In my latest blog post – Low-Tox Personal Care Staples: Making the Switch Easier – I shared some of my favourite low-tox brands for foundation, face cleansers, moisturisers, deodorant and toothpaste. If you're just starting to swap out personal care products, I know it can feel overwhelming but there are so many options out there!
I wanted to build on my original blog post with a Part 2, sharing more of my favourite low-tox options for shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bar soap, sunscreen and perfume—products that are free from harmful ingredients and still perform beautifully! Hopefully, this helps take the guesswork out of finding safer alternatives so you can make the switch with confidence.
To help make things a little easier, here are a few common ingredients to watch out for in all personal care products:
Fragrances – This catch-all term hides thousands of undisclosed chemicals, including phthalates and synthetic compounds that can cause irritation, allergies and asthma. They’re in over 72% of personal care products and have even been linked to birth defects and infertility. Always check the label for “fragrance” or “parfum” and avoid them when possible.
Nitrosamines – These petroleum-derived ingredients (like DEA, TEA and MEA) are used to create lather and adjust pH. They absorb easily into the skin, can disrupt hormones, and may cause skin, lung and eye irritation. They can also react with other chemicals to form a potentially cancer-linked compound.
Parabens – These synthetic preservatives extend the shelf life of products like body wash, but they’re known to disrupt hormones and have been linked to breast cancer.
Triclosan – Commonly found in toothpaste, soaps and hand washes, this antibacterial agent is another known hormone disruptor.
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) – These foaming agents strip the skin of natural oils, often causing irritation and dryness. Some studies even suggest they may be carcinogenic.
Shampoo & Conditioner
Finding the perfect shampoo and conditioner combo that works best for your hair can be a journey! Whether your hair is curly or straight, coloured or natural, thick or fine, our goal is to help you find natural, low-tox shampoo and conditioner to keep your locks healthy and looking their best.
These are the two main brands I use (P.S. You can find all my low-tox hair tips for curly/wavy hair here if you have a similar hair type).
I love EverEscents Organic Hair Care – it’s truly low-tox, free from sulphates, silicones and other harsh chemicals—while still being incredibly nourishing and hydrating. Plus, the natural essential oil scents make every wash smell amazing!
I’m a huge fan of the Clever Curl range! Created by the same team behind EverEscents Organic Hair Care, you get that same high-quality haircare, but specifically designed for waves and curls. They even have a Fragrance Free range, which is awesome. The only product I’m not totally sold on is the Cleanser (basically like shampoo). For some reason, it makes my scalp super itchy after 2-3 days. So, I switch it out for an EverEscents shampoo, or lately, I’ve been loving this Melvory Shampoo (see below). That said, the rest of the Clever Curl products are absolutely amazing for wavy and curly hair. They’re a great low-tox option, and my curls have never looked better!
I’ve been loving Melvory’s Mandarin & Chamomile Shampoo – it smells like mandarin, leaving your hair feeling clean and smelling incredible (I’m a sucker for delicious citrusy scents!). Their formulas don’t contain any harsh chemicals and are free from sulphates/SLS, parabens, synthetic preservatives and artificial fragrances.
Use code "JORDAN15" for 15% off with Melvory.
Because we all need different things when it comes to hair care you can find loads more shampoo and conditioner brand recommendations here.
Perfume
Have you ever gotten a headache after being around someone wearing way too much perfume or felt nauseous just walking through the candle or perfume aisle? That’s because many fragrances are essentially chemical cocktails.
The tricky part is that FDA regulations don’t apply to perfumes, meaning companies aren’t required to disclose all their ingredients. Most brands hide their formulas behind the word “fragrance,” making it nearly impossible to know what’s actually in them. Many perfumes contain hundreds of chemicals, some of which can trigger allergic reactions, headaches, asthma attacks and breathing difficulties. They can also contain phthalates, which are linked to hormone disruption—and they won’t even be listed on the label.
When we breathe in or absorb these chemicals, they enter our bloodstream and accumulate in our tissues and organs over time. That means long-term exposure can lead to sensitivities, migraines, asthma, nausea, eczema and more. The best way to avoid this? Choose transparent perfume brands that fully disclose their ingredients. You can still wear perfume—just be mindful of what’s in it and opt for non-toxic alternatives.
