Reading Labels: Ingredients to Avoid in Everyday Products

If you’ve ever flipped over a bottle of shampoo, dish soap or all-purpose cleaner and felt completely lost reading the ingredients—you're not alone. Many everyday products are filled with complex, unregulated chemicals that can be hard to pronounce, let alone understand. But learning how to read labels is one of the most empowering steps you can take on your low-tox living journey.

Whether you're swapping out items one by one or just want to know what's really in the stuff you use every day, this guide will help you decode ingredient labels and spot common red flags.

Why Ingredients Matter

Your skin is your largest organ, and your indoor air quality is directly impacted by what you spray, clean with and burn (hello, candles and air fresheners). Many conventional products contain ingredients linked to hormone disruption, allergies, reproductive issues and even cancer. While one exposure might be minor, our bodies are often bombarded with these compounds daily—from soaps and shampoos to laundry detergent and countertop sprays - the exposure compounds.

By choosing better ingredients, you're not only reducing your toxic load—you’re also protecting your family, your pets and the environment.

Top Ingredients to Avoid

1. Fragrance (Parfum)
If you see the word "fragrance" or "parfum" on a label, put the bottle down. This vague term can hide up to hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, including phthalates (hormone disruptors) and allergens. Look for products labeled “fragrance-free” or those scented only with pure essential oils.

2. SLS / SLES (Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate)
These are foaming agents commonly found in shampoos, soaps and toothpaste. They can be irritating to the skin and eyes and are often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen.

3. Parabens (Methyl-, Propyl-, Butyl-, Ethylparaben)
Used as preservatives, parabens can mimic estrogen and have been found in breast tissue. Avoid them in lotions, deodorants and body care.

4. Triclosan
An antibacterial agent found in hand soaps and toothpaste, triclosan has been linked to hormone disruption and can contribute to antibiotic resistance. The FDA has already banned it from hand sanitizers—but it still shows up in some products.

5. Synthetic Dyes (FD&C or D&C Colors)
These artificial colorings are often derived from petroleum and may contain heavy metals or be linked to behavioral issues in children. They’re unnecessary in most products and easy to avoid.

6. Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives
Look for names like DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, or quaternium-15. These slowly release formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, over time.

7. PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols)
These are used as thickeners or solvents and may be contaminated with carcinogenic compounds like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.

Tips for Smarter Label Reading

• Use apps or guides like the EWG’s Skin Deep Database or Think Dirty to scan product barcodes.
• Look for short ingredient lists with recognizable, plant-based names.
• Don’t be fooled by greenwashing. Terms like “natural” or “eco-friendly” aren’t regulated. Always check the label.
• Choose brands with full transparency. If a company doesn’t disclose their ingredients, they probably have something to hide.
• Look for a short ingredient list. The shorter the list, often times the better when it comes to ingredients. Also, if you can’t pronounce it, stay away from it.

You don’t need a degree in chemistry to clean up your cabinets—just a willingness to learn and a little curiosity. Start with one product, read the label and choose a better alternative when it’s time to replace it. Over time, those small swaps will add up to a healthier home and a more informed, empowered you.