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.

What we look for:

  • Thoughtful formulas made with natural or safe synthetic ingredients
  • Free from parabens, PEGs, phthalates, harsh sulfates, BHA/BHT, artificial dyes, formaldehyde-releasing ingredients, and undisclosed synthetic fragrance (unless certified safe)
  • Minimal, well-chosen preservatives
  • Trusted third-party certifications when available
  • Transparent sourcing, ingredient lists, and manufacturing practices

View our full standards here.

Our Methodology and Ratings

Find Non-Toxic Eczema Treatment

Multi-Purpose Baby Eczema Cream (2 Pack) - Tubby Tod

Multi-Purpose Baby Eczema Cream (2 Pack) - Tubby Tod
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.95
/5
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Certifications

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<p>This product is <a href="https://www.welpr.com/certifications#welpr-approved" target="_blank">Welpr Approved</a>, meaning it has been vetted against our <a href="https://www.welpr.com/how-we-vet-products/bath-body-hair-makeup" target="_blank">personal care standards</a> and contains no ingredients from our no list.</p>
<p>Products rated <a href="https://www.welpr.com/certifications#ewg" target="_blank">EWG-1</a> 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/978332-Tubby_Todd_Bath_Co_All_Over_Ointment/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

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This product is free from harsh sulfates like SLS and SLES, which can strip skin and scalp and trigger irritation.
This product is free from synthetic dyes that may irritate skin or cause behavioral issues.
This product is free from phthalates, a type of plasticizer linked to hormone disruption and reduced fertility.
This product is free from formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing agents, preservatives that release toxic gas linked to cancer, allergies, and skin irritation.
This product is gluten free, and therefore safe for those with celiac or gluten sensitivity.
This product is free from parabens, a class of preservatives linked to hormone disruption and breast cancer.
This product is free from all fragrance.

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. An EXCELLENT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the top third of the best products.
Est. Price
$72.00
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Product Details

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  • Soothes eczema and sensitive skin with colloidal oatmeal to naturally relieve redness and irritations.
  • Tested by pediatricians and dermatologists, making it safe for even the most delicate skin.
  • Infused with plant-based ingredients like jojoba esters and avocado fruit extract for deep, non-greasy moisturization.
  • Free from harsh chemicals, steroids, and gluten, making it ideal for daily use.
  • Thick and smooth formula absorbs easily, providing long-lasting moisture without a greasy residue.

Pros & Cons

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Pros

  • Effective for baby acne and sensitive skin with visible improvements in days.
  • Fragrance-free with safe, clean ingredients ideal for health-conscious families.
  • Works wonders for eczema, providing relief from redness and irritation.
  • Thick, moisturizing formula stretches a long way, offering great value.

Cons

  • Some users found it too thick, which may take longer to absorb.
  • Not suitable for all skin conditions, such as severe eczema, which may require different solutions.

Ingredients

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Ingredients: Colloidal Oatmeal 1%, Beeswax, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract*, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract*, Glycerin, Jojoba Esters, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract*, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Extract*, Propanediol, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Stearic Acid, Stearyl Alcohol, Water

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.

Eczema Lotion - Pipette

Eczema Lotion - Pipette
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.85
/5
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Certifications

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<p>This product is <a href="https://www.welpr.com/certifications#welpr-approved" target="_blank">Welpr Approved</a>, meaning it has been vetted against our <a href="https://www.welpr.com/how-we-vet-products/bath-body-hair-makeup" target="_blank">personal care standards</a> and contains no ingredients from our no list.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.welpr.com/certifications#peta-certified" target="_blank">PETA certification</a> identifies cosmetics, personal-care, and household products as cruelty-free ensuring no animal testing or animal-derived ingredients are used worldwide.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.welpr.com/certifications#leaping-bunny" target="_blank">Leaping Bunny certification</a> assures that products are genuinely cruelty-free, verified through rigorous audits and a comprehensive Supplier Monitoring System.</p>

Highlights

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This product is vegan, meaning it contains no animal-derived ingredients—look for a certification like PETA or Vegan.org to verify the claim.
This product is free from harsh sulfates like SLS and SLES, which can strip skin and scalp and trigger irritation.
This product is free from synthetic dyes that may irritate skin or cause behavioral issues.
This product is free from phthalates, a type of plasticizer linked to hormone disruption and reduced fertility.
This product is free from formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing agents, preservatives that release toxic gas linked to cancer, allergies, and skin irritation.
This product is free from parabens, a class of preservatives linked to hormone disruption and breast cancer.
This product is free from all fragrance.

