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:

  • Simple formulations using fully natural or safe synthetic ingredients
  • No parabens, PEGs, phthalates, harsh sulfates, BHA/BHT, artificial dyes, formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers, or undisclosed synthetic fragrance (unless certified safe)
  • Minimal, necessary preservatives only
  • Trusted third-party certifications when available
  • Transparent sourcing, ingredients, and manufacturing practices

Not all products in this category are Welpr Approved, but they’re safer than most. The ones that meet our full standard will have the Welpr Approved tag. View our full standards here.

Our Methodology and Ratings

Find Non-Toxic Hair Bleach

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.

Hair Lightener Kit - Good Dye Young

Hair Lightener Kit - Good Dye Young
Welpr Rating
tooltip icon
Welpr rating icon
4.75
/5
tooltip icon

Certifications

tooltip icon
<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

tooltip icon
The Made in USA label indicates that a product has substantial U.S. content and manufacturing.

User Satisfaction

tooltip icon
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
$11.99
price-icon-1price-icon-2price-icon-3

Product Details

arrow down
  • Prepares hair for vibrant color by creating a perfect white canvas.
  • Vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free formulation, safe for health-conscious users.
  • Coconut oil conditions and soy protein minimizes damage during the lightening process.
  • Allows for customizable streaks and strands with easy application.
  • Designed for those who value self-expression and creativity with hair color.

Pros & Cons

arrow down

Pros

  • Effective at achieving a light shade, even for dark hair.
  • Preserves hair health and curl pattern remarkably well.
  • User-friendly, making it easy for first-timers with straightforward instructions.
  • Trusted by repeat users for consistent results and excellent customer service.
  • Gentle yet efficient without causing burning sensations.

Cons

  • Not suitable for full head application unless hair is very short.
  • Some users experienced issues with packaging, affecting product integrity.

Ingredients

arrow down

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: Potassium Persulfate, Ammonium Persulfate, Sodium Metasilicate, Sodium Stearate, Silica, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, EDTA, Hydrated Silica, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein (Powder Lightener); Water/Eau/Aqua, Hydrogen Peroxide, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Trideceth-2 Carboxamide MEA Sodium Stannate, Phosphoric Acid (Crème Developer)

The Bleach 30 Volume Hair Lightening Kit - Overtone

The Bleach 30 Volume Hair Lightening Kit - Overtone
Welpr Rating
tooltip icon
Welpr rating icon
4.7
/5
tooltip icon
tooltip icon

Highlights

tooltip icon
This product is cruelty-free, meaning it was not tested on animals—look for certification from Leaping Bunny or PETA to verify the claim.

User Satisfaction

tooltip icon
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
$24.00
price-icon-1price-icon-2price-icon-3

Product Details

arrow down
  • Lifts hair up to 7 levels for vibrant color transformations while keeping strands healthy and hydrated.
  • Infused with plant-based ingredients and rich oils, providing hydration and protection during the lightening process.
  • Minimizes unwanted yellow and brassy tones with brass-neutralizing formula, enhancing shine and strength.
  • Vegan, cruelty-free, and free from harsh chemicals, suitable for all hair types.
  • Easy and safe application, perfect for DIY balayage, ombré, or full lightening without excessive damage.

Pros & Cons

arrow down

Pros

  • Leaves hair vibrant, soft, and hydrated.
  • Ideal for maintaining fantasy colors without harsh chemicals.
  • Safe and recommended for dark and Asian hair types.
  • Low fumes make for a pleasant application experience.
  • Nourishes rather than damages hair during use.

Cons

  • The color tone can vary depending on hair's pre-lightening level.
  • May require additional time for full results compared to traditional bleaches.

Ingredients

arrow down

Ingredients: Potassium Persulfate, Sodium Persulfate, Sodium Silicate, Sodium Metasilicate, Ethylhexyl Pelargonate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, EDTA, Hydrated Silica, Sodium Stearate, Sorbitol, Aluminum Distearate, Squalane, Silica, Fragrance (Parfum)*, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Passiflora Incarnata (Passionfruit) Seed Oil, Adansonia Digitata (Boabab) Seed Oil, Emblica Officinalis (Amla Indian Gooseberry) Fruit Extract, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Aspergillus Ferment, Arginine, Ext. D&C Violet No. 2 (CI 60730), Limonene, *Natural Fragrance (Powder Bleach); Water (Aqua, Eau), Hydrogen Peroxide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Lauryl Alcohol, DI-C12-15 Pareth-4, Phosphate, Myristyl Alcohol, Ceteth-2, Cetrimonium Chloride, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Phosphoric Acid (Cream Developer)

Sun Hair Lightener - Suntouched

Sun Hair Lightener - Suntouched
Welpr Rating
tooltip icon
Welpr rating icon
4.65
/5
tooltip icon
tooltip icon

Highlights

tooltip icon
This product is cruelty-free, meaning it was not tested on animals—look for certification from Leaping Bunny or PETA to verify the claim.

