It all started with a recommendation for non-toxic shampoo. Or what is being marketed as “non-toxic shampoo” and some curiosity…

I immediately went to the brand’s website to learn about the product and search for an ingredient list. After finding the list, I noticed a red flag: fragrance. We all know what this word means–it makes the product smell like a field of roses or reminds us of our Memaw.

Non-Toxic Products? Buyer Beware

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Fragrance (or parfum) can be made up of over 3,000 different chemicals. Companies don’t have to disclose what goes into their fragrance. The FDA states, “Fragrance and flavor formulas are complex mixtures of many different natural and synthetic chemical ingredients, and they are the kinds of cosmetic components that are most likely to be ‘trade secrets.'”

Chemicals aren’t bad. After all, everything has a chemical composition. But some chemicals are known to be endocrine disruptors (like phthalates, which can be wrapped up in fragrance) or cause other issues (allergy responses, migraines, etc.).

How can we know exactly what’s being used to create a fragrance (from lotions and shampoos to soaps and household cleaners)? The answer: ask!

I found a contact form on the company’s website and drafted a quick email…

 

Non-Toxic Products? Buyer Beware

 

Within minutes, the company responded…

Non-Toxic Products? Buyer Beware

As Lisa shares, in a recent podcast episode, “If a company is not going to be transparent with you, they have something to hide.”

This response didn’t answer my question.

I emailed back and within minutes received another response…

 

Non-Toxic Products? Buyer Beware

 

I share this with you not to call out this company or share my personal email correspondence. Rather, I share this because it can be so easy to be fooled by marketing: non-toxic, natural, clean, and green. There are many words used to describe body and cleaning products today. These terms have no regulation, so full transparency of ingredients is all we have to help us navigate products and make informed choices.

A company should be completely transparent about their sourcing and ingredients, particularly a company that claims (on a website or packaging) to be “natural” or “non-toxic.” There should be nothing to hide. Instead, such a company should be proud to disclose their ingredients. This includes companies making both body and cleaning products.

When companies are transparent about ingredients, you’re able be to make informed choices about what you’re using in your home and putting on your body.

Resources

To Help You Navigate Finding Non-Toxic Body Products and Be An Informed Consumer

Non-Toxic Products? Buyer Beware

Podcast Episode: Navigating Non-Toxic Skincare Products and Marketing Labels

In this podcast episode, I’m talk with Lisa from This Organic Girl. Lisa is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to making the switch to non-toxic products, from skincare and makeup to hair care. Today, Lisa shares the one ingredient she always avoids in body products and if there’s a standard for natural and non-toxic products and what various labels on skincare products actually mean. Lisa also shares her favorite places to find non-toxic products, her skincare routine, and why she ditched hair dye and her journey to embrace the gray.

Non-Toxic Products? Buyer Beware

Where and How to Find Non-Toxic Body Products

Let’s talk about where and how to find non-toxic body products, from stores to phone apps that help you navigate products and ingredients.

Non-toxic body products

Beyond Fragrance: Ingredients to Avoid

What about other red flag ingredients? As Lisa shares, in the podcast episode linked above, some products are squeaky clean and others are not. There’s also a middle ground that we have to navigate and figure out what’s best for us. In this post, I share the key ingredients I avoid in products.

Non-Toxic Products? Buyer Beware

How Create a Non-Toxic Skincare Routine on Any Budget

Learn how to create a skincare routine using non-toxic products (homemade or store-bought) on any budget. I share the basics of a nourishing skincare routine and product recommendations, based on what I’ve tried and loved over the years.

Non-Toxic Products? Buyer Beware

Watch a Documentary About Fragrance: STINK 

STINK is a documentary highlighting the secrets of the chemical industry. The documentary follows the fragrance trail, uncovering what exactly goes into this mystery ingredient and why transparency is so important. STINK is available to watch on Netflix and Amazon Prime.

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2 Comments

  1. Dr Bronners for everything. Eco friendly, non toxox, little or no fragrance. My dermatologist also recommended Cetafil once a week with a gentle exfoliator. My skin glows. Always, always wear sunscreen 30+ & reapply generously. Neutrogena makes a soft touch product that doesn’t make your skin feel all greasy. And I wash it off as soon as I get out of the sun well I don’t actually sit in the sun usually under an umbrella or a tiki hut if I’m in Aruba. This product is for occasional use only. They make a soft touch product that doesn’t make your skin feel all greasy. And I wash it off as soon as I get out of the sun, well I don’t actually sit in the sun directly Unless I’m in the water unless I’m in the water I’m usually under an umbrella or a tiki hut if I’m in Aruba. Large hats are essentials also. I use some of Dr Youn’s products. The serum is yummy & the moisturizer has retinol to help with my age spots. I did a lot of damage in my youth and I am trying my best to correct what damage I did during those times. I mean my sister and I would lay out on tinfoil because we thought tan was cool. Now, tan is unhealthy. I wish young people would learn this at an early age so they don’t end up at 58 trying to reverse all the damage I did to my skin .