Other than the kitchen, the second most visited room in our house is definitely the bathroom.
And with a house full of girls, it gets busy in there. Morning and night.
But when I talk about the bathroom, I’m not just talking about the actual room.
I’m talking about what we do in the bathroom.
This is where so many of our everyday products show up. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, deodorant, toothpaste, makeup, perfume, hair products, cleaning sprays, all the things we use without really thinking about it.
And honestly, this is where a lot of the chemicals from our day can sneak in the easiest.
I’m going to dive deeper into this in the next post, but have you ever heard of the famous, not-so-famous 168 number?
You’re probably like, “Say what?”
To touch on it briefly, 168 is the number of chemicals the average woman is said to be exposed to during her morning routine.
Let me say that again.
168 chemicals.
Just from getting ready for the day.
A little frightening, right?
Like I said, I have a whole post coming that will dive deeper into the 168 and what it actually means. But for now, let’s just focus on the bathroom as a whole and how we can make this very popular room in the house a little less toxic.
Bathroom Products at a Glance
Walk into your bathroom and give it a good scan.
What do you see?
Lotion, soap, toothpaste, hair products, makeup.
Now look a little deeper.
The aerosol air freshener. The cleaning products under the sink. The body sprays, perfumes, candles, plug-ins, and all the fragrance floating around in that one little room.
Now start looking at the labels.
Natural. Clean. Non-toxic. Hypoallergenic. Dermatologist tested. Dermatologist recommended. Sensitive skin. Paraben-free.
Those words make you feel better, don’t they?
I get it. They sound safe.
I mean, if something says “dermatologist recommended,” we assume it must be a better choice, right?
But this is where it gets tricky.
A lot of these words can be misleading. Not always, but enough that we need to stop letting the front of the bottle do all the talking.
Because most of those labels are made to make us feel safe.
But feeling safe and actually understanding what is in a product are two very different things.
Non-Toxic Bathroom Swaps: Take Action
Let’s start small.
We are not going to change our whole bathroom in one day, and we are definitely not going to cover every single thing in one blog post.
In my opinion, the bathroom is where a lot of our everyday chemical exposure hides. It is in the products we spray, scrub with, wash with, rub into our skin, and use without really thinking twice.
And yes, it can feel overwhelming fast.
But bear with me.
My goal is to make it feel a little less overwhelming.
So let’s break it down step by step. We are just dipping our toes in with this post.
For now, let’s focus on the top three areas I would start with.
And I’m going backwards because number one is a biggie.
And also because I like to be a little dramatic.
Number Three: Harsh Bathroom Cleaners
Bathroom cleaners are a big one to pay attention to.
Toilet bowl cleaner, tub spray, mold remover, bleach spray, disinfecting wipes, glass cleaner, all of it. These are products we use in a small room, usually with the door half shut and not a lot of air moving around.
So it is not just about what gets on our hands. It is also about what we are breathing in while we clean.
Have you ever been cleaning and suddenly your eyes start to burn or your throat gets itchy?
I know I have.
And for the longest time, I thought that meant the cleaner was working. If it smelled strong, burned a little, and made me crack a window, then surely my bathroom was getting really clean, right?
But that is not true.
Somewhere along the way, we started believing clean has to smell strong. Like bleach, chemicals, and whatever “power clean” scent they are selling us on the bottle.
I believed that too.
But I was wrong.
Strong does not always mean better. Strong does not always mean safer. And strong does not need to be the goal when we are cleaning the spaces our families use every day.
So what should you look out for?
Bleach, ammonia, quats, artificial fragrance, phthalates, harsh acids, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, and strong solvents.
And when it comes to bathroom sprays, I am careful with the word “non-toxic,” because honestly, that word gets slapped on everything.
A better way to look at it is this: look for products that are fragrance-free, dye-free, and made with ingredients you can actually understand.
Some cleaner options to look into are:
• Branch Basics Fragrance-Free Bathroom Cleaner
• Seventh Generation Free & Clear All-Purpose Cleaner
• Clorox Free & Clear Multi-Surface Cleaner
• ATTITUDE Bathroom Cleaner
• Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds, diluted properly
I am not saying these are the only good options out there. And if you want to keep it really simple, you can always make your own cleaners too.
Check it out below.
The main thing is to avoid artificial fragrance, dyes, bleach for everyday cleaning, ammonia, and anything that sounds like a “fresh scent” mystery cloud.
And please remember this:
A bathroom does not have to smell like bleach to be clean.
Clean can smell like nothing.
Actually, that is kind of the goal.
Number Two: Artificial Fragrance in the Bathroom
Air fresheners are one of those bathroom products that seem harmless because they are so normal.
A little spray here. A plug-in by the sink. A candle on the counter.
We use them without thinking twice because they are everywhere.
But just because something is common does not mean it is harmless.
The bathroom is usually a small space with not a lot of airflow, which means whatever we spray or plug in does not just disappear. We breathe it in, and it can settle on towels, counters, bath mats, toothbrushes, and even the products we use on our skin.
