Clean Living Made Simple: 25 Low-Tox Swaps to Make in 2025
When it comes to cutting out toxins in your life, it can quickly feel like the more you know, the more overwhelming it becomes. You start off with good intentions—swapping out your cleaning spray, rethinking your beauty routine, maybe even questioning the materials in your clothes. But before long, what once seemed simple feels impossibly complicated, and you’re left wondering which changes actually make a difference. Between greenwashed labels and conflicting claims, it’s hard not to feel stuck.
Take my toothpaste dilemma, for example. Years ago, I decided to ditch fluoride, knowing it can contribute to calcification of my pineal gland; and that isn’t something I want for my health. I thought I’d found the solution with nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste. It felt like a “healthier” alternative. But at $20 a tube, I later realized there’s no solid evidence showing it’s better than the fluoride I wanted to avoid in the first place (more about that later). The whole experience left me feeling like I got scammed—questioning why I was breaking the bank for something I wasn’t really getting any health benefits from.
It’s enough to make anyone throw their hands up in frustration. But here’s the thing—you don’t have to figure everything out all at once. Take the pressure off yourself to be perfect. Low-tox living doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing game. Instead of fixating on getting it “right,” focus on making progress in the right direction. When you aim for better—even if it’s not quite best yet—you’re still making meaningful, positive changes. Every small step forward counts. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.
To make this easier, I’ve put together a list of 25 low-tox swaps for 2025. This guide is here to give you actionable steps without feeling overwhelmed. Think of it as your blueprint for replacing everyday products—one at a time—with safer, more intentional choices that make a big difference in how you feel and in the environment you create for yourself.
25 Low-Tox Swaps to Try in 2025
Switching to a low-tox lifestyle doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’ve put together a list of our favorite swaps to help you get started, focusing on reducing exposure to hormone disruptors, carcinogens, and other harmful toxins. These aren’t affiliate links, just our honest recommendations. There’s nothing on this list that at least one Magnolia Wellness team member doesn’t use themself.
So use these suggestions as your starting point, and feel free to experiment with finding products on your own as well. Apps like yuka and sites like the Environmental Working Group make it easy to look up a product to see what ingredients might be of concern so you can make smart choices.
1. Switch Up Your Hand Soap
Our Favorites: Branch Basics or Adam's Thick Organic Castile Soap
Most conventional hand soaps include synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals that can irritate skin and disrupt hormones. Instead, consider castile soap, which cleans effectively with natural, biodegradable ingredients.
But be sure to get the thick castile soap! Normal castile soap is too thin and shoots out of soap pumps in unpredictable ways. You want the thick one for sure. That’s why we love the Adam’s brand so much.
2. Upgrade Your Laundry Detergent
Our Favorites: Sal Suds with Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
Traditional detergents often contain skin irritants like synthetic fragrances and optical brighteners. Natural alternatives are gentler, but they don’t always work well! This does.
Use 2 tablespoons of Sal Suds in each load of laundry. For towels, linens, workout gear, and anything else you typically wash in hot water, add a scoop of Arm & Hammer Washing Soda to fight odors and for extra stain fighting power.
3. Replace Fabric Softener with Vinegar
Fabric softeners coat clothes with chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin. Vinegar is a simple, natural substitute that softens fabric and eliminates residue without the harsh additives. And don’t worry! It won’t leave your clothes smelling like you just dyed Easter eggs.
4. Ditch Dryer Sheets for Wool Dryer Balls
Dryer sheets often release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your air, which can irritate lungs and skin. Wool dryer balls are reusable, reduce static, and avoid harmful chemicals.
And if you want, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the dryer balls for a little scent boost.
5. Try a Safer Dishwasher Detergent
Our Favorite: Ecover Dishwasher Detergent Powder
Conventional detergents may get your dishes clean, but they leave behind harmful residues you definitely don’t want to eat off of. Most natural detergents don’t perform well and can be clumpy. This one works! Don’t be afraid to buy it in bulk to get a good deal.
6. Swap Out Your Dish Soap
Our Favorite: Sal Suds
Many dish soaps include synthetic dyes and fragrances that can harm skin and disrupt your body’s endocrine system. Once again, we recommend Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds. Yes, the same bottle that can do your laundry can also wash your dishes. You might want to get the gallon sized jug because it’s that good!
But don’t confuse this for regular castile soap. Sal Suds is not technically considered a soap, which is why it’s so good at getting your home clean.
7. Choose a Natural All-Purpose Cleaner
Our Favorites: Sal Suds or Thieves Cleaner
All-purpose cleaners are notorious for their chemical cocktails. Plant-based options like these provide effective cleaning without exposure to harmful toxins.
