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:

  • Thoughtful formulas made with natural or safe synthetic ingredients
  • Free from parabens, PEGs, phthalates, harsh sulfates, BHA/BHT, artificial dyes, formaldehyde-releasing ingredients, and undisclosed synthetic fragrance (unless certified safe)
  • Minimal, well-chosen preservatives
  • Trusted third-party certifications when available
  • Transparent sourcing, ingredient lists, and manufacturing practices

View our full standards here.

Our Methodology and Ratings

Find Non-Toxic Hand Lotion & Cream

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

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

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

The Hand Cream - Necessaire

The Hand Cream - Necessaire
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.95
/5
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Buy Now
on Credo Beauty

Certifications

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<p>This product is <a href="https://www.welpr.com/certifications#welpr-approved" target="_blank">Welpr Approved</a>, meaning it has been vetted against our <a href="https://www.welpr.com/how-we-vet-products/bath-body-hair-makeup" target="_blank">personal care standards</a> and contains no ingredients from our no list.</p>
<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/971091-Necessaire_The_Hand_Cream/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
<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#climate-neutral-certified" target="_blank">Climate Neutral certification</a> verifies that a brand has measured, reduced, and offset its entire carbon footprint.</p>

Highlights

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This product is vegan, meaning it contains no animal-derived ingredients—look for a certification like PETA or Vegan.org to verify the claim.
This product is free from harsh sulfates like SLS and SLES, which can strip skin and scalp and trigger irritation.
This product is free from synthetic dyes that may irritate skin or cause behavioral issues.
This product is free from phthalates, a type of plasticizer linked to hormone disruption and reduced fertility.
This product is free from formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing agents, preservatives that release toxic gas linked to cancer, allergies, and skin irritation.
This product is cruelty-free, meaning it was not tested on animals—look for certification from Leaping Bunny or PETA to verify the claim.
This product is free from parabens, a class of preservatives linked to hormone disruption and breast cancer.
This product is free from all fragrance.

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
$28.00
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Product Details

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  • Fast-absorbing and non-greasy formula, perfect for daily use.
  • Clinically-proven ingredients like ceramides and peptides for healthier skin.
  • Hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, and non-comedogenic for sensitive skin.
  • Free from silicones, parabens, phthalates, and PEGs, making it a non-toxic choice.
  • Certified vegan and cruelty-free, ensuring ethical beauty care.
  • Endorsed by the National Eczema Association, ideal for eczema-prone skin.

Pros & Cons

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Pros

  • Rich, hydrating formula that absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy feeling.
  • Packaged in an environmentally friendly aluminum tube.
  • Unscented version available, perfect for sensitive skin.
  • Effectively soothes and repairs dry, cracked skin, especially in harsh winter conditions.
  • Formulated without harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and silicones.

Cons

  • Some individuals with extremely sensitive skin may experience itching.
  • Those washing hands very frequently might not see lasting benefits between washes.

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: Aqua/Water/Eau, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Squalane, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Olivate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Sorbitan Olivate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Niacinamide, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Acetyl Heptapeptide-4, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Caprylyl Glycol

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.

Hand Cream with Oat and Chamomile - Attitude

Hand Cream with Oat and Chamomile - Attitude
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.9
/5
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Certifications

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<p>This product is <a href="https://www.welpr.com/certifications#welpr-approved" target="_blank">Welpr Approved</a>, meaning it has been vetted against our <a href="https://www.welpr.com/how-we-vet-products/bath-body-hair-makeup" target="_blank">personal care standards</a> and contains no ingredients from our no list.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.welpr.com/certifications#ewg" target="_blank">EWG Verified certification</a> indicates that a product meets rigorous health and environmental safety standards, provide full ingredient transparency, and avoid harmful substances. EWG ratings may change. Check the source for most up to date rating. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/773189-ATTITUDE_Sensitive_Skin_Hand_Cream_Chamomile/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</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>

Highlights

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This product is free from heavy metals like lead and cadmium, which can build up in the body and are linked to developmental, reproductive, and organ toxicity.
This product is free from harsh sulfates like SLS and SLES, which can strip skin and scalp and trigger irritation.
This brand uses sustainable packaging to reduce waste and environmental impact.
This product is free from synthetic dyes that may irritate skin or cause behavioral issues.
This product is free from phthalates, a type of plasticizer linked to hormone disruption and reduced fertility.
This product is free from formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing agents, preservatives that release toxic gas linked to cancer, allergies, and skin irritation.
This product is free from parabens, a class of preservatives linked to hormone disruption and breast cancer.

