What's Lurking in Your Bathroom
(And Why It Might Be Time for a Change)
A closer look at the everyday products we rarely question-and why small swaps in your bathroom routine might be worth it
Your bathroom is meant to be a place of calm—a space where your day begins and ends with simple rituals of care. But what if some of the products lining your shelves aren’t as clean as they seem?
Most of us don’t give it much thought. Toilet paper, toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, shampoo, soap—they’re just part of the routine. They’re easy to grab and always around. But when you take a closer look at what they’re made of, some of these everyday items might not be so harmless.
Take toilet paper, for example. Many conventional brands contain trace amounts of chemicals like PFAS (often called “forever chemicals”), dioxins from chlorine bleaching, and BPA. These substances have been linked to potential long-term health risks, including hormone disruption, reduced fertility, immune suppression, and even an increased risk of certain cancers. Considering how frequently we use them, it’s worth knowing what’s in it.
Then there’s your toothbrush. You use it twice a day without even thinking about it. Most are made entirely of plastic, with nylon bristles that wear down over time. As they do, they can shed tiny bits of plastic, which adds to your overall exposure to microplastics. It might seem minor, but it adds up over the years.
Toothpaste is another staple that often goes unquestioned. Many conventional formulas contain ingredients like fluoride, SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), artificial sweeteners, and dyes. While these ingredients are widely used, you may want to avoid if you are looking to reduce everyday chemical exposure.
Hair care products aren’t much different. Many shampoos and conditioners contain sulfates, parabens, silicones, and synthetic fragrances. These can strip your hair, irritate your scalp, or even mess with your hormones over time. What promises shine and smoothness in the short term may not always support long-term hair and scalp health.
Even something as simple as hand and body soap can be more complex than it appears. Many conventional options contain synthetic fragrances, strong detergents like SLS, and certain preservatives that can irritate sensitive skin. If you’ve ever experienced dryness or unexplained irritation, your soap could be part of the reason.
Even your soap can be more complicated than it seems. A lot of options out there have synthetic fragrances, harsh detergents, and preservatives that can dry out or irritate your skin. If your skin ever feels off and you can’t figure out why, your soap might be part of it.
That said, there’s no need to stress or toss everything out all at once. It’s really just about being a bit more aware. Making small, swaps over time can make a difference—not just for your body, but for how you feel overall.
Switching out a few everyday items for cleaner, more thoughtfully made options is a simple place to start. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it’s just about making better choices little by little.
If you’re wondering where to begin, here are some of my favorite bathroom swaps.
Caboo Tree Free Unbleached Toilet Paper
Plastic Free Packaging,Septic Safe, Eco Friendly, Chemical Free, Non Toxic | 2 Ply Toilet Tissue, Pack of 12 Double Rolls, 300 Sheets Per Roll
Dr. Bronner's All-One Pure Castile Magic Bar Soap (Baby Unscented)
Made with Certified Oils - For Face, Hand, and Hair. Gentle on Sensitive Skin - 2 pack
Revitin Toothpaste
Fluoride-Free Prebiotic Mint Tooth Gel | No SLS, Gluten Free, Dye Free, GMO Free, No Sweeteners | Non-Toxic, Kid Approved - Pack of 3
Primals Boar Bristle & Bamboo Toothbrush
Premium Boar Bristles - Fully Biodegradable - Plastic & Nylon Free - 4 pack
CloSYS Ultra Sensitive Mouthwash
Alcohol Free Mouthwash, Unflavored, Dye Free, pH Balanced, Help Soothe Entire Mouth, 32 oz
RADIUS Natural Silk Dental Floss
Hand-Spun Silk Infused with Coconut Oil, Plastic-Free & Sustainable Packaging, Unscented, 33 YD - Pack of 3
ATTITUDE Nourishing Hair Shampoo and Conditioner
For Dry and Damaged Hair, EWG Verified, Dermatologically Tested, Plant- and Mineral-Based, Grape Seed Oil and Olive
Dr. Bronner's Organic Sugar Soap - (Baby Unscented)
Made with Regenerative Certified Organic Oils, Sugar & Shikakai Power, 4-in-1 Use: Hands, Body, Face and Hair - Liquid Soap
Molly's Suds Toilet Bowl Cleaner (Non-Bleach)
98% Plant-Based Gel Formula Freshens, Removes Stains and Deodorizes | Lemon Scent - 23 Fl Oz (pack of 3)
Koala Eco Multi-Purpose Bathroom Cleaner
With Australian Eucalyptus Essential Oil - 16 oz
Caboo Tree Free Flushable Wipes
Chemical Free Unscented Wipes for Adults made with renewable Bamboo Based Viscose (Pack of 3)
Boka Fluoride Free Thoothpase
Nano Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste, ofiate Apronr ofitive Teeth - Ela Mint Flavor, 4 oz
dōTERRA On Guard Natural Whitening Toothpaste
MasterMedi Tongue Scraper
reel Toilet Paper
4.2 oz (pack of 2)
100% Stainless Steel, Reduce Bad Breath, Tongue Cleaner for Oral Care & Hygiene (2 Pack)
Premium Bamboo Toilet Paper - 12 Rolls - 3-Ply, Tree-Free, Zero Plastic, Septic Safe
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