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 Eye Cream in 2025
Updated:
Aug 28, 2025
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What we look for:
- Simple formulas with fully natural or safe synthetic ingredients
- No parabens, PEGs, phthalates, harsh sulfates, BHA/BHT, artificial dyes, formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing ingredients, or undisclosed synthetic fragrance (unless certified safe)
- Minimal, non-irritating preservatives
- EU-compliant brands with third-party certifications when available
- Full transparency around sourcing, ingredients, and manufacturing practices
Find Non-Toxic Eye 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.
Natural Resurrection Radiance Eye Cream - True Botanicals
Welpr Rating
4.95
/5
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$68.52
Product Details
- Reduces the appearance of dark circles.
- Minimizes fine lines and puffiness around the eyes.
- Crafted with non-toxic ingredients for peace of mind.
- Certified cruelty-free for ethical skincare.
- Made with safe ingredients for health-conscious individuals.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Helps smooth and moisturize the under-eye area, reducing the appearance of fine lines.
- Has a buttery texture that melts into the skin and leaves it feeling hydrated.
- Contains natural ingredients like green tea and mango seed butter for a gentle touch.
- Provides a brighter and smoother look, preventing the deepening of wrinkles.
Cons
- Some users may find the fragrance too strong if sensitive to scents.
- May not be effective for reducing dark circles for everyone.
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: Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract*, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Silybum Marianum (Milk Thistle) Ethyl Ester, Lactobacillus Ferment, Cetearyl Olivate, Coffee Arabica (Coffee) Seed Oil, Sorbitan Olivate, Selaginella Lepidophylla (Resurrection Plant) Extract, Terminalia Arjuna Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Coffee Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn) Oil*, Rose Rubiginosa (Rosehip) Seed Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lactobacillus, Oleic Acid, Populus Tremuloides (Aspen) Bark Extract, Citric Acid, Sodium Phytate, Tocopherol, Sclerotium Gum, Lecithin, Phenethyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin
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.
Radically Rejuvenating Eye Cream - Acure
Welpr Rating
4.9
/5
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$19.99
Product Details
- Minimizes wrinkles and fine lines around the eye area, promoting youthful-looking skin.
- Deeply nourishes and hydrates the delicate eye area with botanicals and antioxidants.
- Strengthens the skin's moisture barrier to prevent under-eye dryness and tiredness.
- Free from gluten, nickel, and common allergy-causing preservatives, ensuring safety for sensitive skin.
- 100% vegan and cruelty-free, supporting ethical and animal-friendly practices.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Made with organic ingredients, ensuring minimal exposure to harmful chemicals.
- Gentle formula that does not irritate sensitive eyes, perfect for daily use.
- Hydrates and brightens the eye area effectively without greasy residue.
- Absorbs quickly, making it easy to use with or without makeup.
- Comes in a generous size, allowing for long-lasting use.
Cons
- The metal packaging may be less user-friendly due to potential difficulty in resealing.
- Some users mentioned slight stinging if applied too close to the eyes, so use carefully.
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: Chlorella + Edelweiss 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.
Oceanly Eye Cream Bar - Attitude
Welpr Rating
4.9
/5
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$29.99
Product Details
- Gentle formula that won't irritate the delicate skin around the eyes.
- Contains naturally sourced ingredients like age-fighting phytoglycogen and antioxidant-rich ecklonia cava extract.
- Peptides help rebuild the skin’s moisture barrier for a rejuvenated eye contour.
- Free from ingredients of concern, verified by the Environmental Working Group.
- Vegan, cruelty-free, using biodegradable paper packaging for an eco-friendly choice.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Formulated with clean, non-toxic ingredients that are EWG certified.
- Provides excellent hydration and moisture without irritation.
- Convenient stick form makes it travel-friendly and easy to apply.
- Sustainable, eco-friendly packaging appeals to environmentally conscious users.
- Effectively reduces puffiness and leaves under-eye area smooth.
Cons
- Some users find it doesn't glide on smoothly, which can be an issue for delicate skin.
- A few users mentioned it doesn't significantly improve dark circles or wrinkles.
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: Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Undecane, Jojoba Esters, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Tridecane, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Aqua / Water / Eau, Behenyl Behenate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax, Polyglycerin-3, Sucrose Laurate, Sucrose Stearate, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Propanediol, Glycogen, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Nasturtium Officinale (Watercress) Extract, Ecklonia Cava Extract, Rice Amino Acids, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate, Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Extract, Proline
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.
Berry Bright Firming Vitamin C Eye Cream - Kora Organics
Welpr Rating
4.85
/5
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$43.40
Product Details
- Targets the appearance of aging for firmer, more youthful-looking skin around the eyes.
- Minimizes puffiness and fine lines with a 5.5% active blend of stabilized vitamin C.
- Enhances skin’s hydration and glow using a rich source of antioxidants.
- Encourages sustainability by offering a refillable pod to reduce waste.
- Certified organic, cruelty-free, and vegan with no artificial fragrances or colors.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- EWG listed with no plastic smell or irritation.