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
$12.99
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Product Details

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  • Formulated with naturally sourced ingredients including oat extract to soothe and improve skin's appearance.
  • Enriched with chamomile extract to purify and revitalize delicate, dry skin.
  • Dermatologically tested for sensitive skin, ensuring safety and comfort.
  • EWG verified for clean ingredients and full transparency.
  • Vegan formula for those seeking cruelty-free skincare options.

Pros & Cons

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Pros

  • Clean, non-toxic ingredients suitable for sensitive skin.
  • Moisturizes effectively without a greasy feel.
  • Fits conveniently in small bags for on-the-go use.
  • Absorbs quickly, offering immediate relief for dry hands.
  • EWG verified, giving peace of mind on product safety.

Cons

  • Some users with sensitive noses may find the scent too strong.
  • A few users might experience irritation due to specific ingredients like chamomile.

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: Aqua / Water / Eau, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Coco-Caprylate / Caprate, Cocoglycerides, Dicaprylyl Ether, Cetearyl Alcohol, Tapioca Starch, Glyceryl Stearate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Cetearyl Glucoside, Jojoba Esters, Avena Sativa (Oat / Avoine) Kernel Flour, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Levulinic Acid, P-Anisic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Levulinate, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax, Polyglycerin-3, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Triethyl Citrate, Linalyl Acetate (Floral), Geranyl Acetate (Floral)

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.

Men's Hand & Body Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid - Finally Pure

Men's Hand & Body Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid - Finally Pure
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.85
/5
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Certifications

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<p>This product is <a href="https://www.welpr.com/certifications#welpr-approved" target="_blank">Welpr Approved</a>, meaning it has been vetted against our <a href="https://www.welpr.com/how-we-vet-products/bath-body-hair-makeup" target="_blank">personal care standards</a> and contains no ingredients from our no list.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.welpr.com/certifications#ewg" target="_blank">EWG Verified certification</a> indicates that a product meets rigorous health and environmental safety standards, provide full ingredient transparency, and avoid harmful substances. EWG ratings may change. Check the source for most up to date rating. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/702419-Finally_Pure_Finally_For__Mens_Herbal_Hand__Body_Lotion/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</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>

Highlights

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This product is free from heavy metals like lead and cadmium, which can build up in the body and are linked to developmental, reproductive, and organ toxicity.
This product is free from harsh sulfates like SLS and SLES, which can strip skin and scalp and trigger irritation.
This product is free from synthetic dyes that may irritate skin or cause behavioral issues.
This product is free from phthalates, a type of plasticizer linked to hormone disruption and reduced fertility.
This product is free from formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing agents, preservatives that release toxic gas linked to cancer, allergies, and skin irritation.
This product is free from parabens, a class of preservatives linked to hormone disruption and breast cancer.

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
$25.95
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Product Details

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  • EWG verified and certified cruelty free for peace of mind.
  • Contains natural ingredients that protect, soften, and nourish the skin.
  • Easily absorbed without leaving a greasy feeling, ideal for daily use.
  • Includes anti-aging antioxidants for youthful and healthy skin.
  • Vegan and gluten-free, catering to diverse dietary preferences.

Pros & Cons

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Pros

  • Ideal for sensitive skin, minimizing allergic reactions.
  • Offers a smooth, familiar moisturizing experience.
  • Highly nourishing, leaving skin feeling pampered.

