Non-Toxic Dumbbells & Hand Weights Compared

The best non-toxic dumbbells and hand weights are made of materials that don’t off-gas, have an odor, or contain chemicals of concern.

Many of these options will be safe for the chemically sensitive.

Best Non-Toxic Materials:

• Steel – bare metal does not off-gas and is the safest option for the chemically sensitive. The enamel-coated steel options should also not create any off-gassing. While steel can contain metals like Nickel and Chromium, these are not a hazard in exercise equipment.
• Silicone – out of all the plastics or rubbers, silicone is certainly the safest. It has virtually no odor, no plasticizers, and no bisphenols. Silicone almost always contains low amounts of Cadmium (though within safe limits) and can contain low levels of Antimony as well. These can be a concern, potentially, in food contact items (though can still be considered food safe because the levels are low enough). In exercise equipment, I would not worry about it.

Next Best Materials:

• TPU – (thermoplastic polyurethane) is a PVC-free plastic. A third choice after the first two best options. Higher grades do not contain plasticizers like phthalates (this means it’s unclear which ones contain phthalates unless the company states that it doesn’t). Chemically sensitive folks may need to off-gas TPU outside for a number of days, depending on individual sensitivities. Just don’t leave it in the sun for too long, as it can degrade. It can also contain chemicals of concern like solvents and metals.
• Polypropylene – Those with severe chemical sensitivities generally do well with polypropylene (PP) since it does not off-gas in any significant amount. PP does not have added BPA or added phthalates (though some PP contains trace phthalates, which is a bit of a concern).

My Least Favorite Weight Materials:

• SBR Rubber – (styrene-butadiene rubber) is among the strongest odor options among rubber (the strongest, in my opinion – Corinne), and it also often contains other major chemicals of concern outlined here. If a weight lists the product only as “rubber”, and the rubber is black, there is a good chance it is SBR rubber. Recycled SBR is even more concerning in terms of potential contaminants.
• PVC (polyvinyl chloride), often referred to just as “vinyl”, just about always off-gasses if it’s a flexible type. It also always contains plasticizers when flexible, either phthalates or DOTP, usually.
• Neoprene – made from polychloroprene synthetic rubber. It often has a fairly strong smell when new, which can bother people who are sensitive to odors. It can contain chemicals like PAHs – these can make their way into the product through additives such as black colorants or softeners. Neoprene coatings and foams may also contain plasticizers or trace metals, depending on the formulation.

1. Bala Bangles – Wrist and Ankle Weights

Bala makes a good selection of silicone-coated workout equipment.

The Bala bangles are made with recycled stainless steel and coated in silicone. After bare metal, this is the safest material on the market.

They come in 1-pound, 2-pound, or 3-pound weight options and can be worn on your wrists or ankles for training and recreational activities.

You can use these wrist or ankle weights while doing yoga, aerobics, boxing, pilates, walking, home workouts, core training, and rehabilitation.

They are adjustable.

Colors: Pink, lilac, gray, sage green, bright blue, muted blue, beige.

Prop 65 Warning: No

2. Bala Bars Dumbbell/Hand Weight

The Bala Bars Dumbbells/hand weights have a modern sleek design with even weight distribution and come in 3-pound options.

Like their other products, they are made from stainless steel coated in silicone.

You can use them for curls, rows, presses, and flies for core training, as an additive to walking, strength training, HIIT, boxing, and aerobics.

Colors: Pink or black.

Prop 65 warning: No

Looking for a similar design but less weight? Lindywell makes a 2.2 lb option made with silicone.

3. WF Athletic Supply Cast Iron Hexagon Dumbbells

WF Athletic Cast Iron Dumbbells are made from iron and a 1018 cold-rolled solid steel handle finished with a durable industrial enamel coating which prevents rust.

These classic hex-shaped dumbbells offer the ability to target specific muscle groups or perform a full-body workout.

Use smaller weights for upper body exercises and switch to heavier weights for lower body exercises.

Medium-depth knurling on the handle provides essential grip and security during use. The semi-gloss coating is a durable and effective finish. Although one review says the enamel chipped off easily.

They can be used for isolations, full body, functional, and HIIT workouts.

They come in a variety of sizes from as low as 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15 to 120 lb.

Ideal dumbbell option for beginners, intermediates, and expert weightlifters.

Colors: Gray or black.

Prop 65 warning: Unclear.

Similar brand? Another brand with similar hexagon-shaped, cast-iron with enamel-coated dumbbells is Marcy. They have a majority of good reviews and no one has complained of the enamel chipping.

4. Bala Power Ring

The Bala Power Ring is another of the company’s silicone-coated stainless steel weights.

It is a mix between a kettlebell and a dumbbell. At 10 pounds, the Power Ring is perfect for more than 75 unique movements.

You can press, hold, swing, and squat to increase strength, agility, endurance, and balance.

The even weight distribution and ergonomic design make for a balanced, user-friendly workout.

Colors: Charcoal gray or pink.

Prop 65 warning: No

5. North Deer Steel Dumbbells

Northdeer Steel Dumbbells Ultracompact are dumbbells made from a single piece of high-quality steel without any welding.

Each dumbbell piece is screwed on, avoiding the problems of traditional dumbbells, in which the dumbbell piece shakes due to a loose nut.

The handle is made of a foam material that is safe, non-slip, and reduces hand pain. They don’t say what kind of foam this is but it’s unlikely to have any significant off-gassing.

There are two rubber rings used in the grooves of the dumbbell to avoid abrasions to the floor. These are likely neoprene or SBR rubber and could bother those who are extremely sensitive. But since they are so small, I have still included this brand.

They are small in size and easy to grasp.

With smaller dumbbells, your movements can be more precise, deepening the muscle stimulation and enhancing the training effect.

They come in 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 50 lbs.

Prop 65 warning: No

6. Join Fit Adjustable Dumbbell

Join Fit Adjustable Dumbbells are a similar style to the above weights but with a non-toxic odorless silicone handle and no rubber rings between the weights.

These adjustable dumbbells offer a versatile solution for effective workouts.

They start at 2.2lb, adjustable from 2.2 to 5.5 pounds.

They have anti-slip silicone handles for a comfortable and secure grip.

Colors: Gray, pink, or light green.

Prop 65 warning: unclear.

7. TPU Covered Dumbbells

These TPU-covered dumbbells are adjustable and come in a hexagonal shape.

TPU is generally a safe plastic for the chemically sensitive, though they could have a very slight plastic smell, at least at first (though I would really have to buy these and see them in person to know if they have any odor).

And it can contain chemicals of concern like phthalates, metals and solvents, so it’s not at the top of the list.

They are 4-in-1 Adjustable Weights: 2lbs, 3lbs, 4lbs, 5lbs.

This makes them a good space saver.

TPU is soft, non-slip, and comfortable to grip.

Colors: Light gray and light blue.

Prop 65 warning: Not clear.

8. Metal & Polypropylene

The Motion Space Adjustable Dumbbells Set is mostly steel with some plastic, some rubber, and a polypropylene resting rack.

Dumbbells adjustable weight from 4.5-22.5LBS, perfect for full-body workouts.

Each pair can go up to 45LBS.

Colors: rainbow, pink, orange, dark green.

Prop 65: Unclear

9. Bare Metal Weights

These dumbbells are pure metal. They are solid iron, with a 7-layer electroplated metal on top.

Weight options, ranging from 4.5lbs to 44lbs.

Corinne Segura is an InterNACHI-certified Healthy Homes Inspector with certifications in Building Biology, Healthier Materials and Sustainable Buildings, and more. She has 10 years of experience helping others create healthy homes. You can book a consult here.