sustainable home

Toxic Ingredients to Avoid in Everyday Products

What Are Toxic Ingredients?

The products we use every day often contain more than we expect — not just helpful ingredients, but hidden chemicals that can affect our health or the environment. In the United States, the FDA prohibits or restricts just 11 chemicals in cosmetics, whereas in the European Union, that number is over 2,000. This gap means products on American shelves can still contain substances banned elsewhere, from parabens and phthalates in skincare to PFAS in cookware and clothing.

Why Toxic Ingredients Matter

Health concerns

Synthetic chemicals carry a wide range of negative health effects for both humans and animals. New studies linking commonly used substances to allergies, hormone disruption, cancer, fertility impact, and more are frequently released. Children are the most susceptible to chemical exposure; pregnant women, the elderly, and those with underlying diseases or conditions are also at increased risk. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that in 2019, there were 2 million deaths and 53 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) 2019 lost related to chemical exposure worldwide.

Environmental impact

Most synthetic chemicals–those not based on organic, mineral, or metal sources–are fossil fuel-based. The extraction and production of crude oil alone create significant greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, petrochemicals are not biodegradable, and some, like PFAS, persist in the environment indefinitely. They may go airborne or contaminate soil and penetrate into groundwater, ultimately ending up in drinking water. The accumulation of harmful chemicals in the environment also leads to negative effects on wildlife, as they enter the food chain.

Consumer awareness

Knowing which ingredients to avoid — and why — is the first step toward making safer, more sustainable choices. It is also an important part in demanding transparency from brands, creating a systematic shift toward cleaner, safer ingredients, and enacting regulations to protect consumers.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most common offenders, where they show up, and the clean alternatives that can replace them without sacrificing performance.

List of common ingredients to avoid

Below are some of the most concerning ingredients. Watch for upcoming detailed guides on each.

Artificial dyes

Common Names: D&C or FD&C [color] No. [number], such as FD&C Blue No. 1; Titanium Dioxide
Purpose: Colorant
Where It’s Found: Very prevalent in beauty and skincare products, cosmetics, hair care, cleaning products, and processed food.
Why Avoid: Unnecessary in most cases, potential carcinogens, pollutes water. Petroleum-based.
Alternatives: Natural coloring or dye-free. However, seek transparency in actual ingredients, as products marketed as using natural colors are not evaluated by the FDA, and may be subject to adulteration or contamination.

Bisphenols (BPA, BPS)

Common Names: Bisphenol A (BPA), Bisphenol S (BPS), Bisphenol F (BPF).
Purpose: Used to harden plastics and create epoxy resin linings in cans.
Where Found: Polycarbonate food and drink containers, metal can linings, water bottles, thermal paper receipts.
Why Avoid: Known endocrine disruptors that can mimic estrogen, affecting hormones and potentially increasing risk for reproductive issues, metabolic disorders, and certain cancers.
Alternatives: Glass, stainless steel, BPA-free linings, unlined cans. Note: “BPA-free” may still contain other bisphenols — instead choose products labeled “bisphenol-free”.

BHA & BHT

Purpose: BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole) & BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are used as preservatives and synthetic antioxidants that prevent product degradation.
Where Found: Beauty products and cosmetics such as lipsticks, lip balms, moisturizers, exfoliants, sunscreens, leave-in conditioners, and fragrances. Also prevalent in processed foods and food packaging.
Why Avoid: Potential carcinogen; linked to hormone disruption and skin irritation. BHT is formulated from toluene, listed below. Petroleum-derived.
Alternatives: Natural substances like tocopherol (Vitamin E), rosemary extract, green tea extract, or ascorbyl palmitate (Vitamin C derivative).

Chlorine

Common Names: Sodium Hypochlorite, Trichloroisocyanuric Acid (Trichlor), Dichloroisocyanurate (Dichlor), Chlorinated Isocyanurates
Purpose: Chlorine is a common disinfectant and used for whitening
Where Found: Laundry bleach, cleaning products, bleached tissue products (TP, tissues, paper towels)
Why Avoid: Nose, throat, and eye irritation. Very reactive with other chemicals, creating harmful, even carcinogenic compounds. Harmful to aquatic animals.
Alternatives: Non-chlorine bleach, oxygen whiteners. Disinfectants are not needed in dishwasher detergent–the hot water provides adequate sanitizing.

