What you should know when choosing non-toxic eye drops 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.
The Welpr Rating is determined by a scoring formula. The formula takes into account the products safety, user satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing. Click here to learn more.
Our Methodology and Ratings

Find Non-Toxic Eye Drops

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.

Retaine MGD Ophthalmic Emulsion - Ocusoft

Retaine MGD Ophthalmic Emulsion - Ocusoft
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.65
/5
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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
$19.70

Product Details

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  • Preservative-free ophthalmic emulsion designed specifically for moderate to severe dry eyes.
  • Moisturizes, lubricates, and protects the ocular surface.
  • Utilizes Nova orb, a proprietary cationic oil emulsion technology, to deliver ingredients effectively through electrostatic attraction between positively charged droplets and the negatively charged ocular surface.
  • Provides long-lasting dry eye relief.
  • Hypotonicity of the emulsion helps add moisture by reducing the salt concentration in tears.
  • Lipid component aids in lubricating and protecting the eye's surface.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Moisturizing
  • Lubricating
  • Soothing

Cons Mentioned

  • Stinging

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: Light Mineral Oil (0.5%), Mineral Oil (0.5%)

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.

Optive Advanced Lubricant Eye Drops - Refresh

Optive Advanced Lubricant Eye Drops - Refresh
Welpr Rating
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4.65
/5
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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
$14.97

Product Details

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  • Preservative-free triple-action relief drop
  • Lubricates and hydrates dry, burning, irritated eyes
  • Helps prevent tears from evaporating
  • Hydrocell technology enables hydration and maintains the volume of cells on the eye's surface
  • Recommended for sensitive eyes
  • On-the-go single-use vials
  • The #1 selling brand in preservative-free artificial tears as per the 2021 REFRESH ECP Recommendation Survey by Ipsos Healthcare
  • Clinically proven to lubricate for moisturizing dry eye relief, hydrate the eye surface cells, and protect natural tears with a lipid-enhanced drop

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Lubricating
  • Convenient
  • Moisturizing

Cons Mentioned

  • Expensive

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: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium 0.5%, Glycerin 1%, And Polysorbate 80 0.5%. Inactive Ingredients: Boric Acid; Carbomer Copolymer Type A; Castor Oil; Erythritol; Levocarnitine; Purified Water; And 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.

TEARS Plus Lubricant Eye Drops Relief for Dry Eyes - Oasis

TEARS Plus Lubricant Eye Drops Relief for Dry Eyes - Oasis
Welpr Rating
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4.55
/5
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on Amazon
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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
$41.84

Product Details

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  • Recommended for the relief of moderate to severe dry eye symptoms.
  • Suitable for both day or night time use.
  • Preservative-free formula.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Soothing
  • Lubricating
  • Preservative-free

Cons Mentioned

  • Expensive

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: Glycerin (0.22%) Inactive Ingredients: Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Phosphate Dibasic, Sodium Phosphate Monobasic, 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.

Optive Gel Drops Lubricant Eye Gel - Refresh

Optive Gel Drops Lubricant Eye Gel - Refresh
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.55
/5
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on Amazon
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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
$14.99

Product Details

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  • Extended relief plus protection for dry, irritated eyes.
  • Comprehensive gel formula offers anytime relief, day or night.
  • Feels like a drop but works like a gel for lasting comfort.
  • Features Hydrocell technology to enable hydration and maintain the volume of cells on the eye's surface.
  • Doctor recommended, part of the REFRESH Family of Products with over 30 years of experience.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Lubricating
  • Soothing
  • Quality

Cons Mentioned

  • Expensive

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: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium (1%) Eye Lubricant, Glycerin (.9%) Eye Lubricant

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.

Preservative Free Eye Drops - Rain

Preservative Free Eye Drops - Rain
Welpr Rating
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4.5
/5
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Highlights

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<p>The Cruelty-Free label indicates that a product says their product is free from animal testing, but without certifications such as PETAs Beauty Without Bunnies or Leaping Bunny, it cannot be verified.</p>
<p>The Made in USA label indicates that a product has substantial U.S. content and manufacturing.</p>

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
$69.95

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Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Soothing
  • Preservative-Free
  • Moisturizing

Cons Mentioned

  • Hard

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: Calcium Chloride, Hydrochloric Acid, Magnesium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Purified Water, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Lactate

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.

Lid and Lash Cleanser Spray - Heyedrate

Lid and Lash Cleanser Spray - Heyedrate
Welpr Rating
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4.45
/5
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on Amazon
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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
$25.25

Product Details

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  • Deep cleansing action designed to penetrate eyelids and lashes, removing dirt, oil, and bacteria.
  • Contains 0.015% Hypochlorous Acid, Electrolyzed Water, and Sodium Chloride for a pure and soothing experience.
  • Gentle formula that is effective in cleaning, free from alcohol, fragrance, parabens, sulfates, and preservatives.
  • Convenient pump bottle for easy application with a cotton pad.
  • Supports vision health through a charitable program, donating profits to eye care for those in need.
  • Suitable for all ages and can be used on any skin part of the body.
  • Designed to alleviate symptoms such as itchy, irritated eyes and other skin irritations.
  • Compliant with being manufactured without the use of harsh chemicals or bleach.
  • All products in the Heyedrate line are manufactured in the USA.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Comforting
  • Effective
  • Refreshing

Cons Mentioned

  • Expensive

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: Hypochlorous Acid, Electrolyzed Water, Sodium Chloride

