10 Common Toxins to Avoid in Everyday Household Products

If you’re just starting your low-tox journey, one of the best things you can do is learn how to read ingredient labels—and more importantly, spot red flags. So many everyday cleaning and personal care products are filled with chemicals that can disrupt hormones, trigger allergies, or impact your health over time.

While it’d be impossible to cover every questionable ingredient out there (we’d be here all week…), this post highlights 10 of the most common toxic chemicals to avoid—what they are, where they hide, and why they matter.

Avoiding these ten biggest offenders will set you on a better path and help you choose safer, low-tox products. If you’re ever stuck or aren’t sure what the safety rating of an ingredient is, the three best resources to use are the EWG Skin Deep search tool, the Think Dirty app, and MADE SAFE. Highly recommend!

1. Fragrance (Parfum)

Isn’t fragrance just the scent of a product? Well, yes. But, the issue is that the term ‘fragrance’, ‘parfum’, ‘aroma’ (and many other synonyms) aren’t just one ingredient.

These terms are actually umbrella terms for hundreds to thousand of undisclosed ingredients and chemicals many of which are linked to hormone disruption, allergies, and respiratory issues.

So, even though you see one word (ex. fragrance) on a product label, what you don’t see is the hundreds of chemicals that were used to create that particular scent.

There are also no federal regulations requiring companies to disclose the specific chemicals used to create a fragrance. This lack of transparency leaves consumers in the dark, with no real way of knowing exactly what they’re being exposed to.

Synthetic fragrances can be found in pretty much everything these days from household cleaners to beauty products to tissues! Chances are if it has any type of ‘nice’ smell, it’s synthetic fragrance.

Why It Matters: Health & Environmental Effects

Fragrance may smell nice, but the effects on our bodies—and the environment—are anything but.

The average person uses 12 personal care products a day – many of which likely include synthetic fragrance in their formulas. That number is likely significantly higher when we factor in environmental exposure.

That waft of cologne or perfume from people you pass on the street, air fresheners in public restrooms, the cleaning sprays and laundry detergent you use everyday at home… all common sources of fragrance.

But, doesn’t fragrance just evaporate? What’s the harm?

Unfortunately fragrance chemicals don’t just “disappear” and exposure to them can lead to many different negative health effects. For example, some phthalates, which are common fragrance chemicals, can harm the reproductive system. And, styrene, also a fragrance chemical, has been linked to cancer.

Similarly, synthetic fragrances have been linked to allergies, skin irritation, headaches, nausea and vomiting, respiratory irritation, and hormone distruption.

Fragrances also off-gas as chemical fumes and release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air which as you can imagine is neither good for the environment or for your health.

So next time you’re shopping, give the label a quick glance—if you see “fragrance” and there’s no breakdown of what that includes, it’s worth a second thought.

Low-tox tip: Look for products labeled “fragrance-free” or those that list natural essential oils as scent sources. Some brands will add an ‘unscented’ label on their product, but that isn’t that same, so always look for ‘fragrance-free’.

2. Phthalates

Phthalates are a group (or class) of chemicals used primarily to make plastics soft and flexible—but they’re also used in fragrances to help the scent last longer (referred to as plasticizers and additives).

Because of their ability to cling to and penetrate human tissue, phthalates are commonly found in a wide range of products like perfume, deodorants, air fresheners, dryer sheets, vinyl shower curtains, children’s toys, cosmetics, detergents and food packaging.

Phthalates are reproductive and developmental toxicants with known endocrine disrupting properties, meaning they interfere with the body’s natural hormone system. They’ve been linked to developmental, reproductive, and neurological damage, particularly in unborn babies and young children.

Exposure to phthalates may lead to fertility issues, lowered testosterone levels, and even asthma or allergies. The fact that they’re often hidden within the word “fragrance” makes them especially difficult to avoid unless you actively choose transparent, non-toxic brands.

Phthalate exposure can occur through ingestion, inhalation or absorption through the skin. Studies researching exposure have found these chemicals in serum, urine and even breast milk!