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. An EXCELLENT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the top third of the best products.
Est. Price
$35.98
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Product Details

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  • Soothes irritation and itching with colloidal oatmeal, a known inflammation fighter.
  • Locks in moisture using clean ceramides and jojoba esters to comfort sensitive skin.
  • Safe for the whole family, providing eczema relief from head to toe for all ages.
  • Free from synthetic fragrances, petrolatum, and steroids, ensuring a nontoxic formula.
  • Environmentally friendly with ingredients like sugarcane-derived squalane and cruelty-free practices.

Pros & Cons

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Pros

  • Fragrance-free and gentle for sensitive skin.
  • Lightweight and non-greasy, making it easy to apply multiple times a day.
  • Contains non-toxic, safe ingredients, ideal for health-conscious users.
  • Effectively provides relief for eczema and dry skin.
  • Absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky residue.

Cons

  • Some users noticed a light scent that might be unpleasant if sensitive to smells.
  • May not be moisturizing enough for extremely dry areas for some users.

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Inactive: Water, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Sunflower Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Hydroxystearic/ Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Jojoba Esters, Ceramide Np, Tocopherol, Sodium Phytate, Hydrogenated Sunflower Seed Oil Glyceryl Esters, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Active: Colloidal Oatmeal

All Over Eczema Cream - Gentle Jane

All Over Eczema Cream - Gentle Jane
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.8
/5
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Certifications

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<p>This product is <a href="https://www.welpr.com/certifications#welpr-approved" target="_blank">Welpr Approved</a>, meaning it has been vetted against our <a href="https://www.welpr.com/how-we-vet-products/bath-body-hair-makeup" target="_blank">personal care standards</a> and contains no ingredients from our no list.</p>

Highlights

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This product is vegan, meaning it contains no animal-derived ingredients—look for a certification like PETA or Vegan.org to verify the claim.
This product is free from harsh sulfates like SLS and SLES, which can strip skin and scalp and trigger irritation.
This product is free from synthetic dyes that may irritate skin or cause behavioral issues.
This product is free from phthalates, a type of plasticizer linked to hormone disruption and reduced fertility.
This product is free from formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing agents, preservatives that release toxic gas linked to cancer, allergies, and skin irritation.
This product is free from parabens, a class of preservatives linked to hormone disruption and breast cancer.
This product is free from all fragrance.

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GREAT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the middle third of the best products.
Est. Price
$19.99
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Product Details

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  • Made with all natural, vegan, and non-toxic ingredients to ensure safety and peace of mind.
  • Perfect for all ages, including babies, providing gentle care for delicate skin.
  • Soothes and moisturizes dry skin and eczema, helping to relieve discomfort.
  • Non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, leaving skin soft and smooth.
  • Free from parabens, sulfates, and fragrances, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

Pros & Cons

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Pros

  • Effectively soothes and moisturizes sensitive and eczema-prone skin.
  • Absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue.
  • Gentle for kids and made from clean ingredients.
  • Suitable for all ages and excellent for dry, desert-like conditions.
  • Subtle pleasant scent appreciated by users.

Cons

  • Some users experienced packaging inconsistencies, with jars not being filled to the top.
  • A few users found it wasn't effective for their child's skin condition.

Ingredients

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Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Water, Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Anisate, Sodium Phytate, Avena Sativa (Oat) Bran Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Save 10% on purchases on Toups & Co via our link.

Unscented Tallow Balm - Toups & Co

Unscented Tallow Balm - Toups & Co
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.8
/5
Discount Code
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No code needed
Buy Now
on Toups & Co

Certifications

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<p>This product is <a href="https://www.welpr.com/certifications#welpr-approved" target="_blank">Welpr Approved</a>, meaning it has been vetted against our <a href="https://www.welpr.com/how-we-vet-products/bath-body-hair-makeup" target="_blank">personal care standards</a> and contains no ingredients from our no list.</p>