- Perfectly blends under makeup for natural look.
- Long-lasting moisture for the skin around your eyes.
Cons
- Some users may find the smell unpleasant.
- Those prone to eye irritation could experience itching.
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice*, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Seed Oil*, Glycerin, Balanites Roxburghii Seed Oil*, Cetearyl Alcohol, Water/Aqua/Eau, Coconut Alkanes, Lactobacillus Ferment, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Propanediol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Lactobacillus, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Potassium Sorbate, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Sclerotium Gum, Rubus Chamaemorus Fruit Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract*, Sodium Phytate, Anigozanthos Flavidus Extract*, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Hydroxide, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn) Fruit Oil*, Tocopherol, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Alcohol
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream - 100% Pure
Welpr Rating
4.8
/5
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$27.00
Product Details
- Reduces puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles with a burst of natural caffeine from coffee and tea.
- Nourishes skin with rosehip oil, vitamin E, and vitamin C for a youthful appearance.
- Provides instant hydration with aloe and rose to improve firmness and elasticity.
- Formulated with clean, natural, and organic ingredients, free from harsh chemicals.
- Vegan and cruelty-free, ensuring ethical sourcing and manufacturing practices.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lightweight and moisturizing texture, perfect for hydrating delicate under eye skin.
- Various natural ingredients like caffeine and aloe aid in reducing puffiness and fine lines.
- No animal testing, aligning with eco-friendly and cruelty-free values.
- Promises to show positive results with consistent use over time.
- Subtle coffee fragrance provides a refreshing morning application experience.
Cons
- Some users may find the new formula texture and scent less appealing.
- Results vary, and a few users haven't noticed significant changes in dark circles.
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Leaf Juice*, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water (Organic Rose Hydrosol)*, Rosa Canina Seed Extract (Rosehip Oil), Coffea Arabica (Organic Green Coffee) Seed Extract*, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Sodium Ascorbate (Vitamin C), Extracts of Coffea Arabica (Coffee Cherry) Seed, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf, Origanum Vulgare (Oregano) Leaf, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/Leaf, Hydrastis Canadensis (Goldenseal), Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla Absolute) Fruit, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera (Candelilla Wax)* Certified Organic
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Natural Cranberry Lip + Eye Butter - Ere Perez
Welpr Rating
4.75
/5
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$31.00
Product Details
- Replenishes and regenerates delicate skin with a creamy, multitasking formula.
- Protects, repairs, and soothes with botanicals like shea butter, cranberry, and cucumber.
- Hydrates and moisturizes, serving as a daily moisturizer or overnight repair mask.
- Non-toxic and clean beauty, proudly vegan and cruelty-free.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Keeps lips hydrated and soft, even in winter.
- Leaves skin feeling incredible.
- Effectively hydrates the eye area.
Cons
- Some users may not notice a significant difference with prolonged use.
- A few people may not find it sufficiently moisturizing.
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Water/Aqua, Glycerin*, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Olivate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Sorbitan Olivate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Butter, Squalene, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Levulinic Acid, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract, Resveratrol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Lactic Acid, P-Anisic Acid, Potassium Stearate, Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), 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.
Organic All Seeing Opulent Eye Crème - Living Libations
Welpr Rating
4.7
/5
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$52.00
Product Details
- Carefully nourishes the delicate skin around the eyes.
- Deeply moisturizes with jojoba, tamanu, shea, borage, and avocado oils.
- Perfect for dry skin, fine lines, and wrinkles, and can be worn under make-up.
- Crafted with natural, organic, and wildcrafted ingredients.
- Bottled in recyclable glass and free from parabens, sulfates, cruelty, gluten, and animal products.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lightweight and non-greasy, perfect for daily use.
- Made with natural and nourishing ingredients.
- Appealing chamomile scent for a soothing experience.
- Effectively hydrates and brightens the under-eye area.
Cons
- Some users find the container small and challenging to use hygienically.
- A few individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation.
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Aloe Vera (Aloe), Rose Hydrosol (Rosa Damascena), Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis), Tamanu (Calophyllum Inophyllum), Avocado (Persea Americana), Borage (Borago Officinalis), Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii), Orange Wax (Citrus Aurantium), Cape Chamomile (Eriocephalus Punctulatus), Blue Tansy (Tanacetum Annuum), Carrot Seed (Daucus Carota), Frankincense (Boswellia Carterii), Rose Otto (Rosa Damascena), Eyebright (Euphrasia Officinalis), Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia), Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis), Milky Oat Straw (Avena Sativa), Rosemary + Sage Extracts (Rosemarinus Officinalis + Salvia Officinalis)
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.
Radiant Rani Brightening Retinol Eye Crème - RANAVAT
Welpr Rating
4.7
/5
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$105.00
Product Details
- Targets dark circles, fine lines, and puffiness for a brighter and more youthful appearance.
- Features micro-encapsulated retinol for a powerful yet non-irritating effect, helping to prevent future signs of aging.
