November 3, 2024- This post was updated to emphasize small, manageable steps toward a non-toxic lifestyle.
Choosing safe cleaning and personal care products can feel overwhelming. Many people believe they’re making healthy choices, only to discover otherwise–this was my reality. And we often don’t realize the power a simple ditch and switch process.
For years, I struggled with autoimmune issues, and then a precancerous condition that led to a total hysterectomy.
It was devastating to learn that environmental toxins—many from products I trusted—played a significant role.
Despite using products labeled ‘Green,’ ‘Clean,’ ‘Organic,’ and ‘Non-toxic,’ I was unknowingly exposing myself to harmful ingredients that made me sick.
However, after making small, consistent changes, I noticed a real difference in my health and well-being.
This ignited my passion for finding safer alternatives, and inspired my desire to help other women navigate similar challenges.
In this post, I’ll share my experiences and offer practical safer swaps to help you began to create a healthier, less toxic living environment.
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Table of Contents
Look Beyond Labels: Focus on Ingredients
I think we all realize that we’re surrounded by toxic chemicals that sneak into our homes and bodies.
After my health scare, I started researching. Lots of research to find the sources of the toxic overload in my indoor environment and my body.
I quickly learned that when it comes to the safety of cosmetics and personal care products, the US lags behind other countries.
Over 40 nations have regulations restricting or banning more than 1,600 chemicals from cosmetic products, while the U.S. FDA has banned or restricted only 11—yes, just e-lev-en!
That can make it challenging to know what to buy, and it can feel overwhelming. I feel that to my core–that’s how I felt when I started!
It became clear that I needed to look beyond the front labels of my products and dig into the actual ingredient lists.
Truth bomb: Most of the ingredients I couldn’t even pronounce! Red flag!
While some toxins were clearly noted on the label, many were really well hidden.
And though we can’t remove all of these toxins, I’ve learned that taking meaningful steps each day can significantly minimize our exposure.
I encourage you to just start somewhere. Swap one product or one shift habit.
This is a judgment-free zone! Don’t get hung up on ALL the ways I’m sharing to reduce the toxins. Just PICK ONE that you can do today–and do it!
Here we go….
Safer Swaps to Reduce Household Toxins
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). are a large group of chemicals that that evaporate easily into the air from certain solids or liquids.
What Are the Dangers of VOCs?
The dangers include respiratory issues, asthma, throat infections, headaches, dizziness, allergic reactions, increased cancer risk, and damage to the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system.
A recent study revealed that household aerosol products emit more air pollution from VOCs than ALL the passenger cars in the UK. Read that again.
In fact, indoor air pollution is on average 2–5 times higher than outdoor air. Even worse, during and for hours after certain activities, the levels can be 1,000 times that of outdoor air. [Source: EPA]
Common Sources of VOCs
Many common household products release VOCs into the air, and off-gassing can linger long after you bring the products home. Off-gassing means it continues to release toxic chemicals into the air.
You’ll often find VOCs in various household items, such as
- Cleaning products disinfectants and detergents
- Air fresheners and scented candles
- Personal care products
- New furniture and flooring
- Paint, paint strippers, and stains
- Dry-cleaned clothing
- Aerosol sprays
Simple Swaps and Tips to Reduce VOCs
Improve Air Quality
Ventilation is the main way to eliminate VOCs that are already in the home. Open windows frequently, and use kitchen and bathroom fans.
An air purifier can make a huge difference. This air purifier with a carbon filter has been a game-changer for us!
Avoid Scented Products
Replace air fresheners and candles with alternatives such as pure essential oils in a diffuser. Or create our own non-toxic air freshener sprays with essential oil, water, and some witch hazel.
Switch to Safer Cleaners
I’ve swapped out cleaners that contain VOCs for Force of Nature, a non-toxic multipurpose cleaner that eliminates 99.9% of germs and bacteria.
For a limited time you can use my link to save $60 off the Holiday Bundle, with the code HOLIDAY60 .
You can also make simple DIY solutions like vinegar and water.