Highlights

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This product is free from harsh sulfates like SLS and SLES, which can strip skin and scalp and trigger irritation.
This brand uses sustainable packaging to reduce waste and environmental impact.
This product is free from synthetic dyes that may irritate skin or cause behavioral issues.
This product is free from phthalates, a type of plasticizer linked to hormone disruption and reduced fertility.
This product is made without genetically modified ingredients, which are linked to increased pesticide use and may carry unexpected toxins or allergens from the modification process.
This product is free from formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing agents, preservatives that release toxic gas linked to cancer, allergies, and skin irritation.
The Made in USA label indicates that a product has substantial U.S. content and manufacturing.
This product is gluten free, and therefore safe for those with celiac or gluten sensitivity.
This product does not contain PFAS, a group of forever chemicals used to make things nonstick, stain-resistant, or waterproof. That includes PTFE, PFOA, and thousands of other compounds linked to hormone disruption and long-term health risks.
This product is free from parabens, a class of preservatives linked to hormone disruption and breast cancer.
This product is formulated to EU standards, which ban over 1,300 harmful ingredients—compared to just around 11 in the US.
This product is free from all fragrance.
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Est. Price
$32.00
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Product Details

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  • Deeply hydrates and nourishes skin with bioactive nutrients from grass-fed tallow.
  • Soothes inflammation and supports skin healing for a healthy, radiant glow.
  • Free from essential oils, making it ideal for sensitive skin and first-time users.
  • Multipurpose balm for dry patches, cuts, burns, rashes, and more.
  • Replaces conventional lotions with a pure, minimal, skin-loving formula.

Pros & Cons

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Pros

  • Deeply hydrates and nourishes dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin—even in harsh winter climates.
  • Rich, velvety texture absorbs well and leaves skin noticeably softer and more radiant.
  • Made with minimal, natural ingredients—available unscented for babies or sensitive users.
  • Effective for a range of uses, from facial care to pregnancy stretch mark prevention.
  • A little goes a long way, making each jar last a long time.

Cons

  • Some may need time to adjust to the idea of using animal-based skincare like tallow.

Ingredients

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Ingredients: 100% Grass-Fed Tallow, *Organic Virgin Olive 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.

Healing Eczema Treatment - Evereden

Healing Eczema Treatment - Evereden
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.75
/5
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Certifications

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<p>This product is <a href="https://www.welpr.com/certifications#welpr-approved" target="_blank">Welpr Approved</a>, meaning it has been vetted against our <a href="https://www.welpr.com/how-we-vet-products/bath-body-hair-makeup" target="_blank">personal care standards</a> and contains no ingredients from our no list.</p>

Highlights

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This product is free from harsh sulfates like SLS and SLES, which can strip skin and scalp and trigger irritation.
This product is free from synthetic dyes that may irritate skin or cause behavioral issues.
This product is free from phthalates, a type of plasticizer linked to hormone disruption and reduced fertility.
This product is free from formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing agents, preservatives that release toxic gas linked to cancer, allergies, and skin irritation.
The Made in USA label indicates that a product has substantial U.S. content and manufacturing.
This product is free from parabens, a class of preservatives linked to hormone disruption and breast cancer.
This product is free from all fragrance.

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GOOD user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the bottom third of the best products.
Est. Price
$26.00
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Product Details

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  • Steroid-free formula with anti-inflammatories and eczema healing ingredients for a clean, safe solution.
  • All-over repair suitable for body and face, effectively treating dry and cracked skin.
  • Designed for the whole family, including infants, offering gentle yet strong eczema relief.
  • Clinically proven to significantly reduce redness and dryness within two weeks.
  • Made in the USA with trusted, non-toxic ingredients developed by doctors.

Pros & Cons

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Pros

  • Effective for relieving eczema symptoms for many users.
  • Gentle and suitable for sensitive skin types.
  • Provides noticeable skin improvements in just a few days.
  • Reduces itchiness and offers soothing comfort.
  • Non-greasy formula allows for easy daily use.

Cons

  • Some users find the pump dispenser challenging to use.
  • Not effective for all individuals, particularly those with severe eczema.

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Colloidal Oatmeal, Water (Aqua), Octyldodecanol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Squalane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Spent Grain Wax, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NP, Sodium PCA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Quercetin, Zinc Oxide, Hydroxyproline, Proline, Panthenol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Phytosphingosine, Menthyl Ethylamido Oxalate, Cholesterol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Xanthan Gum, Allantoin, Carbomer, 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.