It can feel overwhelming at first, but once you know what to look for, it becomes a whole lot easier.

Often hidden under “fragrance” – another reason to avoid undisclosed scent formulas. Opt for “fragrance-free” or products naturally scented with pure essential oils.

3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) / Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

You know that squeaky-clean feeling? That’s often SLS at work—stripping everything, including your skin’s natural moisture barrier.

SLS and SLES are emulsifiers and foaming agents commonly used in cleaning and personal care products to create a thickening or foaming quality.

You’ll find them in shampoos, toothpaste, facial cleansers, body washes, dish soap, shaving creams and even some household cleaners. While they do help products feel like they’re “working,” their harshness on the skin and potential contaminants make them a big concern in the low-tox world.

These ingredients can strip the skin and scalp of natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Additionally, SLES is often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct created during the manufacturing process and classified as a possible human carcinogen.

The issue with SLS is it’s ability to penetrate the skin through absorption, and potentially enter the bloodstream.

Long-term exposure can contribute to skin irritation, eye irritation, and potentially more serious effects with cumulative use. Thankfully, many clean brands now use gentler plant-based surfactants that do the job without the risks.

Thankfully, more brands are ditching these harsh surfactants in favor of gentle, plant-based cleansers.

4. Triclosan

Triclosan is a synthetic antibacterial and antifungal agent that was once widely used in hand soaps, toothpaste, body washes, and household disinfectants. Though it’s been banned from many over-the-counter soaps in the U.S., it still appears in other items, including some personal care products and home cleaning supplies.

It was originally added to kill bacteria, but concerns about its long-term impact have grown significantly.

Due to its harsh sanitizing properties, Triclosan is believed to contribute to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and has been noted to not only have endocrine-disrupting features but also carcinogenic characteristics . Studies suggest it can interfere with thyroid function, liver and kidney toxicity, potentially affect muscle function and immune response.

It’s also been detected in human breast milk, urine, and blood samples, pointing to how easily it accumulates in the body.

Honestly, plain soap and warm water is just as effective for everyday cleaning—no need for harsh extras.

To avoid it, steer clear of anything labeled “antibacterial” and opt for soap-and-water cleaning or products with essential oils known for their antimicrobial properties.

5. Parabens

Parabens are synthetic preservatives used to extend the shelf life of cosmetics, skincare, and household products by preventing mold and bacterial growth. You’ll find them in lotions, shampoos, conditioners, facial cleansers, deodorants, and even makeup. They’re usually listed on ingredient labels with prefixes like methyl-, propyl-, butyl-, or ethyl-paraben.

Most common parabens:

• Methylparaben
• Propylparaben
• Isobutylparaben
• Butylparaben
• Isopropylparaben
• Sodium butylparaben

The biggest concern with parabens is that they mimic natural estrogen in the body, classifying them as xenoestrogens—external chemicals that disrupt our natural hormone balance. This can interfere with the endocrine system and has been linked to reproductive issues, early puberty, and even breast cancer.

Parabens have been detected in breast tissue and urine samples, which shows how easily they’re absorbed through the skin.

The good news? “Paraben-free” is now a common label, making it easier than ever to choose safer options.

6. Ammonia

Ammonia is a colourless gas with a strong smell that’s often used in ‘heavy-duty’ cleaners due to its effectiveness at cutting through grime, dirt and grease.

It’s commonly found in window cleaners, stovetop sprays, oven cleaners, and bathroom products. Because it evaporates quickly and leaves surfaces streak-free, it’s been a staple in household cleaning for decades.

If a cleaner makes your eyes water or catches your breath, it’s probably time for a swap.

However, ammonia is a strong respiratory irritant, especially for people with asthma or other lung conditions. Inhaling it can lead to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Using these ammonia-containing products in your home pollutes your air and leads to poor air quality.

Skin and eye irritation is also common when it’s used without gloves or proper ventilation.

In severe cases, mixing ammonia with bleach creates chloramine gas, a highly toxic combination. Thankfully, safer alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, or castile soap work well without the risks.

