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.
Best Non-Toxic Stretch Mark Cream in 2024
Written by Camille May
Cofounder & Product Curator
Medically reviewed by Olushola Awoyemi
PhD Environmental Toxicology
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Our use of affiliate links does not influence how we rate products. Learn more about our affiliate policy here.
What you should know when choosing non-toxic stretch mark cream on Welpr:
- Only the cleanest products make it onto Welpr.
- We use a score called the Welpr Rating to rank each product.
- The Welpr Rating is based on math, not opinion, ensuring it's free from human bias.
Find Non-Toxic Stretch Mark Cream
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Stretch Marks Cream for Pregnancy - Mustela
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$32.00
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizing
- Scentless
- Effective
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: Aqua/Water/Eau, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, C10-18 Triglycerides, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Propanediol, Citric Acid, Hydrolyzed Avocado Protein, Maltodextrin, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, Passiflora Edulis Fruit 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.
Pregnant Belly Salve - Motherlove
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$19.99
Product Details
- Formulated for use on stretching bellies, breasts, and hips.
- Made from lightweight apricot oil infused with skin-soothing and nourishing herbs.
- Thickened with beeswax and shea butter for added moisture retention.
- Contains clean ingredients like non-GMO apricot oil, organic beeswax, shea butter, marshmallow root, rosehips, lavender flower, chamomile flower, and calendula flower.
- Easily absorbed with a light chamomile and lavender scent.
- Non-GMO Project Verified and made with only organic herbs.
- Certified Cruelty-Free by Leaping Bunny.
- Made in the USA with imported ingredients.
- Produced by a certified Women-Owned B-Corp emphasizing environmental and social responsibility.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Soothing
- Moisturizing
- Absorbent
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: Apricot Oil, Beeswax*, Shea Butter*, Marshmallow Root*, Rosehips*, Lavender Flower*, Chamomile Flower*, Calendula Flower*, Lavender Essential Oil* (*Organic Ingredients)
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.
Nourishing Stretch Mark Cream - Evereden
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$49.00
Product Details
- Plant-based and clean skincare, featuring natural plant-derived cold-pressed oils and nutrients.
- Contains 12 nutrient-dense botanicals and a potent blend of peptides to improve skin health.
- Visibly reduces stretch marks and enhances skin elasticity during pregnancy and post-partum.
- Rapidly absorbs, offering immediate relief from dryness and itchiness with its soothing texture.
- Suitable for sensitive skin, and safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Manufactured in the USA, dermatologist-tested, and doctor-created to ensure non-toxic purity.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizing
- Non-greasy
- High-quality
Cons Mentioned
- Smell
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Caprylic / Capric Triglycerides, Empetrum Nigrum (Crowberry) Fruit Juice, Centella Asiatica Extract, Phyllanthus Emblica (Indian Gooseberry) Fruit Extract, Tocopherol, Glycerin, Apium Graveolens (Celery) Callus Extract, Xanthan Gum, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Sorbitan Oleate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Cetyl Alcohol, Squalane, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols, Phospholipids, Sigesbeckia Orientalis (St. Paul's Wort) Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Butylene Glycol, Darutoside, Potassium Sorbate, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, 1,2-Hexanediol, Behenyl Behenate, Tribehenin, Carnosine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate, Rutin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Phaseolus Lunatus (Green Bean) Seed Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Echinacea Angustifolia (Coneflower) 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.
Stretch Mark Cream - Erbaviva
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$30.00
Product Details
- Certified USDA organic and chemical-free
- Contains essential oils safe for use during pregnancy
- Includes products like mama relax oil, nursing balm, stretch mark cream, and belly butter to support maternity and motherhood needs
- Stretch mark cream designed for use during and post-pregnancy or during significant weight changes, employing organic ingredients to enhance skin elasticity and repair
- Belly butter formula includes cocoa butter and sunflower oil to moisturize and soothe dry, itchy skin during pregnancy
- Organic stretch mark oil formulated for use as a belly oil during pregnancy or to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scarring
- Baby tummy rub helps in aiding digestion and relieving gas pain in babies
- Baby sunscreen is organic, coral reef safe, and provides broad spectrum SPF 30 protection, water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Shaping salt and shaping oil combined for a detoxifying spa-like bath treatment
- Vanilla grapefruit lip balm made with shea butter, jojoba oil, and wheatgerm oil, flavored with organic essential oils
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizing
- Effective
- Fast-absorbing
Cons Mentioned
- Smelly
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, *Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Glycerides, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Glyceryl Stearate, *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Algin, Rosemarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, *Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, *Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn) Fruit Extract, *Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn) Kernel Extract, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, *Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, *Santalum Spicatum (Sandalwood) 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.
