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There are only a few feelings worse than sensing that your child is in danger. Unfortunately, with the government’s lax stance on the hidden chemicals in children’s art supplies, parents are always on edge when picking out new products.
The marker has a special place in a child’s art arsenal – they tend to be easier to hold and have deeper colors. Finding the right markers is the perfect way to help your child channel his or her inner artist.
However, sifting through hundreds of products to find that one safe, high-quality options can get hectic.
So, I did it for you.
But before I get to recommending the best non-toxic markers out there, here’s a brief list of factors to consider when buying a non-toxic marker.
Two Features to Consider in a Non-Toxic Marker
Formula
Getting markers that use the right non-toxic formula is key to ensuring your child’s safety. Water-based markers are the safest options in the market.
There are more toxic options than non-toxic options – which means there are many chemicals that you need to be on the lookout for.
If you see any of these on the label of the markers, steer clear of them:
- Lead
- Cadmium
- Touline
- Xylene
- Ammonia
- Other VOCs (Volatile Organic Chemicals)
- Formaldehyde
- PVC
- Phthalates
Ingestion of these substances can be hazardous, so make sure that all other markers in your home are out of reach of your child.
Ease of Removal/Staining
Even if a marker’s label reads “cleanable,” there’s a chance that it’ll leave a stain on tables, clothes, walls, and pretty much anything else it’s used on.
Some colors come off walls in one wipe but leave a permanent stain that won’t go away, while others come off entirely in three wipes.
Most non-toxic markers come off clothes in one wash, but some markers will ruin new clothes you paid hard-earned money for.
There’s no real way of finding how easily a marker cleans without trying it. If you’re shopping online, though, checking the reviews for staining complaints is a great idea.
No product in my list of recommendations stains walls, clothes, or skin. The ink will be easy to remove regardless of what you pick, so you have nothing to worry about.
If you decide to go to your local store and pick up some markers from there, make sure you do a test run with older clothes or the wall in the garage.
Better yet, have your children wear older clothes when you have them at the art table, so your children can be messy without worrying you.
If you are OK with a little mess, check out this DIY recipe for finger paint it’s a lot of fun.
Best Non-Toxic Markers: Top 9 Picks
#1 RoseArt SuperTip Non-Toxic Washable Markers 100-Count
- Large assortment of 100 various marker colors
- Long-lasting, vibrant colors
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If your little one loves to have a large assortment of colors at hand on the art table, there’s no better option than then RoseArt SuperTip washable markers set.
The colors are vibrant and attractive. However, the colors won’t bleed through the page, either, which will keep the coloring books looking neat.
The box that the markers come in makes for excellent storage. RoseArt’s “pull n’ pop” design enables your child to choose which color he/she wants by looking at the color of the cap.
Once the child is finished using that color, it’s easy to slide it back into the box and keep the table from getting cluttered. However, you must remember to tell your child to shut the cap until it snaps, else the marker will dry out.
The markers don’t stain and are easy to wash off wood and clothes. The markers also last a long time and don’t run out days after you buy them.
But the best thing about the marker set is that it’s certified non-toxic, making it one of the best non-toxic markers available.
#2 Magnetic Dry Non-Toxic Erase Markers with Eraser Cap
- NEAT HANDWRITING - Enjoy a neat & pristine writing experience and enhanced readability every time w/...
- VERSATILE APPLICATIONS - Perfect for efficient planning and jotting down quick notes in office, as...
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If your child loves art and colors, you can pick up these cheap dry erase markers and use a little whiteboard as your child’s canvas.
A compact whiteboard also makes for the perfect canvas – your child can start afresh whenever they please.
The low-odor color is smear-proof, and the markers’ five-inch length and 0.45-inch width make them easy to hold.
Every marker has a magnetic cap that attaches to any magnetic surface. The lids have an eraser built-in, making for easy corrections.
All the markers in the 8-pack are a different color, which is excellent. But the best thing about the markers is the easy-wipe formula.
The markers will never leave a stain on your whiteboard, making them great for office use.
#3 Zenacolor 20 Non-Toxic Fabric Markers Pens Set
- FABRIC PENS, INTENSE COLORS - Our fine precise tip pens offer you an amazing burst of shades,...
- HIGH QUALITY INK - The nontoxic ink in our fabric paint pens is made from rich pigments which...
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Working with fabrics can be just as exciting for kids as it is for adults. The Zenacolor 20 set is safe for children aged three and over.
The 20 different shades in the set allow your child to unleash their creativity. The non-toxic ink used is fade-resistant, and you can machine-wash it without worrying.
The ink also dries quickly, curing completely in 24 hours, and does not require heat to dry. Taking up some DIY projects with your kids with these markers can be a lot of fun.
The markers also work on paper and canvas, making them some of the most versatile non-toxic markers out there.
But it’s the satisfaction guarantee that seals the deal for me – if you don’t like the markers for any reason, you can ask for a full refund.
#4 Crayola Ultra Clean Non-Toxic Washable Markers
- 12 CRAYOLA MARKERS: 12 dazzling Crayola Broad Line Markers to ignite your artistry & celebrate your...
- BROAD LINE MARKERS: Boldly craft powerful expressions, master shading & layering, & explore...
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Crayola is best-known for the high-quality art supplies they manufacture. Their marker set lives up to the company’s standards.
The non-toxic markers are safe for use by children aged three and over.
The set includes 12 easy-to-hold markers, and all of them have a different color. The colors are vibrant and attractive, but you won’t have trouble washing the ink off from skin, clothes, and even walls.
