Updated March 2023
-Check out my other blog posts for a plethora of information to help reduce Toxicants from your life in many ways.
– Not every product from any given brand is the same level of toxicity, so be sure to check ingredients in you’re interested in other products than the specific ones listed.
– I avoid all fragrance, including essential oils.
⁃ I gently try to steer my husband toward greener, less toxic products, but he tends to like products that fit into the “better, not best” realm. Anything my husband is willing to use, means it compares in performance to conventional products, and isn’t “too hippie/weird.”
⁃ Some ways to save money are to sign up for brands email lists or social media pages to be alerted about sales.
– Use these EWG databases to check each ingredient in products! Some products are given an overall score, but those can be misleading, so best to check each ingredient separately. I have already checked all for the products I list below.
EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning
1. HYGIENE AND BEAUTY
Liquid hand soap: Alaffia black soap (note that it is a brown color. It is very affordable and available on Amazon or Thrive market. It can be added with water to foaming dispensers as well. I looked for clear liquid soaps and couldn’t find any with a low enough level of toxic ingredients. Castile soap is good toxicity-wise but some people say it dries their skin and/ or clogs their drains. Some say that different brands might be less drying than others.
Foaming Hand soap: Meliora, Branch Basics or Moon Valley Organics unscented. Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3rNksqU. *Full disclosure is this Branch Basics link gets you $10, and also grants me $10 off my future purchases. I have no special relationship or affiliation with this company; this is a standard referral link available to all customers.
Shampoo: Carina Organics and I highly recommend it! The best value I’ve seen is to purchase directly from their website. My husband uses John Masters Organics (amazon affiliates link: https://amzn.to/3462bNe) or Everyone brand (which is lower priced but I’d say is an “better but not best” option) amazon affiliates link: https://amzn.to/3Aw2UUb. Acure also has some good options, but check the ingredients list because they change periodically.
Bar Soap: Meliora, Bubble and Bee, Booda, and Lusa are organic brands that don’t have palm oil (which is bad for the environment and animals), but they are all $6-7 each bar (other brands are even more!). Moon Valley Organics is a little cheaper but I think they all have Essential oils. Chagrin Valley looks like they have one I’d use, but it’s $9. Alaffia makes a bar with only two ingredients; amazon Affiliates link: https://amzn.to/3H4sfXx
Some brands offer discounts for bars without boxes (which also makes them even more eco friendly) or imperfectly cut/ scrap pieces. Bar soaps are a more green option because they have a lower shipping weight, avoid plastic bottles, and avoid preservatives needed in liquid products. They also last a long time! I recommend stainless steel soap dishes because they can be easily put in the dishwasher. Amazon Affiliates link to what I use: https://amzn.to/3G6m4Rr
Razor: Edwin Jagger Safety razor. Affiliates link: https://amzn.to/3H2A4x7. Avoid razors that have moisture strips; I haven’t found any that don’t have toxic ingredients.
Lip Balm: All Good. Affiliates link: https://amzn.to/342j7nN
Skin creams: Luminance, or plain organic Shea butter (be sure to find a quality brand).
Skin oils: Valentia, Leahlani elixirs, Earthley deep healing oil, Acure.
Face wash: Believe it or not, I currently don’t use a face wash; I just use water with an organic washcloth. I used to do oil cleansing; many easy recipes can be found on other sites. My husband uses Acure Seriously Soothing Cleansing Cream, available on Amazon or Thrive. Blog post on how I cured acne here.
Body Lotion: Carina Organics baby lotion or Acure Seriously Soothing (from Amazon or thrive market).
Retinol alternative/ Acure Radically Rejuvenating bakuchiol serum. Amazon Affiliates link: https://amzn.to/3tWQEcj
Baby wash and products: Carina Organics, Earth Mama (organic), Max & Madeleine foaming baby wash.
Bubble bath: Poofy Organics, Every day Shea, Allafia, California baby.
Kids shampoo, body wash and bubble bath: Carina Organics or Alaffia (this is not organic but great ingredients and very affordable).
Hand sanitizer: Honest Company Free and Clear Spray. Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3qUe69Y. Dr. Bronners is a good one too.
Kids Toothbrush: Radius. Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3tWqbNC
Toothpaste: This was one of the deepest and darkest rabbit holes to research, because there was no light at the end of the tunnel. All toothpastes contain at least one ingredient that some people think is problematic: glycerin, xylitol, silica, bentonite, calcium carbonate, essential oils, and not to mention, fluoride. I decided to just use plain baking soda. Some say it’s too abrasive, but I read a compelling source that actually compared abrasiveness of compounds and found it was safe for teeth. You can also try straight coconut oil, especially for kids who won’t like the taste of baking soda. A successful idea I had is to put it into a “Swueezy Squaker” silicone squeeze bottle to make it easier (as long as it doesn’t get too cold and hardened.” For ready made toothpastes, I chose Jack n Jill for my toddler because it doesn’t have ingredients risky for lead, which was my foremost concern because at her age, she ends up swallowing most of it. Hello brand is also good for kids. They have great flavors. My husband uses Dr. Bronners, which is one of the best options, yet doesn’t seem “too hippie.” For kids up until age 4, no toothpaste is needed; water is fine. See my Toothpaste blog post for more.