User Satisfaction

tooltip icon
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
$36.00
price-icon-1price-icon-2price-icon-3

Product Details

arrow down
  • Achieve sunkissed highlights effortlessly with a heat-activated formula that works from home or on the go.
  • Specifically formulated for dark hair, allowing for gradual lightening up to three shades.
  • Free from parabens, alcohol, bleach, ammonia, and metallic salts for a non-toxic hair lightening experience.
  • Vegan and cruelty-free formula ensures ethical hair care choices.
  • Infused with natural extracts like vitamin C, chamomile, pineapple, and citrus for shiny and healthy-looking hair.

Pros & Cons

arrow down

Pros

  • Provides a gradual, natural lightening effect, perfect for those looking to blend roots with colored hair.
  • Gentle on hair compared to traditional salon bleach treatments, reducing the risk of severe dryness.
  • Easy to integrate into your styling routine, saving time and effort from salon visits.
  • Offers a quick, noticeable change after just a few applications, satisfying those seeking faster results.
  • Enhances hair texture, adding volume and fullness, particularly beneficial in humid climates.

Cons

  • May cause hair dryness for some; it's advised to follow with moisturizing products for best results.
  • Contains peroxide, which, while natural, could be harsh for individuals with very sensitive hair.

Ingredients

arrow down

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), H2O2, Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum Fruit Extract, Polysorbate 20, Fragrance, Silicone Quaternium-8, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Vitamin C, Chamomilla Recutita Extract, Phosphoric Acid, Disodium Phosphate, Glycerin

3 in 1 Lightener Kit - Tints of Nature

3 in 1 Lightener Kit - Tints of Nature
Welpr Rating
tooltip icon
Welpr rating icon
4.6
/5
tooltip icon

Certifications

tooltip icon
<p>The <a href="https://www.welpr.com/certifications#certified-b-corp" target="_blank">B Corp certification</a> indicates that a company meets high social and environmental standards.</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>
tooltip icon

User Satisfaction

tooltip icon
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
$22.49
price-icon-1price-icon-2price-icon-3

Product Details

arrow down
  • Ammonia-free formula minimises damage and discomfort.
  • Contains natural and organic ingredients that nourish and protect hair.
  • Perfect for full head lightening, highlights, and balayage techniques.
  • Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free to support ethical beauty choices.
  • Includes added wheat protein to strengthen and maintain hair health.
  • Easy at-home use for professional-quality results without harsh effects.

Pros & Cons

arrow down

Pros

  • Ammonia-free formula ensures a gentle application.
  • Works effectively, leaving hair feeling conditioned and soft.
  • No harsh or chemical odor, creating a pleasant experience.
  • Great for achieving natural-looking highlights and lightening.
  • Includes a high-quality kit complete with all necessary tools.

Cons

  • Some users with long or thick hair may need more than one box for full coverage.
  • Individuals with previously thin or brittle hair reported adverse effects after use.

Ingredients

arrow down

Ingredients: Potassium Persulfate, Sodium Silicate, Silica, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Hydrolysed Wheat Protein, Parfum, Geraniol, Cream Activator 12%: Aqua, Hydrogen Peroxide, Cetyl Alcohol, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Ceteth-2, Ceteareth-25, Oxyquinoline Sulfate, Phosphoric Acid, Foeniculum Vulgare Seed Extract, PEG -2 Soyamine, PEG-4 Rapeseedamide, Denatured Alcohol, Oleic Acid, Propanediol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Lauryl Glucoside, Glycerin, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Glyceryl Laurate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Panthenol, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Salicylic Acid, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Sodium Phytate, Sorbic Acid, Avena Strigosa Seed Extract, Lecithin, Aqua, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Stearyl Alcohol, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Panthenol, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Citric Acid, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Xanthan Gum, Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Avena Strigosa Seed Extract, Lecithin

Lightest Ash Blonde Hair Color - Naturigin

Lightest Ash Blonde Hair Color - Naturigin
Welpr Rating
tooltip icon
Welpr rating icon
4.6
/5
tooltip icon
tooltip icon
tooltip icon

User Satisfaction

tooltip icon
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
$15.90
price-icon-1price-icon-2price-icon-3

Product Details

arrow down
  • Delivers vibrant and long-lasting color with 100% gray coverage at home.
  • Free from ammonia, parabens, alcohol, SLS, and silicones for a gentle coloring experience.
  • Infused with argan oil, aloe vera, and shea butter to nourish and strengthen hair.
  • Suitable for all hair types and never tested on animals.
  • Complete at-home kit includes everything needed for easy application.