So task two?
Toss out the artificial fragrance, especially the aerosol can.
That bad boy is a chemical tornado.
On a label, fragrance looks like one simple ingredient, but it can actually be a blend of many different chemicals. The FDA says fragrance ingredients can often be listed simply as “fragrance” or “flavor,” which means companies usually do not have to list each one individually.
So when we spray “fresh linen” or “clean breeze” in a small bathroom, we do not really know what we are breathing in.
Why risk it?
Just toss it.
And let’s be honest, nobody wants to smell poopourri anyway.
So what can you use instead?
Start with the boring stuff first.
Clean your bathroom regularly, turn on the fan, and crack a window if you have one. If you are worried about how the bathroom smells, start there.
Those simple little habits can make a big difference and help keep that musty bathroom smell away.
And if you are like me and love the cozy feel of a candle, try battery candles.
Honestly, once you get used to them, they are amazing. No flame, no candle soot, no melted wax, no wondering if you remembered to blow it out. It is just less stressful.
My favorite way to make the bathroom smell polite, because yes, that is the goal, is to use a simple non-toxic room spray with better ingredients or make your own before-you-go toilet spray.
I’ll share the recipe below.
Number One: Personal Care Products
This is probably my most passionate non-toxic section.
I will preach this one to anyone who will listen.
And honestly, it deserves its own post, which is why the 168 post is coming next. But for now, let’s just hit the highs and lows, and I’ll dig in deeper later.
Personal care products are the number one thing I would start investigating in the bathroom.
Body wash, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, perfume, makeup, hair products, skincare, all of it.
These are not just products sitting on a shelf.
We are rubbing them into our skin, spraying them into the air, putting them near our eyes, mouth, underarms, and all over our kids.
So yes, this is where I start paying close attention.
And I will say this too.
This is the number one area I would be extremely cautious with when your young daughter wants to blow her birthday money at Sephora or Ulta.
Because the TikTok and Instagram “get ready with me” influencers are not always the best influence on young girls.
The amount of products some young girls are using on their sensitive, delicate skin is honestly mind blowing.
And that is a whole other topic I want to get into soon.
So let me not get carried away here.
For now, I’ll just say this:
Start looking at the products being used every single day, and please do not just trust the front label.
Any company can use words like “clean,” “natural,” or “non-toxic,” but that does not always mean the product is actually a better choice.
In the U.S., cosmetic products and ingredients do not need FDA approval before they go on the market, except for color additives. The company is responsible for making sure the product is safe and properly labeled.
You read that right.
The company is in charge of making sure the product they are selling is safe for you to put on your face, your body, your hair, and your kids.
Insert side-eye.
Because I don’t know about you, but I don’t love the idea of the same company trying to sell me the product also being the one responsible for deciding if the ingredients are safe enough.
One of the biggest places ingredients can hide?
Again, fragrance.
The FDA says fragrance ingredients can often be listed simply as “fragrance” or “flavor,” instead of each ingredient being listed one by one.
So when you see that one little word on a bottle, it may not be just one ingredient. It can be a whole mix of ingredients tucked under that one name.
That is why I always say to flip the bottle around.
The front is there to sell you.
The back is where you start learning what you are actually using.
So that Cookie Crumble scented body wash may smell like dessert, but I would not touch that mess with a ten-foot pole.
I cannot imagine what is hiding behind that fragrance.
Cleaner Beauty Swaps: Where to Start
So what do you do?
Start with research, and start with one item at a time.
Body wash. Lotion. Shampoo and conditioner. Deodorant. Face lotion. Makeup. Toothpaste.
Do not try to overhaul your whole bathroom in one day. That is how we end up overwhelmed, annoyed, and still using the same bottle of mystery lotion because we gave up halfway through.
When you first start looking into less toxic products, you may notice one thing right away.
This can be an expensive transition.
That can be true, but with a little research, you can find affordable swaps.
I am extremely frugal. Like, squeak when I walk, I am so tight.
So I am always looking for products that are cleaner, affordable, and from companies I feel like I can trust.
Here are a few brands I personally use to help lower some of the chemical exposure in our bathroom:
- Soap: Dr. Bronner’s Baby Unscented Bar Soap
This is one of my favorite simple swaps. It is unscented, has cleaner ingredients, and does not come with a long list of mystery fragrance chemicals. - Toothpaste: Dr. Bronner’s
Again, Dr. Bronner’s. I like that the ingredients are more straightforward, and it feels like an easy place to make a small change. - Makeup: W3LL People
I freaking love their makeup. This has been one of my favorite cleaner makeup brands to use, especially when trying to find products that feel more trustworthy without feeling impossible to buy.
Again, the key is to start with one beauty item at a time.
For example, makeup.
That is something I put on my face almost every single day. I usually apply it around 6 a.m., and it sits there until 9 p.m.
That is a long time.
So for me, makeup matters.
