Hylea
Belts
Leather, fabric, and synthetic belts for pants and fashion. Include metal buckles and decorative elements.
Why It Matters
Leather belts can contain Chromium VI from tanning - a skin sensitizer. Metal buckles may release nickel. Colored leather may have restricted azo dyes. Leather contacts skin, especially in warm weather with sweating.
Chemicals of Concern in This Product
Chromium VI (Hexavalent Chromium)
A highly toxic form of chromium that can form during leather tanning if the process is poorly...
Restricted Azo Dyes
A large class of synthetic dyes used extensively in textile and leather coloring. While most azo...
Nickel (Release)
Nickel metal that leaches from metal alloys in jewelry, buckles, buttons, zippers, and other...
Lead
A toxic heavy metal that was once commonly used in paint, plumbing, and many consumer products....
Phthalates
A group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and harder to break. Also used as...
Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Releasers
A colorless gas used as a preservative, disinfectant, and textile finishing agent. In clothing,...
Ingredient Red Flags
Watch for these on ingredient labels:
- Leather causing skin rash
- Very cheap imported belts
- Buckles causing green skin or irritation
- Strong chemical smell from leather
What to Look For
- ✓Vegetable-tanned leather (chrome-free)
- ✓Leather Working Group certified
- ✓Nickel-free or coated buckles
Finding Safer Options
Vegetable-tanned leather belts. Canvas or cotton web belts with brass buckles. Brands using Leather Working Group Gold-rated tanneries.
Certifications to Look For
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