☀️ The No Toxins Club: Summer Swap Guide

What to avoid—and what to use instead (and why)

Your skin absorbs more than sunshine. Many popular summer products contain ingredients linked to hormone disruption, skin irritation, or environmental damage.

Here’s how to clean up your summer kit—without sacrificing safety or fun.

☀️ Sunscreen

❌ Avoid:

  • Oxybenzone

  • Octinoxate

These ingredients are absorbed into your bloodstream within hours and have been linked to hormone disruption in both human and animal studies. They’re also toxic to coral reefs, which is why places like Hawaii and Thailand have banned them.

✅ Use Instead:

  • Zinc oxide (non-nano)

  • Titanium dioxide (non-nano)

These mineral-based sunscreens sit on the surface of your skin, reflecting UV rays without sinking into your system. They’re also reef-safe and kid-safe.

🦟 Bug Spray

❌ Avoid:

  • DEET

  • Synthetic fragrance

DEET is effective—but also toxic to pets and aquatic life. It can cause skin reactions and damage plastics. Fragrance adds unlisted ingredients that can trigger allergies or disrupt hormones.

✅ Use Instead:

  • Lemon eucalyptus oil (CDC-approved)

  • Citronella-based sprays

  • Essential oil blends in witch hazel

These plant-based alternatives are gentle on skin, safe for pets, and still help repel mosquitos and ticks.

💧 Water Bottles

❌ Avoid:

  • Single-use plastic bottles

  • Plastic labeled #3 (PVC), #6 (PS), or #7 (“Other”)

These can leach harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, or styrene—especially in the heat. Leaving them in the sun or car increases your exposure.

✅ Use Instead:

  • Stainless steel (insulated)

  • Glass with silicone sleeve

  • BPA-free reusable bottles

They’re heat-safe, durable, and won’t release toxins.

🌿 After-Sun Care

❌ Avoid:

  • Aloe gels with alcohol, dyes, or fragrance

These often contain drying agents or mystery “fragrance” compounds that do more harm than good—especially on sunburned or sensitive skin.

✅ Use Instead:

  • 100% pure aloe vera gel

  • Shea butter

  • Calendula cream or coconut oil

These soothe and heal naturally without side effects.

🧼 Cleaning Sprays & Air Fresheners

❌ Avoid:

  • Products with bleach, ammonia, or “fragrance”

  • Plug-ins or sprays labeled “fresh scent”

These can worsen indoor air quality, trigger asthma, and contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

✅ Use Instead:

  • White vinegar + water + essential oils

  • Baking soda scrubs

  • Pre-made non-toxic brands (like Branch Basics or Attitude)

They clean just as well—without irritating your lungs or pets.