Living a low-tox lifestyle starts with knowing what you're putting on and around your body, and sadly, many mainstream products contain ingredients that do more harm than good. Unknowingly creating long term health issues. At Natural Home and Body, we believe in full ingredients transparency and proudly use 100% natural ingredients and pure essential oils. In this blog, we’re uncovering three of the most common (and most toxic) ingredients in conventional products: synthetic fragrance, phthalates, and parabens and why you should avoid them where possible.
1. Synthetic Fragrance: The Hidden Chemical Cocktail
“Fragrance” or “parfum” might sound harmless, but it’s actually an umbrella term for a mix of up to hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. Manufacturers aren’t legally required to list the individual ingredients, so you never really know what you’re being exposed to. Many synthetic fragrances contain known allergens, hormone disruptors, and respiratory irritants. These chemicals are been clinically linked to a range of health issues, including headaches and migraines, hormonal imbalances, skin irritations and eczema, and asthma and other breathing difficulties to name a few. You can find the terms "fragrance" or "parfum" listed in the ingredients of your home and body products such as room sprays, perfumes, candles, body wash, skincare, deodorants, laundry detergents and even “baby-safe” products.
Low-tox swap: Choose products scented only with pure essential oils or not scented at all. Not only are they safer, but they also offer therapeutic benefits for your mood and wellbeing. That's why we choose to use pure essential oils within our product range. Our perfume oil range and natural room sprays are the perfect low-tox swap, that only contain pure essential oils and are free from synthetic fragrances.
2. Phthalates: The Hormone Disruptor You Didn’t Know You Were Using
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics flexible and to help scents “stick” longer in personal care products and perfumes. But why should we be cautious around phthalates? Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they are negatively impactful on our hormones and reproductive systems. They can especially interfere with our estrogen and testosterone. Research has linked phthalate exposure to fertility issues in both men and women, early puberty in children, birth defects and developmental problems, and increased risk of hormone-related cancers. Phthalates are found in commercial perfumery, nail polish, air fresheners, body lotions, plastic packaging, and fragranced cleaning products.
Low-tox swap: It is incredibly important to opt for phthalate-free, essential oil-based products, especially in products we are exposed to on a daily basis. Another way to be mindful in reducing our phthalate exposure is to decrease our use of plastic, and opt for glass packaging or BPA-free packaging whenever possible. This is why we use glass packaging for our products, not only is it better for your health and wellbeing, but it is an environmentally friendly option.
3. Parabens: The Preservative You Don’t Want on Your Skin
Parabens are synthetic preservatives used to prevent bacteria and mold growth in personal care products. Common ones include methylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparaben. The problem with parabens, is they mimic estrogen in the body, disrupting natural hormone function. Alarmingly, they've been found in breast tissue samples and are suspected of contributing to hormonal imbalance, breast cancer risk, skin irritation, and reproductive issues. Parabens are typically found in moisturisers, shampoo, cleansers, deodorant, sunscreen, and makeup.
Low-tox swap: Choose paraben-free products. It is always important to read the ingredients of the products you use on your body. My simple rule of thumb is if you can't read it or don't recognise it, avoid it!
Why This Matters to Us
On average, women are exposed to around 168 chemicals every day just through their personal care and beauty products alone. This number comes from research by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which found that the typical woman uses about 12 personal care products daily, and each of those contains an average of 12 ingredients, many of which are synthetic and not thoroughly tested for long-term health effects.
At Natural Home and Body, we make every product with pure essential oils, natural ingredients, and no hidden nasties. You’ll never find synthetic fragrance, phthalates, or parabens in anything we make. It’s part of our commitment to helping you care for your home, your body, and your family in the most natural way possible. Your wellness should never be compromised by what’s on your skin or in your space.