I want something that works, stays on, looks good, and does not cost a small fortune. But I also do not want to wonder what mystery chemicals are sitting on my skin all day.
So I started hunting for a cleaner makeup brand that felt affordable, easy to find, and realistic for both me and my oldest daughter.
I am in my 40s, and by now, I know I have been exposed to plenty of chemicals over the years. But my daughter is a teenager, and I am so grateful I get to help her start paying attention to this stuff while she is young.
Cleaner Makeup Brands We Use
We both use W3LL People.
I have slowly switched almost all of my makeup over to this brand, and I really do love it. It feels cleaner, it works well, and it is still pretty affordable compared to a lot of other cleaner makeup brands.
My daughter likes to explore a little more, so she has a few different brands that she uses, but they are brands I feel good about and approve of.
A few cleaner makeup brands we like are:
- W3LL People
This is the main one I use and love. It has been a great affordable option for everyday makeup. - ILIA Beauty
I truly love ILIA, but I will say, they can be a little expensive for the size of the product. Good products, just not always the most budget-friendly. - Saie
My daughter loves Saie. I have not personally tried much from them yet, but I approve of the brand and feel good about her using it. - Kosas
Kosas can be a good option too, especially when you can find it at discount stores like TJ Maxx. Cleaner makeup always feels a little better when you find it on sale.
Again, this does not mean these are the only good brands out there.
And it does not mean every single product from every single brand is perfect.
But for us, these have been realistic swaps that feel cleaner, still work, and do not make me feel like I need to sell a kidney just to buy mascara.
Final Thought
This does not have to be all or nothing.
The bathroom can feel like a lot once you really start looking around.
It adds up fast, and I know that can feel overwhelming.
The goal is to start noticing what is actually being used in your home.
Start with one product. Flip it over and look at what is in it. Look for fragrance, dyes, harsh cleaners, and those pretty words on the front that make a product sound safe but do not really tell you much.
If that product does not line up with your non-toxic goals, just research that one item and find a cleaner substitute that makes sense for your budget, your family, and real life.
Maybe that means switching your bathroom cleaner. Maybe it means tossing the aerosol spray. Maybe it means paying closer attention to the lotion, makeup, deodorant, or body wash being used every day.
One swap at a time is still progress.
And slowly, your bathroom starts to feel a little less toxic, a little more intentional, and a lot more peaceful.
Love, Andrea
Recipes:
DIY Toilet Spray for Poop Odor
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol, vodka, or witch hazel
• 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin or castile soap
• ½ cup distilled water
• 15 to 20 drops essential oil
• Small glass spray bottle
Essential Oil Blend
• 8 drops lemon
• 6 drops lavender
• 4 drops eucalyptus
• 2 drops peppermint
Directions
- Add the alcohol, vodka, or witch hazel to the spray bottle.
- Add the vegetable glycerin or castile soap.
- Add the essential oils.
- Pour in the distilled water.
- Put the lid on and shake well.
How to Use:
Shake before each use.
Spray 3 to 5 sprays directly into the toilet bowl before you go.
The spray helps create a light barrier on top of the water, which helps trap odor before it takes over the bathroom.
Notes
Do not spray directly on skin, towels, counters, toothbrushes, or beauty products.
Use less essential oil if you have kids, pets, asthma, allergies, or migraines in the house.
Store in a cool spot and use within a few weeks.
Simple DIY Bathroom Cleaner
Ingredients
• 1 cup distilled water
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol or vodka
• 1 teaspoon castile soap
• 10 to 15 drops essential oil, optional
• Glass spray bottle
Good Essential Oil Options
• Lemon
• Tea tree
• Lavender
• Eucalyptus
Directions
- Add the water and vinegar to the spray bottle.
- Add the rubbing alcohol or vodka.
- Add the castile soap.
- Add essential oils if using.
- Put the lid on and shake gently.
How to Use
Spray on sinks, counters, faucets, toilet seats, and outside of the toilet.
Let it sit for a minute or two, then wipe clean.
For showers and tubs, sprinkle baking soda first, then spray this cleaner over it and scrub.
Notes:
Do not use vinegar on natural stone like marble, granite, or travertine.
Do not mix this with bleach or any other cleaner.
Shake before each use.
Use essential oils lightly, especially around kids, pets, asthma, allergies, or migraines.
Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Fresh Bathroom Spray
Ingredients:
• 1 cup distilled water
• 1 tablespoon 70% rubbing alcohol, vodka, or witch hazel
• 5 drops lemon essential oil
• 4 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 3 drops lavender essential oil
• Glass spray bottle
Best for: bathroom, laundry room, musty spaces
Directions:
Add the alcohol, vodka, or witch hazel to the bottle first. Add the essential oils. Pour in the distilled water. Put the lid on and shake well.
Shake before every use.
Spray lightly into the air, not directly on skin, toothbrushes, towels, counters, pets, or beauty products.
Use fewer drops if you have kids, pets, asthma, allergies, migraines, or sensitive people in the house.