The Myth Of Chemical-Free Claims

If you’ve ever found yourself standing in the personal care product aisle, turning over a bottle labeled “chemical-free” and feeling a wave of relief, trust me, you’re not alone.

The idea of using something that’s "free from chemicals" sounds like a win, especially when we’re trying to make healthier choices for ourselves and our families! But here’s the thing: there’s no such thing as a chemical-free product.

The term “clean beauty” has become a major trend in the wellness and skincare world. While it sounds great on the surface, the truth is that the term “clean beauty” isn’t regulated. That means companies can define “clean” however they want, and they often do. This has opened the door for two major marketing tactics: greenwashing and cleanwashing.

Greenwashing happens when a company tries to appear environmentally friendly without making meaningful changes to its products or practices. Cleanwashing, on the other hand, focuses more on personal health, using buzzwords like “non-toxic,” “natural,” or “chemical-free” to imply a product is safer or healthier than it actually is.

Companies will woo you with front-of-package marketing language—like “free-of” or "free-from" claims—while they sometimes still contain questionable ingredients in their product.

Some brands might genuinely want to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals in their products (and that’s great!). Others, though, are simply jumping on the trend because it helps them sell more. They know many of us are rightfully concerned about things like hormone-disrupting chemicals, so they slap on “chemical-free” as a shortcut to gain our trust.

However, let’s be clear: everything is either a chemical or composed of chemicals. Ammonia and sucrose are both chemicals. Your morning tea is a complex mixture of many different chemicals. Estrogen, cortisol, and serotonin—all chemicals that are in our bodies naturally.

So when a product says “chemical-free,” it’s not just misleading, it’s inaccurate.

What these brands are likely trying to say is that their products don’t contain certain harmful or concerning chemicals commonly found in personal care products.

And that’s a message I can get behind, but let’s call it what it is!

If you’re looking to avoid potentially harmful ingredients, here are some common ones to watch out for:

• Phthalates: Often used to make fragrances last longer, but they’ve been linked to hormone disruption.

• PFAS: (a.k.a. “forever chemicals”): Used in long-wear and waterproof cosmetics, but associated with a range of health concerns.

• Fragrance/Parfum: This catch-all term can hide dozens (or even hundreds) of unknown chemical ingredients, some of which are known to be allergenic or respiratory irritants.

  
  

Learning to read ingredient labels and knowing what to look for can empower you to make more informed choices, without falling for flashy, confusing, or misleading marketing language.

And let me just say, if you’ve ever bought into the idea of chemical-free products, please don’t feel bad. We all have. Even me!

It’s easy to get swept up in messaging that plays on our desire to live healthier, cleaner lives.

The big needle movers when it comes to health will always be the basics: eat a well-balanced, nutrient-dense, and varied eating pattern, move your body, get good sleep, and lower your stress. If you’re already doing these things and are still not making progress in your health, taking a closer look at our environmental exposures can be the thing that nudges that needle a little further!

I’ve done the research, and I know which brands are working for our health and well-being. I’m happy to help you navigate this landscape.

I also want to emphasize the importance of a strong immune system. That’s why I recommend Armra. Please note: I am not a doctor, so always consult with your doctor before starting any new supplements.

Transparency is key! I only recommend products I genuinely believe in and use myself. I am an affiliate for some of the companies I recommend, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links. This helps me continue to provide valuable content.

I’m excited to share some of my favorite non-toxic picks with you!

Purehaven: For those of you looking for high-quality, non-toxic skincare and beauty products, I highly recommend Purehaven. Their products are formulated with safe and effective ingredients, and they are committed to transparency. Just a heads-up: the Purehaven sale ends tomorrow, Monday, July 14th! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to stock up on your favorites.

For more details, check out my website and my list of Trusted Non-Toxic Picks!

I’m curious to hear from you - what marketing claims have you fallen for, only to realize later that you were misled? Hit reply and let me know!

Warmly,

Marjorie

The Non-Toxic Way

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