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: Water, *Helianthus Annus (Sunflower) Oil, *Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Juice Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, *Vegetable Glycerin, Sodium Anisate, Sodium Levulinate, *Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, *Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, *Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, *Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil, L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Sodium Hyaluronate, *Certified Organic

Save 10% on purchases on Toups & Co via our link.

Unscented Tallow Balm - Toups & Co

Unscented Tallow Balm - Toups & Co
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.8
/5
Discount Code
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No code needed
Buy Now
on Toups & Co

Certifications

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<p>This product is <a href="https://www.welpr.com/certifications#welpr-approved" target="_blank">Welpr Approved</a>, meaning it has been vetted against our <a href="https://www.welpr.com/how-we-vet-products/bath-body-hair-makeup" target="_blank">personal care standards</a> and contains no ingredients from our no list.</p>

Highlights

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This product is free from harsh sulfates like SLS and SLES, which can strip skin and scalp and trigger irritation.
This brand uses sustainable packaging to reduce waste and environmental impact.
This product is free from synthetic dyes that may irritate skin or cause behavioral issues.
This product is free from phthalates, a type of plasticizer linked to hormone disruption and reduced fertility.
This product is made without genetically modified ingredients, which are linked to increased pesticide use and may carry unexpected toxins or allergens from the modification process.
This product is free from formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing agents, preservatives that release toxic gas linked to cancer, allergies, and skin irritation.
The Made in USA label indicates that a product has substantial U.S. content and manufacturing.
This product is gluten free, and therefore safe for those with celiac or gluten sensitivity.
This product does not contain PFAS, a group of forever chemicals used to make things nonstick, stain-resistant, or waterproof. That includes PTFE, PFOA, and thousands of other compounds linked to hormone disruption and long-term health risks.
This product is free from parabens, a class of preservatives linked to hormone disruption and breast cancer.
This product is formulated to EU standards, which ban over 1,300 harmful ingredients—compared to just around 11 in the US.
This product is free from all fragrance.
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Est. Price
$32.00
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Product Details

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  • Deeply hydrates and nourishes skin with bioactive nutrients from grass-fed tallow.
  • Soothes inflammation and supports skin healing for a healthy, radiant glow.
  • Free from essential oils, making it ideal for sensitive skin and first-time users.
  • Multipurpose balm for dry patches, cuts, burns, rashes, and more.
  • Replaces conventional lotions with a pure, minimal, skin-loving formula.

Pros & Cons

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Pros

  • Deeply hydrates and nourishes dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin—even in harsh winter climates.
  • Rich, velvety texture absorbs well and leaves skin noticeably softer and more radiant.
  • Made with minimal, natural ingredients—available unscented for babies or sensitive users.
  • Effective for a range of uses, from facial care to pregnancy stretch mark prevention.
  • A little goes a long way, making each jar last a long time.

Cons

  • Some may need time to adjust to the idea of using animal-based skincare like tallow.

Ingredients

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Ingredients: 100% Grass-Fed Tallow, *Organic Virgin Olive 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.

Coconut Vegan Hand Cream - 100% Pure

Coconut Vegan Hand Cream - 100% Pure
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.75
/5
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Certifications

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<p>This product is <a href="https://www.welpr.com/certifications#welpr-approved" target="_blank">Welpr Approved</a>, meaning it has been vetted against our <a href="https://www.welpr.com/how-we-vet-products/bath-body-hair-makeup" target="_blank">personal care standards</a> and contains no ingredients from our no list.</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>

Highlights

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This product is free from heavy metals like lead and cadmium, which can build up in the body and are linked to developmental, reproductive, and organ toxicity.
This product is free from harsh sulfates like SLS and SLES, which can strip skin and scalp and trigger irritation.
This brand uses sustainable packaging to reduce waste and environmental impact.
This product is free from synthetic dyes that may irritate skin or cause behavioral issues.
This product is free from phthalates, a type of plasticizer linked to hormone disruption and reduced fertility.
This product is free from formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing agents, preservatives that release toxic gas linked to cancer, allergies, and skin irritation.
This product is cruelty-free, meaning it was not tested on animals—look for certification from Leaping Bunny or PETA to verify the claim.
This product is free from parabens, a class of preservatives linked to hormone disruption and breast cancer.
This product is formulated to EU standards, which ban over 1,300 harmful ingredients—compared to just around 11 in the US.