Stretch Mark Prevention Belly Butter for Pregnancy - Skin and Senses
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$32.00
Product Details
- Contains 100% natural ingredients that nourish, moisturize, and heal the skin.
- Vegan, phthalate-free, cruelty-free, non-GMO, gluten-free, and alcohol-free.
- Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.
- Designed to prevent or fade stretch marks from pregnancy, weight gain, or growth spurts, and reduce the appearance of scars.
- Features high-quality healing ingredients like shea butter and cocoa butter; shea butter provides vitamins A and E to reduce inflammation and repair skin, while cocoa butter contains cocoa mass polyphenol (CMP) to ease dermatitis or rashes.
- Vitamin E enhances skin, making it soft and promoting a youthful glow.
- Non-greasy formula that won't clog pores and is hypoallergenic.
- Helps improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, dry, and aging skin.
- Free from preservatives.
- Manufactured in the USA.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Hydrating
- Nourishing
- Soothing
Cons Mentioned
- Inconsistent
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: Cocoa Butter, Aloe Butter, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Mango Butter, Argan Oil, Vitamin E, Phthalate Free 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.
Milk & Honey Stretch Mark Butter - Body Boost
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$18.00
Product Details
- Designed with an enhanced clean formula that is free of parabens, phenoxyethanol, synthetic colors, and fragrances.
- Contains powerful botanical ingredients including Gotu Kola, Rosehip, Grapeseed, Jojoba, Borage Oils, and Shea Butter which help strengthen connective tissue and improve skin resiliency.
- Proven to prevent skin damage, scars, and stretch marks through studies.
- Safe for use during pregnancy and nursing, clinically tested for zero allergies and sensitivities.
- Free from parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, and synthetic colors and fragrances.
- Natural Milk and Honey aroma enhances user experience.
- Manufactured in the USA, ensuring quality and safety standards.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Hydrating
- Non-greasy
- Softening
Cons Mentioned
- Annoying
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 (Water), Isopropyl Myristate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, Stearic Acid, Sorbitol, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Extract, Cetyl Esters, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Glycerin, Borago Officinalis (Borage) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit (Rosehip) Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Arginine, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Hydroxyacetophenone, Fragrance (Parfum All Natural)
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.
Revitalizing Stretch Mark Cream - Nemah
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$40.00
Product Details
- Visibly improves stretch marks by fading existing ones and blocking new ones during pregnancy and postpartum phases.
- Contains Vanistryl, a key ingredient that delivers intense skin hydration while promoting healing and restructuring.
- Formulated with high-performing peptides including marine-based extract that helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks and prevents new ones.
- Enriched with Shea Butter, Macadamia Oil, and other nourishing ingredients to keep skin hydrated and smooth.
- Ultra-hydrating and non-greasy formula designed to soothe, support, and strengthen the skin.
- Developed by Mary Lawless Lee and backed by a Medical Advisory Board, ensuring the product is hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested.
- Free from GMOs, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, and synthetic fragrance, making it safe and gentle for use during pregnancy.
- Recommended for use on belly, thighs, hips, and other areas prone to stretch marks, ideally applied morning and night on clean skin.
- Cruelty-free and committed to philanthropic initiatives, supporting women through every stage of motherhood.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizing
- Hydrating
- Fast-absorbing
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: Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cocoglycerides, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Acetyl Tripeptide-30 Citrulline, Pentapeptide-18, Lecithin, Sodium Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Potassium Palmitoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Lauryl Glucoside, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Stretch Mark Cream for Sensitive Skin - Roe Wellness
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$38.00
Product Details
- Essential for pregnancy skincare routine
- Paraben-free and hypoallergenic, safe for mother and baby
- Contains a blend of natural plant-based extracts
- Non-greasy formula with a subtle fragrance, leaves no sticky residue
- Daily application helps reduce potential skin damage during pregnancy
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Hydrating
- Non-greasy
- Soothing
Cons Mentioned
- Artificial
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, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Pentylene Glycol, Linoleic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ethoxydiglycol, Squalane, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, 1 2-Hexanediol, Jojoba Oil/Macadamia Seed Oil Esters, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Squalene, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract, Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Linolenic Acid, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Phytosterols, Tocopherol, Gardenia Tahitensis Flower Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Extract, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Extract, Hedychium Spicatum Extract, Hibiscus Abelmoschus Seed Extract, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower/Leaf Extract, Plumeria Rubra Flower Extract, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit 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.
Skin Support Stretch Mark Butter Belly Moisturizer - 100% Pure
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$34.00
Product Details
- Designed to support skin elasticity and hydration during pregnancy and postpartum.
- Contains a nutrient-rich blend of shea butter, cocoa butter, acai oil, and vitamin E.