Choose Low-VOC Furniture
When possible, choose furniture and materials labeled “low-VOC.” Also, airing out new items before bringing them inside can help.
Endocrine Disruptors
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can interfere with the hormone balance in our bodies by mimicking or blocking our natural hormones.
The Dangers of Endocrine Disruptors
The presence of these chemicals in our daily products can contribute to hormonal imbalances and endocrine disruption, increased cancer risk, reproductive health issues, and developmental health issues.
Additionally, they accumulate over time (toxic load), leading to further health challenges. There is increasing evidence to suggest a strong link between autoimmune illnesses and toxic load.
I never realized how pervasive endocrine disruptors are until I started researching my health issues.
Common Sources Endocrine Disruptors
You’ll find endocrine disruptors in many everyday products, including:
- Personal care products like lotions, shampoos, and makeup
- Household cleaners, laundry detergents, and fabric softener
- Plastics used in packaging and storage, which can leach chemicals
- Some food packaging with coatings and plastics, such as cans with BPA
Simple Swaps and Tips to Reduce Endocrine Disruptors
Reducing exposure to these disruptors is key. Here are some simple, practical swaps to start minimizing these harmful ingredients in your home:
Choose Glass or Stainless Steel Over Plastic
Many plastics contain hormone-disrupting chemicals like BPA and phthalates, which can leach into food and water.
Avoid Canned Foods
Many cans are lined with materials that contain endocrine disruptors. Many brands now sell Tetra Pak containers, which are BPA free. You can also look cans specifically labeled as BPA-free.
Reconsider Plastic Wraps and Baggies
We use parchment paper between our food and the plastic baggie or wrap to reduce contact with endocrine disruptors.
You can also use beeswax wraps or silicone bags instead of plastic wraps or sandwich bags. So far, I haven’t found any that keep my food fresh.
Fragrance
The term fragrance can hide over 3,000 chemicals. In fact, an individual fragrance can contain between 50 and 300 different ingredients.
It’s also important to know that companies aren’t required to disclose the ingredients in their fragrance. That’s due to labeling laws and the “trade secret loophole” in the United States.
The fragrance is a “trade secret” so they don’t have to tell us what toxic soup they used to create it.
What Are the Dangers of Fragrance?
Some of the potential problems from exposure to fragrance include allergic reactions, respiratory problems, endocrine disruption, and increased risk of cancer.
Be sure to check out my detailed post on hidden fragrance ingredients for more info.
Common Sources of Fragrance
Frangrance can be found in just about any product. Here are some examples:
- Perfumes and colognes
- Baby wipes & baby lotions
- Air fresheners & candles
- Detergents, dryer sheets & fabric softeners
- Personal care products
Safer Swaps and Tips to Reduce Fragrance
Avoid Fragrance By Reading Labels
I’ve made it a point to stop using products that list “fragrance” or “parfum” in their ingredients. To do this well you just need to read the labels.
I always check for products that clearly list all ingredients. Vague terms like “natural fragrance” are red flags for me.
Replace Air Fresheners
I’ve tossed out scented candles, plug-ins, and air fresheners. Now I use essential oils and DIY room sprays made from pure oils. I have such peace of mind knowing I’m not contaminating my air.
Ditch Dryer Sheets
This is a BIG one. It’s not hard to stop using dryer sheets!
We switched to reusable non-toxic dryer balls in our laundry, so we avoid fragrance and other endocrine disruptors. You can add essential oils to give a light scent without the harmful chemicals.
Pro Tip: if you get static cling with laundry balls, change your heat setting to medium.
Parabens
Parabens are synthetic preservatives. They’re commonly used in personal care products to prevent fungus, mold, and bacteria growth and to extend the shelf life.
Presently, parabens are the most widely used artificial preservatives in personal care products in the United States.
What Are the Dangers of Parabens?
Dangers of parabens include endocrine disruption, hormone disruption, allergies and skin irritation. Additionally, reproductive health issues, early puberty, increased risk of birth defects. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity and an increased risk of cancer, particularly breast cancer are concerns.