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
$15.99
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Product Details

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  • Soothe and nourish dry, flaky skin with cocoa butter and avocado oil for a smooth and soft feel.
  • Enriched with rosehip oil and green tea, it provides vitamins and antioxidants for healthy skin.
  • Aargan oil and Vitamin E help to soothe cracked hands and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
  • Enjoy a sweet, tropical coconut scent with daily hydration.
  • Cruelty-free and vegan, it contains no animal byproducts or toxic synthetic ingredients.

Pros & Cons

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Pros

  • All-natural ingredients appreciated by health-conscious users.
  • Non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, leaving hands soft.
  • Lovely coconut and vanilla scents complemented by subtle sweet notes.
  • Compact size makes it perfect for on-the-go use.
  • Vegan-friendly, aligning with ethical consumer values.

Cons

  • Some users find the scent stronger and sweeter than expected, which can be a preference-based concern.
  • Occasional issues with receiving expired products from third-party sellers; buying directly from the manufacturer may ensure freshness.

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: Theobroma Cacao Seed (Cocoa) Butter, Persea Gratissima Oil (Avocado Butter), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Argania Spinosa Kernel (Argan) Oil, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe Vera)* Leaf Juice, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Extracts Of Euterpe Oleracea (Acai Berry) Fruit, Resveratrol, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf, Garcinia Mangosteen (Mangosteen) Peel, Lycium Barbarum (Goji Berry) Fruit, Aristotelia Chilensis (Maqui Berry), Sambucus Canadensis (Elderberry) And Vitis Vinifera (Muscadine Grape) Skin, Extract Of Lonicera Caprifolium Flower, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf, Origanum Vulgare (Oregano) Leaf, Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf (Thyme), Ethyl Alcohol (Grain Alcohol), Cocos (Coconut Flavor) Nucifera Extract * Certified Organic

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

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

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

Organic Hooray Hand Crème - Living Libations

Organic Hooray Hand Crème - Living Libations
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.75
/5
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Certifications

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<p>This product is <a href="https://www.welpr.com/certifications#welpr-approved" target="_blank">Welpr Approved</a>, meaning it has been vetted against our <a href="https://www.welpr.com/how-we-vet-products/bath-body-hair-makeup" target="_blank">personal care standards</a> and contains no ingredients from our no list.</p>

Highlights

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This product is free from harsh sulfates like SLS and SLES, which can strip skin and scalp and trigger irritation.
This product is free from synthetic dyes that may irritate skin or cause behavioral issues.
This product is free from phthalates, a type of plasticizer linked to hormone disruption and reduced fertility.
This product is free from formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing agents, preservatives that release toxic gas linked to cancer, allergies, and skin irritation.
This product is cruelty-free, meaning it was not tested on animals—look for certification from Leaping Bunny or PETA to verify the claim.
This product is free from parabens, a class of preservatives linked to hormone disruption and breast cancer.

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
$15.00
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Product Details

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  • Nourishes and protects dry skin, particularly helpful for hardworking hands.
  • Soothes and softens with a pleasant, natural aroma.
  • Formulated with natural, organic, and wildcrafted ingredients.
  • Free from parabens, sulfates, gluten, and cruelty; suitable for vegans.
  • Packaged in recyclable glass for an environmentally friendly choice.

Pros & Cons

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Pros

  • Highly effective for relieving painful skin patches.
  • Offers nourishment for chapped winter hands.
  • Consistently praised by loyal fans of the brand.

Cons

  • Some users experienced discrepancies in product quality when purchasing from certain online sellers.

