both natural processes and human activities, used extensively in the U.S production of other chemicals for plastics, resins, nylon, rubbers, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. Present in crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke, benzene is also released into the air from burning coal, oil, gasoline stations, and vehicle exhaust. Short-term exposure may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and irritation, while long-term exposure leads to blood disorders, reproductive effects, and even leukemia. Benzene has been classified by EPA as a known human carcinogen, and regulations apply to various industry sectors with potentially high exposure risks.
Sources:
Triethanolamine
Triethanolamine appears to cause occupational asthma and allergic contact dermatitis in machinists and photographers, as well as liver and kidney damage in animals with high-dose feeding. It's noted to be an irritant to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, with potential to cause skin sensitization, though the rate of skin sensitization in humans is low. Triethanolamine has low acute toxicity, with median oral LD50 values of 4,190-11,260 mg/kg in rats and 5,300-8,000 mg/kg in guinea pigs, and a median dermal LD50 greater than 2,000 mg/kg in rabbits. Triethanolamine is not carcinogenic, developmental toxicant, or toxic to the reproductive system. However, chronic exposure may lead to liver and kidney damage.
Sources:
Safety assessment of triethanolamine and triethanolamine-containing ingredients as used in cosmetics, Toxicology of mono-, di-, and triethanolamine, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Ethanolamine Compounds (MEA, DEA, TEA And Others), The Dirty Dozen: DEA-related ingredients, Chemical Profile, Special Chem, Safety assessment of triethanolamine and triethanolamine-containing ingredients as used in cosmetics
Diethanolamine
Diethanolamine is a chemical found in various consumer products like shampoos, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Acute exposure in humans can result in irritation of the nose, throat, and skin. However, no detailed data is available on its chronic, reproductive, developmental or carcinogenic effects on humans. Studies on animals reveal that acute oral exposure can influence the liver, blood, kidney, and central nervous system, while dermal exposure has been connected with an increased incidence of liver and kidney tumors in mice. Production of first-degree burns, skin irritation, occupational asthma, kidney, and liver injury risk, and potential skin sensitization are some other adverse effects associated with diethanolamine.
Sources:
Chemical Safety Facts: Ethanolamines, NTP Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Diethanolamine, California Environmental Protection Agency: Diethanolamine , International Agency for Research on Cancer: Diethanolamine, Initial List of Hazardous Air Pollutants with Modifications, What is the Toxics Release Inventory?, OPINION CONCERNING DIALKYL- AND DIALKANOLAMINES AND THEIR SALTS IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS, Ethanolamine Compounds (MEA, DEA, TEA And Others), WHAT ARE ETHANOLAMINE COMPOUNDS (DEA, MEA, OR TEA): CHEMICAL FREE LIVING, The Dirty Dozen: DEA-related ingredients, FDA: Diethanolamine, Chemical Profile: Diethanolamine ,
Phenoxyethanol
2-Phenoxyethanol is a hazardous substance toxic by all routes of exposure, and is used widely in products like cosmetics, soaps, and inks, among others. The effects of exposure to this faintly aromatic, colorless, oily liquid can include eye irritation, headaches, tremors, and CNS depression. It's crucial to rinse exposed eyes with tepid water for at least 15 minutes and to wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water in case of contact. The substance requires preheating before ignition can occur, and if involved in a fire, gentle water spray can extinguish the fire by inducing frothing.
Methylisothiazolinone
Methylisothiazolinone can reportedly cause allergic contact dermatitis in workers who interact with products containing it. This substance is recognized as a contact allergen for consumers using cosmetics that include it. It can cause skin burns and sensitization, and inhaling it may lead to corrosive injuries in the upper respiratory tract and lungs. Ingesting this substance is harmful, and inhalation is toxic. This preservative is linked to the category of isothiazolinones.
Sources:
Antimicrobial agents, triclosan, chloroxylenol, methylisothiazolinone and borax, used in cleaning had genotoxic and histopathologic effects on rainbow trout, Methylisothiazolinone toxicity and inhibition of wound healing and regeneration in planaria, Methylchloroisothiazolinone and/or methylisothiazolinone in cosmetic products, Isothiazolinone Biocides: Chemistry, Biological, and Toxicity Profiles, Methylisothiazolinone and isothiazolinone allergy, Analysis of isothiazolinones in environmental waters by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, Methylisothiazolinone induces apoptotic cell death via matrix metalloproteinase activation in human bronchial epithelial cells, EU REGULATIONS , Methylisothiazolinone contact allergy: a review, Effects of methylisothiazolinone and octylisothiazolinone on development and thyroid endocrine system in zebrafish larvae, Two Cases of Chloromethylisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone-associated Toxic Lung Injury, An update of the risk assessment for methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) with focus on rinse-off products, Effects of a mixture of chloromethylisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone on peripheral airway dysfunction in children, Isothiazolinone preservative: cause of a continuing epidemic of cosmetic dermatitis, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol has been shown to cause narcosis in animals during acute studies, as cited by ACGIH. However, according to research by Zimmerman, it is not hepatotoxic in either experimental animal studies or in human exposures. It's known to be a skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant, and if inhaled in high concentrations, it can cause CNS depression, as indicated by the ICSC.
Octinoxate
Octinoxate, commonly found in various cosmetic and personal care products such as hair color products, sunscreen, lipstick, and skin creams, is an endocrine disruptor that mimics estrogen and can affect thyroid function. It has been detected in human urine, blood, and breast milk, indicating systemic exposure. Octinoxate's potential health concerns include its impact on cell proliferation in response to estrogen exposure, disruptions in thyroid hormones, alterations in reproductive systems, and adverse effects on the development of male and female fetuses, as well as their offspring.
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