Are you learning more about the toxic ingredients that are in most products? These toxic ingredients include parabens, sulfates, preservatives and other harmful ingredients that can adversely affect your health. I'm going to provide for you some more natural alternatives that contain non-toxic ingredients below. Here are some of my favorite non-toxic products that are generally used in my household daily.
1. Laundry Detergent
I have two clean, non-toxic laundry detergents that I use. I love the Melaleuca Companies Lavender laundry detergent. I posted about that here: https://theclayrose.com/best-melaleuca-wellness-products/.
The second option is from Norwex. This detergent is available in powder or liquid form. The ingredients are clean, consisting of mineral-based, plant-derived and natural ingredients. This detergent is not only better for your health, but also the environment. Get some here!
What harmful ingredients are in other laundry detergents? Just a quick google search and I learned that they could contain formaldehyde (preservative), phthalates, 1-4 dioxane, artificial fragrances, surfactants and more. There are many effects from the chemicals and toxins used in products, one large overlaying effect is the harm done to the hormone system.
2. Deodorant
I have tried many natural deodorants and didn't love quite a few of them. I'll share with you the ones I do love!
Humble deodorant in the "Moroccan Rose" scent has become a favorite of mine. They also offer scents like "Lavender & Holy Basil", "Lemongrass & Sage" and many other scents. They offer a vegan line, and some bundles. There are also plastic free options available in a cardboard tube. My favorite is that this consists of only four ingredients and then added botanically based fragrances. This deodorant works for me!
Moroccan Rose Aluminum-Free Deodorant – Humble Brands
Another option that I love is Crystal brand mineral deodorant. I tried the crystal stick version, and it works great for me. They have some magnesium enriched deodorants, one is scented "Coconut + Vanilla". This brand worked for me, after reading through the reviews they say the liquid roll-on deodorant does not always work correctly, I haven't tried that specific one. But I recommend the solid crystal or the solid sticks. The best part about this deodorant? It is composed of mineral salts and is non-sticky, non-staining, and leaves no residue behind. This product works with your body naturally to offer odor protection. Link below!
One brand that I recently tried is called "Billie" in the Lavender Milk scent. I purchased this at my local Walmart at an affordable price. This deodorant works so well for me! I definitely get long-lasting coverage wearing this deodorant and I live in a hot, dry desert climate. I 100% recommend this deodorant.
Billie | The New Body Brand (mybillie.com)
How are other deodorants harmful to your health? Some deodorants could contain ingredients such as aluminum, DEA, parabens, Phthalates, triclosan, artificial colors and artificial scents... and those are not all of them. Just phthalates alone could cause breast cancer, ADHD, and asthma. You can find other natural options but out of many, these have been some of the best I have tried.
3. Shampoo / Conditioner
I have been using LOMA shampooing & conditioning products for quite some time now. I alternate between a few of their lines. The Violet shampoo & conditioner for brassy/ blonde/ gray tones is in that rotation. Some key ingredients in the violet shampoo are lavender, quinoa protein and creatine. This product also has a 5-star review.
Violet Shampoo – LOMA RETAIL (lomabeauty.us)
My second option is also from Loma. It is a daily moisturizing shampoo and conditioner set. Some key ingredients in this product are avocado oil, aloe vera and creatine. It also contains tangerine, mango and orange essential oils so you will love the scent if you love a citrusy, tropical scent. This also has a 5-star review on the website.
Moisturizing Shampoo – LOMA RETAIL (lomabeauty.us)
How are other shampoos/ conditioners harmful to your health? You might be able to find formaldehyde, parabens, sulfates, triclosan and artificial colors or artificial scents. Triclosan was banned in 2016 from use in soaps due to its harmful nature. Triclosan is an endocrine disrupting chemical, which means that it can also affect your hormone function.
Here's a link for the Loma violet shampoo on Amazon here:
4. Cookware
Stainless steel is considered to be one of the best materials for cooking with. You will still need to replace stainless steel if it becomes very scratched / damaged and because the steel can begin to degrade. Stainless steel pans are common, and you can find them at most stores. I'll attach a set that I really like! They have glass lids so you can check on your food as you are cooking. This set will be a perfect match for your family to switch from toxic PFAS "forever chemical" coated cookware.
Chef's Classic Stainless Steel 11-Piece Cookware Set | Williams Sonoma (williams-sonoma.com)
The second option that I love is a classic - created many many years ago in China, and then spread to Europe and eventually the US. What is it? Cast iron cookware. Cast iron cookware is rated the top to use for safe and healthy cooking. You can find good cast iron almost anywhere, and many people have very old cast iron that they still use today. The most important thing to remember with cast iron is no dish washer use, it must be hand washed and dried immediately. I dry mine on the stove-top. You can look into "seasoning" your cast iron pots here - How to Season a Cast-Iron Skillet (thepioneerwoman.com)
My current cast iron is from Lodge cast iron, and it was a gift from my husband's grandmother. It's one gift that we have used many times! Here's a link to find your own.
Cast Iron Cookware: Skillets, Pans & More (lodgecastiron.com)
Toxic non-stick coating on some cookware contains PFAS chemicals. These chemicals are also known as "forever" chemicals and you can find them in many other products. However, these chemicals have been banned in other countries and now there are many laws and regulations on their use in the USA. By cooking and heating the PFAS chemicals on your stove, you are unknowingly adding PFAS chemicals into your meals. Check your non-stick cookware - if there are scratches and chunks missing, chemicals are probably ending up in your food. You can ditch all those and purchase some safer cookware that isn't full of chemicals.
Here's a link for the top cast iron pan recommended on Amazon: Amazon.com: Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet – Signature Teardrop Handle - Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire, Black: Cast Iron Skillet: Home & Kitchen
What are the effects of PFAS chemicals? There are many known, such as birth defects in future children, hormone issues and more. Many effects are seen in children, as a result from high exposure while in the mother's womb.
5. Dish Soap
I love the dish soap from Melaleuca Wellness Company. Its sudsy, smells great, and gets the job done. If you do dishes often, you need to try this soap. It is all natural ingredients and cleans well. I wrote more about that here: https://theclayrose.com/best-melaleuca-wellness-products/
Another great dish soap that I have tried and loved is Mrs. Meyers Dish Soap. This dish soap offers different scents such as Lemon Verbena, Lavender, Basil and Honeysuckle. It is made with plant-derived cleaning ingredients, essential oils, glycerin and aloe vera extract. Directly on the label it states it is made with no parabens, no artificial colors or scents, and it is free of MEA and DEA.
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Compassion Flower Dish Soap - 16 Fl Oz : Target
What is MEA and DEA? MEA has an odor similar to ammonia, and is considered corrosive. DEA is used as an emulsifier in cosmetic products. These have been found to cause cancer and are considered toxic to the human organ system. You can find your cosmetic products without these harmful toxins and chemicals. Just search for natural ingredients and skip the toxic ones.
