Best Non-Toxic Hair Gel in 2025
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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
Find Non-Toxic Hair Gel
Men's Hair Gel - HygieneLab
Product Details
- EWG verified for your safety, ensuring the product is free from chemicals of concern.
- Provides a strong hold to keep your hairstyle intact all day while maintaining a natural, weightless feel.
- Offers a matte finish for a sophisticated, natural appearance without unwanted shine.
- Water-soluble formula rinses out easily with just water, leaving no residue or greasiness.
- Formulated with complete transparency, you can trust all the clean ingredients used.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free of sulfates, parabens, and synthetic dyes for a worry-free application.
- Holds curls well without stiffness or crunch.
- Nourishes hair with plant-based ingredients, leaving it soft and hydrated.
- Elegant, subtle scent that doesn't overpower other fragrances.
- User-friendly texture that applies smoothly without being tacky.
Cons
- Some might find the natural scent too strong or pungent.
- The hold may not be as firm as some users prefer.
Ingredients
Ingredients: Water, Ceteareth-30, Heptyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Boswellia Serrata (Frankincense) Essential Oil, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil, Fusanus Spicatus Wood Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Maranta Arundinacea (Arrowroot) Powder, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice
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.
Sweet Pea Alcohol-Free Styling Gel - Carina Organics
Product Details
- Alcohol-free formula for a healthier styling choice.
- Formulated with certified organic plant, vegetable, flower, and tree extracts for natural care.
- Helps add volume to your hair without harmful chemicals.
- Enhances definition or separation with medium to firm hold.
- Allows you to control shaping and scrunching for your desired style.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Smells lovely and isn't overpowering.
- Non-toxic and made with clean, safe ingredients.
- Doesn't leave residue or make hair stiff and hard.
- Holds curls well while keeping them soft and intact.
- Suitable for both curly and straight hair, offering firm hold and volume.
Cons
- Some users with very tight curls (3c 4a) may find the hold insufficient.
- A few individuals with allergies may need to check the ingredient list 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: Filtered Aqua, Acacia Senegal (Gum) Extract, Pinus Banksiana (Pine) Extract, Matricaria Chamomilla (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Urtica Dioca (Nettle) Leaf Extract, Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion) Leaf Extract, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract, Lathyrus Odoratus (Sweet Pea) Flower Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed 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.
Organic Hair Gel for Men and Women - Nature's Brands
Product Details
- Made with USDA certified organic ingredients for a pure vegan formula.
- Cruelty-free product, ensuring ethical production standards.
- Free from animal-based and petroleum-derived substances.
- Uses no synthetic scents or toxic additives for safer hair care.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Makes hair soft and manageable, suitable for curly and thick hair.
- Contains non-toxic, organic ingredients without harsh chemicals.
- Provides a natural look without excessive residue or buildup.
- Pleasant herbal scent that is not overpowering.
- Offers a strong hold without flaking or greasiness.
Cons
- Some users find the scent too strong or unpleasant.
- May not provide enough hold for very thick or wavy hair.
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: Purified Water, Organic Vodka, Organic Guar Gum (Natural Plant Based), Organic Sweet Orange Oil, Organic Lemongrass Oil, Organic Olive Oil, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (Raw, Unfiltered), Organic Green Tea, Organic Sage Herb, Organic Bilberry Leaf, Xanthan Gum (Natural Gum), Organic Patchouli Oil, Organic Primrose Oil, Organic Thyme Oil, Organic Rosehip 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.
Lightweight Hair Styling Gel - Cleure
Product Details
- Contains no common irritants like essential oils, harsh chemicals, dyes, gluten, or salicylates.
- Provides gentle texture and definition without causing dryness, flakes, or itching.
- Hydrates and conditions hair while offering a medium hold to manage frizz and define curls.
- Non-greasy formula ensures no stiffness, flakes, or residue for a natural finish.
- Suitable for all hair types, including sensitive scalps, making it versatile for different styles.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No added fragrance, perfect for those with fragrance sensitivity.
- Offers a light hold without making hair crunchy or stiff.
- Hypoallergenic formula, great for sensitive skin and allergies.
- Does not make hair heavy or sticky, leaving it feeling natural.
- Effective for both fine and straight hair types.
