Low-Tox Home: Cleaning Ingredients to Ditch for Better Health

Your genes play a major role in how well your body detoxifies everyday chemicals.

If key detox genes like GSTM1, GSTP1, GPX4, SOD, SULT1A1, or CYP1A1 are slower, repeated exposure to harsh cleaning ingredients can heighten inflammation and oxidative stress.

Product Ingredients to Avoid

1. Fragrance

Also listed as: fragrance, parfum, aroma

“Fragrance” can hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, including phthalates and synthetic musks, linked to hormone disruption and headaches.

Choose fragrance-free or essential-oil-scented options.

2. Antibacterial Additives

Also listed as: triclosan, benzalkonium chloride, quats

These “germ-killing” agents can interfere with thyroid hormones and microbiome balance.

Choose simple soap, vinegar, or hydrogen-peroxide cleaners.

3. Harsh Solvents and Surfactants

Also listed as: 2-butoxyethanol, SLS/SLES, nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs)

These strip grease but can irritate skin and lungs.

Choose plant-based surfactants like coco glucoside or decyl glucoside.

4. Bleach and Ammonia

Also listed as: sodium hypochlorite, ammonium hydroxide

Strong fumes irritate airways and add stress to detox pathways.

Choose hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, or vinegar-based cleaners.

5. Preservatives and Stabilizers

Also listed as: MIT, CMIT, parabens, formaldehyde donors

Used for shelf life but linked to skin irritation and hormone disruption.

Choose products with citric acid or sodium benzoate instead.

6. Optical Brighteners and Dyes

Also listed as: fluorescent whitening agents, FD&C dyes

Used in laundry detergents to make clothes appear “brighter.”

Choose dye-free, “Free & Clear” formulas.

7. Phosphates and 1,4-Dioxane

Also listed as: sodium tripolyphosphate, laureth compounds (-eth endings)

Phosphates pollute waterways, and 1,4-dioxane is a known carcinogen often found in sudsing agents.

Choose phosphate-free and Safer Choice-certified products.

The good news: small swaps make a big difference

EWG Verified® Cleaning Brands:

Branch Basics

Aspen Clean

ATTITUDE

Blueland

defunkify

Smart Shopping: Apps That Help You Check Ingredients

You don’t have to memorize every chemical name, scan and check before you buy.

Here are a few apps that make ingredient research quick and easy:

EWG Healthy Living – Uses trusted Environmental Working Group data to rate food, cosmetic, and household products.

Oasis – Focuses on home and personal care, showing ingredient lists, safety ratings, and environmental impact.

Yuka – Ranks food and personal care products from Excellent to Poor based on ingredient safety.

OnSkin – Evaluates risks for irritation, endocrine disruption, and allergens.

Even “green” products can hide synthetic fragrances or quats.

Scan before you purchase and look for EWG Verified™, Made Safe®, or Safer Choice labels.

Bringing It Back to Genetics

If your report shows slower detox variants in GSTM1, GSTP1, GPX4, SOD, SULT1A1, or CYP1A1 reducing toxin exposure can ease inflammation and improve energy.

Your environment is one of the biggest epigenetic signals your body receives, and cleaner choices help your genes work better. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s progress. Each safer swap supports your body’s natural detox pathways and long-term wellness.

Discover how your genes process toxins: Order your MaxGen Labs genetic test and learn how to protect your health from the inside out.

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Source:

“EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning.” www.ewg.org, www.ewg.org/cleaners/.