What does nontoxic really mean? Let’s talk about it! Having a space that is nontoxic means that it is free from anything that will harm your health or disrupt your hormones. The materials and ingredients that you are using can have a big impact on your health.
Why should you care about creating a nontoxic space? It may not seem like a big deal because you’ve been using the same products for years and never had a problem, right? You may not be noticing any side effects from using products with artificial ingredients, but that doesn’t mean you won’t long term. Living intentionally is about making choices that will improve your quality of life, not harm it.
I also want to note that common does not equal normal. An example of this would be constant bloating or brain fog. These symptoms can be our body’s way of telling us that it needs support. A great place to start supporting your body is to switch to nontoxic products that work with our body’s natural functions rather than putting more stress on it.
My routine and the amount of products I use have simplified significantly since switching to nontoxic products. This has made my morning and night routine more enjoyable as it takes less time and I feel better about the products I use. Let’s jump into what I have in my nontoxic bathroom!
bamboo toothbrush
Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on the planet and is biodegradable, making it a very sustainable choice. Not all bamboo toothbrushes are made equally though, so make sure that the bristles are made of natural materials. The bristles on mine are made of castor bean oil, meaning I’m not ingesting any microplastics. I get mine from zero waste store.
toothpaste tablets
Most toothpaste brands you would find at the store are filled with chemicals. According to a study done by the Journal of Public Health, chemical toothpaste can be harmful to your teeth. I use huppy toothpaste tablets. They use natural ingredients such as aloe vera extract, tea tree oil, nano-hydroxyapatite, xylitol, and coconut oil to strengthen enamel, fight bacteria, remove stains, and freshen breath.
tongue scraper
There are many benefits to tongue scraping. It can improve your sense of taste, digestion, and breath. Tounge scraping also removes bacteria, activates your organs, boosts immunity, and prevents cavities and gum disease. I would recommend a stainless steel one over a plastic one to prevent microplastics and the adhesion of bacteria. I got mine from zero waste store.
tallow based skincare
I use tallow skincare because it is filled with vitamins and nutrients that are so healing for the skin. Tallow is very similar to the natural oils that we produce called sebum. This allows it to absorb quickly without clogging pores. I use the sweet lavender everything butter and the everything serum from Ela Skin Co.
oil cleanser
I switched to an oil cleanser because it is very gentle and I have sensitive skin. I only use it a few times a week, but it works great and makes my skin feel so soft and clean. When I don’t oil cleanse, I just use warm water to wash my face.
leaf razor
This is a relatively new swap that I have made and I’m going to be honest, there was a bit of a learning curve for me. You don’t need to use as much pressure as the handle is pretty heavy. This razor does take more maintenance than plastic razors, but it also saves a ton of money by not having to buy those plastic razor heads.
soap bars
I will always rave about how much I love my soap bars over bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. They are more compact, travel-friendly, last longer, and clean better. My shampoo and conditioner bars from Zero Waste Store are formulated for oily hair, but they have bars designed for all hair types. I enjoy trying out different soap bars with clean ingredients for my body wash.
bamboo toilet paper
As I mentioned when talking about my bamboo toothbrush, bamboo is the fastest growing plant on the planet, making it the most sustainable option whenever possible. Bamboo toilet paper is free of chemicals such as bleach, formaldehyde, and BPAs that are used in traditional toilet paper. This makes it easy on you and the planet!
all-natural hand soap
Our skin is our biggest organ, which is why I am so intentional about what products come into contact with my skin. I use the hand soap tablets from Blueland and a glass foaming pump bottle. I love these tablets because they are plant and mineral-based so I don’t have to worry about artificial fragrances, parabens, phthalates, or other toxins.
I am not perfect, and there are still items in my bathroom that I am trying to find swaps for. Finding a swap that works best for you can take time, but it is worth it once you finally find that perfect product! I am currently trying to find the best option for a shower curtain liner as most of them release chemicals when exposed to hot water and steam while showering.
What swap has been taking you a while to find? Maybe I can help!