Personal Care

No matter where you rank on the green scale, personal care products—from shampoo to toothpaste to deodorant—are usually part of everyday life. Unfortunately, many of these products harbor harmful chemicals, including parabens, triclosan, and phthalates, which can have a significant impact on human health and the health of ecosystems and wildlife.

The good news is that many companies now offer greener alternatives. Learn more about the effects of conventional personal care products and find eco-friendlier options with GreenYour's guide to personal care.

Glossary

  • parabens: This family of synthetic preservatives (which includes methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and butyl-parabens) can possibly disrupt the endocrine system.
  • phthalates: Phthalates are additives that are widely used in plastics and other materials, mainly to make them soft and flexible. They have applications in industry, in medicine, and in consumer products.
  • triclosan: An antibacterial agent. Effects may range from skin and eye irritation to the formation of dioxin and chloroform in the right circumstances, both probable carcinogens.