Self-Care Staples You Might Be Overlooking: Cosmetics, Cleaning Products & Your Toxic Load

Written By Stephanie M

My Journey Toward Cleaner Living

I still remember the moment I realized that candlelight wasn’t the only thing I needed to inspect under a microscope. With two kids, two dogs, and my husband at home, I’d always assumed the worst of the toxins were outside. But as I began really looking at the ingredients of our cosmetics, cleaners, even laundry detergents, I saw how many everyday staples we were using contained phthalates, parabens, and other endocrine disruptors.

It’s been a messy, sometimes overwhelming process—reading small print, tossing out “safe” brands, learning that “natural” doesn’t always mean non-toxic—but I believe it’s so worth it for our long-term health, for our kids, for our home. If you’re starting down this path too, you’re not alone.

What Are We Talking About — Phthalates, Parabens & More

Phthalates are commonly used to make fragrances last longer, in plastics, vinyl, personal care items. But research shows they can act as endocrine disruptors, affecting hormone balance, possibly impacting fertility, development, even respiratory health.

Parabens are preservatives. They help prevent bacteria and fungi growth in cosmetics and cleansers—but some types are also suspected endocrine disruptors and may cause skin irritation, especially for sensitive folks.

Other hidden “nasties” might include synthetic dyes, certain preservatives, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaning sprays, and formaldehyde releasers.

Here’s something many people don’t realize: new clothing is often treated with formaldehyde and other chemicals to prevent wrinkling, mold, or pests during shipping. Studies have shown these can contribute to skin irritation, allergies, and add to your overall toxic load. That’s why I always recommend pre-washing new clothes - especially for kids and babies, who have more sensitive skin.

I’ll dive deeper into this in an upcoming blog, but it’s another reminder that toxins don’t just come from what we eat or apply - they’re woven (literally) into our everyday lives.

How I Started Making Changes

I wish I could recall when I first heard about an app that changed my life (no sponsorship here!). I believe it was a vendor at a market told me about “Yuka,” an app that scans cosmetics and cleaning products to show ingredient info. Yuka rates these products from 0 to 100 based on their health impact. It flags ingredients like endocrine disruptors, allergens, and irritants. It suggests healthier alternatives. It even provides links to all of the resources used to determine their rating (including US and international health agencies and research studies). It doesn’t shame - just gives data.

I started scanning everything in the house that we were already using - skin care products, shampoos, dish soaps - to see what would come up. Once I learned how bad these things could be, there was no unseeing it. This meant making changes: replacing a body wash, ditching most of my nail polishes, testing safer cleaning products. There were many things that I immediately tossed, but there were also some things that I would feel safe using, but in moderation. It’s not perfect, but it gives you agency.

What I’ve Changed/Switched To

Here are some steps we’ve taken, that might help you too:

  • Switched many cleaners to more natural & transparent brands (ones without phthalates/parabens).

  • Switched cosmetics/skincare where possible to simpler formulas.

  • Began checking every ingredient with Yuka.

  • Introduced houseplants not just for looks, but as part of a wellness approach (more on that below).

  • Removed all of my scented plug-ins & room sprays - this is the one reason I started creating Stevi Ann Designs skin-safe room & linen sprays, wax melts, and diffusers in addition to my candles.

  • Always pre-washing before wearing.

  • And most importantly, letting go of perfection, embracing progress.

Plants, Brands & Other Tools That Help

Here are tools & allies that have helped us (not sponsored, all by choice):

Brands we like that tend to score well on Yuka:

  • Burt’s Bees for many of their lip balms, body products; Shea Moisture for hair & body products; Dr. Bronner’s body wash & shaving gel; Happy Baby snacks; SOPHi & Piggy Paint nail polish; Softsoap hand soap; Blue Lizard kids mineral sunscreen stick

Plants:

There’s a famous NASA clean air experiment from the 1980s that looked at plants’ ability to remove toxins from the air. More specifically, these: Snake Plant (Sansevieria / Dracaena trifasciata), Spider Plant, Peace Lily, Aloe Vera, Boston Fern, English Ivy, Bamboo Palm are frequently listed among indoor air‐purifying plants. Later studies have found that while plants do help to remove VOCs in sealed or low-air-exchange environments, in a typical home with ventilation, the purification effect was smaller and depends on the plant type, quantity, and room ventilation.

  • A 2022 Frontiers in Built Environment study found that adding more “planting volume” (larger or more plants) significantly reduced the formaldehyde and toluene levels in a test environment. Did you need a sign to buy more plants? Well here it is! 🌱 🪴

  • A 2023 review in Chemosphere confirmed that plant roots and the soil microbiome may be just as important as leaves in filtering toxins.

  • A 2024 review emphasized that while plants won’t replace ventilation, they do contribute, especially in low-airflow spaces.

Apps/Resources: Yuka app. Also reading independent labs/tests, checking EWG, etc.

Why It’s Worth It

It’s been difficult. Sometimes “cleaner” options are more expensive or harder to find. Some things I bought haven’t worked well (texture, smell, performance). It’s a process of trial and error. Having kids and pets adds another layer—something must be effective and safe around them. But every small switch feels like reclaiming a bit more peace of mind.

Why it’s worth it:

  • Lowering toxic exposure early matters, especially for kids whose bodies are still developing.

  • Less irritation, allergies, chemical sensitivities around the home.

  • Long term, less cumulative chemical load may reduce risks.

What to Look for When Shopping

When you’re evaluating products:

  • Use Yuka or similar: scan labels.

  • Check for “paraben-free”, “phthalate-free”, “fragrance-free” or “uses natural fragrance” — but still check the ingredients.

  • Avoid vague “fragrance” blends if you don’t know what’s in them.

  • Choose simpler, fewer-ingredient formulas.

  • Double-check even “natural” labeled products.

  • Prioritize companies with transparency.

This journey toward safer self-care is ongoing for me, but every small swap counts. If you’re here, you already care—and that’s a huge first step. This journey isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. Whether it’s scanning a shampoo, pre-washing a shirt, or adding a plant to your desk, small steps matter. Your space is more than four walls—it’s where healing and happiness should begin.

Next up, we’ll dive deeper into creating a healthier, more luxurious lifestyle one small choice at a time. Meanwhile, I invite you to explore my collections today and experience the difference clean, conscious luxury makes.

Stay well,

🤍Stevi

Founder of Stevi Ann Designs

Helpful Resources & Further Reading

Stephanie M
Next

Why Choosing Non-Toxic Candles Matters: Protecting Your Health and Home