Have you ever wondered what’s really inside the products you use every day?
The truth is, many of the most common household, beauty, and cleaning products are loaded with chemicals that can mess with your hormones, irritate your lungs, and quietly affect your health over time.
As a nurse, a mom, and someone newly passionate about non-toxic living, I’ve made it a mission to learn what’s actually safe—and what’s not.
Here’s what I’ve found.
What Is Hormone Disruption?
Hormones are your body’s chemical messengers. They regulate almost everything—from your metabolism to your mood to your fertility.
Hormone-disrupting chemicals (also called endocrine disruptors) can:
- Imitate your body’s natural hormones (like estrogen)
- Block hormone receptors so your body can’t use them
- Interfere with how hormones are produced, released, or broken down
Even small, daily exposures—especially over years—can cause symptoms like:
- Irregular periods
- Trouble conceiving
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Weight gain
- Thyroid imbalance
- Mood swings
- Skin issues (eczema, hormonal acne)
Where These Chemicals Hide
These harmful ingredients are hiding in plain sight, often under names you’d never recognize or buried under the label “fragrance.”
Common sources include:
- Cleaning sprays and disinfectants
- Candles, plug-ins, and air fresheners
- Shampoo, body wash, lotion, and deodorant
- Plastic containers and water bottles
- Laundry detergent and dryer sheets
- Sunscreen and cosmetics
According to the EPA, indoor air is often 2–5 times more polluted than outdoor air—mainly because of these products.
Ingredients to Avoid (And Why)
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common toxic ingredients to watch for:
- Fragrance/Parfum – a loophole for over 3,000 unlisted chemicals
- Phthalates – disrupt hormones, especially testosterone
- Parabens – mimic estrogen and are found in lotions, makeup, and shampoos
- Triclosan – antibacterial agent that disrupts thyroid hormones
- BPA – used in plastics and linked to reproductive harm
- Oxybenzone – common in sunscreen, disrupts hormones
- SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) – irritant and penetration enhancer
- Toluene – toxic to the nervous system, often in nail polish
- PEGs (polyethylene glycols) – can be contaminated with carcinogens
- Formaldehyde & releasers – found in some hair products, a known carcinogen
How It All Adds Up (Your Toxic Load)
You might think, “It’s just a little bit.”
But these exposures don’t happen in isolation. They happen every single day, from dozens of products—morning to night.
This is called your toxic load, and over time, it can lead to:
- Chronic inflammation
- Hormonal imbalance
- Skin issues like eczema or acne
- Asthma or allergies
- Low energy and poor sleep
How to Start Detoxing Your Home
You don’t have to throw everything out at once. Just start small and swap as you go. I recommend beginning with products you use daily, especially on your skin.
Easy beginner swaps:
- Ditch candles and use essential oils or beeswax candles
- Swap your all-purpose cleaner for a non-toxic version (Branch Basics, The Wellness Company, or homemade)
- Use glass food containers and water bottles
- Try a non-toxic deodorant (Earthley has great options!)
- Choose fragrance-free or naturally scented products
Brands I Trust & Use in My Home:
I’ve personally researched and used these non-toxic, family-friendly brands:
- Azure Standard
- The Wellness Company
- Earthley
- Branch Basics
- Herbal Academy (for learning herbal alternatives)
Final Thoughts:
You and your family deserve to live in a home that supports your health—not one that slowly chips away at it. Making clean swaps is one of the best gifts you can give your family.
Even one product at a time makes a difference.
Want help getting started?
Follow me @thegentleharvest on socials for tips, tricks, and easy swaps.
Let’s make your home a haven—one simple swap at a time.
The Gentle Harvest 
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