Clean your clothes with non-chlorine bleach alternatives and other non-toxic laundry products.

Coal tar dyes

Common Names: P-phenylenediamine (PPD), CI followed by a 5-digit number, FD&C or D&C followed by a color and number.
Purpose: Provide color in cosmetics, hair dye, and personal care products; also used in some medicated shampoos.
Where Found: Hair dyes, eyeshadow, lipstick, blush, mascara, dandruff shampoos.
Why Avoid: Potential carcinogens; may contain heavy metals like lead and arsenic; can cause skin irritation.
Alternatives: Plant-based or mineral-based pigments, henna hair dye, or iron oxides.

Ethanolamine Compounds

Common Names: Often contain “-amine” or “-amide.”
- DEA (diethanolamine). Cocamide DEA and Lauramide DEA are the most common. Others include DEA-cetyl phosphate, DEA oleth-3 phosphate, Myristamide DEA, and Oleamide DEA.
- MEA (monoethanolamide). Cocamide MEA, Linoleamide MEA, Stearamide MEA
- TEA (Triethanolamine). TEA-lauryl sulfate
Purpose: Foaming agent, surfactants, emulsifiers, pH adjuster
Where Found: Moisturizer, sunscreen, soap, shampoo & conditioner, hair dyes, lotion, shaving cream, paraffin and waxes, cosmetics, fragrances, laundry and dishwasher detergent, cleaning products
Why Avoid: DEA can cause organ toxicity and possible neurotoxic effects. It can react with nitrites to form nitrosamines, which are potential carcinogens. Skin and respiratory irritants. Linked to organ toxicity with long-term exposure. Derived from petroleum.
Safter Alternatives: Plant-based surfactants (e.g. coco or decyl glucoside, sodium cocoyl isethionate) and emulsifiers (cetearyl alcohol + cetearyl glucoside, Lecithin); Natural pH adjusters (citric acid, sodium citrate, or baking soda).

Ethoxylated ingredients

Common Names: Most labels do not indicate the presence of these contaminants because they are byproducts of manufacturing. Can be found in Alcohol Ethoxylate, Alkoxylated Alcohol, PPG and PEG compounds (Polyethylene Glycol), Polysorbates, and Ingredients that end in –eth (such as laureth, steareth, ceteareth).
Purpose: Surfactant and emulsifier
Where It’s Found: Shampoo, body wash, skincare products, cleaning products, laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent.
Why Avoid: The ethoxylation process used to produce these ingredients may create traces of two carcinogens, 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide. May cause damage to gut cells. May be contaminated with PFAS (see below).
Safer Alternatives: Biodegradable, non-ethoxylated surfactants like coco glucoside or decyl glucoside. Be aware that even if an ingredient is plant-based to start, such as laureth-6, once ethoxylated it becomes chemically modified and not naturally occurring, carrying the same risks as synthetic-based. A newer process called Narrow Range Ethoxylation (NRE) reduces 1,4-dioxane formation during ethoxylation, but this will likely be difficult to verify. Look for 1,4-dioxane-free on labels.

Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs)

NPEs are a particularly toxic subtype of ethoxylated ingredients which are mostly phased out but could still appear in products.
Common Names: Nonoxynol-4, Nonoxynol-9, Nonoxynol-10, etc; Octylphenol Ethoxylate, Alkylphenol Ethoxylate (APE or APEO); NP-9, NP-10, NP-40, etc.; 4-Nonylphenol, Polyethylene Glycol Nonylphenyl Ether
Where Found: Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) are surfactants; Beauty and personal products, cleaning products, laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent
Why Avoid: Highly toxic to aquatic life and persistent in the environment. Endocrine disruptor. Associated with reproductive and developmental effects in rodents.

