☀️ Summer’s here. So are the sneaky toxins.

Summer should feel like watermelon slices and Vitamin D—not like a low-dose chemical experiment.

From waterproof mascaras to those squishy pool toys your kid won’t stop chewing, summer is packed with products that sneak in hormone-disrupting, skin-irritating, and forever chemical–carrying toxins.

Here's your cheat sheet to swap smart, stay cool, and reduce your exposure to everywhere and forever chemicals during the summer. 👍️ 

🔬 The Research

This checklist is built from research by the Environmental Working Group, Silent Spring Institute, and other watchdogs who read ingredient labels so you don’t have to.

In the summer heat, toxins like phthalates, oxybenzone, and PFAS become more absorbable—and more problematic.

But a few simple swaps go a long way. 🙏 

Swaps

🥥 Your Summer Swap Checklist

🧴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 or sun care with parabens, 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.

Bonus: Kids’ Pool Toys

 ❌ Avoid: Squishy vinyl or PVC toys

 ✅ Use instead: Natural rubber, silicone, or hard BPA-free plastic

 🌿 Why: Safer for kids who chew on everything (you know the one) 👶

Next Steps

What You Can Do Today

• Do a “toxic swap audit” of your summer bag (or your kids’ pool stuff)

• Upgrade just 1 or 2 essentials—you don’t need to overhaul everything overnight

TL;DR

🧪 Common toxins: oxybenzone, DEET, phthalates, PFAS, and mystery fragrances

🌡️ Heat increases chemical absorption—especially through skin and plastic

👶 Kids and pets are extra vulnerable

✅ Safer swaps are easy, affordable, and better for your health

Spread the love

Sharing is caring

• Forward this newsletter to a friend or family member

• Follow us for weekly updates and healthy swaps:

  • @notoxinsclub on X

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  • NoToxinsClub on Facebook

Stay informed, share the love—and as always, live healthy and happy!

The No Toxins Club :)