8 Best non-toxic product swaps
New year, new you starting with some easy non toxic personal care swaps!
Now, we all have the guilty pleasure of keeping some products around that we know we should find an alternative for but never get around to doing it. Either because it smells nice, tastes good, makes your skin extra soft or cleans extra well. Don’t worry- you don’t have to throw away everything at once. In fact, swapping to cleaner products even just one at a time is simple and will decrease the amount of toxins in your life by ten-fold.
But don’t forget- switching to natural products is a lifestyle change, so it takes time to adjust to a new normal of using products without chemicals. Allow yourself time to get used to them since they will work, look and feel different than what you’re used to!
While there are endless swaps that can be made to lead a cleaner lifestyle, this list is a simple place to start - even if you pick just one, you will make a difference in the overall health for you, your family and your home sanctuary.
Toothpaste: There is debate on whether or not fluoride free is better. While fluoride does have some benefits for your teeth and gums, it also can affect your thyroid hormone and calcify your pineal gland. The choice is up to you but be sure to avoid SLS whichever option you choose! Brands like Luminex and Toms can be better alternatives than the Colgate we all grew up with!
Deodorant: Ditch the Secret and switch to Schmidt's or Native. Avoid deodorant with synthetic fragrance and aluminum. Aluminum can often be found in antiperspirants, which can increase heavy metals in the body and block the sweat glands to keep sweat from getting to the skin's surface. Some research has suggested this can cause changes in estrogen receptors of breast cells, which ultimately can cause cancer.
Dish Soap: Toss out the Mrs. Meyers, which has methylisothiazolinone, and use brands like Sensitive Home that carry the EPA Safer Choice label and are USDA BioPreferred certified. Methylisothiazolinone can lead to lung toxicity, high skin and eye irritation, and even neurotoxicity. It is one of the top skin irritants for those with sensitive skin, eczema and psoriasis.
Shampoo: Most popular shampoos are unfortunately rated very poorly on the EWG scale which means they're NOT clean or super safe to use. This is usually due to synthetic fragrances and SLS that irritate the skin and eyes. While there’s no doubt they make your hair look like it’s straight out of a Pantene commercial, it’s best to swap to cleaner brands like Acure Organics or Everyone!
Lotion: Many lotions have petroleum based ingredients and are known to be toxic and unsustainable. While petroleum can be part of the factor that makes your skin feel silky smooth, don’t be tricked- it’s not safe! Try out Rooted Beauty or Alaffia.
Laundry Detergent: Many of the leading detergents actually produce harmful VOCS + dryer emissions. That fresh linen smell when you’re walking around the neighborhood? VOCS. They also contain chemicals that don't wash away completely like optical brighteners which sit on your skin and increase your exposure to toxins longer term. Switch to brands that are biobased and certified like our Sensitive Home Free & Clear Laundry Detergent.
Air fresheners: These are a main contributor to indoor air pollution and can contain the most toxic ingredients! According to the EWG, there are currently no safe air fresheners available to purchase. They cause migraine headaches, asthma attacks and more. If you enjoy fragrance in the house, switch to natural essential oils that are from reputable brands like Doterra or Young Living.
Cleaning products: Always check the EWG ratings and labels for your cleaning products! 53 percent of cleaning products assessed by EWG contain ingredients known to harm the lungs. About 22 percent contain chemicals reported to cause asthma to develop in otherwise healthy individuals. Don't fall for greenwashing and check for certifications, even if the ingredients seem transparent.
