Toxic Overload
2025 was an amazing year for lower-toxic changes. We jump-started the year with 5 swaps pretty early on and continued to make them slowly throughout the year. These were all the swaps we made in 2025 that we use and love every day. We did trial other brands for some of the products, but these are our favorites in each category. These products are not completely toxin-free, but are a better lower toxic option.
1. Laundry Detergent
We used to be a Tide Pod family. I still wanted the convenience of a pod but with less toxic ingredients. This brand, as with all pods, still has some elements that make them not completely clean, but they are a lower-toxic option compared to most brands.
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Unscented Pods / Peppermint Pods / Citrus Grove Pods
2. Deodorant
We made the switch to aluminum-free deodorant a few years ago, but there are still some ingredients in our current deodorants that we're trying to get away from. Lume deodorants are made without aluminum, phthalates, sulfates, and parabens. Phthalates are known to be hormone disrupters, which are obviously not good things to put in or on our bodies. Since they've started a men's line, Michael and I can both use this brand. As the kids are so young, we want to utilize a cleaner product before they start using deodorant to have the best options when the time comes.
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Whole Body Deodorant Stick / Whole Body Deodorant Spray / Mando Whole Body Deodorant
3. Oral Hygiene Products
Michael and I both use sensitive toothpaste that has some pretty harsh chemicals. After our holistic dentist recommended Rise Well products, we switched to their hydroxyapatite toothpaste and a Sonicare toothbrush. MJ and Mack have been using Rise Well products for several months now. They LOVE it. They actually get excited to brush his teeth every morning.
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Kids Toothpaste / Adult Toothpaste / Toothbrush
4. Shampoo & Conditioner
I have never had any luck with a good shampoo and conditioner that leaves my hair clean and smooth without buildup. Michael is used to using a 3-in-1 body wash and shampoo that is full of synthetic dyes. We're excited to switch to Kitsch products. The shampoo and conditioner bars are made with cleaner ingredients and cut down on plastic consumption. Plus, they take up way less space in the shower. Make the switch to their bars, then grab one of their soap holders to really make your bars last!
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Shampoo & Conditioner / Shampoo and Body Wash / Soap Dish
5. Candles
We initially wanted to try our hand at homemade candles, but we came across the Fontana Candle Co. Their candles are made with non-toxic ingredients, such as beeswax and essential oils, which give a light, fresh scent when burned.
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Pure Vanilla / Cinnamon Orange Clove / Bundle
6. Dishwasher Pods/Soap
We always used Cascade for our dishes before but switching to Molly's Suds has been an easy transition. This brand gets our dishes clean without any residue.
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Citrus Pods / Unscented Pods / Dish Soap
7. Fabric Softener
Dryer sheets are some of the most toxic household items out there. We never used liquid fabric softener, so this was an easy swap. We bought wool balls and now use clean essential oils and cleaner fragrance oil for scent in the dryer.
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Wood Balls / Essential Oils / Essential Oils
8. Hand Soap
This was a hard one. I've used Bath and Body Works hand soap for years and years. This company offers a fully non-toxic foaming hand soap with some great scents. Although they don't have quite the selection of scents, the ones they have are great.
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Foaming Dispenser / Foaming Soap / 5 gallon Soap
9. Perfume/Cologne
This was another difficult one because I've had a collection of Bath & Body Works body care since I was about 10 years old. I had so many sprays that they literally took up an entire over-the-door shelving system in our closet. This brand of perfume is a much better choice and the natural fragrances smell divine. The James fragrance smells amazing as a men's option.
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Rosie Scent / Dulce Scent / James Scent
10. Toilet Paper
We trialed another brand (Caboo), but were not impressed with the thickness. The Who Gives A Crap brand is thick, soft, and made of a lower-toxic bamboo. This was definitely a pricier switch, but totally worth it. We also really liked the Plant Paper brand.
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Bamboo Toilet Paper / Bundle / Recycled Toilet Paper
Just the Beginning of our Lower Toxic journey
We're so undeniably excited to incorporate lower-toxic options in our current home and to be completely switched to lower-toxic products by the time we start to build our dream home. Stay tuned to see what swaps we continue to make throughout 2026!
Read about the first 5 swaps we made in 2025 here!
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