Formaldehyde releasers

Formaldehyde-Releasing Ingredients: DMDM Hydantoin is the most widely used. Also watch for Quaternium-15, Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Methylene Glycol, Formalin, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Bromopol, Disteardimonium Hectoride, and Nitromethylidynetrimethanol.
Purpose: Used as preservatives. May be present in products that do not have formaldehyde added, which results from ingredient chemical reactions that release formaldehyde as a byproduct.
Where It’s Found: Beauty and personal care products (such as hair treatment and dyes, nail polish, eyelash glue, cosmetics, body washes, and shampoo), cleaning products, glue, particle board, plywood, carpet, upholstery, and fabric treatments.
Why Avoid: Known carcinogens and irritants; Persistent in the environment and harmful to aquatic life.
Look For: “Formaldehyde-Free” or “Preservative-Free” labels; Plant-based preservatives, such as citric acid.

Heavy Metals (Lead, Mercury, Arsenic, Cadmium)

Common Names: Lead acetate, thimerosal (mercury), cadmium compounds, arsenic.
Purpose: Not intentionally added in most modern cosmetics, but can be present as contaminants in pigments, minerals, or raw materials.
Where Found: Lipstick, eyeliner, eyeshadow, foundation, herbal remedies, supplements, certain pottery and ceramic glazes.
Why Avoid: Neurotoxicity, developmental harm, kidney and liver damage, carcinogenic potential.
Look For: Products tested for heavy metals, certified by reputable third parties for purity. There is no safe level of lead.

Herbicides (weed killers)

Common Names: DDT (banned in the U.S. and EU); Paraquat, an extremely toxic chemical; Glyphosate, aka Roundup, which is frequently linked to adverse health effects, such as leukemia and tumors, as the most recent study determined; 2,4D (Weed B Gone, etc.)
Purpose: Weed control
Where Found: Yard and garden care, agriculture, chemical residue on produce.
Why Avoid: Many herbicides have been linked to very serious health concerns. Accumulate in soil and groundwater, enters the food chain.
Safer Alternatives: Learn about IPM (Integrated Pest Management), which incorporates a variety of tactics to control weeds before automatically reaching for the weed killer. Examples include prevention strategies such as applying mulch, or hand pulling. Purchase organic produce when able, and wash all produce with baking soda to minimize/eliminate herbicide residue.

Microbeads

Common Names: Common plastics used are nylon, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane, and polyacrylates copolymer. All petroleum-based.
Purpose: Scrubbing power
Where Found: Exfoliating scrubs, moisturizers, toothpaste, deodorant, and cleaning products.
Why Avoid: These non-biodegradable microplastics are too small to filter from water, eventually polluting waterways, and are often ingested by wildlife.
Better alternatives: Avoid these plastics on ingredient labels. For exfoliation, look for natural scrubbing from salt, sugar, coffee grounds, or other scrubs. In toothpaste, seek baking soda or calcium carbonate. In deodorant, natural absorbents like baking powder, arrowroot powder, tapioca starch.

Oxybenzone & Octinoxate

Common Names: Benzophenone-3 (oxybenzone), Octyl methoxycinnamate (octinoxate).
Purpose: Chemical UV filters in sunscreen and other SPF products.
Where Found: Sunscreens, lip balms with SPF, foundation with SPF.
Why Avoid: Endocrine disruption; skin allergies; harmful to coral reefs and marine life.
Alternatives: Mineral sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Palm oil

Common Names: Palm oil can be disguised under more than 200 names, often making it difficult to identify.
Purpose: Extremely versatile ingredient that can serve as a surfactant, foaming agent, emulsifier, emollient, texture enhancer, increases shelf stability.
Where Found: Cooking oil, present in most processed foods, 70% of beauty products, and numerous cleaning products.
Why Avoid: Palm oil cultivation is the second leading cause of deforestation on the planet, and is also linked with rampant labor exploitation, including forced labor, child labor, dangerous working conditions, wage theft, physical and sexual assault, and more.
Alternatives: Palm oil should not necessarily be avoided, but researched as to whether palm oil is sustainably sourced. Seek products and companies that offer full transparency on supply chain information. Other oils may actually have worse environmental consequences.

See my blog post on sustainable palm oil to learn more about this complex ingredient and how to choose products with sustainably and ethically sourced palm oil.