Floss: Radius or Desert Essence. Almost all other brands contain PFAS chemicals. affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3ogXKXl
Deodorant: I used to make my own, which is a #moneysavingtip because the best non-toxic deodorants are $7-15 and I estimate that making it myself only costs a few dollars, even with expensive organic ingredients. But I’ve grown tired of doing that and I discovered more reasonably priced “best” options. Here are ones I have tried (all have affiliate links): ThinkSport worked pretty well https://amzn.to/3JfQq7m, Schmidt https://amzn.to/3vNAeVF (just be aware they have several formulas and some of them I wouldn’t use), Pretty Frank https://amzn.to/3SXewc3, Acure https://amzn.to/3SdrMIu, or Earth Mama https://amzn.to/3PNjXaU (worked pretty well but got crumbly). If you get irritation from “natural” deodorants, it’s probably from the baking soda. Take a break (formulas or recipes that use organic cornstarch or arrowroot instead make a good substitute) and try again when your skin recovers. I also make sure that right after shaving, I avoid using ones with baking soda until the next morning, or I apply plain Shea butter first.
Toilet paper: Tushy bamboo (we have a bidet from them too but haven’t installed). See my toilet paper post.
Makeup: Poofy Organics or Au Naturale. See my makeup blog post.
Toner: Carina Organics
Sunscreen: Earthley makes the only one that I know of without minerals (which have been found to have lead, even in sunscreen products) but effectiveness may not be best. If I need a thick cream kind, I use Badger (Amazon Associates link https://amzn.to/3Myy3eo) but that is rare.
Aloe Vera gel. This was actually harder than I expected, but so far this is the best one I have found (amazon Associates link https://amzn.to/3KCnzJF
2. CLEANING AND LAUNDRY
Vacuum cleaner. You want a closed HEPA system. Previously I had a Dyson (Amazon affiliates links: https://amzn.to/34dGpY7 but here is a Shark I got that works just as well: https://amzn.to/3H7mUi9. A tip for the Dyson is to clean the filters periodically; if you don’t, it will seem like he battery doesn’t last long.
Dish soap: Branch Basics or Better Life unscented liquid. Meliora makes a plastic-free one.
Dishwasher detergent: Better Life or Ecover powder (not tablets because they have bentonite).
Scrubby pad for washing dishes: I was using Walnut Scour pads until I realized the ones I have also contain recycled plastic. I will be switching to a sisal pad, but finding ones that are 💯 sisal is hard too. see my blog post on cleaning and disinfecting for links.
Rubber cleaning gloves: If You Care brand from Amazon. Avoid vinyl/ PVC gloves.
All purpose cleaner: Meliora, Branch Basics, vinegar (provides light disinfection but not heavy duty), or dish soap and water.
Laundry detergent: Meliora, (comes in an eco friendly cardboard container with metal scoop), or Branch Basics. Molly’s Suds is good, but has sea salt, which always contains lead. Some people think it isn’t a concern because it might just wash out, but I’d rather just find a detergent that doesn’t have any. I was on the lookout for another powder detergent and am using Meliora because I read that the liquid ones always need preservatives added, and they aren’t as green in terms of a higher shipping footprint because of the additional weight of the water. I’ve also read that the powdered kinds have different enzymes that are more effective at preventing funky odors. A mold expert told me to avoid all enzymes though. Here are more detergents from a trusted blogger and even more recommendations, although I haven’t checked to see if the criteria is as stringent as I would like on the second link .
Dryer sheets: don’t use dryer sheets for both eco and toxicity reasons. Here are alternatives. I use ethical, adorable wool dryer balls from Friendsheep (amazon affiliates link: https://amzn.to/3MV67SQ).
Oxygen cleaner (similar to Oxiclean): Branch Basics Oxygen Boost. This is the only oxygen cleaner I’ve seen with no additional additives. A tip is that oxygen cleaner is the basis of most products sold as washing machine cleaner or laundry stripper. This link explains what’s wrong with Oxiclean:
Laundry stain remover: Branch Basics. Hydrogen peroxide mixed with Castile or dish soap works well, but hp is hard to find and expensive these days so I’m on the lookout for a new stain removing spray. I saw Puracy had rave reviews but then looked up the ingredients and I’m not comfortable with it. A note about borax: It’s controversial; some people love it but some say it’s not safe especially around kids, so I don’t use it at all.
Disinfectant: Food grade hydrogen peroxide or Force of Nature. *Full disclosure is this Force of Nature link gets you $10, and also grants me $10 off my future purchases. I have no special relationship or affiliation with this company; this is a standard referral link available to all customers.
For more tips in this category see my post on cleaning and disinfecting.
Also, my blog for how to sanitize face masks and prioritize how to avoid germs here.
3. GENERAL HOUSEHOLD
Water filtration system: Pure Effects. For pitchers, ZeroWater. Note that Berkey has been found to be problematic; if you have one you should test to make sure it’s actually filtering.
Air Filters: IQAir and Austin Air. See my air filter post for links. Also I can connect you with discounts from other bloggers, at no benefit to me. If you do purchase, let me know and I might be able to get a referral benefit.