Pros & Cons

arrow down

Pros

  • Offers a natural and non-toxic hair dye option, great for those concerned about chemicals.
  • Provides excellent grey coverage for many users, leaving hair soft and shiny.
  • Easy to apply with a pleasant smell, making the dyeing process more enjoyable.
  • Complies with strict European Union regulations, ensuring a safer product choice.

Cons

  • Some users with sensitive scalps may experience irritation.
  • The actual color may appear darker than advertised, so selecting a lighter shade could be beneficial.

Ingredients

arrow down

Ingredients: Colour Cream: Aqua/Water, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Ethanolamine, Myristyl Alcohol, Cocamide Mipa, Cocamide Mea, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Oleth-20, Propanediol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Sulfite, Parfum/Fragrance, Triticum Vulgare Bran Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Erythorbic Acid, Ethoxydiglycol, N,N-Bis (2-Hydroxyethyl)-P-Phenylenediamine Sulfate, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract, 1-Naphthol, P-Phenylenediamine, 1,5-Naphthalenediol, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, 2-Amino-4-Hydroxyethylaminoanisole Sulfate, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Prunus Persica Kernel Oil, 2-Methylresorcinol (Substitute For Resorcinol), Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Citrus Medica Limonum Peel Extract, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel OilActivator: Aqua/Water, Hydrogen Peroxide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Paraffinum Liquidum, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Ceteareth-20, Glycerin, Phosphoric Acid, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Disodium Pyrophosphate, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Etidronic Acid, Sodium Stannate, Oxyquinoline SulfateColour Lock: Aqua/Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco-Glucoside, Cocamidopropylamine Oxide, Peg-15 Coco Polyamine, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Propanediol, Parfum/Fragrance, Peg-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate, Citric Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Potassium Sorbate, Triticum Vulgare Bran Extract, Linalool, Ethoxydiglycol, Geraniol, CI 42090, CI 19140

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 Hair Bleach

Chemical Name

Why it’s harmful

Anthracene

Anthracene (ANT) is prominently used in various sectors including dyeing, organic semiconductor research, and the creation of smoke screens. ANT ingestion is linked to melanosis coli, a condition potentially tied to colorectal tumors, and increased apoptosis in epithelial cells. In workplace exposure studies (1946-2002), workers exposed to ANT and similar substances developed different skin cancers, however, no carcinogenicity was found in animal skin tests. Genotoxicity tests on bacteria presented negative results for most cases while ecotoxicity studies showed that ANT exposure caused oxidative stress in organisms and proved fatal for bluegill sunfish under sunlight.

Benzo[a]pyrene

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon released into the atmosphere through various processes, including industrial activities, forest fires, and burning of fuel. Human exposure to BaP is associated with adverse birth outcomes, diminished fertility, neurobehavioral effects, and strong evidence of carcinogenicity in certain occupations. Accumulation of BaP in human blood plasma contributes to chromosomal aberrations. Animal studies demonstrate BaP's association with developmental, reproductive, and immunological effects, indicating its carcinogenic nature. Ecotoxicity studies on various species like ducks and rainbow trout indicate poor survival rates and developmental abnormalities, evidencing BaP's broad capacity for environmental harm.

DEA Oleth-3 Phosphate

DEA Oleth-3 phosphate is employed in skincare as an emulsifying, cleansing, and dispersing agent that facilitates the cohesive mixing of oil and water ingredients in cosmetic products. It is a combination of ethoxylated fatty acid oleic acid and liquid phosphoric acid. However, ethanolamines like diethanolamine (DEA), found in various consumer products including cosmetics and cleaning products, have been associated with liver tumors. To reduce contamination from carcinogenic nitrosamines, the European Commission prohibits the use of DEA in cosmetics.