- Antioxidant-rich saffron boosts luminosity, creating a refreshed under-eye area.
- Calming bakuchi seed promotes a more rested appearance while smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.
- Ayurvedic formula, clinically proven and backed by modern science, ensures effectiveness and safety.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Visibly improves hyperpigmentation and reduces under-eye bags for a revitalized look.
- Infused with gentle retinol and saffron, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
- Quickly absorbing formula keeps the area hydrated and soft.
- Glides on smoothly, paired with an alluring Ayurvedic fragrance.
Cons
- Some users may find the pump dispenses more product than needed, leading to waste.
- Dark circles may not show significant improvement for everyone.
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Olivate, Psoralea Corylifolia (Bakuchi) Oil, Glycerin, Sorbitan Olivate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Niacinamide, Retinol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Bidens Pilosa Extract, Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Rubia Cordifolia (Manjistha) Extract, Crocus Sativus (Saffron) Flower Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera (Lotus) Flower Extract, Brassica Nigra (Black Mustard) Seed Extract, Prunus Cerasoides Extract, Inula Racemosa Root Extract, Ficus Benghalensis Bark/ Bud Extract, Berberis Aristata Root Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Extract, Symplocos Racemosa Bark Extract, Mesua Ferrea Flower Extract, Butea Monosperma Flower Extract, Callicarpa Macrophylla Vahl Extract, Cyperus Rotundus Root Extract, Cinnamomum Tamala (Indian Bay Leaf) Bark Extract, Rosa Centifolia (Rose) Flower Extract, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopherol, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Polyurethane Crosspolymer-1, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Methylpropanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenylpropanol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sodium Benzoate
Brighten Me Rejuvenating Eye Cream - Fre
Welpr Rating
4.7
/5
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$45.00
Product Details
- Vegan and paraben-free formulation ensures a toxin-free experience.
- Targets dark circles, wrinkles, and puffiness for rejuvenated under-eye skin.
- Suitable for all skin types, making it a versatile choice.
- Part of a comprehensive daily skincare routine with natural ingredients.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Rich in nourishing ingredients like niacinamide, squalane, and hyaluronic acid.
- Provides effective hydration, leaving eyes looking refreshed and bright.
- Clean ingredients and cruelty-free, ideal for health-conscious users.
Cons
- Contains fragrance, which may not be suitable for those sensitive to scents.
- No safety seal, which might concern those prioritizing package security.
Ingredients
Ingredients: Ein Gedi Spring Water, Niacinamide, Phospholipids, Sphingolipids, Squalane, Isononyl Isononanoate, Argan (Argania spinosa) Extract, Shea (Butyrospermum Parkii) Butter, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Lysolecithin, Argan (Argania Spinosa) Kernel Oil, C12-16 alcohols, Palmitic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Hesperedin Methyl Chalcon, Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Seed Oil, Steareth-20, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Dipeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Copernica Cenifera (Carnauba) Wax, Decyl Glucoside, Argania Spinosa Callus Culture Extract, Xanthan Gum, Saccharide Isomerate, Levulinic Acid, p-Anisic Acid, Geranium (Pelargonium Graveolens) Flower Oil, Rose (Rosa Damascena) Flower 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 Eye Cream
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
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.
Oxybenzone
2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (Benzophenone-3; BP-3) is a compound used as a UV absorber and stabilizer in plastics, paints, and sunscreens. Human studies have found photosensitivity to it, while non-human animal studies have found that high concentrations contribute to changes in liver weight and disruptions to reproductive parameters in mice and rats. It is identified as an endocrine-disrupting chemical and can affect the behavior of certain fish species. Despite this, it did not induce gene mutations in tests with the bacterium Salmonella typhimurium.
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.
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
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.
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.
Benzophenone
Benzophenone (BZP) is a photoinitiator, fragrance enhancer, and ultraviolet stabilizer, used in a variety of industrial applications. Despite not being registered as a pesticide in the U.S., it's involved in the production of insecticides and agricultural chemicals. Its toxic effects on humans are scarcely documented, but it presents little hormonal activity on cell lines. Animal studies show it possesses no estrogenic activity, but it can transform into derivatives with such activity under UV irradiation. It did not show reproductive toxicity or carcinogenicity in rats and mice, respectively, even at high doses. It can be bioactivated through specific enzymes. For aquatic life, fathead minnow larvae were more sensitive to BZP, ranking it in the middle of the toxicity order of six benzene derivatives.
Sources:
Benzophenone & Related Compounds, Chemical Profile: Benzophenone, Toxicological evaluation of benzophenone, Benzophenone – information sheet, Proposition 65 Warnings: Benzophenone, OEHHA: Benzophenone, FDA Removes 7 Synthetic Flavoring Substances from Food Additives List, Benzophenone-3, a chemical UV-filter in cosmetics: is it really safe for children and pregnant women? ,
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 ,
Authors
Camille May, Product Curator
Olushola M. Awoyemi, Medical Reviewer
