Bathroom

Most mainstream shampoos contain methylparaben or propylparaben as preservatives, phthalates as fragrance carriers, and sodium lauryl sulphate as a foaming agent. Applied to the scalp, a highly vascular area, absorption is significant.

Paraben-free, fragrance-free or essential-oil-scented shampoo

Brands like Attitude, Acure and Rahua offer certified clean formulations. Check ingredients via the EWG Skin Deep database before purchase.

Leave-on products applied to large body surface areas carry the highest dermal absorption risk of any personal care category. Parabens in body lotions have been directly detected in breast tumour tissue in research studies.

Fragrance-free lotion with clean preservatives, or pure plant oils

Unrefined coconut, jojoba or shea butter contain zero synthetic ingredients. For a lotion, look for vitamin E (tocopherol) as the preservative instead of parabens.

Applied to underarm skin close to breast tissue, deodorant ingredients absorb readily. Parabens and aluminium salts have both been detected in breast tumour samples, and the underarm area's proximity to lymph nodes raises particular concern.

Aluminium-free and paraben-free deodorant

Brands: Wild, Corpus, Routine, or Nuud. Expect an adjustment period of 2 to 3 weeks as your body recalibrates.

New vinyl shower curtains off-gas phthalates and VOCs. The distinctive new shower curtain smell is these chemicals volatilising. Heat from shower steam accelerates the release. Studies have measured VOC spikes lasting weeks after installation.

PEVA-free fabric shower curtain or glass shower door

Organic cotton or linen shower curtains are the cleanest option. Some PEVA curtains are marketed as PVC-free but still contain plasticisers. Glass doors eliminate the issue entirely.

A 2019 Silent Spring Institute study found that women who regularly used Oral-B Glide floss had significantly higher blood levels of specific PFAS compounds. The PTFE coating is the source.

Silk floss or plain nylon floss without PTFE coating

Brands: Radius, Lucky Teeth, or any floss that does not list PTFE or polytetrafluoroethylene in its ingredients.

The word "fragrance" on an ingredient list can represent a blend of dozens of undisclosed chemicals. Phthalates are used as fixatives and carriers. Synthetic musks accumulate in body fat and have been detected in breast milk.

Products scented only with essential oils, or fragrance-free

Brands using full ingredient transparency: Phlur, Ellis Brooklyn, or any product certifying fragrance ingredients through EWG Verified.