- Antioxidant-rich formula helps protect from free radical damage.
- Vitamins E and C aid in reducing and toning stretch marks.
- Suitable for application on the tummy, bust, booty, thighs, back, and arms.
- Can be used both day and night and reapplied as needed.
- Made with natural and organic ingredients, free from harsh chemicals, heavy metals, or dyes.
- Cruelty-free, gluten-free, vegan, and made in the USA.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Nourishing
- Moisturizing
- Smooth
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: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
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.
Stretch Mark Cream - Aleva Naturals
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$13.26
Product Details
- Formulated with organic shea butter and olive oil to smooth and moisturize skin.
- Contains pumpkin seed extracts to protect and repair elastic and collagen tissues.
- Includes natural soy protein, wheat protein to improve elasticity and skin tone.
- Can be used on sensitive areas including breasts, hips, abdomen, and upper thighs.
- Recommended for use 2-3 times a day beginning in the first trimester of pregnancy to prepare skin for changes and minimize stretch marks.
- Effective when used during later stages of pregnancy and after delivery to prevent additional stretch marks.
- Free from harsh chemicals; made with pure, natural, and vegan ingredients.
- Product safety: For external use only and keep out of reach of children.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizing
- Pleasant-smelling
- Cooling
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, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Hydrolyzed Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seedcake, Sucrose Polystearate, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Propanediol, DL-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer60 Menthol
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 Stretch Mark Cream
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Sodium laureth sulfate, derived from ethoxylated lauryl alcohol, is a surfactant used in sudsy products like toothpaste, detergents, and shampoos. While it acts as a cleansing and emulsifying agent, it can sometimes contain toxic impurities such as 1,4-dioxane. This chemical has raised health concerns due to its potential to cause skin, lung, and eye irritation, organ toxicity, and, primarily because of contamination by 1,4 dioxane, cancer.
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
Polyethylene Glycol
Ingestion or dermal absorption of the chemical at more than 800-1000 mg/kg/day can lead to central nervous system depression and liver and kidney changes in animals, despite there being no significant developmental toxicity. The chemical acts as an eye irritant; however, it is poorly absorbed through the skin. Unanticipated side effects are unlikely unless there is exposure to mists of heated liquid. Notably, animal feeding studies have shown that the chemical could damage the CNS, liver, kidneys, red blood cells, and the reproductive system.
Retinol
Oral administration of high doses in adults causes ciricrhosis, hemorrhage, anorexia, jaundice, and dermatitis. The use of this substance is contraindicated in pregnancy at doses larger than the FDA recommend daily allowance. Ingesting 25,000 IU/d over a period of 2-3 weeks may result in toxicity, symptoms of which include liver injury and increased intracranial pressure, leading to blurred vision, headaches, and changes to mental status. The substance is also found to be an irritant and harmful if ingested, with teratogenic effects observed in experimental animals.
Methylisothiazolinone
Methylisothiazolinone can reportedly cause allergic contact dermatitis in workers who interact with products containing it. This substance is recognized as a contact allergen for consumers using cosmetics that include it. It can cause skin burns and sensitization, and inhaling it may lead to corrosive injuries in the upper respiratory tract and lungs. Ingesting this substance is harmful, and inhalation is toxic. This preservative is linked to the category of isothiazolinones.
Sources:
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
Butylated Hydroxytoluene
BHT, a toluene-based ingredient, serves as a preservative in food and personal care products. Safety assessments have noted toxic effects in lung tissue when BHT was applied to rats' skin but considered the low concentrations in cosmetics safe. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) suggests moderate evidence of BHT being a respiratory irritant in humans.
Toluene
Toluene is a clear, colorless liquid that naturally occurs in crude oil and the tolu tree. It's prominent in the production of gasoline, coke from coal, and various consumer products like paints, adhesives, and nail polish. Toluene is even added to gasoline, used to create benzene, and acts as a solvent. However, exposure to toluene, especially from inhalation, can have serious health effects. It primarily targets the central nervous system, inducing symptoms like fatigue, nausea, headaches, and in chronic cases, can cause severe dysfunction. Exposure has also been linked to developmental effects in children, but there isn't enough evidence to conclude its carcinogenic potential. Abuse of toluene can cause permanent brain damage, liver injury, and even potential birth defects or increased risk of spontaneous abortions in pregnant women. Despite these risks, cognitive deficits from toluene exposure below a threshold limit value (TLV) of 50 ppm remain extremely low.
DMDM hydantoin
DMDM hydantoin is a substance used in cosmetics that has the potential to cause allergic contact dermatitis, although rinse-off products generally have a low risk. According to various reports, skin sensitization patch testing has yielded positive results.
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