Parabens

Purpose: Parabens are used as preservatives.
Common Names: Any ingredient ending in “-paraben”. Methylparaben and Propylparaben are the most common. Others include butylparaben, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, and isopropylparaben.
Where Found: Most commonly in products that contain significant amounts of water, such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotions, and moisturizers. They can also be found in makeup and deodorant.
Why Avoid: Parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, disrupting hormones. Long-term exposure has been linked to reproductive issues and potential cancer risk.
Look For: Paraben-free labels. Safer preservatives include sodium benzoate, benzoic acid, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, and benzyl alcohol.

PEG compounds

Common Names: PEG-100, PEG-40.
Purpose: Thickener, emulsifier, humectant, or surfactant
Where Found: PEGs (polyethylene glycol) are used in a wide variety of makeup, haircare, skincare, and cleaning products
Why Avoid: Petroleum-based chemical, non-biodegradable; Can cause skin irritation; may be contaminated with harmful byproducts like ethylene oxide, 1,4-dioxane, or PFAS.
Safer Alternatives: Natural emulsifiers such as lecithin, beeswax, or plant-based emulsifiers. Plant-derived humectants like aloe vera, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyls (PFAS)

Common Names: PFAS are a large group of chemicals; identify ingredients containing “fluoro” or “perfluoro”, such as Perfluoropolyether, PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), Perfluoroalkyl compounds, Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), Perfluorodecalin, Fluoropolymer.
Purpose: Enhance stain and water resistance or as unintended contaminants from manufacturing processes.
Where Found: Beauty and personal care products, cleaning products, non-stick cookware, chemically-treated fabrics, plastic.
Why Avoid: PFAS, aka “forever chemicals,” persist in the body and environment indefinitely. Chemicals have been associated with a wide variety of health effects, from endocrine dysfunction and immune suppression to cancer, among others.
Look For: Note that PFAS may not be specifically named on the ingredient list, but some chemicals like PEGs and ethoxylated substances may be contaminated with PFAS. Seek brands that are PFAS-free and use plant-based ingredients, and avoid performance fabrics that have been chemically treated, such as for water, stain, or wrinkle resistance.

Coming soon – a deeper dive on PFAS

Pesticides

Common Names: There are numerous pesticides, but some of the most widely used (and dangerous) belong to the organophosphate and neonicotinoid classes.
Purpose: Control pest infestation and damage on crops
Where Found: Yard and garden use, agriculture, residue on produce
Why Avoid: Neurotoxicity, linked to Parkinson’s, and other deleterious health effects. Kills bees and other important insects and pollinators, leading to declining populations. Accumulates in soil and groundwater, enters the food chain.
Safer Alternatives: Learn about IPM (Integrated Pest Management), which incorporates a variety of tactics to control garden pests before automatically reaching for the spray. Examples include prevention strategies, attracting pest predators, and trapping. Neem oil is a much safer organic and natural insect control alternative. Purchase organic produce when able, and wash all produce with baking soda to minimize/eliminate herbicide residue.

Petroleum-based ingredients

Common Names: Common ingredients include Petrolatum, Petroleum Jelly, Mineral Oil, Dimethicone, Paraffins & Isoparaffins, Microcrystalline Wax, Propylene Glycol, Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs), Ethanolamines (DEA, TEA, MEA), Synthetic Colorants and Fragrances. In clothing, synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic are derived from petroleum. All types of plastics–Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC or vinyl), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), and any others–come from fossil fuels.
Purpose: Moisturizing, emulsifying, and improving texture in cosmetics and personal care products. An inexpensive alternative to more durable materials and natural ingredients and fabrics.
Where Found: Everywhere. E-V-E-R-Y-W-H-E-R-E.
Why Avoid: Not biodegradable and contributes to microplastic pollution. And petroleum, of course, is a non-renewable resource with significant environmental consequences associated with extraction.
- Petroleum-based products carry potential health risks as well. In addition to causing potential allergies and creating a barrier that can trap dirt and clog scalp pores, petroleum-based ingredients can potentially be contaminated by a variety of harmful substances, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a group of chemicals that are known carcinogens (see below).
Alternatives to Petrochemicals:
- Plant-Based Oils: Jojoba, argan, coconut; cocoa and shea butters
- Natural Waxes: Beeswax, carnauba wax
- Biodegradable Surfactants: Derived from coconut or palm (ethically sourced)
- Essential Oils: For fragrance
- Fabrics: Natural fibers such as cotton, wool, hemp, linen, jute, and sisal. You can learn more about sustainable fabrics here.
- Plastic-free: Items and packaging made from biodegradable or easily recyclable materials such as glass, steel or aluminum, and paper. Discover plastic-free beauty products, cleaning products, kitchenware, and other common items.

