Crayola is a famous and well-respected brand, even outside the world of arts and crafts, that has been around for decades.
The fact that Crayola has become a household name worldwide proves that their products are durable and of high-quality. This is proof that their customers are satisfied enough to keep buying from them.
Crayola has always been marketing their products as child-friendly and non-toxic. But, sometimes, we can’t help but think that maybe their claims are just part of their marketing strategy.
We can never be too sure especially if it is our child’s safety at risk. So, in this article, we will tell you what we know about the ingredients that make up Crayola markers.
Crayola markers vs Crayola washable markers vs Crayola color wonder markers
Before answering the main question of this article, let us first clarify the different terminologies that we often confuse with each other: Crayola markers, Crayola Washable markers, and Crayola Color Wonder markers.
Crayola markers may have two different meanings: One, “Crayola markers” may be used as the umbrella term for the different variants of markers that Crayola offers.
Two, “Crayola markers” may refer to the specific variant of Crayola markers that do not have special features. These serve as permanent colored markers particularly designed for children.
Crayola washable markers are the variant that is, you guessed it, washable. Crayola claims that this variant of markers can easily be washed off of hands, clothes, and walls.
Of course, these are designed for children who tend to be messy. With Crayola washable markers, parents need not worry about stains on surfaces because water and detergent easily remove these.
Crayola Color Wonder markers are an entirely different experience. These markers are totally mess-free because their ink is invisible on almost all surfaces.
Crayola Color Wonder markers only show their true colors on Crayola Color Wonder Paper. These two products come as a package because one is useless without the other.
Now that these confusing terms are out of the way, let us answer the questions that you are here for.
Are Crayola markers non-toxic?
Crayola claims that all of their products, including their markers, are non-toxic and 100% safe for children. According to their official website, an independent toxicologist reviewed their products and declared it safe for children’s use.
According to the toxicologist’s findings, Crayola products do not contain sufficient amounts of toxic ingredients for them to be dangerous to humans even when inhaled or ingested.
What are Crayola markers made of?
Unfortunately, we cannot give you a full list of the Crayola markers’ ingredients because the company refuses to expose it to the public.
According to Crayola, their list of ingredients are proprietary which means they own it and they have the right to hide that information from anyone who asks for it.
Instead of being transparent, they offer the public a very vague idea of what their markers are made up of: “water and dye.” Of course, inks contain water and dye. Isn’t that common sense?
More than that, Crayola assured their customers that their products do not contain the most common allergens such as nuts and seeds, specifically, sesame seeds/oil, peanuts, tree nuts, and nut oil.
Crayola products also do not contain protein allergens, particularly, eggs and egg shells, milk, casein, whey, and fish/shellfish. In the same statement, the company declared that poisonous ingredients like D&C Red Dye 40 and latex are absent in any of their products.
They followed it up with a note that says the products may have come in contact with latex gloves during the manufacturing and distribution processes but are not part of the ingredients that make-up their products.
Aside from those, it is impossible to get another word out of Crayola. Fortunately, we have a general idea of the ingredients that make up permanent and washable markers.
Most permanent markers in the market contain toxins such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene, which can cause cancer and organ damage if consumed in large amounts. These ingredients are necessary to make their ink non-removable on most surfaces.
Moreover, many permanent markers are alcohol-based. With that, permanent markers should not be used on the skin, especially on sensitive ones.
Such potentially harmful ingredients can usually be found on adult markers, such as Sharpie. Crayola, however, is targeted to children. It is fair to expect that their products should use child-friendly ingredients.
We do not have any information regarding Crayola’s permanent marker variant. They may or may not have the same potentially toxic ingredients as above. Of course, we can choose to believe Crayola’s claims that all their products are non-toxic, but it will not hurt us to be extra cautious.
If your child is above 7 years old and does not have the habit of licking objects like markers, then Crayola permanent markers would probably be safe for them. But advise them to not draw on their skin.
However, if you have toddlers and preschoolers (ages 1 to 6), it is best to let them use the washable variant.
Are washable markers toxic?
In general, washable markers contain water-based ingredients instead of alcohol-based ingredients. These water-based ingredients are what make them washable. So, it follows that they are free from toxic ingredients like xylene.
Are Crayola washable markers toxic?
Although we do not know exactly what Crayola Washable markers contain, we can trust independent reports regarding Crayola Washable markers’ toxicity.
According to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), a document that reveals information on the potential hazards of a product, it is safe to inhale the scent of Crayola Washable Markers. Minimal amounts of ingestion and direct eye contact are also relatively safe.
This means that it is not advisable to let your children ingest the markers but doing so a few times will not result in a medical emergency.
Do Crayola markers have chemicals?
We can never be sure of what Crayola markers contain. It is safe to assume that Crayola markers contain non-harmful chemicals that are necessary in the production process.
The plastic tube that we hold contains chemicals, just like any other plastic on the planet. The ink may contain chemicals but not in dangerous amounts. In other words, Crayola markers do not contain enough toxins for it to be called “toxic”.