Everyday Eczema Lotion - Acure

Everyday Eczema Lotion - Acure
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.75
/5
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Certifications

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<p>This product is <a href="https://www.welpr.com/certifications#welpr-approved" target="_blank">Welpr Approved</a>, meaning it has been vetted against our <a href="https://www.welpr.com/how-we-vet-products/bath-body-hair-makeup" target="_blank">personal care standards</a> and contains no ingredients from our no list.</p>

Highlights

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This product is vegan, meaning it contains no animal-derived ingredients—look for a certification like PETA or Vegan.org to verify the claim.
This product is free from harsh sulfates like SLS and SLES, which can strip skin and scalp and trigger irritation.
This product is free from synthetic dyes that may irritate skin or cause behavioral issues.
This product is free from phthalates, a type of plasticizer linked to hormone disruption and reduced fertility.
This product is free from formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing agents, preservatives that release toxic gas linked to cancer, allergies, and skin irritation.
This product is cruelty-free, meaning it was not tested on animals—look for certification from Leaping Bunny or PETA to verify the claim.
The Made in USA label indicates that a product has substantial U.S. content and manufacturing.
This product is free from parabens, a class of preservatives linked to hormone disruption and breast cancer.
This product is free from all fragrance.

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GOOD user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the bottom third of the best products.
Est. Price
$13.99
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Product Details

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  • Formulated to relieve skin irritations such as rashes, eczema, poison ivy, oak, sumac, and insect bites.
  • The 2% colloidal oatmeal provides soothing relief from itchiness, redness, and discomfort.
  • Keeps skin soft and supple, preventing chafed, chapped, and cracked skin.
  • Gentle yet effective in temporarily relieving minor skin irritations and dryness.
  • Cocoa butter moisturizes dry, chapped skin, enhancing hydration and protection.

Pros & Cons

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Pros

  • Absorbs quickly and effectively moisturizes dry skin.
  • Provides relief for eczema and skin irritation.
  • Fragrance-free with no added perfumes.
  • Vegan and cruelty-free, suitable for sensitive skin.
  • Contains natural ingredients known for soothing properties.

Cons

  • Some users find the natural scent unappealing.
  • May require additional essential oils for those sensitive to the initial scent.

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Active Ingredients: Colloidal Oatmeal 2%, Ingredients: Aloe Vera Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Oil, Cocoglycerides, Glycerin, Glyceryl Laurate, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil, Sodium Levulinate, Sorbitan Olivate, Squalane, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Tocopherol, Water/Aqua, Xanthan Gum

Nourishing Powder - NAPRIM Naturals

Nourishing Powder - NAPRIM Naturals
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.65
/5
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Certifications

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<p>This product is <a href="https://www.welpr.com/certifications#welpr-approved" target="_blank">Welpr Approved</a>, meaning it has been vetted against our <a href="https://www.welpr.com/how-we-vet-products/bath-body-hair-makeup" target="_blank">personal care standards</a> and contains no ingredients from our no list.</p>

Highlights

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This product is free from harsh sulfates like SLS and SLES, which can strip skin and scalp and trigger irritation.
This product is free from synthetic dyes that may irritate skin or cause behavioral issues.
This product is free from phthalates, a type of plasticizer linked to hormone disruption and reduced fertility.
This product is free from formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing agents, preservatives that release toxic gas linked to cancer, allergies, and skin irritation.
This product is free from parabens, a class of preservatives linked to hormone disruption and breast cancer.

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GOOD user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the bottom third of the best products.
Est. Price
$34.99
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Product Details

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  • Non-sticky, residue-free formula absorbs quickly for rapid skin barrier repair.
  • Rapidly soothes dry, itchy skin, minimizing breakouts while hydrating effectively.
  • Hypoallergenic and dermatologist-approved, made with colloidal oatmeal and other gentle ingredients.
  • Vegan, talc-free, steroids-free, and paraben-free for safe, gentle use.
  • Ideal for on-the-go application using the included kabuki brush.

Pros & Cons

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Pros

  • Versatile for various skin issues like sunburn, rashes, and bug bites.
  • All-natural ingredients, perfect for health-conscious families.
  • Lightweight and gentle, even suitable for sensitive skin.
  • Fragrance-free, appealing for those preferring unscented products.
  • Comes with a soft and gentle brush for easy application.