Cons
- Some users with very fine hair may find it lacks sufficient hold.
- A minority experienced itchiness or drying effects, worth noting for those with delicate scalps.
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: Purified Water, Polyacrylate-14, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Triethanolamine
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.
Rake Styling Balm - Reverie
Product Details
- Rake styling balm provides lightweight support and structure without sticky residue, creating a luxe look.
- Nourishes and conditions hair with mango nut butter and botanical oils for a touchable hold.
- Suitable for every hair density and texture, from thin to thick, curly to straight.
- Formulated without harmful chemicals like sulfates, silicones, parabens, and artificial fragrances.
- Cruelty-free and sustainably sourced, ensuring mindful production.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Effectively moisturizes curls and reduces frizz.
- Non-toxic formulation with a natural scent.
- Provides a flexible hold without a greasy feel.
- Works for both damp and dry styling needs.
Cons
- Some users with fine hair find it a bit heavy or sticky.
- The natural fragrance may be too potent for those sensitive to scents.
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Aqua, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Bean Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Nut Butter, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Ethyl Palmate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Extract, Vanilla Planifolia (Bourbon Vanilla) Fruit Extract, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Oil, Boswellia Carterii (Frankincense) Resin Extract, Cymbopogon Martinii (Palmarosa) Leaf Oil, Santalum Spicatum (Sandalwood) Wood Oil, Myroxylon Balsamum (Balsam) Resin Extract, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Leaf Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Xanthan Gum, Lactic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Benzyl Benzoate, Geraniol, Benzyl Cinnamate, Linalool, Farnesol, Citronellol, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Eugenol, Citral, Benzyl Alcohol, Naturally Occurring By-Product Of Essential Oils
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.
Create Hold Styling Gel - Innersense
Product Details
- Provides firm hold and defines curls with a natural honey-based formula.
- Offers a healthy shine while maintaining style and manageability.
- Suitable for all hair types, particularly beneficial for straight hair.
- Contains clean, organic ingredients grown sustainably without chemicals.
- Always vegan, cruelty-free, and made with ethically harvested resources.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Provides a strong hold without leaving curls crunchy or sticky.
- Nourishing and full of natural, non-toxic ingredients.
- Leaves hair shiny, soft, and beautifully defined.
- Compatible with various hair types, from wavy to 4C curls.
- Lightweight feel and free from harmful chemicals like sulfates and parabens.
Cons
- Some users with sensitive skin may experience irritation or itchiness.
- For a few, achieving the perfect application requires a learning curve and practice.
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- Eau, Aloe Barbadensis Gel*, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Maltodextrin Copolymer, Potassium Hydroxide, Gluconolactone, Sodium Benzoate, Calcium Gluconate, Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Phytate, Glycerin*, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract*, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract*, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract*, Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract*, Honey Extract*, Limonene
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.
Aloe Vera Hair Gel - Rahua
Product Details
- Provides a soft hold for flexible and smooth styling.
- Formulated with nutrient-rich, plant-based ingredients.
- Free from parabens for a non-toxic hair care option.
- Suitable for all hair types, ensuring universal use.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Hydrating and non-toxic formula, perfect for health-conscious users.
- Works wonders on curly hair, providing a natural and flexible hold.
- Leaves hair without flakes, ideal for everyday styling.
Cons
- Some users noticed mold developing in the bottle, which may be a concern for long-term storage.
- Not suited for those seeking a high-hold gel, or those with very fine, soft hair.
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: Organic Aloe Vera, Sugar Cane, Guayusa, Rahua Oil, *Infused With Refreshing Cucumber And Green Chlorophyll
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.
Seal + Shield Curl Defining Gel - Boucleme
Product Details
- Protects hair against humidity, keeping curls bouncy and well-defined.
- Formulated without glycerine, coconut oil, sulphates, silicones, or synthetic fragrances.
- Made with 97.14% naturally derived, vegan ingredients.
- Part of a sustainable brand initiative that plants trees for every purchase.
- Packaged in recyclable materials, contributing to eco-friendly practices.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Provides great curl definition and long-lasting hold.
- Enhances hair volume and reduces frizz effectively.
- Pairs well with other products for comprehensive styling.