Opt for non-toxic cleaning brands or make your own DIY cleaning recipes. They work just as well, without the added risks!

7. Chlorine Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite)

Bleach is a common household disinfectant known for its whitening and germ-killing properties. It’s often found in laundry products, toilet bowl cleaners, mildew removers, and surface disinfectants. While it’s powerful, it comes with a long list of safety concerns, especially when used in enclosed spaces (like your home!).

Chlorine bleach emits strong fumes that can irritate the eyes, lungs, and skin. Prolonged exposure has been linked to chronic respiratory issues and can be especially risky for those with asthma.

It can also react with other household chemicals (like ammonia or acids) to form toxic gases. For many low-tox homes, bleach is reserved for rare, specific needs—if used at all—and replaced with hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, or safer oxygen-based whiteners.

For everyday cleaning, though, you really don’t need something that harsh. Non-toxic cleaners are just as effective—without the nasty fumes.

8. Benzalkonium Chloride

It’s one of those sneaky ingredients that sounds scientific but shows up way more often than you’d expect.

Benzalkonium chloride is a type of quaternary ammonium compound (or “quat”) used as a disinfectant in wipes, sprays, laundry detergents and antibacterial cleaners. It’s often labeled as an “active ingredient” in sanitizing products and is also found in some eye drops and nasal sprays.

This chemical has been linked to skin irritation, asthma, and eye damage. It also raises concerns about antibiotic resistance, similar to triclosan, as well as endocrine distruption.

People regularly exposed to quats—especially professional cleaners—report higher rates of respiratory issues and dermatitis. For daily cleaning, soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizers can be equally effective without the long-term health concerns.

9. BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) & BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)

BHA and BHT are synthetic preservatives used to prevent oils and fats from going rancid. While they’re more common in food and cosmetics such as lipsticks and moisturizers, they can also be found in household products like air fresheners, and polishes. They help maintain the shelf life of scented or oil-containing items.

Both BHA and BHT are flagged as potential endocrine disruptors by the European Commission on Endocrine Disruption, and BHA is classified as a possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

These chemicals can accumulate in the body and have been shown to cause developmental toxicity in animal studies. Because they’re not always required to be listed, opting for truly non-toxic or EWG-verified products can help avoid them.

Better yet, choose products with short ingredient lists—if you can pronounce most of it, you’re off to a great start.

10. Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde Releasers (DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium-15)

Formaldehyde is a colourless strong-smelling chemical and known carcinogen, and while it’s rarely listed by name, many products contain formaldehyde-releasing preservatives such as DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Quaternium-15, and Diazolidinyl Urea.

These ingredients slowly release formaldehyde over time to preserve products and prevent microbial growth.

Formaldehyde can be listed under names such as:

• Formalin
• Formic aldehyde
• Methanal
• Methyl aldehyde
• Methylene glycol
• Methylene oxide

Other formaldehyde-releasing chemicals to avoid:

• Benzylhemiformal
• 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol
• 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane
• Diazolidinyl urea
• 1,3-dimethylol-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (or DMDM hydantoin)
• Imidazolidinyl urea
• Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate
• Quaternium-15

Exposure to formaldehyde can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and allergic reactions. Long-term exposure has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, particularly of the respiratory system.

This chemical is often found in shampoos, lotion, sunscreens, nail polish, baby wipes, cleaning sprays, and even fabrics or furniture finishes. To avoid it, check ingredient labels carefully or stick with products certified to be formaldehyde-free.

Because these preservatives release formaldehyde slowly over time, it’s not always obvious they’re even there—unless you know what to look for (and now you do!).

Final Thoughts

Alrighty, there you have it. Ten common toxic chemicals you may see in everyday products that you’ll want to avoid. I hope this guide helps you feel more confident next time you’re scanning a label—those tiny words can hold a lot of power!

Remember, making your home safer doesn’t have to mean replacing everything overnight. Start small—check one label at a time and begin making cleaner swaps when you run out of your current products. It’s all about progress, not perfection!