Thousands of parents pick these markers over others because the ink rinses off with ease.
However, these are also known to dry out quickly if left uncapped – so make sure that you close the lid till it snaps after every use.
If you’re in doubt, get the Crayola marker set – you cannot go wrong with these.
#5 Jar Melo Non-Toxic Markers For Skin
- 💧【WASHABLE & MESS FREE】24 Count washable markers featured water-based ink, Washing the...
- 🎨【RICH COLORS】there are 24 vibrant colors to choose from,all the frequently-used and...
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Jar Melo markers are pricier than most other options on this list. However, they also offer some advantages that other non-toxic markers don’t.
The unique tapered tip gives greater control over the thickness of the lines, and the 4.25-inch height and 0.59-inch width make it easy to hold for children.
The ink is odorless, which is another great benefit.
The set includes 24 markers, which may seem a little less considering the price. However, these are specifically designed with the child’s safety using them in mind, resulting in an increased price.
The ink washes off from skin and other surfaces with ease. While it is designed to come off walls, the company warns that the ink’s removability depends on the wall’s paint.
Overall, though, the set is an excellent option for any parent looking to introduce their child to the world of art.
#6 Crayola Super Tips Non-Toxic Marker Set
- 100 CRAYOLA MARKERS: One 100ct pack of Crayola Super Tips Markers in assorted colors.
- THICK & THIN LINES: Supertips Markers can make thick or thin lines for a variety of coloring...
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If your child loves colors and keeps asking you for more – this is the set to get. Only a handful of other brands supply the level of quality Crayola does when it comes to art supplies.
When you’ve got a little artist at hand, the need for more color will naturally arise. This pack comes with a hundred different super tips markers, which will satisfy that need.
The markers will also ensure that your child is safe even if they’re getting their hands dirty. The ink is non-toxic, and the colors wash away without the need for scrubbing.
The super tip has a unique shape, making it easy to make thick and thin lines for various coloring techniques.
But the richness of the colors is undoubtedly the best thing about the markers.
#7 Nomeca Non-Toxic Markers For Food
- 10 Vivid Colors: This food markers set including all the primary colors you need: Black, Red,...
- Safe and Edible: Nomeca food grade edible markers were made with Food grade edible ink, non-toxic,...
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If your child loves colors, getting the Nomeca non-toxic edible marker set can be a great way to introduce them to the joys of baking.
The set of ten has all the colors you need to make a cookie colorful. The markers have a soft brush tip, making coloring a lot easier.
The tapered point of the markers can be used to draw thin lines, and if you brush down, the line will get thicker.
You could draw funny faces on marshmallows, give accents to fondant, or add a touch of color to cookies with these markers.
But you cannot use them on fat-based products like chocolates, candy melts, and cake pops.
#8 Do A Dot Art! Non-Toxic Washable Paint Markers
- Made in the USA: Using only the highest quality materials and standards to ensure kids have endless...
- No cups, no brush, no mess: Rainbow washable dot marker pens are easy set up clean up. Comes with 6...
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You can’t expect things not to get messy when doing art.
However, if you’re looking to minimize how messy hands and faces get, the Do A Dot Art! Marker set is right for you.
It only includes five colors; however, every bottle has 2.5 ounces of non-toxic ink. The markers last forever.
The bottles are sized perfectly to be grasped by little hands with ease, and the sponge tip dauber makes the perfect dot of color every time.
Mixing, blending, and layering the colors is a fun and engaging process – and you will have some peace of mind while the little genius is at it.
But the best thing about the markers is that they are gluten- and latex-free.
#9 Crayola Take Note Non-Toxic Permanent Markers
- TAKE NOTE PERMANENT MARKERS: The Crayola colors you love have grown up, and it's time to make a...
- QUICK DRY FINE POINT MARKERS: Fine tip permanent markers for smooth fine lines
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Taking notes gets so much easier with the right set of permanent markers. And using Crayola markers virtually guarantees that your child is safe from dangerous chemicals.
The set of 12 makes drawing, coloring, labeling, and giving a personal touch to just about anything super easy.
The markers have comfortable grips, and the deep colors give every note an exciting lift.
These can also be great to have in the office – the company recommends use by both teens and adults.
Open Questions About Non-Toxic Markers
Do non-toxic markers work on ceramic?
No, even the best non-toxic markers would wash off from ceramic. If you want to work with ceramic, you should get some non-toxic acrylic paints.
Are alcohol-based markers toxic?
Alcohol-based markers are toxic, but not as toxic as markers that contain xylene. Alcohol-based markers also bleed through paper and have an odor, so it is best to avoid them.
Are aromatic markers safe?
Aromatic markers contain xylene, which can be very dangerous to both adults and children. These are not safe to use.
To find safe things your children can play with, see our non-toxic toy review.
Verdict
I can unreservedly recommend Crayola’s Ultra Clean non-toxic washable markers to any parent.
They are some of the safest non-toxic markers in the market, and the twelve markers give just the right flexibility of choice for the little artist to learn and grow.
You won’t even need to use soap to get the ink off the skin, and the color doesn’t stain clothes and walls either.
The only thing you will need to be careful about is storage. If the markers are not capped correctly, the ink will dry quickly.
But when it comes to safety, quality, and value for money, you cannot go wrong with the Ultra Clean set.
Editor and researcher at Detox & Prosper. With years of experience creating a healthy home for my family, I now help others eliminate toxins from theirs! Read my story here.
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