Phosphates

Common Names: Ingredient names contain “phosphate,” most commonly Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP).
Purpose: Phosphates soften water and fight stains and grease
Why Avoid: Leads to algae blooms in bodies of water, including the ocean. Algae blooms deplete oxygen in the water, harming aquatic life and also harmful to humans. Removal from wastewater is a complicated process that often results in sludge.
Alternatives: Enzymes such as protease, lipase, and amylase; citric acid, sodium citrate, sodium carbonate or bicarbonate.

Phthalates

Common Names: Diethyl Phthalate (DEP), Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP).
Purpose: Fixative that helps scents last longer by binding fragrance molecules to the skin and stabilizing the overall fragrance formula. They are also used as solvents, helping to blend different fragrance ingredients together.
Where It’s Found: Added to plastic, especially PVC. Commonly added to synthetic fragrances. Also found in nail polish, and hair products formulated for hold, such as hair spray, mousse, gel, and cream.
Why Avoid: Phthalates are linked to hormonal disruption and environmental harm.
Look For: Many products are now labeled “phthalate-free”; Choose fragrance-free products or those with natural oils for scent.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Common Names: Benzo[a]pyrene and other compounds in the PAH family.
Purpose: Not intentionally added to products, but can contaminate petroleum-based ingredients.
Where Found: Lip balm, mineral oil-based creams, mascara, hair products, barbecue smoke exposure.
Why Avoid: Many PAHs are known carcinogens; linked to skin, lung, and bladder cancers.
Alternatives: Products made without petrolatum or mineral oil; plant-based waxes and oils.

Quats

Common Names: Quats tend to end with “-monium chloride.” The most commonly used QACs are alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride (ADBAC or BAC), cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), dodecyl-dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC), and cocobenzyldimethyl ammonium chloride (BKC). Quats may also be labeled as ‘cationic surfactants.’
Purpose: Quaternary ammonium compounds, commonly known as QACs or quats, this group of chemicals has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It also reduces static cling and helps clothes feel softer.
Where It’s Found: Prevalent in cleaning products (especially disinfectants and sanitizers) and fabric softener. May also be found in hand soap.
Why Avoid: Quats achieve their softening and static fighting abilities by coating fabrics, which can irritate the skin. Additionally, quats are associated with allergic reactions and reproductive toxicity and can be absorbed through the skin, inhaled, or absorbed via the GI tract. Cleaners leave a residue, as these chemicals resist biodegradation and are therefore very pervasive in the environment. They can be found in soil, wastewater, and groundwater, where they are toxic to aquatic life.
Alternatives: Skip fabric softeners. Safer cleaning options include hydrogen peroxide, lactic acid, thymol, and vinegar.

Resorcinol

Common Names: 1,3-benzenediol, m-dihydroxybenzene.
Purpose: Used as a colorant and antiseptic.
Where Found: Hair dyes, acne treatments, some antiseptic lotions.
Why Avoid: Skin irritant; possible endocrine disruptor; may cause thyroid dysfunction with repeated exposure.
Alternatives: Plant-based hair dye (henna, indigo), acne treatments with salicylic acid or tea tree oil.

Silicones

Common Names: Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclomethicone, Amodimethicone, Silicone Quaterniums, Trimethicone
Where Found: Silicone is found in numerous products as it is used to create smoothness and seal in moisture. Hair products include shampoos and conditioners, serums and oils, hair masks and treatments, heat protectants and styling products. Skin care products such as lotions, moisturizers, and sunscreens; cosmetics such as foundations and concealers; personal care products such as deodorant and shaving creams and gels, cuticle oils and nail treatments.
Why Avoid: Silicones are synthetic polymers and are not biodegradable; they can build up in hair and clog pores as well.
Alternatives: Natural oils such as jojoba, argan, or coconut.