What Are Common Sources of Parabens?
Many parabens are strictly regulated in other countries. Some have even been banned.
However, that is not the case in the United States where parabens are commonly found in personal care and beauty products, including:
- Cosmetics and skincare products
- Personal care products, e.g. lotions, shampoos and conditioners, shaving creams and gels, hair styling products, and deodorants
- Sunscreens
Simple Swaps and Tips to Reduce Parabens
Reducing your exposure to parabens can be straightforward. It really comes down to reading ingredients on the label.
Read Labels Carefully
Avoid products that have ingredients that end in -paraben, -isopropyl, or -isobutylparaben. For example, these ingredients end in -paraben: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben.
Also, avoid methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone because they are paraben substitutes, and their safety in questionable.
Phthalates
Phthalates are industrial chemicals that can be found in consumer products. They’re added to PVC (polyvinyl chloride) to make the plastic more pliable and less likely to break.
You might be surprised to learn that phthalates are also used as a solvents in cosmetics and other everyday items!.
They’re known as “everywhere chemicals” since they’re in hundreds of products.
What Are the Dangers of Phthalates?
Phthalates pose a huge risk to our health, especially for children. Even low doses of phthalates can cause health risks.
Dangers of phthalates include cardiovascular system damage, endocrine system disruption, respiratory issues, increased risk of obesity and diabetes, birth defects and developmental disorders.
What Are Common Sources of Phthalates?
You most likely have many of these products in your home right now-and so do I. They can be found in many products, including:
- Products with fragrance listed on the ingredient list
- Personal care products (e.g. shampoos, soaps, moisturizers, personal lubricants, cosmetics, nail polisth, etc.)
- Sunscreen
- Plastic products (e.g. food storage containers, vinyl shower curtains, baby toys
- Household cleaning products
Simple Swaps and Tips to Reduce Phthalates
Avoid “Fragrance” or “Parfum”
Products listing “fragrance” or “parfum” often contain phthalates, even though they aren’t listed on the ingredients list. That’s due to the trade-secret loophole we talked about before. Since phthalates are often used to extend the fragrance, they don’t have to be disclosed on the label.
Pass on Plastic When Possible
- Opt for glass food containers over plastic, and don’t heat foods in plastic. It can cause chemicals to leach into food.
- Use reusable glass water bottles instead of plastic.
- Swap vinyl shower curtains for fabric ones, like the one I use.
Read Labels
Look for phthalate-free labels, especially in baby products. Also be sure fragrance is not listed in the ingredients
Avoid products with these ingredients: DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, and DnOP.
Choose a safer nail polish such as Piggy Paint.
Choose Safer Cleaners
If your cleaners require gloves, masks, or ventilation, it’s time to switch.
I’ve replaced all my cleaners with Force of Nature, a non-toxic multipurpose cleaner that kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria. You can use my link to save and get free shipping, with the coupon code START40 .
How I Started to Ditch and Switch to Reduce Household Toxins
There are many ways to start, and none of them are wrong!
For me, the first step was to focus on products with fragrance (which if you’ve read this far, you know is a big red flag).
If it had fragrance and would be ON my skin or IN my air, I tossed it.
After clearing those out, I found safer alternatives for my household cleaner and switched to non-toxic makeup options.
It’s Your Turn!
As the saying goes, “The best time to start was yesterday. The next best time is now.”
Friend, now is the perfect time to begin to take small steps to reduce your exposure to household toxins.
Remember, don’t strive for perfection; it will only stress you out. Start with one small change, then add another when you’re ready.
Focus on making small, manageable changes that feel comfortable for you. Each step you take is a move towards a safer, less toxic environment for you and your loved ones.
Maybe you’ll swap out one or two products this month, then tackle more next month.
For additional insights, check out my post, 7 Sneaky Non Toxic Living Myths That Are Endangering Your Health.
What one small step will you take today? I’d love for you to tell me in the comments!
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