Scents have a powerful way of shifting our mood—they can be uplifting, calming, nostalgic, or even give us a little confidence boost. That’s why I’ve included perfumes in this low-tox personal care round-up. While they may not be essential for everyone, for many, fragrance is a small but meaningful part of feeling good.
So if you’ve been on the hunt for a new low-tox perfume, these recommendations are for you! Here are some of my favourite natural perfumes.
ABEL FRAGRANCE – This brand uses 100% natural ingredients!
Use code ‘JORDANPIE15’ for 15% off a 50mL bottle. This offer is valid until April 30th, 2024.
Perfume is such a personal experience, and I’m all about finding scents that reflect my mood and style. I tend to gravitate toward fresh, citrusy fragrances, but also love a touch of woodsy, smoky, vanilla or musk notes. I’m personally not into anything overly sweet or floral.
Right now, I’m loving Abel’s Laundry Day Perfume. This one is described as a crisp, sun-filled citrus with fresh notes of cut grass, lime, passionfruit and vetiver—perfect for everyday wear. I also have their Cyan Nori Perfume, a sweet and salty musk inspired by the vast ocean. It has notes of tangerine, white peach, nori (seaweed) and musk – it’s light, fresh, and even has a multi-sex appeal. My partner uses this one from time to time. I’d love to try more from Abel’s range, as so far, I’m really enjoying both of these!
TULITA – A natural fragrance brand that offers a non-toxic, plant-based alternative to luxury perfumes—without compromising on scent sophistication. What I really love about TULITA is that they’re not just about fragrance; each one is also mood-enhancing, blending crystals and Ayurvedic botanicals to balance your chakra energy. Plus, each scent contains at least 55% organic ingredients, making it a beautiful, clean choice.
And let's not forget how stunning their perfume bottles are – the crystal on top is such a fun and fresh take on branding and I’m totally here for it! ❤️
You can use the code ‘jordie10’ for 10% off with Tulita - (this offer isvalid until 30th June 2025).
SENSORIAM – An online store offering a wide range of 100% natural perfumes for both men and women. They also carry mini perfume sample sets, which are perfect if you’re unsure about which scent or brand to choose. It’s a great way to try smaller versions of different options before committing to a full-size bottle, especially if you can't smell them in person. Plus, it gives you a chance to compare scents between brands and find your favourite (or favourites)!
They stock some of my favourite low-tox perfumes, including Vanessa Megan – my partner and I both love their Wild Woud 100% Natural Perfume. It has deep, woody tones with a hint of spice, and it’s not too sweet. This scent (along with a few of their others) has been in my low-tox rotation for years now!
Sensoriam also stocks other low-tox perfume brands (that I’m yet to try), including One Seed, Yusei, Vahy, Aura-Soma and more. Definitely check out their collection!
You can find even more non-toxic Perfume Swap recommendations here.
Sunscreen
When choosing sunscreen, a low-tox option is important, not just for your skin health but also for the environment, especially marine ecosystems. That’s why I love MOTHER SPF— their sunscreens are made with clean, low-tox ingredients, free from harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, making them safe for both you and the planet.
I’m obsessed with their range! I’ve tried all their products, but right now, these are my go-to picks:
Mineral Matte Mousse Sunscreen SPF 50 – This is perfect for the face! It’s lightweight, non-oily and truly matte. Plus, it has a slight tint, so you don’t have to worry about a white cast!
Tinted Touch Up SPF 50 Face Sunscreen – If you want even more tint, this is a great option. It also comes with a brush applicator, making touch-ups so easy. This one isn’t oily at all, it feels quite light to wear.
Face & Body Sunscreen SPF 50 – This one is my go-to for the body! It has a slightly oilier texture (but in a good way), making it super smooth and effortless to apply evenly.
Save 15% off with Mother SPF by using ‘JORDIE15’ ❤️
For more low-tox sunscreen recommendations, you can read these blogs posts:
I also have an updated Sunscreen Swaps post that Amelia and I shared at the end of 2024. You’ll find plenty of great recommendations there.