Cons

  • May not be effective for eczema or certain skin conditions for some users.

Ingredients

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Ingredients: Arrowroot Powder, Kaolin Clay, Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, Calendula Flower Powder, Chamomile Flower Powder, Marshmallow Root Powder, Colloidal Oat Flour, Organic Rose Clay

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 Eczema Treatment

Chemical Name

Why it’s harmful

Butylparaben

Butylparaben, a chemical used in various products, has been shown to cause skin irritation in humans and potential sensitization in dermatitis patients. Animal studies indicate that it has low to moderate oral toxicity and can cause damage to the liver, spleen, and thymus. It can also lead to cell proliferation in rats' stomachs, though it was not found to be carcinogenic or mutagenic. However, it may negatively impact sperm viability and activity, as demonstrated in different in vitro and in vivo studies. Lastly, it proposed weaker aquatic toxicity compared to parabens with longer alkyl chains, but still showed estrogenic effects in certain fish species.

Ethylparaben

Ethylparaben is a chemical used as a preservative in various products including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and adhesives. It exhibits low toxicity in humans and animals, but can cause skin irritation, particularly when applied to damaged skin, and may worsen pre-existing skin conditions. Despite causing cell proliferation in rats' forestomachs and chromosomal aberrations in a hamster ovary cell test, it has shown no evidence of causing cancer. However, it was found to be toxic to fetuses at doses toxic to the mother, though it did not cause malformations (nonteratogenic). Interestingly, while it impacted sperm viability in lab conditions, it showed no negative effects on mouse sperm in actuality.

Methylparaben

Methylparaben is an antimicrobial preservative used in food, drugs, and cosmetics. Some individuals can develop contact dermatitis on skin exposure, and allergic reactions have been reported on ingestion, though the evidence is not conclusive. Data from animal studies suggest that methylparaben is practically non-toxic and non-irritating in normal skin conditions, with high thresholds for observed adverse effects. However, it showed chromosome aberrations in a cell assay and variable results in different uterotrophic assays. An ecotoxicity study found changes in the expression of certain genes at specific concentrations in male medaka, a type of fish.

Propylparaben

Propylparaben is a stable, non-volatile compound utilized as an antimicrobial preservative in food, drugs, and cosmetics. Human exposure can cause sensitization especially if applied to damaged skin and may cause contact sensitivity with high concentrations. Extensive animal studies reveal that propylparaben is relatively non-toxic, yet it can mildly irritate skin, affect sperm counts in substantial levels, and trigger cell proliferation in the forestomach of rats. However, it is not carcinogenic, mutagenic, or clastogenic, and a significant no-observed-adverse-effect level was reported in rats. Ecotoxicity studies show that it can lead to an increase in plasma vitellogenin levels in rainbow trout and a significant decline of vitellogenin production in zebrafish at varying concentrations.

Isobutylparaben

Isobutylparaben belongs to the paraben family of preservatives used in the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care product industries. Parabens mimic estrogen and have been found in breast cancer tumors in some studies. Parabens are commonly found in various personal care products and foods and have been associated with endocrine disruption, skin cancer risk, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and potential behavioral changes in offspring when exposed during gestation.

Isopropylparaben

Isopropylparaben belongs to the parabens family of preservatives utilized in the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care sectors. Parabens have estrogen-mimicking properties and pose a potential risk as endocrine disruptors. Research has detected parabens in the breast cancer tumors of a significant number of studied women, raising concerns about their safety and hormonal effects.

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.

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Authors

Camille May, Product Curator

Hey, I’m Camille—co-creator of Welpr and your go-to guide for all things clean living. 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 built Welpr to make that journey feel a bit easier.  When I’m not working on Welpr, you’ll usually find me in the sauna, sipping a raw milk latte while doing a puzzle, or walking with my pit bull Romeo in my hometown of Austin, TX.

Olushola M. Awoyemi, Medical Reviewer

Olushola M. Awoyemi (aka Shola) is a board-certified toxicologist and a research scientist with a PhD in Environmental Toxicology. Shola's long-term ambition is to be recognized as a world-renowned expert in toxicology, risk assessment, and management, with experience spanning across institutions like the US EPA, US FDA, NIEHS, USDA, UNEP, WHO, and possibly within Fortune 100 companies in the Chemical, Healthcare, Pharmaceutical, Consumer goods, or IT sectors.

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