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: Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera), Rosa Damascene (Rosewater), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba), Calophyllum Inophyllum (Tamanu), Persea Americana (Avocado), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea), Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender), Melissa Officinalis (Lemon Balm), Avena Sativa (Milky Oat Straw), Citrus Aurantium (Orange), Chrysopogon Zizanioides (Vetiver), Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit), Cymbopogon Martini (Palmarosa), Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile), Curcuma Longa (Turmeric), Daucus Carota (Carrot Seed), Thuja Plicata (Red Cedar), And Rosemarinus Officinalis And Salvia Officinalis (Rosemary And Sage)

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 Hand Lotion & Cream

Chemical Name

Why it’s harmful

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Sodium laureth sulfate, derived from ethoxylated lauryl alcohol, is a surfactant used in sudsy products like toothpaste, detergents, and shampoos. While it acts as a cleansing and emulsifying agent, it can sometimes contain toxic impurities such as 1,4-dioxane. This chemical has raised health concerns due to its potential to cause skin, lung, and eye irritation, organ toxicity, and, primarily because of contamination by 1,4 dioxane, cancer.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is recognised as a skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant according to ICSC. It may cause allergic reactions and eye irritation as stated by the HSDB. Exposure may even result in eye burns, as per CAMEO. Depending on its form - which may range from a solid (90-98% purity), to a paste (30-41%), or an aqueous solution (28-50%) - it can significantly irritate skin and eyes, with adverse effects escalating with increased concentration. Despite these hazards, it is not a skin sensitizer according to CHEMINFO, while eChemPortal: ERMA and MSDSonline endorse its classification as an irritant.

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: 
Polyethylene Glycol

Ingestion or dermal absorption of the chemical at more than 800-1000 mg/kg/day can lead to central nervous system depression and liver and kidney changes in animals, despite there being no significant developmental toxicity. The chemical acts as an eye irritant; however, it is poorly absorbed through the skin. Unanticipated side effects are unlikely unless there is exposure to mists of heated liquid. Notably, animal feeding studies have shown that the chemical could damage the CNS, liver, kidneys, red blood cells, and the reproductive system.

Retinol

Oral administration of high doses in adults causes ciricrhosis, hemorrhage, anorexia, jaundice, and dermatitis. The use of this substance is contraindicated in pregnancy at doses larger than the FDA recommend daily allowance. Ingesting 25,000 IU/d over a period of 2-3 weeks may result in toxicity, symptoms of which include liver injury and increased intracranial pressure, leading to blurred vision, headaches, and changes to mental status. The substance is also found to be an irritant and harmful if ingested, with teratogenic effects observed in experimental animals.

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: 
Butylated Hydroxytoluene

BHT, a toluene-based ingredient, serves as a preservative in food and personal care products. Safety assessments have noted toxic effects in lung tissue when BHT was applied to rats' skin but considered the low concentrations in cosmetics safe. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) suggests moderate evidence of BHT being a respiratory irritant in humans.

Toluene

Toluene is a clear, colorless liquid that naturally occurs in crude oil and the tolu tree. It's prominent in the production of gasoline, coke from coal, and various consumer products like paints, adhesives, and nail polish. Toluene is even added to gasoline, used to create benzene, and acts as a solvent. However, exposure to toluene, especially from inhalation, can have serious health effects. It primarily targets the central nervous system, inducing symptoms like fatigue, nausea, headaches, and in chronic cases, can cause severe dysfunction. Exposure has also been linked to developmental effects in children, but there isn't enough evidence to conclude its carcinogenic potential. Abuse of toluene can cause permanent brain damage, liver injury, and even potential birth defects or increased risk of spontaneous abortions in pregnant women. Despite these risks, cognitive deficits from toluene exposure below a threshold limit value (TLV) of 50 ppm remain extremely low.

DMDM hydantoin

DMDM hydantoin is a substance used in cosmetics that has the potential to cause allergic contact dermatitis, although rinse-off products generally have a low risk. According to various reports, skin sensitization patch testing has yielded positive results.

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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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