Reducing Chemicals of Concern: How to Make Your Bathroom & Kitchen Healthier!
Our home is meant to be our sanctuary, our safe place away form the world. However we may inadvertently be creating a more toxic environment with the products we buy. From our morning shower to the products we clean our homes with, many everyday items contain "chemicals of concern"—substances linked to issues such as hormone disruption, skin conditions and reproductive health.
They are so ubiquitous that we don't always stop to consider the toxic load that the combination of all these products have on our bodies and there simply isn't research on combinations as it would be too impractical. There is of course also the impact some of these chemicals have on the environment when they enter the water supply.
Reducing our overall toxic load may also lead to other benefits. As a young adult I never questioned what products I used, and didn’t make the link between my dry skin and the soaps I was using. Once I knew about SLS/SLES and cut them out of my bathroom products, my skin was no longer dry and I saved money by not buying lots of body lotion to re-moisturise after every shower.
Whilst I don’t think it’s helpful for our mental health an nervous system to become alarmed - it feels like a sensible idea to reduce exposure where possible. I suggest gradually swapping out products as your current ones run out, without becoming overly worried.
Ingredients To Look Out For
With that in mind, here's a quick overview of some key chemicals to be aware of and where they commonly appear. All products must list their ingredients so it’s not too hard to check the label.
Parabens – Endocrine disrupter (mimics oestrogen), linked to skin cancer and male reproductive issues. Found in conditioners, lotions, cleansers.
Phthalates – Endocrine disrupter, linked to cancer and reproductive harm. Found in nail polish, perfume, and leaches from plastics.
SLS/SLES (Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate) – Skin irritant and possibly carcinogenic. Found in shampoo, bubble bath, shower gel, washing-up liquid.
PEG/PPG (Polyethylene/Propylene Glycol) – Known carcinogen, reproductive toxicity. Found in soaps, shampoos, and hair dye.
Saccharin – Carcinogenic and neurotoxic. Found in toothpaste.
MEA/DEA/TEA (Ethanolamines) – Linked to liver cancer and sperm mobility issues, bioaccumulates in the body. Found in soap, shampoo, and cleaning products.
Fragrance – Often an unlisted cocktail of chemicals including carcinogens and hormone disruptors. Found in deodorants, body lotions, and fabric softeners.
Mineral Oil / Paraffin / Petroleum – Known carcinogen. Found in baby oil, lip balm, and cosmetics.
Phenoxyethanol – Can cause skin allergies, eczema, and depresses the nervous system in infants. Found in perfumes, soaps, cosmetics, and baby wipes.
PABA (Para-Aminobenzoic Acid) – Disrupts thyroid function. Found in sunscreens.
Talc – Linked to endometrial and ovarian cancer. Found in makeup and baby powder.
Triclosan – Endocrine disruptor, accumulates in body fat, and harmful to the environment. Found in hand wash, toothpaste, and deodorants.
You can find more detailed information about each of these chemicals and their reported harmful effects at these sites:
What Are Good Alternatives?
Switching to cleaner products has been much easier than I expected—and it’s made a noticeable difference to my skin and overall well-being. At first, some products seemed more expensive, but I found I needed to use less, and they often replaced multiple items. As I mentioned, after switching from SLS-based shower gels, I no longer needed body lotion—my skin simply wasn’t as dry!
If you are not sure where to begin, the following suggestions can help to get you started. I only like to recommend what I have used myself, so here are some brands that I enjoy using. There are of course many others.
Skincare & Toiletries:
Organic Cosmetics: Inika, Lavera
General Toiletries: Faith in Nature, Neal’s Yard, JASON, REN, Dr Hauschka, Organic Surge, Weleda, Dr Organic
Simple Oils: Coconut, rosehip, almond oil (organic, cold-pressed)
For Babies & Children:
Green People (Organic Babies), Earth Friendly Baby, Weleda, Lavera
Nappies & Wipes: Bambo
Oils instead of lotions: Coconut, almond
Household Cleaning:
Earth Friendly Products, BioD, Ecoleaf, Ecover
Sanitary Products:
Safer alternatives: Natracare, Mooncup, Wuka period pants, reusable pads
Where to Shop
Once you start checking labels you may find that most supermarkets and high street chemists only stock high chemical products, although I am now noticing a slight shift compared to 20 years ago. However, you don’t have to search far to find these healthier options. These are some of the retailers I use to source my favourite products; there are of course many others:
Your local independent health shop (always worth supporting!)
Final Thoughts
I hope this gives you a helpful starting point. Making small, informed changes can have a big impact over time. Becoming more aware of what’s in the products you use doesn’t mean you need to overhaul everything at once. Start small—replace one product at a time with a more natural option, and over time your bathroom and kitchen cupboards will be a whole lot healthier (for you and the planet!).
Have you discovered a favourite natural product or brand? I'd love to hear your recommendations—drop them in the comments below!