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 Relaxer

Olive Oil No-Lye Hair Relaxer - ORS

Olive Oil No-Lye Hair Relaxer - ORS
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.95
/5
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Certifications

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<p>Products rated <a href="https://www.welpr.com/certifications#ewg" target="_blank">EWG-1</a> indicate a top choice for personal care products, have a low potential hazard rating, and good or robust ingredient transparency. EWG ratings may change. Check the source for most up to date rating. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/992601-ORS_Olive_Oil_BuiltIn_Protection_NoLye_Hair_Relaxer_Activator_/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

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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

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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
$34.98
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Product Details

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  • Gently relaxes hair while protecting it from damage during the process.
  • Infused with a blend of exotic oils for added hydration and moisture.
  • Leaves hair softer, silkier, and more manageable.
  • Helps to strengthen and revitalize brittle hair, adding shine and body.
  • Facilitates easier styling for a variety of hairstyles.

Pros & Cons

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Pros

  • Leaves hair soft, silky, and manageable.
  • Gentle on the scalp, reducing the sensation of burning for most users.
  • Easy-to-follow instructions make it simple for at-home use.
  • Recommended by both regular users and professional hairdressers.
  • Helps control frizz and provides long-lasting results.

Cons

  • Some users with sensitive skin may experience irritation or burns.
  • May not include protective jelly, requiring extra care for some users.

Ingredients

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Ingredients: Aqua (Water/Eau), Guanidine Carbonate, Sorbitol, Ci 19140 (Yellow 5)

Rosehip Seed Oil Hair Relaxer - Pura d'or

Rosehip Seed Oil Hair Relaxer - Pura d'or
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.75
/5
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Certifications

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<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>

Highlights

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

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
$14.99
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Product Details

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  • Provides a natural solution for relaxing hair and managing frizz without harsh chemicals.
  • Rich in antioxidants like vitamins A and C to enhance skin glow and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
  • Improves skin texture and reduces the appearance of scars or stretch marks with essential fatty acids.
  • Packaged in a convenient pump bottle to ensure easy application and prevent contamination.
  • USDA certified organic, ensuring a product that is free from harmful agents like parabens and sulfates.

Pros & Cons

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Pros

  • Lightweight and absorbs quickly, leaving skin feeling soft and non-greasy.
  • Helps with hydration, providing a natural glow and rejuvenating the skin.
  • Organic and free from toxins, making it a safe choice for sensitive skin.
  • Effective in reducing scars, breakouts, and dark spots over time.
  • Convenient pump design for hygienic and easy application.

Cons

  • Some users with very sensitive skin may experience irritation and should patch test first.
  • The oil's natural scent or color may not appeal to everyone, though it dissipates quickly.

Ingredients

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Ingredients: 100% Pure Cold Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil

Shea Butter Mild Relaxer - Silk Elements

Shea Butter Mild Relaxer - Silk Elements
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.75
/5
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Certifications

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<p>Products rated <a href="https://www.welpr.com/certifications#ewg" target="_blank">EWG-2</a> feature a low potential hazard rating and good or robust ingredient transparency. EWG ratings may change. Check the source for most up to date rating. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/966185-Silk_Elements_Shea_Butter_Mild_Relaxer/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
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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
$125.00
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Product Details

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  • Gently relaxes hair while protecting and nourishing it.
  • Combines shea butter and silk proteins for soft, healthy-looking hair.
  • Ideal for those seeking a mild formula to maintain hair health.

Pros & Cons

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Pros

  • Leaves hair soft and silky.
  • Quick and effective for mild treatments.
  • Easy to learn with a few tries.

Cons

  • Some users experienced packaging issues leading to damage.

Ingredients

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Ingredients: Water, Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Hydroxide, Cetyl Alcohol, Laneth-15, PEG-75 Lanolin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Hydrolyzed Silk

Shea Butter Regular Relaxer - Silk Elements

Shea Butter Regular Relaxer - Silk Elements
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.75
/5
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Certifications

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<p>Products rated <a href="https://www.welpr.com/certifications#ewg" target="_blank">EWG-2</a> feature a low potential hazard rating and good or robust ingredient transparency. EWG ratings may change. Check the source for most up to date rating. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/966181-Silk_Elements_Shea_Butter_Regular_Relaxer/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
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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
$69.99
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Product Details

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  • The unique formula gently relaxes hair while protecting and nourishing.
  • Combines olive oil and silk protein for softness and shine.
  • Keeps hair healthy-looking and maintains a smooth, straight appearance.

Pros & Cons

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Pros

  • Long-time users find it to be excellent and non-damaging to hair.
  • Highly rated by satisfied customers.

Cons

  • Some may experience dryness, highlighting the need for moisturizing care afterwards.
  • Instructions on the label can be hard to read for some users.

Ingredients

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Ingredients: Water, Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Hydroxide, Cetyl Alcohol, Laneth-15, PEG-75 Lanolin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Hydrolyzed Silk

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 Relaxer

Chemical Name

Why it’s harmful

Bisphenol A

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a solid used in manufacturing epoxy resins and polycarbonates for food packaging. Human exposure to BPA can cause allergic dermatitis and has been associated with negative effects on fertility, such as declined semen quality, increased sperm DNA damage, and risk of miscarriage. BPA, an endocrine disruptor, also affects oocyte quality during in vitro fertilization. Animal studies indicate that BPA caused eye damage in rabbits, accelerated tumorigenesis in mice, disrupted sex behaviors in rats, and induced obesity in rodents. Ecotoxicity studies show BPA's disruptive effects on sex characteristics in fish and gene expression in Arabidopsis thaliana, suggesting broad environmental implications.

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.

Sodium Hydroxide

Sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda or lye, is an odorless white crystalline solid that absorbs moisture from the air. It generates significant heat when dissolved in water or neutralized with acid which may ignite combustible materials. It is highly corrosive and is typically used as a solid or in a 50% solution. Sodium hydroxide is used to manufacture a variety of products including soaps, rayon, paper, explosives, dyestuffs, and petroleum products. Exposure to this substance may cause severe burns, necrosis, and pulmonary edema, depending on the concentration and exposure method.

Triclosan

Triclosan is a synthetic pesticide with antibacterial properties commonly added to detergents, soaps, and various personal care products such as deodorants and toothpastes. Although it lacks the ability to combat viruses causing colds and flus, it's used in products like body washes, disinfectants, and some toothpastes to resist bacterial growth. In 2016, the FDA limited its use in antibacterial soaps, but the compound is still permitted in other products. The European Union prohibited its presence in food-contact items in 2010. Exposure to triclosan has been associated with hormone disruption, increased breast cancer risk, liver damage, and the development of resistant super-germs.

Sources: 
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Authors

Camille May, Product Curator

Hey, I’m Camille—co-creator of Welpr and your go-to guide for all things clean living. After selling my last company in the health food space, I went non-toxic to heal an autoimmune condition. It did wonders for my health, but navigating which products to buy wasn’t easy. We built Welpr to make that journey feel a bit easier.  When I’m not working on Welpr, you’ll usually find me in the sauna, sipping a raw milk latte while doing a puzzle, or walking with my pit bull Romeo in my hometown of Austin, TX.

Olushola M. Awoyemi, Medical Reviewer

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

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