Are Crayola markers toxic if eaten?
So, what happens if a child eats a Crayola marker? Well, nothing. Crayola marker inks do not contain enough toxins to immediately induce a medical emergency upon ingestion.
But, since marker inks are not considered edible, they may cause stomach aches when ingested. With that, it is best if children do not eat Crayola Markers at all.
In a rare case of an emergency, seek medical help as soon as you can.
Are Crayola markers toxic to babies?
When a baby ingests a minimal amount of Crayola marker’s ink, do not fret. Again, Crayola markers do not contain enough amounts of toxins to be considered as toxic.
If your baby licks the plastic tube, remember that the plastic tube may contain unhealthy chemicals and that the tube is where all the germs are.
What should bother you more are the choking hazards of a Crayola marker. A Crayola marker has several small parts: a plastic cap, a cotton filament to store the ink, and a felt tip where the ink comes out of.
If your baby happens to nibble at the tip of the marker, be more cautious as they may bite it off and choke on it.
If your baby swallowed the felt tip without choking, be assured that, ingredients-wise, the felt tip is not poisonous for the baby. However, it could upset their stomach. Give it a few hours and you will see the felt tip reappear on their diaper.
What happens if a baby eats a marker?
It’s nearly impossible for a baby to swallow a whole marker. If a baby does swallow parts of the marker, the guardians must prepare for a choking first-aid.
Are Crayola markers toxic to dogs?
Again, the ingredients of the ink are non-toxic, both to humans and to pets.
Crayola markers only pose a serious threat if the dog chews on the plastic tube of the marker and then swallows it.
Most probably, the plastic will crack into small, sharp pieces. These can cut or tear on the tissues in the mouth, throat, or anywhere in the digestive tract.
If the dog swallows the plastic tube in whole, the tube may block the dog’s intestinal tract which could be deadly if not treated immediately.
Call a vet immediately if any of these unfortunate things happen.
Are Crayola Color Wonder markers toxic?
No, Crayola Color Wonder markers are certified non-toxic, even if inhaled or ingested.
Are Crayola scented markers toxic?
No. Crayola Scented markers, just like all Crayola products, are safe and non-toxic both when inhaled and ingested.
However, if your child has particular sensitivities in scents, then opt for non-scented markers instead.
Are Crayola Supertips markers Non-toxic?
Yes, Crayola Supertips markers are non-toxic. In fact, they are made for children 3 years old and above. If they are safe for toddlers, they are probably safe for older children, too.
What markers are not toxic?
Generally, if you are looking for non-toxic art materials, avoid products that contain benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene. These ingredients are usually found in aromatic solvent-based products. As an alternative, choose water-based products instead.
For markers, specifically, choose those that are washable and marked as “low odor.”
Aside from Crayola, there are various brands out there that are child-friendly, non-toxic, and transparent about the ingredients of their products.
Here is a list of alternatives to Crayola markers:
1. Faber Castell Jumbo Broadline Markers
Faber Castell is also a known brand in the art world. In terms of quality, this brand will never fail you.
Faber Castell’s Jumbo Broadline Markers are marketed for kids. They are non-toxic and washable because Faber Castell used food-grade dyes which means the ink is safe for ingestion. The markers also come in ventilated safety caps to avoid choking.
The best part about these markers is that they are rehydratable. If your child left the cap off for too long, you can easily rehydrate the pen by dipping the tip in water.
2. Cra-Z-Art Washable Super Tip Markers
In terms of quality, Cra-Z-Art is almost at par with Crayola but for a cheaper price. It is similarly non-toxic and washable.
However, a blogger reported that Cra-Z-Art does not work that well on surfaces other than paper while Crayola works well on wood and fabric. This should not be a problem if you are using the markers for school purposes.
The same blogger also claimed that Cra-Z-Art markers last longer than Crayola. Thus, Cra-Z-Art has more value for money.
3. Rose Art Bold Washable Broadline Markers
Similar to Crayola and Cra-Z-Art, most of Rose Art’s products are made for children. Rose Art’s markers are also non-toxic and washable.
There is nothing special about these markers that differentiates them from Cra-Z-Art markers, except for the price. So, if you want cheaper markers that still do its job, then Rose Art Bold Washable Broadline Markers is your best option.
4. Jolly Superstars Markers Duo
Jolly Superstars Markers Duo have two tips in one pen. One of the tips is thick and broad, for better coverage when coloring, while the other one is thin which is great for adding details.
Just like the markers I mentioned above, Jolly Superstars Duo are also non-toxic and washable.
Color your world safely!
Congratulations! You are now equipped with knowledge on how to differentiate toxic from non-toxic art materials, specifically markers.
Although we do not exactly know what Crayola markers are made up of, we know that they are non-toxic, as they claim.
We hope that this article has been helpful in assuring you that your child is safe with Crayola markers and in helping you find other non-toxic brands as alternatives to Crayola.
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