Not sure whether your everyday items contain toxins? Here's a list I've put together of a few products that are really easy to switch out for a toxin-free alternative to bring you health and peace of mind.
Hand wash
Who knew a product that is marketed to clean and sanitise your hands could include nasties? A popular antibacterial hand wash found in many homes actually contains three of the chemicals deemed undesirable by the list. If you think your hand wash might be hiding some sinister ingredients, try swapping it out for a natural option which is free from harsh chemicals yet still effective at removing bad bacteria.
Organic Shop Hand Soap Organic Aloe & Milk
The Organic Shop Hand Soap with Aloe & Milk contains Aloe Vera and Milk Extracts to nourish the hands as they are washed, leaving skin feeling supple, smooth and cleansed. A creamy formula, this Certified Natural and Cruelty Free hand wash can be lathered into a foam to remove dirt and bacteria without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
Hair Dye
At-home hair dyes are practically on every second ad on Australian TV, so there's a huge chance you may have used a DIY kit from the supermarket before. Hair dyes make up a large part of the hair care black list, containing concentrated chemicals which have been known to be particularly aggressive on the scalp.
Desert Shadow Organic Hair Dye
The Desert Shadow Organic Hair Dyes come in over 10 different shades for blonde, red, brunette and dark hair colours, and are so gentle that even pregnant women can use them. An Australian company, Desert Shadow ethically source their ingredients, which are Certified Organic by NASAA. Each shade is coloured from botanical ingredients, making them suitable for those with a sensitive scalp or allergies to commercial hair dyes. The nourishing ingredients work to replenish each strand of hair to ensure the colour is retained for up to six weeks.
Moisturiser
A popular facial moisturiser found in chemists and drug stores across the globe was also named on the list as containing potentially harmful ingredients. For something we put on our faces up to twice daily, a moisturiser should be as pure as possible!
A natural moisturiser, like Dr Hauschka's Rose Day Cream, will hydrate your skin with strictly toxin-free ingredients including Sweet Almond Oil, Avocado Oil and Rose Extract.
Toothpaste
One of the world's most famous oral hygiene companies is behind multiple toothpastes on the list. Foaming agents found in some mainstream toothpastes can cause irritation to the skin when used in body washes, and they have also been known to irritate gums and mouth ulcers. Because toothpaste is often accidentally ingested by kids, it makes sense to opt for a natural alternative for peace of mind.
Grants Mild Mint with Aloe Vera
A natural toothpaste like the Grants Mild Mint with Aloe Vera is just as effective at caring for your teeth and gums, and it contains no foaming agents or synthetic sulfates. It even tastes the same as mainstream toothpaste! This minty paste is ideal for the whole family.
Perfume
A number of designer fragrances may actually contain ingredients that have been linked to changes in hormones. When I found this out a few years ago, I was quick to swap out my perfumes in favour of natural alternatives. Spraying synthetic or artificial fragrances onto our skin can't do our bodies much good in the long run.
Life Basics LIFE 100% Natural Perfume
I developed the LIFE by Life Basics Natural Perfume as the ultimate every day natural fragrance. With a floral blend of Jasmine, Rose, French Magnolia and Hibiscus Musk, this warm and delicate scent also contains Chamomile, Vanilla, Grapefruit and Coconut to carry the fragrance. This vegan perfume settles beautifully on the skin, and free from emulsifiers so needs a gentle shake before use in order to blend the ingredients.
Deodorant
One of the world's most-purchased deodorants made the list, also due to the potentially hormone-altering substances it contains. Finding an effective deodorant can be a tricky task to undertake, especially when we all have such different skin chemical compositions, but we really don't need to resort to toxin-packed aerosols and roll-ons for adequate detection. When we sweat, our skin's natural oils can mix with the ingredients found in mainstream deodorants.
No Pong All-Natural Anti-Odourant
The No Pong All-Natural Anti-Odourant is an incredibly effective and budget friendly option for those needing trusty protection from body odour. Containing a blend of natural Coconut Oil and Beeswax, this formula creates a water-resistant environment where bacteria can't survive, while antibacterial Bicarb Soda neutralises odour all day long. With a light, fresh, gender neutral fragrance, this effective deodorant paste has been shown to be effective for over 12 hours.
Mouthwash
This one frightened me as much (possibly a bit more!) than finding such a popular toothpaste on the list, as it's almost impossible not to accidentally swallow a bit of your mouthwash while rinsing. A well known mouthwash aimed at those with sensitive teeth and gums made the list due to the "undesirable substances" it contains, so try swapping your mainstream mouthwash out for something like Riddells Creek Organic Mouthwash- it's completely organic and it isn't tested on animals!
Nail Polish
Coming from potentially the most recognisable luxury fashion and beauty houses in the world is a red nail varnish that the UFC-Que Choisir are strongly recommending the public avoid. Not sure what your favourite red nail polish contains? Opt for a natural and toxin free alternative, like Life Basics Breathable Nail Polish in the shade Lady in Red- my all-time favourite red nail polish!
Source: 1The Local, 2Que Choisir.