Mattress: Soaring Heart. See my mattress post for links and more brands. I can connect you with discounts from other bloggers, at no benefit to me.
Paint: ECOS. AFM is another one without mildewcides.
Cat Litter: OkoCat. This is made from reclaimed wood scraps, and is a green and non-toxic choice that also avoids allergen/ pesticide issues with using food-based litters made from corn, wheat, etc. Clay cat litter is horrible for the environment and health, despite heavy marketing about being all natural (great example that natural isn’t always safe). Okocat has a warning on the box about wood dust bring carcinogenic, but that only applies to heavy exposures, such as occupations that work constantly around wood dust without proper protection. Amazon associates link to the litter I use https://amzn.to/3EVUcC3
For silverware trays, I believe stainless steel is the least toxic option, such as this: amazon associates link https://amzn.to/3F3QTZu
My post on WOOD, PARTICLEBOARD, FORMALDEHYDE, AND “COMPLIANCE” LABELING
My post about home organization.
Candles post
TV: Insignia Brand (available at Best Buy). I haven’t looked deep into this but supposedly the safest as far as flame retardants and such.
4. FOOD AND KITCHEN
I feel this could be pages long. Maybe someday I’ll write it all down. Until then, feel free to ask about specific things. Basically I buy everything organic, with occasional exceptions from the EWG clean fifteen list, or coconut products, which I’ve read aren’t necessary to get organic. If I’m eating out (very rarely) I especially avoid non organic meat, rice (contains high amounts of arsenic), wheat and other grains because of carcinogenic glyphosate (in general I’m gluten free anyway), veggies from the EWG dirty dozen list because of pesticides (see my post on how to remove pesticides). I also avoid vegetable oils, fried foods, dairy, artificial dyes, and sugars.
There is a section with links on my Halloween blog with healthy snacks.
Vitamins: See my supplements and prenatal blog posts.
My Cookware and bakeware blog post here.
My Dishes and food storage container blog post here.
My post on What to look for in olive oils.
My Spices and salt blog post.
My Reducing Arsenic in rice blog post.
My blog post about fast food.
My blog post about heavy metals in chocolate.
My blog post about Prop 65.
Healthy non-perishable food delivery: Thrive Market. *Full disclosure: this link gets you $20 off and also grants me $20 off my future purchases. I have no special relationship or affiliation with this company; this is a standard referral link available to all customers.
Organic Produce Delivery: Misfits. *Full disclosure: this code gets you 25% off their first subscription box, and I receive 25% off my next subscription box. COOKWME–NB1QGK. I have no special relationship or affiliation with this company; this is a standard referral program available to all customers.
Grocery Delivery Service: Instacart. *Full disclosure: this link gets you $10 off, and also grants me $10 off my future order. I have no special relationship or affiliation with this company; this is a standard referral link available to all customers. https://inst.cr/t/dEtnQlN6NGpT
Probiotics: Custom or GutPro are two of the best, but they say rotating them is good. There’s also newer research saying that perhaps probiotics aren’t as great as previously thought.
5. BABIES AND CHILDREN
See my post about diapers here. Conventional disposable diapers and wipes are made of plastic and chemicals, so here are some better options. Includes cloth diapers, diaper pails, diaper leaks, and diaper rash tips too.
My Backpacks post.
My Low EMF baby monitor post here.
My Toilet training blog post here.
My Lunchbox blog post here.
My playmat blog post.
My post about toxicity considerations when choosing a school
Car seat/ stroller post.
Baby bottles: I have personally tried Avent, Evenflo, and Dr. Brown. Here is Natural Baby Mama’s blog on non toxic, lead free baby bottles.
I need to make a post about art supplies, but that’s a tricky one because ingredients are pretty much impossible to get. One thing I’ve heard to look for for paints is if they are AP certified. And buy brand names. I use Filana have a post about chalk.
6. MISCELLANEOUS
Ionic Detox Footbath systems: Health and Med. Use code CGTF5. Here is my post about them.
My post on Resources for deciphering organic clothing.
My post on Lists of things and foods that have lead, and resources for finding lead free things.
My post on sleep tips.
My Christmas trees and holiday tips post.
My Yoga mat blog post.
My blog about How to Donate/ Re-Use or Recycle Used Shoes 👞
Also, all blogs are posted to the Facebook page as well as articles and quick posts. Everything is posted with a picture, so if you go to the photos page on Facebook here, you’ll be able to see EVERYTHING I’ve posted all in one place.
I also made a post with all my referral links.
To check out new and additional posts, please visit and “like” my Facebook page. Thanks!
***Thank you for visiting Clean Green Toxicant Free! I started this site simply because I want to help people and share information. I dig deep and seek the most truly non-toxic products, without bias. I am not paid to write anything and I don’t sell anything. In 2022 I became an Amazon Associate, which does NOT bias my recommendations. I may earn small dividends from purchases made after clicking my clearly labeled amazon affiliate links (even if you don’t buy those specific items), which helps cover the costs I pay to maintain this site, at no cost to you. More info is on the About This Website page.***