Styrene / Polystyrene

Common Names: Styrene, polystyrene, expanded polystyrene (EPS).
Purpose: Used in manufacturing plastics and synthetic rubber.
Where Found: Foam food containers, disposable cutlery, plastic packaging, some craft glitters.
Why Avoid: Styrene is a possible human carcinogen; can leach into food and drinks, especially when heated.
Alternatives: Glass, stainless steel, paper-based or compostable packaging.

Sulfates (SLS/SLES)

Common Names: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES).
Purpose: Surfactant used to break down grease, oils, and stains; creates foam or lather.
Where It’s Found: Soap, body wash, shampoo, body wash, laundry detergent, shaving cream, toothpaste
Why Avoid: There are two main concerns with sulfates: high potential for irritation and sourcing concerns.
- Sulfates are very commonly used in personal care and beauty products, where they have been associated with skin and eye irritation. In toothpaste, SLS has been shown to irritate the oral mucosa, causing ulcers and canker sores, and delay wound healing. While many organizations consider sulfates safe for use, there is ongoing debate about their potential drawbacks. Its use comes down to personal sensitivities and preference.
- Sulfates have a significant environmental impact: many formulations are petroleum-based and may be contaminated with chemicals like 1,4-dioxane, a known carcinogen. Other formulations are plant-based, but these are often derived from palm oil, which is linked to widespread deforestation.
Better Alternatives: SLS made from sustainably-sourced RSPO-certified palm oil is an eco-friendly option, if sensitivity isn’t a concern. Otherwise, look for other plant-based surfactants such as Decyl Glucoside, which is derived from coconuts.

Synthetic fragrance

Where It’s Found: Beauty and personal care products, cleaning products, candles.
Why Avoid: Often a cocktail of petrochemicals–that can trigger allergies, irritation, or dermatitis–fragrance information is considered proprietary, and ingredients are not required to be fully disclosed. This allows companies to potentially hide any chemical (especially phthalates, parabens, or galaxolide) under the umbrella of fragrance, leaving consumers in the dark regarding chemical exposure. Therefore, going fragrance-free is ultimately the safest choice.
Safer Alternatives: Products labeled “fragrance-free” or those scented with essential oils.

Watch for a future post dedicated to synthetic fragrance.

Synthetic preservatives

Common Names: Methylisothiazolinone (MIT): 2-methyl-4-isothiazoline-3-one, Neolone 950 preservative, MI, OriStar MIT and Microcare MT. Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT): 5-Chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and MCI. Kathon is a mix of MIT and CMIT. (Benzisothiazolinone (BIT): 1,2-Benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one, 2-Benzisothiazolinone, Proxel; Parabens (see above)
Purpose: Prevent bacterial growth and extend shelf life
Where Found: Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) & Benzisothiazolinone (BIT) are found in liquid detergents, soaps, and shampoos.
Why Avoid: Methylisothiazolinone is associated with organ system toxicity and neurotoxicity. Both are skin irritants. Neither are biodegradable and both are highly toxic to aquatic life.
Look For: “MIT-free”, “BIT-free”, “Isothiazolinone-Free” or preservative-free labels, or products with plant-based preservatives. Choose powder or tablets when available, since, unlike liquid and gel detergents, these do not require preservatives.

Talc

Common Names: Talcum powder, magnesium silicate.
Purpose: Absorbs moisture, prevents caking, provides a smooth texture
Where Found: Baby powder, body powder, foundation, blush, eyeshadow
Why Avoid: Risk of asbestos contamination; respiratory irritation; linked to ovarian cancer in some studies
Alternatives: Cornstarch, arrowroot powder, rice starch, mica from verified ethical sources

Toluene

Common Names: Methylbenzene, Phenylmethane, Toluol
Purpose: Solvent
Where Found: Chemical hair relaxers or straighteners, nail polish and removers, fragrance, eyelash glue, paints, paint thinners, lacquers, adhesives, stain removers, nylon, and plastics.
Why Avoid: Toluene is a Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) that is associated with skin sensitivity, respiratory irritation, neurological effects, and reproductive risks.
Look For: “VOC-free” or “Low VOC” labels; find cleaner product alternatives, like non-toxic nail polish