Cons
- The scent is quite strong and may not be suitable for those sensitive to fragrances.
- Some users experienced leaking from the bottle.
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin (Vegetable), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Fruit Extract, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Virgin Coconut) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Tilia Cordata (Linden) Flower Oil, Litsea Cubeba (May Chang) Fruit Oil, Michelia Alba (Magnolia) Flower Oil, Michelia Alba (Magnolia) Leaf Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Red) Peel Oil, Origanum Majorana (Marjoram Sweet) Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange Sweet) Peel Oil, Cymbopogon Martini (Palmarosa) Leaf Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Leaf Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil, Styrax Tonkinensis (Benzoin) Resin Extract, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, Citral, Benzyl Benzoate
Common Harmful Chemicals in Hair Gel
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
3-tert-Butyl-4-hydroxyanisole is a component of the food preservative Butylated Hydroxyanisole, used where Butylated hydroxytoluene is restricted. It serves as an oxidation inhibitor for human consumption. Despite lacking human studies, animal tests reveal no mutagenic activity. Its mutagenicity was evaluated using Salmonella typhimurium and Chinese hamster fibroblast cell line, with chromosomal aberrations induced only in the presence of the S9 mix.
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.
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.
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.
Phthalates, linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and cancer, are banned in the European Union but remain prevalent in U.S. cosmetics. They are widely used in personal care products, such as nail polish, fragrances, and eyelash glue and other products. A significant loophole allows phthalates to be added to fragrances without disclosure. Health concerns include endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and potential carcinogenicity.
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Phthalates, Product Profile: Hand Sanitizer, Phthalates in Cosmetics, Phthalates in cosmetic and personal care products: concentrations and possible dermal exposure, A Survey of Phthalates and Parabens in Personal Care Products from the United States and Its Implications for Human Exposure, Phthalates Factsheet, BPA and Phthalates: Chemicals found in our homes
Acrylamide is a man-made white crystalline solid primarily used in the production of polymers and copolymers. In humans, it is toxic and irritates the skin and mucous membranes, and can affect the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems leading to symptoms like memory difficulties, confusion, slurred speech, and excessive sweating. It may cause peripheral neuropathy, resulting in loss of sensation and muscle wasting. Recovery after exposure can take months to years. Animal studies indicate acrylamide accumulates in the nervous system, liver, kidney, and male reproductive system, causing degenerative changes. It might disrupt metabolism, induce oxidative stress, cause chromosomal aberrations, and tumor initiation. There is no evidence of teratogenic effects in humans or causing cancer. It has also shown genotoxic effects in some aquatic species like C. Auratus and mussels.
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.
Styrene is a colorless to yellowish, oily liquid used mainly in plastic, synthetic rubber, and resin production but also as a flavoring agent. Acute human exposure can cause irritation, drowsiness, and vertigo, with skin blistering and dermatitis resulting from long-term contact. It has been linked to increased rates of certain types of cancer, liver effects, and problems with the reproductive system. Animal studies have similarly shown irritation, central nervous system effects, and links to cancers. Styrene's endocrine disruptor activity appears negligible in humans and other vertebrates, but there is evidence of impact in certain aquatic species.
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.
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.
Formaldehyde and Cancer Risk, Cleaning Products & Indoor Air Quality, No More Toxic Tub, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Preservatives, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Formaldehyde And Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives, Formaldehyde may be found in cosmetic products even when unlabelled, Formaldehyde Found in Popular American Beauty Products, Hair Salons - Formaldehyde in Your Products, Formaldehyde in cosmetic products
Galaxolide is recognized as an established contact allergen in humans, according to the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety's 2011 report on fragrance allergens in cosmetic products. This compound has been identified as a reproductive effector and acts as a moderate skin irritant, as documented in The Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS).
Galaxolide: A Threat to the Environment and Human Health, Prolonged sub-lethal exposure to galaxolide (HHCB) and tonalide (AHTN) promotes the metastatic potential of glioblastoma tumor spheroids, Galaxolide: A Long-lasting Fragrance Contaminating the Great Lakes, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Galaxolide, Human dermal exposure to galaxolide from personal care products, Human dermal exposure to galaxolide from personal care products, Molecule of the Week Archive: Galaxolide
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.