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Manuka Dry Eye Drops - Optimel

Manuka Dry Eye Drops - Optimel
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.45
/5
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on Amazon
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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
$23.00

Product Details

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  • Made with glycerine and pharmaceutical grade Manuka+ honey to restore eye comfort and stabilize surface health of the eye.
  • Active hydrating agents help quickly reduce debris buildup on the eyelid margin, easing discomfort and inflammation.
  • Designed to temporarily alleviate mild to moderate symptoms such as soreness, irritation, and redness in eyes and eyelids.
  • Initial use may cause stinging and redness.
  • Natural Manuka+ honey used in the drops is traceable to the individual bee-keepers and forest location in Australia and New Zealand.
  • Optimel promises to replace or refund purchases if customers are unsatisfied with the outcome, acknowledging that results may vary per individual.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Hydrating
  • Effective
  • Relieving

Cons Mentioned

  • Burning

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: Glycerin 0.2%, Inactive: Honey (Leptospermum Spp.), Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Water

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 Eye Drops

Chemical Name

Why it’s harmful

Benzethonium Chloride

Benzalkonium chloride, when used as a spermaticide, can cause vaginal irritation. A fatal dose by ingestion is 1-3 grams, with symptoms including vomiting, convulsions, and coma. It is corrosive to eyes, a skin irritant, and can cause allergic contact dermatitis, methemoglobinemia and hemolysis. It has a potential to kill within 1-3 hours if concentrated solutions are ingested. Despite the threat it poses, there are no data on its carcinogenicity or teratogenicity and it doesn't interfere with embryo development in rats.

Cetrimonium Bromide

Cetrimonium Bromide is a versatile substance utilized in various products, including topical anti-bacterial and anti-fungal preparations, cosmetics, hair care, throat lozenges, antiseptic gels, and vaccine production. It serves as a surfactant and emulsifier and typically requires skin contact to cause a rash. Its applications range from skincare and haircare products to throat lozenges and vaccine production.

Polyquaternium

Polyquaternium, modified polymers through quaternization are known for skin toxicity and allergenicity. Prolonged exposure, especially for hairdressers and janitors, may pose risks. It's found in various products, including hair conditioners, creams, and household cleaning items. Concerns include skin irritation, formaldehyde release, and contact dermatitis. Regulations in the EU limit Quaternium-15 to 0.2% in cosmetics, while the US lacks specific regulations.

Chlorhexidine

Chlorhexidine, in its various forms, is primarily used in disinfectants, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products in the U.S. Chlorhexidine acetate is acutely toxic when applied to the eye and can cause skin reactions, with some instances resulting in severe reactions such as anaphylactic shock. It can also cause discoloration of teeth and damage to the knees. Occupational exposure can lead to asthma in health care workers. Animal studies have shown ocular irritation in rabbits, and while there are mixed results in bacterial mutagenic studies, no carcinogenic effects were noted in long-term studies.

Sodium Borate

Sodium borate, a toxic white powder, is used in various products ranging from cleaning agents and personal care items to children's toys for pH adjustment. Commonly known as borax, it's found in cleaners, detergents, air fresheners, diaper creams, and some toys like playdough. Although often considered a "green" component, sodium borate can lead to organ system toxicity, fertility issues, harm to an unborn child, endocrine disruption, skin allergies, eye and respiratory irritation, and damage to the male reproductive system. Canada has imposed restrictions on its use in cosmetics.

Ethylene Glycol

Ethylene glycol is a synthetic, odorless liquid with a sweet taste and water absorption properties. It is commonly used in antifreeze and de-icing solutions for vehicles, hydraulic brake fluids, and certain inks. Although lethal in large ingested quantities, leading to central nervous system depression, cardiopulmonary effects, and renal damage, exposure to low levels can cause minor throat and upper respiratory tract irritation. Chronic exposure in animals has demonstrated kidney toxicity and liver effects. Despite its potential toxicity, ethylene glycol poisoning is unlikely through skin contact and inhalation at room temperature due to its low volatility, though caution should be taken if the liquid is heated or sprayed.

Benzalkonium Chloride

Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) is an organic salt known for its robust antimicrobial properties, effective against various bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It is frequently employed in healthcare settings like hospitals for disinfecting instruments and surfaces. Additionally, BAC is present in many consumer items, including hand sanitizers, wipes, eye solutions, nasal sprays, and personal care products such as soaps and shampoos. Although typically safe when used as instructed, BAC can lead to skin and eye irritation, particularly at elevated concentrations.

Quaternium-15

Quaternium-15 is a preservative commonly used in cosmetics which is known to significantly contribute to allergic contact dermatitis in users. This condition has been reported in various professions, including hairdressers, machine maintenance engineers at a chicken processing plant, and photocopy workers. Notably, Quaternium-15, as a formaldehyde releaser, increases dermatitis risk. However, rinse-off products typically pose a lower risk of resulting in allergic contact dermatitis.

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About The Author

Camille May

Hey 👋  I'm Camille, co-creator of Welpr and your clean living guide. After selling my last company in the health food space, I embraced living a non-toxic lifestyle. It significantly improved my health, but the journey was challenging. Health and wellness shouldn’t be hard, but it can feel very overwhelming. Welpr was inspired to make that journey feel a little bit easier. When I’m not working on Welpr, you can find me picking up my weekly farmers market haul (raw milk flat white in hand) with my pit bull, Romeo, or unwinding in the sauna with a cup of chamomile tea.