If you're trying to live cleaner, your bathroom cabinet is a great place to start. Most of us spend years carefully choosing what we eat — but we rarely stop to read the labels on the products we put on our skin, hair, and body every single day. The truth? Many conventional personal care products are loaded with ingredients that can disrupt hormones, irritate skin, and accumulate in your body over time.
Here are 10 ingredients to watch out for — and why they matter.
1. Parabens (Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben)
Parabens are preservatives used in everything from shampoo to lotion. They mimic estrogen in the body and have been detected in breast tissue. Look for any ingredient ending in "-paraben" and choose paraben-free alternatives.
2. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
These foaming agents are found in most shampoos, body washes, and toothpastes. They can strip the skin's natural moisture barrier, cause irritation, and may be contaminated with a known carcinogen called 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing.
3. Synthetic Fragrances
"Fragrance" or "parfum" on a label can legally hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals — including phthalates, which are hormone disruptors. If a product lists "fragrance" without specifying it's natural or essential oil-based, it's worth a second look.
4. Phthalates
Often hidden under "fragrance," phthalates are also found in nail polish and hair spray. They're linked to hormonal disruption, reproductive issues, and developmental problems in children.
5. Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives
Found in nail polish, hair straightening treatments, and some shampoos. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen. Watch for it under names like DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, and quaternium-15.
6. Oxybenzone & Octinoxate (Chemical Sunscreen Filters)
These common sunscreen ingredients absorb into the bloodstream and have been detected in breast milk. They're also harmful to coral reefs. Opt for mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead.
7. Triclosan
An antibacterial agent found in some soaps, toothpastes, and deodorants. It's been linked to antibiotic resistance and hormone disruption. The FDA has banned it from hand soaps, but it still appears in other products.
8. Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs)
Used as thickeners and softeners in creams and shampoos. PEGs can be contaminated with ethylene oxide (a carcinogen) and 1,4-dioxane. They also enhance skin penetration — meaning they can help other harmful ingredients absorb more deeply.
9. Talc
Found in baby powder, dry shampoo, and cosmetics. Talc can be contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen, when mined. Choose talc-free products, especially for use in the genital area.
10. Aluminum Compounds
Used in conventional antiperspirants to block sweat glands. Some research suggests a possible link to breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease, though studies are ongoing. Aluminum-free deodorants are a popular clean swap.
How to Shop Cleaner Starting Today
You don't have to overhaul your entire routine overnight. Start by swapping out the products you use most — deodorant, body wash, and lotion — for cleaner alternatives. Look for products that are:
- Free from the ingredients above
- Certified by EWG (Environmental Working Group) or made with transparent ingredient lists
- Fragrance-free or scented only with essential oils
At BodyWell1, every product we feature is curated with these standards in mind. Browse our 👉 Clean Beauty Collection → to find non-toxic swaps your body will thank you for.
Not sure what's in your current products? Our Clean Beauty Resources Page has everything you need — from an ingredient checker tool to curated clean product guides — to help you audit and upgrade your personal care routine.
Want a printable version of this guide to keep on hand while you shop? Subscribe to our newsletter and we'll send it straight to your inbox — plus weekly clean living tips and new product finds.