Cleaning Products & Personal Care
The average American home contains 62 toxic chemicals, according to studies of household products. Many of these are in cleaning products and personal care items—products we use daily with the intention of improving health and hygiene.
The Paradox of Clean
We use cleaning products to remove dirt and germs. But many conventional products leave behind chemical residues that may be more harmful than what they removed—especially for children who contact cleaned surfaces and put their hands in their mouths.
Cleaning Products: What to Avoid
Fragrances
"Fragrance" or "parfum" on a label can hide dozens of undisclosed chemicals. Phthalates are commonly used to make fragrances last longer. Synthetic musks and other fragrance chemicals are endocrine disruptors.
Alternative: Choose fragrance-free products. If scent is desired, products scented with essential oils are generally safer (though some essential oils should be avoided around young children).
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats)
Found in: Antibacterial cleaners, disinfecting wipes, fabric softeners
Concerns: Respiratory irritation, asthma development, may contribute to antibiotic resistance, potential reproductive effects
Alternative: For routine cleaning, soap and water are sufficient. For actual disinfection needs, hydrogen peroxide or alcohol-based cleaners are safer.
Chlorine Bleach
Found in: Bleach cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, mold removers
Concerns: Respiratory irritation, toxic when mixed with ammonia or acids, environmental persistence
Alternative: Hydrogen peroxide (3%) is an effective disinfectant. Oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate) for laundry.
2-Butoxyethanol
Found in: Window cleaners, multi-purpose cleaners
Concerns: Absorbed through skin, may damage red blood cells, potential neurological effects
Alternative: Vinegar and water for glass; castile soap for multi-purpose cleaning
Triclosan and Triclocarban
Found in: Some "antibacterial" soaps and cleaning products
Concerns: Endocrine disruption, contribution to antibiotic resistance, environmental persistence
Alternative: Regular soap is equally effective at removing germs. The FDA banned triclosan in consumer hand soaps in 2016, but it persists in some products.
Reading Cleaning Product Labels
Unlike food and cosmetics, cleaning products have minimal labeling requirements. "Natural" and "green" are unregulated marketing terms.
What to Look For
- EPA Safer Choice label: Products with all ingredients meeting EPA safety criteria
- Ingredient list: Truly transparent companies list all ingredients
- No fragrance: Or fragrance from essential oils only
Red Flags
- "Fragrance" or "parfum" without specificity
- "Antibacterial" (usually means quats or triclosan)
- Long lists of unpronounceable chemicals
- Warnings to use only in ventilated areas
Simple, Effective Alternatives
All-Purpose Cleaner
Mix 1 part white vinegar, 1 part water in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of dish soap for grease-cutting. This handles most household cleaning.
Glass Cleaner
1 part white vinegar, 1 part water. Spray and wipe with newspaper or microfiber cloth.
Bathroom Cleaner
Baking soda paste for scrubbing. Vinegar for disinfecting (not on marble or stone). Hydrogen peroxide for mold.
Floor Cleaner
For most floors: 1/4 cup vinegar per gallon of water. For wood: damp mop only with minimal water.
Disinfection
When true disinfection is needed (not routine cleaning): 3% hydrogen peroxide spray, let sit 1 minute. Or 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Personal Care Products
Children's skin absorbs chemicals more readily than adult skin due to its thinner barrier. Products applied to children's bodies are significant exposure sources.
Ingredients of Concern
Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, etc.): Preservatives with estrogenic activity. Found in lotions, shampoos, cosmetics.
Phthalates: Often hidden in "fragrance." Found in scented products, nail polish, hair spray.
Oxybenzone and Octinoxate: Chemical sunscreen filters with endocrine-disrupting properties.
Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate (SLS/SLES): Harsh surfactants that can irritate skin and may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane.
Fragrance/Parfum: Undisclosed mixture that often contains phthalates and synthetic musks.
Safer Personal Care Choices
Shampoo and Body Wash: Fragrance-free, sulfate-free options. Castile soap works well for both.
Lotion: Fragrance-free, paraben-free. Coconut oil, shea butter, or simple oil-based moisturizers.
Sunscreen: Mineral sunscreens using zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide instead of chemical filters.
Diaper Cream: Zinc oxide-based without fragrance or parabens.
Baby Wipes: Fragrance-free, or use a wet washcloth.
Resources for Product Selection
EWG's Skin Deep Database
The Environmental Working Group rates thousands of personal care products for safety. Search products at ewg.org/skindeep.
EWG's Guide to Healthy Cleaning
Similar database for cleaning products at ewg.org/guides/cleaners.
Think Dirty App
Scan product barcodes to see ingredient ratings.
The Minimalist Approach
The simplest solution is often to use fewer products:
For cleaning: Castile soap, white vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide handle 90% of cleaning needs.
For personal care: Fragrance-free castile soap for washing, simple oil for moisturizing, mineral sunscreen when needed.
Fewer products means fewer opportunities for harmful exposures—and usually saves money.
References
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Steinemann A. Volatile emissions from common consumer products. Air Qual Atmos Health. 2015;8(3):273-281. PMID: 26097484
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Dodson RE, et al. Endocrine disruptors and asthma-associated chemicals in consumer products. Environ Health Perspect. 2012;120(7):935-943. PMID: 22398195
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Harley KG, et al. Reducing phthalate, paraben, and phenol exposure from personal care products in adolescent girls. Environ Health Perspect. 2016;124(10):1600-1607. PMID: 26947464
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Calafat AM, et al. Urinary concentrations of triclosan in the U.S. population: 2003-2004. Environ Health Perspect. 2008;116(3):303-307. PMID: 18335095