DEA-Cetyl Phosphate

DEA-Cetyl Phosphate serves as an emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetics and personal care products. However, it can accumulate in the liver and kidneys, leading to organ toxicity and potential neurotoxic effects like tremors. Maternal exposure to DEA may also have lasting impacts on memory function and brain development in offspring. Furthermore, DEA has been linked to male reproductive health issues, causing abnormalities in sperm structure and function.

Lauramide DEA

Lauramide DEA is an ethanolamide mixture of lauric acid commonly used in soaps, cleansers, and shampoos. It is known to cause mild to moderate eye irritation and mild to severe skin irritation. While the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has deemed it safe for use, caution is advised in cosmetics and personal care products that also contain nitrosating agents to prevent the formation of potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines.

Linoleamide MEA

Linoleamide MEA is utilized in cosmetics for functions such as foam boosting, antistatic properties, viscosity control, and hair conditioning. It is used in a wide range of consumer products, including cosmetics, personal care items, and household cleaning products. However, it has the potential to irritate the eyes and skin at higher concentrations and may cause short-term exposure-related effects on the central nervous system, nasal irritation, or pulmonary edema.

Myristamide DEA

Methylparaben is a non-volatile compound used as an antimicrobial preservative in various products, with contact exposure reported to cause dermatitis in some people. The mechanism of this sensitivity is not well understood, but it seems to intensify when applied to broken or damaged skin. Animal studies showed it to be generally non-toxic and non-carcinogenic, with no significant adverse effects noted at high exposure levels. There were contrasting findings on its effect in uterotrophic assays and its toxicity to sperm cells. In ecotoxicity studies, it affected the expression levels of genes in male Medaka fish at certain concentrations

Octinoxate

Octinoxate, commonly found in various cosmetic and personal care products such as hair color products, sunscreen, lipstick, and skin creams, is an endocrine disruptor that mimics estrogen and can affect thyroid function. It has been detected in human urine, blood, and breast milk, indicating systemic exposure. Octinoxate's potential health concerns include its impact on cell proliferation in response to estrogen exposure, disruptions in thyroid hormones, alterations in reproductive systems, and adverse effects on the development of male and female fetuses, as well as their offspring.

Oleamide DEA

Oleamide DEA is utilized in shampoos, hair dyes, bath products, and lotions for enhancing foaming capacity, stabilizing foam, and thickening the water-based components. However, there is a concern that in cosmetics, DEA can react with other ingredients to create a carcinogen called nitrosodiethanolamine (NDEA), which can be absorbed through the skin.

P-phenylenediamine

P-phenylenediamine (PPD) is commonly found in permanent hair dyes, primarily used for oxidative color fixation, with concentrations around 4 percent. It reacts with hydrogen peroxide to bind color to hair and is sometimes mixed with other chemicals. PPD belongs to aromatic amines, also present in other industries like plastics and photography. Concerns include skin sensitization, potential mutagenicity leading to DNA alterations, and carcinogenicity. PPD is associated with skin allergies and is considered a potential carcinogen, particularly linked to bladder cancers, although research results have been conflicting. Ingestion of PPD can be highly toxic, causing respiratory distress, renal failure, and even fatalities in severe cases.

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.

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.

Resorcinol

Resorcinol is a white crystalline compound with various uses in areas like tanning, photography, resin manufacture, adhesives, and cosmetics. It can be used medically as an antifungal, antibacterial, and keratolytic agent, and in dermatology-related treatments, specifically for acne amongst others. Direct skin contact with the compound can cause redness, itching, dermatitis, and even corrosion of the affected area. Overexposure could lead to symptoms like irritation, dermatitis, dyspnea, drowsiness, hypothermia, and changes to spleen, kidney, and liver. Animal studies have shown that high oral doses can result in fatalities whereas smaller doses can cause changes to liver weights with no reported carcinogenic effect or mutations in Salmonella typhimurium strains.

Stearamide MEA

Stearamide Monoethanolamine (MEA) is an ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products like deodorants, shampoos, makeup, and bath items. Its role is to thicken the water-based part of these products and enhance their foaming properties and foam stability. MEA was found to be non-irritating to the skin at a 17% concentration, but it caused slight to moderate irritation to the eyes of rabbits.

Titanium Dioxide

The study on 1,576 U.S. workers exposed to TiO2 for over a year from 1956 to 1985 showed no increase in lung cancer or chronic respiratory disease, and no cases of pulmonary fibrosis. Cases of pulmonary fibrosis related to TiO2 exposure have been reported, possibly due to silica contamination. There are no listed effects for short-term or long-term exposure. Although NIOSH recognises ultrafine TiO2 as a potential occupational carcinogen, data is insufficient to classify fine TiO2 similarly. Epidemiological studies do not provide clear evidence of lung cancer risks from TiO2 dust exposure.