Body Wash
Our skin, being our largest organ, is profoundly impacted by what we slather on it, even when it’s washed off! Luckily, there are more and more brands committed to formulating their products with safe, non-toxic ingredients, opting to use natural, organic ingredients that are often fragrance-free and gentle on your body and our planet. Here’s a few of my favourite low-tox body wash brands:
KOALA ECO
I've been using their products for 3 or 4 years now, and I absolutely love their entire range! Their laundry liquid leaves my clothes smelling amazing, and their cleaning products keep the house clean without any of the nasty chemicals. Plus, their body wash and hand wash are staples in our home!
DR. PLANET
Fun Fact: Castile soap is incredibly versatile! Did you know you can use it as a body wash, hand wash, shampoo, all-purpose bathroom cleaner, toilet cleaner, laundry liquid, spot cleaner, dishwashing liquid and more? I love using Peppermint & Lavender Castile Soap as a body wash, and it’s my go-to when camping! It replaces multiple products in one bottle – perfect for washing dishes, hair, body, and even laundry when luggage space is limited. So convenient!
You can order both the Dr. Planet & Koala Eco products through Part&Parcel. They ship to both NZ and all over Australia. You can use ‘jordiepieface’ for $20 off your first order (minimum $99).
You can find more low-tox Body Wash recommendations here.
Bar Soap
While I prefer liquid body wash, my partner prefers bar soap. One key difference is that bar soaps are often more concentrated and eco-friendly, with less packaging and fewer ingredients compared to liquid soaps. If you’re the same and also prefer bar soaps, here are some of the low-tox brands I buy. The one I reach for most often is EcoStore, as it’s super easy to find in supermarkets here in NZ, and it’s often on sale, too, making it a really affordable option. 😊
If I’m already placing an order with Part&Parcel, I’ll often grab a bar of soap for my partner to try. They have a great selection of low-tox bar soaps, which are a much better choice compared to conventional options that often contain harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances. When choosing a good low-tox soap, look for natural ingredients like saponified oils (such as olive or coconut oil), essential oils for fragrance, and nourishing butters like shea or cocoa butter. If you want to buy any of the low-tox soaps Part&Parcel stock, you can use the discount code “jordiepieface” for $20 off your first order through Part&Parcel (min order $99).
For more brand recommendations, you can find our Bar Soap Swaps here.
P.S. If you want to learn more about the ingredients in personal care and skincare products, I highly recommend Truth in Beauty by Mukti. This book breaks down ingredients in an easy-to-follow way, highlighting which ones to avoid and which to seek out for healthier skin. It’s a great resource to help you make informed choices about the products you use daily – so you can achieve glowing skin and a more balanced lifestyle!
Use the code “JORDIEPIEFACE” for 20% OFF your first order with Mukti Organics.
If you’ve been following me over on Instagram @jordiepieface , you’ll know I’ve been teaming up with the amazing Amelia from @a.glimpse.of.amelia . Together, we share all sorts of helpful swap posts, like low-tox Moisturiser Swaps, Toothpaste Swaps, Face Cleanser Swaps, Perfume Swaps, Dishwashing Liquid & Powder Swaps, Bug Spray Swaps and so much more!
One question we get asked a lot is the one below, and I wanted to include it here as a great reminder: always check the ingredients list—even for products that make it onto our ‘top picks.’
COMMON QUESTIONS
Q: Hi, I'm confused why you’re allowing top picks to contain 'Parfum' and Sodium Benzoate and Benzyl Alcohol? I thought all these were a no-no and come up as red flags in the chemical apps I use.
A: Great question! Parfum, Benzyl Alcohol and Sodium Benzoate are ingredients we always encourage people to be mindful of, as they can sometimes contain hidden synthetic chemicals. However, not all versions are created equal – some brands use naturally derived or plant-based alternatives but still list them under the same name on the ingredients list.
The tricky part? Ingredient-scanning apps don’t have the ability to tell the difference between synthetic and naturally derived versions, which is why these can sometimes show up as red flags. That’s why it’s super important to look into a brand’s ethics and transparency! Checking their FAQs or even reaching out to ask about their sourcing and processing methods (especially for fragrance) can give you a clearer picture.
Also, ingredients can change at any time, so it’s good to stay vigilant. And if you’re ever unsure, we always recommend doing your own research too. You should feel completely comfortable with what you use and put on your body. 😊