A drop of Dr Bronner’s Sal Suds can be diluted in a spray bottle and be used as an all purpose cleaner (but be careful not to use too much or you’ll leave a soapy residue on your counters). Thieves cleaner is a bit more expensive but works great on floors, windows, and mirrors. It’s streak free and doesn’t leave any sticky residue behind. Pro tip: if you know a Young Living consultant, get it through them. It’s cheaper than on Amazon.
8. Use a Simple Scrub for Tough Messes
Our Favorites: Bon Ami or Baking Soda for Kitchen Sinks and Bathtubs
Many abrasive cleaners contain chlorine and other hazardous chemicals. Bon Ami and Baking Soda both offer a safe, effective way to clean without the toxins.
9. Swap Your Swiffer for a Reusable Mop Head
Our Favorite: Mop Heads on Amazon
Pair It With: Thieves Cleaner
Disposable pads are wasteful and often drenched with chemicals you definitely don’t want to be breathing in and walking barefoot on. A reusable, washable mop head paired with a natural cleaner keeps your floors clean and chemical-free.
10. Explore Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
Our Favorites: Zebra, Van Man’s Tooth Powder, Hello, Native, Tom’s of Maine, or Himalaya Botanique
Fluoride comes with concerns about calcification in the body (particularly our pineal glands) and has other potential health risks. These alternatives prioritize a clean smile without the dangers of fluoride. Zebra is the priciest on our list as far as everyday toothpaste goes. The Hello brand and Native are the mintiest, which is hard to find in natural toothpastes. And Van Man’s Tooth Powder will take some getting used to but is great for a weekly remineralization treatment. Unlike nano-hydroxyapatite which was invented by NASA and made in a lab, the hydroxyapatite in the tooth powder comes from the bones of grassfed cattle.
11. Consider a Natural Deodorant
Our Favorites: Little Seed Farm, Dr. Teal’s, or Zebra
Many deodorants contain aluminum, which is linked to hormone disruption. Natural deodorants are better for your health, but finding one that works for you can be a bit tricky.
If you can afford it, I say go for the Zebra deodorant in the vetiver sandalwood. It’s the only deodorant I’ve ever loved this much! The Little Seed Farm may take some getting used to because you apply it with your fingers. And the Dr. Teal’s is a super affordable option that’s easy to find at places like Walmart and Target.
12. Look for Clean Body Wash or Soap
Our Favorites: Kiss My Face Olive Oil Soap or Dr. Natural’s Castile Soap
Typical body washes often contain sulfates and parabens that can strip your skin of natural oils. Kiss My Face Olive Oil Soap is super gentle, has no added fragrance, and keeps your skin healthy and moisturized. If you prefer a liquid instead of a bar, Dr. Natural’s Castile Soap is all natural and affordable (compared to Dr. Bronner’s). Since this soap is thin, you’ll want to use your favorite loofah to get it to lather up.
13. Simplify Your Shampoo and Conditioner
Our Favorites: Under Luna or Boldly Basic Shampoo and Conditioner
Shampoos and conditioners with synthetic fragrances and silicones aren’t good for your hair, but finding a natural shampoo and conditioner you like is no easy task. Be patient with this one as you’ll find the natural shampoos don’t lather and the conditioners aren’t quite as thick. If you’re looking for the full spa treatment, Under Luna has beautiful glass packaging and even a trial bundle with all of their products so you can try them all. If you aren’t looking to spend as much, check out Boldly Basic on Amazon.
14. Ditch Plastic Dishes and Containers
Our Favorites: Glass Pyrex and Anchor
Plastic leaches hormone disruptors like BPA into your food, especially when heated. Glass is safer, more durable, and a sustainable swap. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to get rid of all your chipped, spaghetti sauce stained plastic containers with missing lids, this is it!
15. Upgrade Your Nonstick Cookware
Our Favorites: Cast Iron or Stainless Steel
Nonstick coatings can release PFOA and other toxic fumes when heated. They’re especially dangerous if the coating is scratched. Cast iron and stainless steel are safe, long-lasting options that get the job done without risk. You don’t need to invest in the cute pots and pans with ceramic coating. When it comes to your cookware, simpler is better.
16. Filter Your Drinking Water
Our Favorites: Spring Water or A Distiller
In a perfect world, you’d drink water fresh from a spring full of vitality and minerals. But most of us are left with tap. Tap water often contains pesticides, heavy metals, and other contaminants. A distiller removes impurities, giving you clean, safe water to drink every day. This one is the Cadillac of distillers, but it is an investment. Amazon also has an option that’s much more affordable and a good place to start. Then you’ll want to remineralize your water after distillation. And when you’re on the go and need to grab a bottle at the grocery store, go for spring water (in glass when possible).
