Non-Toxic Living: Natural Bath & Shower Products
"Toxins found in conventional bath and shower products can pose significant risks to your health over time. Avoiding parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and other harmful chemicals is crucial for promoting a healthier lifestyle."
—Environmental Working Group (EWG)
When it comes to maintaining personal hygiene and indulging in a relaxing bath or shower, we often assume that the products we use are safe and beneficial for our bodies, however, many conventional bath and shower products contain harmful toxins that can pose serious health risks over time.
Parabens and phthalates, sulfates and synthetic fragrances, formaldehyde and triclosan, as well as petroleum-derived ingredients and artificial colors are some of the most common culprits. These toxins can lead to skin irritations, hormonal disruptions, and even potential links to cancer and other health issues.
Understanding the potential dangers of these toxins is essential in making informed choices for our well-being. Opting for healthy and natural bath and shower products that are organic, free from harmful chemicals and suitable for sensitive skin can ensure a safer and more enjoyable bath and shower.
Harmful Toxins To Avoid In Bath And Shower Products
Here are some of the most common chemicals and toxins found in bath and shower products and the reasons to steer clear of them.
Carcinogens: These are chemicals linked to an increased risk of cancer, and they include:
Benzene: Found in some dyes, paints, and solvents.
Formaldehyde: Found in some building materials, air fresheners, and nail polishes.
1,4-dichlorobenzene: Used in mothballs and air fresheners.
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs): Industrial chemicals found in some foods and household products.
Reproductive & Developmental Toxicants: These can harm fertility, pregnancy, or child development, including:
Phthalates: Used in plastics and personal care products like fragrances and nail polish.
Bisphenol-A (BPA): Found in plastics and certain food packaging.
Atrazine: An herbicide found in drinking water and food.
Lead: A heavy metal found in paint, soil, and some toys.
Endocrine Disruptors: These interfere with hormone function, potentially impacting metabolism, growth, and development, including:
Parabens: Preservatives used in cosmetics and personal care products.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): Used in non-stick coatings and stain repellents.
Triclosan: An antibacterial agent used in soaps and toothpastes.
Atrazine: (Also listed under Reproductive & Developmental Toxicants)
Allergens: These can cause skin reactions or respiratory problems, such as:
Fragrances: Found in a vast range of products, often not listed individually.
Formaldehyde: (Also listed under Carcinogens)
Methylisothiazolinone (MIT): A preservative used in cosmetics and cleaning products.
Nickel: Found in jewelry and metal objects.
This is a small selection of the many chemicals to be aware of in your bathroom products. When these, among other, chemicals are removed, the EWG considers the product EWG VERIFIED®. All of the bath and shower products below have this EWG VERIFIED® seal of approval with the exception of goat’s milk bar soap which has not been tested as far as I can tell.
Healthy Bath and Shower Product Recommendations
Shampoo
The list of ingredients on shampoo bottles gives me scary flashbacks to my high school chemistry class (hey Mr. DeHo). Common toxins in shampoos are polyethylene glycols (PEG), diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA), formaldehyde, synthetic fragrances and colors, dimethicone, triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), retinyl palmitate, and parabens to name a few. Frequent use of some of the ingredients found in shampoo can lead to asthma, allergies, eczema, cancer, and fetal development concerns.
It's worth reconsidering the frequency of shampoo use; shampooing once a week can suffice. Contrary to common belief, copious lather does not equate to cleaner hair. While genetic factors largely dictate hair thickness and texture, lifestyle choices such as maintaining adequate mineral, vitamin, and protein intake can positively impact hair health. External factors like cigarette smoke and obesity also harm hair growth.
Top Picks:
Conditioner
Similar to shampoos, conditioners can also contain concerning toxins and harmful chemicals. Common culprits found in conditioners include silicones, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and preservatives like parabens. These chemicals can potentially cause skin and scalp irritation, disrupt hormones, and contribute to environmental pollution when washed down the drain. Moreover, certain conditioners may contain harmful additives such as formaldehyde-releasing agents or petroleum-derived ingredients, further raising health and environmental concerns.
Top Picks:
Liquid Soap & Body Wash
Common harmful additives like phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde, and artificial colors can be lurking in these products. These chemicals may contribute to skin irritation, disrupt hormones, and even raise concerns about their impact on aquatic life when washed down the drain. Making a switch to natural, biodegradable, and non-toxic alternatives ensures a gentle cleanse without compromising your well-being.
Top Picks::
Bar Soap
While bar soap may seem like a simple and traditional choice, it's essential to be aware of potential health concerns associated with certain commercially-produced bars. Some conventional bar soaps may contain harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances.
Top Picks::
Shower Curtains & Liners
PVC shower curtains contain harmful chemicals like phthalates, organotins, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In fact, one report on PVC shower curtains found that:
“108 different volatile organic compounds were released from the shower curtain into the air over twenty-eight days.”
These toxic materials can be released into your home, leading to adverse health effects such as respiratory disease, headaches, and damage to the central nervous system.
Even "non-toxic" PEVA/ EVA shower curtains may release potentially harmful chemicals over time, although not to the same extent as PVC. For a safer option, consider shower curtains made from natural materials like organic cotton, linen, or hemp, which offer natural water-repellent and mildew-resistant properties without the need for a liner.
If you prefer plastic, opt for BPA-free polyester shower curtain liners or EVA alternatives, as they are a better choice for minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals.
If you choose to use any form of plastic, it’s important to off-gas the shower curtain and shower liner before use because the chemicals and toxins can be released into the air. To off-gas a shower curtain and shower liner, unpack them, hang them in a well-ventilated area for 24-48 hours, ensuring proper air circulation, and do a sniff test before use to ensure the dissipation of potentially harmful chemicals.
Shower Curtains
Learn More
To learn more about toxins, check out The Non-Toxic Living Guidebook: Hacks, Strategies, & Natural Products for Better Health. I wrote this comprehensive guide as a way to break down the complexity of toxins into a simple, easy-to-read format with practical tips and clickable links to the least toxic products I could find. Get your copy today and use the code MBD20 at checkout for a 20% discount. You can also get a paperback or hardcopy on Amazon.
Related:
To learn more about toxins, check out The Non-Toxic Living Guidebook: Hacks, Strategies, & Natural Products for Better Health. I wrote this comprehensive guide as a way to break down the complexity of toxins into a simple, easy-to-read format with practical tips and clickable links to the least toxic products I could find. Get your copy today and use the code MBD20 at checkout for a 20% discount. You can also get the Kindle eBook on Amazon.
