Just like McDonalds has its arches, Dawn has its ducks. We have likely all seen the images of the popular dish soap cleaning animals after an oil spill thanks to years of advertisements preaching the benefits and effectiveness of the product. What these commercials and billboards do not include are the active ingredients that make up the household name, likely because sulfates, artificial dyes, chlorine, and preservatives aren’t as appealing as adorable wildlife being cleaned - something that the brand has done much of as the products are tested on animals before making it to the grocery store shelves. The reality is, these toxic chemicals can be found in many household and beauty products that have become popular names.
The skin is the largest organ in our body, and the products we use on and around it can have an effect on our wellbeing. Though these ingredients may not seem to pose an immediate threat to most people, they can cause allergic reactions and some toxins can stay in the body or environments surrounding us for decades. Why not make the choice to protect yourself and positively impact your health by switching to organic, nontoxic products with a proven track record of success and satisfaction? Thankfully, there are more products than ever that focus on clean ingredients, sustainable packaging, and skip the animal testing, that are readily available for purchase online or found at your local grocery store.
It’s easy to assume organic products may not be as effective as the name brand competitors, but there is plenty of research that concludes otherwise and suggests that nontoxic, clean ingredients are better for yourself and your home. Don’t just do it for your health but also for your peace of mind, knowing that you are contributing to sustainable causes and a positive future for household products. Clean out your cabinets and replace your daily items with healthier alternatives that offer the same effect and product as the normal brands. You don’t have to sacrifice quality with these twelve products that provide the same result with naturally sourced ingredients.
Toiletry Products
Switching to an aluminum-free antiperspirant has become quite a controversy over the past few years as the ingredient was speculated to be linked to some illnesses like cancer and kidney disease. Though you may have heard natural deodorants are sticky and don’t work as well, Hey Humans has crafted a formula from essential oils that may top your normal brand.
Instead of treating your skin with synthetic ingredients that disrupt the barrier, use Juice Beauty’s anti-wrinkle moisturizer to boost hydration and reduce fine lines. By using organic, antioxidant-rich ingredients like shea and jojoba, this facial moisturizer will naturally improve your skin radiance and restore balance.
While you may be wary of changing up your tooth brushing routine over fears of poor taste or chalky formula, Wellness toothpaste not only provides the same minty fresh breath, but eliminates stains and fights bad breath simultaneously. Instead of fluoride, this toothpaste uses hydroxyapatite, the mineral that makes up our enamel to strengthen teeth naturally.
Evolvh Shampoo and Conditioner
Finding the perfect shampoo and conditioner for your hair is no simple feat, and though the grocery-brand options aren’t all bad options, many contain harmful chemicals that strip hair of color and shine. Switch to Evolvh for an all-natural hair treatment that protects hair by infusing nutrients for a natural shine and silkiness without sulfates, silicones, parabens, and other synthetic ingredients.
It’s time to ditch that bar of soap that strips your skin of beneficial oils and switch to a body wash that focuses on soothing and restoring the skin's natural balance using healing ingredients like green tea and aloe. Plaine Products body wash is zero waste, hypoallergenic, and free of harmful chemicals but does not sacrifice quality, and will leave your skin feeling smooth and smelling fresh.
Dr. Bronner’s Natural Shaving Soap
Harmful ingredients irritate skin enough as is, so when it comes to selecting the perfect shaving soap, prioritizing naturally soothing ingredients is essential. That’s the basis of Dr.Bronners’ products and is why the shaving soap infused with organic coconut, hemp seed, and olive oil is a popular, clean choice for both men and women.
Clean Picks // Household Items
Speaking from experience, common laundry detergent may leave clothes smelling fresh, but the synthetic scents and dyes can irritate skin and overpower the palate. Opt to purchase Ecos at your local store for its plant-based ingredients with natural scents that leave clothes feeling and smelling just as fresh as mainstream brands.
Since the smell of your household cleaner is likely to linger on many surfaces in your home, make sure it’s not also leaving behind harsh chemicals like chlorine or ammonia that can be found in many popular brands. Meyers all-purpose uses essential oils and organic ingredients to kill the same germs without the negative effects.
Washing dishes daily is a common occurrence for most, but it doesn’t need to be so detrimental to your manicure. Switch to natural dish soap like Common Goods that is tough on grease but gentle on hands.
There are enough added ingredients in food as is, so avoid contributing harmful microplastics from your cutting board by using FSC-certified birch wood from Caraway. Coated in a mineral and oil wax, these boards can be used for years without becoming an extra seasoning on your food.
If you want to avoid pre-washing dishes before loading them into the washer, you don’t need to use toxic parabens and preservatives to do so. Dirty Labs dish powder uses natural bio enzymes to break down food to offer the same streak-free finish as regular detergent without harsh chemicals.
Seventh-Generation Disinfecting Wipes
Disinfecting wipes are a simple way to leave highly trafficked surfaces feeling clean and smelling fresh, but regular brands often also leave harmful residue and harsh fumes. Choose Seventh Generation wipes to kill germs naturally using ingredients like citronella and thyme instead of harsh chemicals.