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Personal Care 101: Detox the Products You Use Every Day

The average woman puts 168 chemicals on her skin before breakfast. Many of those products contain microplastics, phthalates, parabens, and PFAS that absorb directly into your bloodstream. This guide walks through which products matter most, in priority order.

4in-depth guides
~60 mintotal read time
168avg chemicals per day
Directabsorbed into bloodstream

Your personal care detox, in order

Start at step 1. The biggest exposure isn't where most people think — fragrance, sunscreen, and makeup come first.

1
Phthalates & BPA

How to Avoid BPA and Phthalates (Room-by-Room)

Phthalates hide behind one word on every label: "fragrance." This guide shows you where they're hiding in your bathroom, what to swap, and which "natural" labels are lying.

14 min read High impact
2
Cosmetics

Microplastics in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

Lipstick, foundation, exfoliants, and "shimmer" are some of the worst offenders. The ingredient names that signal hidden microplastics, and clean alternatives that actually perform.

12 min read High impact
3
Sunscreen

Best Mineral Sunscreen Guide 2026

Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into your blood within hours. Mineral sunscreens are the safer alternative, but most don't rub in well. The brands that actually do, ranked.

18 min read Medium impact
4
Oral Care

The Bamboo Toothbrush Lie (Plastic Bristles Myth)

Most "bamboo" toothbrushes still have plastic bristles, and you put them in your mouth twice a day. The truly plastic-free options, plus what actually matters in oral care.

14 min read Lower impact

Top 5 recommended swaps

Vetted picks from our store. Affiliate links: we earn a small commission when you buy, at no cost to you. We never accept paid placements.

Viori Shampoo Bar
$$

Viori Shampoo Bar

Best plastic-free shampoo bar

View on Amazon →
HiBAR Conditioner Bar
$

HiBAR Conditioner Bar

Best salon-quality plastic-free hair bar

View on Amazon →
Merkur 34C Safety Razor
$$

Merkur 34C Safety Razor

Best plastic-free razor

View on Amazon →
Each & Every Aluminum-Free Deodorant
$

Each & Every Aluminum-Free Deodorant

Best fragrance-free natural deodorant

View on Amazon →
Plaine Products Refillable Shampoo
$$

Plaine Products Refillable Shampoo

Best refillable liquid shampoo system

View on Amazon →

Ready to swap your bathroom shelf?

Browse vetted personal care products: clean cosmetics, mineral sunscreens, plastic-free oral care, and fragrance-free essentials. Or take the free whole-home detox quiz for a personalized plan.

Shop Bathroom Swaps Take the whole-home quiz →

Quick answers

Common personal care detox questions, with deep-dive guides for each.

What does "fragrance" actually mean?
"Fragrance" or "parfum" is a regulatory loophole that lets brands hide dozens of unlisted chemicals, including phthalates linked to hormone disruption, infertility, and developmental issues. The FDA does not require fragrance components to be listed individually. Look for "fragrance-free" (not "unscented," which can still contain fragrances) or products that disclose every ingredient.
Read the full guide →
Which makeup ingredients are microplastics?
Watch the ingredient list for: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), nylon, acrylates copolymer, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and any ingredient starting with "poly-" or "acrylate." These are common in mascara, foundation, eyeshadow, and any product labeled "shimmer" or "glitter."
Read the full guide →
Are chemical sunscreens dangerous?
The FDA in 2021 flagged six common chemical UV filters (oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, avobenzone) for measurable absorption into the bloodstream after a single use. Long-term effects are unclear and research is ongoing. Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) sit on the skin instead of absorbing, and remain the safer choice while research catches up.
Read the full guide →
Is DIY deodorant safe?
Generally no. DIY deodorant recipes commonly use baking soda at concentrations that cause underarm chemical burns and skin sensitization. Pre-formulated natural deodorants (Native, Schmidt's Sensitive, Each & Every) buffer the pH properly and have been clinically tested.
Read the full guide →
Are "BPA-free" products actually safe?
No. The replacement chemicals (BPS, BPF, BPB) cause similar endocrine disruption per multiple peer-reviewed studies. The label tells you what's missing, not what's safe. Choose glass, stainless steel, or untreated natural materials whenever possible.
Read the full guide →
Do I need to replace everything at once?
Definitely not. Use what you already have until it runs out, then replace it with a vetted alternative. Focus first on products you use daily and on the largest skin surface area: lotion, sunscreen, deodorant, shampoo. Replacing everything at once is wasteful, expensive, and unnecessary.
Read the full guide →

Continue your detox

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