17. Clean Your Air(and Skip Candles)
Our Favorites: Shark Never Change Air Purifier or Air Doctor
Candles and air fresheners can release VOCs into your space. Air purifiers improve indoor air quality while reducing exposure to synthetic fragrances and toxins. When it comes to air purifiers, practically every health influencer recommends an Air Doctor. They are fantastic machines! The only downside is that the filters can be expensive to replace. Shark Never Change’s filter only needs to be replaced once every 5 years. You just need to clean it in between, so that’s a more budget friendly option.
18. Filter Your Shower Water
Unfiltered water can expose you to chlorine and heavy metals that irritate skin and hair. A shower filter helps reduce these contaminants for a gentler experience. You can even get a little filter bag to hang off your bathtub and filter that water too. It’s not a perfect solution, but it will drastically reduce the chlorine in your bath water.
19. Choose Organic Cotton Underwear
Our Favorite: The Gap
Your underwear touches the most sensitive parts of your body, so organic cotton is a safer, chemical-free option to prioritize comfort and health. A couple members of the Magnolia Wellness team all ordered different organic cotton underwear and so far, it seems like the ones from the Gap are the winner. We also tried Quince and Q for Quinn, but Gap seems to be the overall fan favorite!
20. Upgrade to Organic Cotton Bras
Our Favorite: Jockey
Organic cotton bras offer the same benefits as underwear, keeping pesticides and chemical dyes away from your skin. If you’ve gone down the low-tox living rabbit hole, you’ve probably heard that athletic clothing like sports bras and leggings are loaded with toxic forever chemicals. Finding a comfy, organic cotton bra for everyday wear has been a challenge, but Jockey has super soft bralettes with just the right amount of stretch.
21. Sleep Better with Organic Cotton Sheets
Our Favorites: Linen or Organic Cotton Sheets
Your skin absorbs what it touches while you sleep. And since the average American will spend roughly 36 years of their life in bed, the quality of your sheets is important. If you look into the frequency of fabrics, you’ll learn that linen is healing and organic cotton is a close runner up. Linen tends to be a bit warmer and organic cotton brushed percale sheets stay cooler, so consider that when choosing. Linen is definitely more of an investment, but honestly, the less expensive organic cotton percale sheets from Target are just as nice for a good night’s rest (if not nicer). Just don’t fall for bamboo sheets. The process of turning bamboo into fabric typically involves heavy chemical processing, similar to how rayon is made.
22. Refresh Your Wardrobe with Natural Fabrics
Our Favorites: Cotton, Linen, or Wool
Synthetic fabrics can shed microplastics and contain chemical treatments. Natural materials are safer, breathable, and more sustainable for daily wear. But this is a slow process. Don’t try to overhaul your wardrobe all at once. It’s better to just pay closer attention to the new items you bring home. To start, look for 100% cotton tops and avoid polyester when possible.
23. Try a Natural Bug Spray
Our Favorite: Badger
Chemical-based bug sprays often include DEET, which raises health concerns. Natural options with ingredients like citronella or essential oils can keep bugs away without the risks. This is one of those things you don’t think of until you really need it. So if you have any plans of camping, hiking, or spending time outside, be sure to grab a cleaner option so you don’t end up having to buy the toxic stuff at the convenience store.
24. Switch to Mineral Sunscreen
Our Favorites: Sun Love or Bare Republic
Conventional sunscreens contain chemicals that are absorbed into your body and may disrupt hormones. Mineral-based sunscreens offer safer protection with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. In general, I’m not a fan of sunscreen, but there are times when it’s needed so it’s good to have a natural SPF on hand for when you need it.
25. Go Fragrance-Free or Use Natural Perfume
Avoiding fragrance and parfum is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your health. Synthetic perfumes can contribute to hormone disruption and skin irritation. Swapping for essential oil blends or going fragrance-free is a much healthier alternative, especially for your hormones.
Low-tox Living Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank
A great way to approach this is to work with what you’ve got. Use up the products you already have, and give yourself time to research and explore what feels like a better upgrade when it comes time to replace them. You don’t need to overhaul your home in a weekend. Gradual changes, done at your own pace, are not only more manageable but also more sustainable over the long term. The goal isn’t to reach perfection overnight; it’s to move steadily toward healthier choices that support your well-being.
It can be simple, affordable, and will even feel empowering once you get some momentum going. By the end of 2025, you’ll look back and realize how far you’ve come—and how easy it was to make progress once you ditched the pressure of perfection.
These swaps can help you take a big step toward a healthier, low-tox lifestyle. Start with the changes that feel easiest for you, and remember that progress always beats perfection!
Are you subscribed to get Magnolia Wellness emails yet?
Sign up for our free weekly newsletter trusted by thousands of wellness enthusiasts to transform their health. Be the first to know about sales, access insider information on natural supplements, and unlock the secrets of holistic wellness practices with a TCM twist.