Why we need to reduce our exposure to toxins
There’s a reason I choose low-tox skincare, cosmetics and cleaning products - and why I advise my clients to do the same. It’s not about fear-mongering or trying to be perfect. It’s about doing as much as possible to protect our health in a world where exposure to harmful chemicals is unavoidable. It’s about safeguarding our hormones, brain and overall health, while also protecting our genes to reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases.
Did you know a 2005 study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found over 200 chemicals in newborns' umbilical cord blood? These chemicals included pesticides, flame retardants and industrial waste byproducts. If babies are already born with this toxic burden, imagine what a lifetime of exposure does to our bodies. Bear in mind that this study was done 20 years ago - and considering the constant introduction of new chemicals into our environment, food and consumer products, the situation is likely to be even worse today.
One of the biggest issues is endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which are found in personal care products, plastics, fragrances and cleaning sprays. These chemicals are either inhaled or absorbed into the skin, where they can enter the bloodstream and disrupt hormone balance. This is particularly concerning for women and teenage girls, whose hormonal systems are more sensitive during key life stages like puberty, pregnancy and perimenopause. EDCs have been linked to hormonal imbalances, irregular cycles, fertility issues and increased risk of hormone-related cancers like breast cancer. Reducing exposure to toxic chemicals is especially important for people with gene variations that impact detoxification (e.g. CYP450, GST, SOD, MTHFR and COMT) and for children with ADHD and autism, who often have compromised detoxification pathways.
I know posts like this can get some pushback:
"But it’s only a small amount of chemicals - it’s not that bad!"
The problem isn’t one product, it’s accumulation. A little exposure here, a little there - every day, for decades. Our bodies can detox, but they weren’t designed to handle the volume of chemicals we encounter today.
"Everything causes cancer, so why bother?"
Not everything is within our control, but that doesn’t mean we should ignore what is. If I can choose a skincare product without endocrine disruptors or a cleaning spray that won’t pump toxic chemicals into my home, why wouldn’t I?
Going low-tox doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You don’t need to throw everything out at once. It can be as easy as just swapping out products as you run out and gradually replacing them with healthier, more natural alternatives. Areas to focus on include:
Skincare & cosmetics – choose brands that are free from parabens, phthalates and synthetic fragrances.
Cleaning products – choose non-toxic, fragrance-free options (or make your own with ingredients like vinegar and bicarb).
Plastics & fragrances – avoid BPA, synthetic air fresheners and artificially-fragranced candles. Store food in glass containers and use stainless steel or glass water bottles.
Some of my favourite low-tox brands are Thankyou, Bosistos, Ecostore, Eco Tan, Ere Perez, Wotnot, Simple, Antipodes and Weleda. Most are affordable and easy to find - either in supermarkets or via online retailers. I love a bargain so I usually stock up on the more expensive products when they are on special. I’ve been following a low-tox lifestyle for a long time now, but I am still learning. It’s impossible to avoid toxins completely, but I always do my best to choose the cleanest option within my budget, in order to minimise exposure wherever I can. Some of the products I recommend may not be the absolute lowest-tox options available, but they are still far better than the majority of products on the market. I’m still struggling to find a natural deodorant that holds up in the boiling hot Australian summers, and I do colour my hair - but I opt for highlights instead of all-over colour to reduce the amount of chemicals in contact with my scalp. Remember - progress over perfection!
Note: Expensive price tags don't always mean a safer or less toxic product. Fancy, high-end makeup and skincare brands can be just as harmful as cheaper supermarket options, as many still contain toxic chemicals, preservatives and synthetic fragrances that disrupt hormones and impact long-term health.
If you’re at the very beginning of your low-tox journey, I suggest starting with eliminating synthetic fragrances. Here are a few tips:
Avoid any products that have ‘synthetic fragrance’ (or ‘parfum’) on the ingredients list.
Throw out any air fresheners and artificially scented candles. Timed air fresheners are particularly harmful as they continuously release synthetic fragrances and harmful chemicals into the air, exposing you to endocrine disruptors and respiratory irritants around the clock.
Use essential oil rollers instead of body sprays or perfume. Unfortunately most perfumes are a toxic cocktail of synthetic fragrances and undisclosed chemicals that can disrupt hormones and harm overall health.
Switch to fragrance-free laundry detergent and ditch the fabric softener. Despite what the marketing tells us, fabric softener is completely unnecessary and it coats fabrics with synthetic fragrances and harmful chemicals that can interfere with hormone balance, trigger allergies and contribute to indoor air pollution.
By making mindful choices today, you're investing in your long-term wellbeing - as well as that of your family. It's all about creating a life with less toxicity, one swap at a time
Read more about the EWG study here
P.S. I am not affiliated with any of the brands mentioned - they are simply products that I use and recommend!