Triethanolamine Lauryl Sulfate

An eye irritant; May cause corneal damage on prolonged contact; [CAMEO] A skin and eye irritant, based on animal studies; [IUCLID] An irritant; May cause serious eye injury; [MSDSonline] See Triethanolamine.

Xylene

Xylene is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet odor that can be found in cosmetic products. Its functions include enhancing fragrance and perfuming the skin, as well as serving as a solvent to dissolve other substances in the formulation. However, it's important to note that exposure to xylene can lead to various health issues, including irritation of the eyes, nose, skin, and throat, along with symptoms like headaches, dizziness, confusion, and loss of muscle coordination.

Benzene

Benzene is a colorless, sweet-smelling, highly flammable liquid that evaporates quickly into the air and slightly dissolves in water. It's a byproduct of both natural processes and human activities, used extensively in the U.S production of other chemicals for plastics, resins, nylon, rubbers, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. Present in crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke, benzene is also released into the air from burning coal, oil, gasoline stations, and vehicle exhaust. Short-term exposure may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and irritation, while long-term exposure leads to blood disorders, reproductive effects, and even leukemia. Benzene has been classified by EPA as a known human carcinogen, and regulations apply to various industry sectors with potentially high exposure risks.

Sources: 
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.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas with a pungent smell that's naturally produced in small quantities in human bodies and is also known as methanal amongst other names. It's used in the production of various items such as fertilizers, paper, plywood, and urea-formaldehyde resins as well as in some foods and household products like antiseptics, medicines, and cosmetics. Exposure to formaldehyde, which can occur through breathing contaminated indoor air, tobacco smoke, or ambient urban air can lead to respiratory symptoms, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat and has been linked to lung and nasopharyngeal cancer as well as leukemia. The EPA considers formaldehyde a probable human carcinogen (Group B1) and inhaling it can cause bronchospasm and pulmonary edema. Commercially, it's sold as formalin in solutions of 37%, 44%, or 50% and long-term exposure can cause first-degree burns, skin sensitization, squamous cell nasal cancer, and chronic pulmonary obstruction.

Methylchloroisothiazolinone

5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (CMI) is a compound frequently used as a preservative in cosmetics, hygiene products, and other industrial applications such as hydraulic fracturing fluids. It can also be deployed as a pesticide in the U.S, pending regulatory approval. CMI, which is often used in combination with 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (MI), can cause contact dermatitis in humans. Various animal studies have shown that a high exposure to a CMIT/MIT mixture can cause alterations in rats' liver function. The production and use of CMI in a range of products mean it can be release into the environment, with some susceptibility to degradation through photolysis in sunlight. Its mobility in soil is high but volatilization from soil or water surfaces is not expected to be significant. Occupational and general exposure to CMI can occur especially through inhalation and dermal contact with CMI-containing products.

Sources: 
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: 
Naphthalene

Naphthalene is a white solid, also known as white tar and tar camphor, found in substances like petroleum, coal, tobacco, and wood. It vaporizes easily and has a strong but not unpleasant odor. Major uses for naphthalene include the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics, moth repellents, toilet deodorant blocks, and other chemicals such as dyes and resins. Acute exposure to naphthalene can trigger hemolytic anemia, liver damage, and neurological conditions, with chronic exposure potentially leading to cataracts and retina damage. The substance is considered a possible human carcinogen and high doses have lethal potential, particularly for individuals with specific health conditions.

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.

Triethanolamine

Triethanolamine appears to cause occupational asthma and allergic contact dermatitis in machinists and photographers, as well as liver and kidney damage in animals with high-dose feeding. It's noted to be an irritant to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, with potential to cause skin sensitization, though the rate of skin sensitization in humans is low. Triethanolamine has low acute toxicity, with median oral LD50 values of 4,190-11,260 mg/kg in rats and 5,300-8,000 mg/kg in guinea pigs, and a median dermal LD50 greater than 2,000 mg/kg in rabbits. Triethanolamine is not carcinogenic, developmental toxicant, or toxic to the reproductive system. However, chronic exposure may lead to liver and kidney damage.

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.

about icon

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.

Get "The Welpr Blueprint" Mini-Course

Go non-toxic, fast. Without the overwhelm. We'll guide you through the swaps that'll make the biggest difference on your health.