Triclosan & triclocarban

Purpose: First used in the 1960s as a pesticide, triclosan is an antimicrobial agent used to kill germs; in oral care products, it can help prevent gingivitis.
Where Found: Mouthwash, deodorant, anti-acne products, lotion, medicated creams, detergents, and dishwashing liquids. It has been banned in antibacterial soaps and washes, and has been largely phased out of toothpaste by major manufacturers, but its use in oral care products is still allowed by the FDA.
Why Avoid: Triclosan is a potential endocrine disruptor and is linked to antibiotic resistance and environmental toxicity.
Look for: “Triclosan-free” labels. Skip antibacterial soaps and washes: they are no more effective at cleansing bacteria than regular soap and water.

Vinyl / PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Common Names: PVC, polyvinyl chloride, vinyl chloride, vinyl
Purpose: Common plastic used in construction, packaging, and flexible products.
Where Found: Vinyl flooring, shower curtains, plastic piping, children’s toys, packaging, synthetic leather, some rainwear, and electrical cables.
Why Avoid: Contains or is manufactured with hazardous chemicals such as phthalates, lead, and dioxins; harmful to both human health and the environment during production, use, and disposal.
Alternatives: Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), silicone, glass, stainless steel, natural fabrics (cotton, hemp, wool), or genuine ethically sourced leather.

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Common Names: Some of the most common VOCs that affect indoor air quality include:
Where Found: VOCs can be found in a wide variety of goods. Plastic, candles, cleaning products, beauty products, fragrances, gasoline, paint, varnish, shellac, furniture, treated fabrics, pesticides, and cigarette smoke are some of the most common sources.
Why Avoid: VOCs are a class of carbon-based chemical compounds that start as a small amount of liquid and vaporize at room temperature, evolving into large amounts of gas that can persist in the air long after the initial introduction. Outside, they react with nitrogen oxides to form ozone, contributing to air pollution and smog. Some VOCs cause mild respiratory or neurologic side effects, while others are carcinogens.
Look For: “VOC-free” or “Low VOC” labels. Learn more about VOCs, indoor air quality, and how you can improve yours here.

How to reduce exposure to toxic ingredients

The most important things you can do to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals are reading labels and seeking products that have been tested by a third-party and certified. Some of the best certifications denoting that a product has met safety standards include OEKO-TEX, Greenguard, MADE SAFE, and REACH. The presence of these certifications is one of the best ways consumers can verify a company’s non-toxic claims. Learn more about these certifications here.

At home

Safer cookware, including PFAS-free non-stick coatings
Non-toxic kitchenware, such as cutting boards and cooking utensils
Eco-friendly cleaning products, including non-toxic laundry detergent and dishwasher soap
Non-toxic furniture
Go plastic-free as much as possible
Take steps to improve your indoor air quality

In beauty products

Fragrance-free
Natural, organic ingredients
EWG certified
Learn more about finding clean beauty and personal care products here.

Textiles

Avoid performance fabrics that have been treated for stain resistance, water repellent, moisture or odor absorbing, etc.
Choose clothing and home textiles from natural fibers, and free of harmful dyes. Learn which are the best types of fabric materials here.

Food & packaging

BPA-free cans
PFAS-free wrappers
Avoid plastic and styrofoam food containers; replace with stainless steel or glass.
Buy organic produce and other foods as much as possible. Wash produce with baking soda to minimize pesticide residue.

Final thoughts on toxic ingredients

Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely eliminate exposure to toxic chemicals from our lives. All we can do is work to eradicate them from our immediate surroundings, the best we can. Start by assessing the things closest to you: the foods you eat, the products you apply directly to your skin, the clothing you wear. This can take some time and effort, but it will be worth it for the sake of your health and that of your loved ones. And what is healthy for us is also good for the planet. I hope that as awareness of the harmful chemicals surrounding us–intentionally added by manufacturers and permitted by the FDA and EPA–increases, so will demand for these entities to do the right thing and protect consumers, citizens, and the planet.

Sources

Ready to swap out the worst offenders? Get cooking with my Non-Toxic Kitchen Guide, clean up your beauty routine with Clean Beauty Products, or make your house sparkling with Non-Toxic Cleaning Products and find safer alternatives today.