“Clean” Is a Lie: Why I Threw Out My Candles, Soap & Makeup—and What I Use Instead

In my last blog, I shared how I started reading labels and slowly swapped out toxic products in my home. I even gave you a free guide to help decode some of the worst offenders (if you missed it—go grab that first!). But today, I want to go deeper. Because this journey isn’t just about better products, it’s about protecting your hormones, your skin, your lungs, and your peace.

Let’s get real: I used to love the smell of “fresh.” You know the one, clean laundry, a lit candle, lemon-scented countertops, perfumed lotion. It all felt so cozy and safe.

Until I learned it wasn’t.

I started digging into ingredient labels out of desperation, thanks to awful body odor, hormonal acne, and just not feeling like myself. I downloaded the Yuka app, started scanning everything, and quickly realized that many of the products I thought were helping me… were actually harming me.

And that “clean” scent we associate with comfort?It’s often just a chemical cocktail with a bow on top.

Years ago, a big swap was laundry detergent, something that touches your skin all day long. Most detergents are loaded with synthetic fragrance, optical brighteners, and hormone-disrupting chemicals that coat your clothes, towels, and sheets. These ingredients are linked to:

• Skin irritation

• Hormonal imbalance

• Respiratory sensitivity

🧪 STUDY: Hidden Dangers in Laundry Detergents

A University of Washington study led by Dr. Anne Steinemann (2008) tested top-selling laundry detergents and dryer sheets to investigate the chemicals being released—specifically through dryer vents after washing and drying clothes.

🔍 Key Findings:

• Over 25 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were detected in commonly used laundry products.

• Many of the chemicals weren’t listed on the label—hidden under the umbrella of “fragrance.”

• Some of the compounds included acetaldehyde and benzene, both of which are classified by the EPA as carcinogens (cancer-causing).

"Just because a product is labeled as green or organic doesn’t mean it’s free of hazardous chemicals."—Dr. Anne Steinemann, Environmental Engineer

Source:University of Washington News Release(Study published in Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health Journal)

🚨 Health Risks from Detergent Exposure:

Even though we don’t "eat" detergent, we’re constantly exposed to it:

• Through our skin: Detergent residues remain in fabric even after rinsing, coming in contact with skin all day and night.

• Through inhalation: Dryer vents and fresh laundry release fragrance and VOCs into the air.

• Through endocrine disruption: Many detergents contain phthalates (in fragrances), which mimic hormones and can throw off your system.

Health Issues Linked to Common Detergent Chemicals:

Chemical	Linked Health Concerns
Fragrance (Phthalates)	Hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)	Skin irritation, allergic reactions
1,4-Dioxane	Probable human carcinogen, banned in Canada
Optical Brighteners	Skin/eye irritants, bioaccumulate in the environment

🧴 Why This Matters:

We wash everything with detergent—our clothes, sheets, towels, even baby onesies.

That means your skin (your body’s largest organ) is constantly absorbing the chemical residue. And your lungs are breathing in synthetic fragrance and VOCs every time you open that dryer door.

So it’s not just about sensitive skin. It’s about long-term, whole-body health.

✅ A Simple, Safer Swap:

Try this DIY alternative:

• 1/2 cup liquid castile soap

• 1/4 cup baking soda

• 10–15 drops of essential oil (optional—like lavender or lemon)

• White vinegar in the rinse cycle as a fabric softener

Candles and wall plug-ins are often marketed as “clean” or “natural,” but many release harmful airborne pollutants and hormone-disrupting chemicals into our homes. Here's a breakdown of one of the most well-known studies and what it reveals:

A 2001 study published in the Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society found that burning paraffin wax candles (the most common type on the market) emits toxic chemicals into the air—including some that are known carcinogens.

🔬 Key Findings:

• Paraffin candles release alkanes, alkenes, and toluene—chemicals found in diesel fuel fumes.

• These chemicals are linked to asthma, respiratory issues, and even cancer after long-term exposure.

• Burning scented candles in a small or poorly ventilated room can cause indoor air pollution levels to exceed EPA safety standards.

“Paraffin candles are petroleum-based and when burned, they release the same toxins as diesel fuel fumes.”—South Carolina State University, Dept. of Chemistry (2009)

Source:South Carolina State University Candle Emissions Study (2009)

Wall Plug-ins & Air Fresheners: More Than Just Fragrance

A 2011 study from the University of Washington, again led by Dr. Anne Steinemann (a leading expert on indoor air quality), analyzed the emissions from plug-in air fresheners and found:

⚠️ Toxic Compounds Detected:

• Formaldehyde – a known carcinogen

• Acetaldehyde – linked to nasal and throat irritation, cancer

• Limonene – reacts with air to form formaldehyde indoors

• Phthalates – used to make scent “stick,” but mimic estrogen in the body

Most concerning? None of these ingredients were listed on the label—they’re hidden under the word “fragrance.”

"All air fresheners tested emitted chemicals classified as toxic or hazardous under federal laws."—Dr. Anne Steinemann, University of Washington

Source:[Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 2011]UW Report Summary

🚨 Health Risks Include:

• Headaches

• Respiratory issues (asthma, wheezing)

• Hormonal imbalance

• Skin reactions

• Endocrine disruption

• Long-term increased risk of cancer

✅ Safer Alternatives

If you love a good-smelling home (who doesn’t?), here’s what you can do instead:

• Use a diffuser with pure essential oils

• Make your own stovetop simmer pot

• Burn 100% beeswax or coconut wax candles—scented only with essential oils

• DIY linen & room spray with witch hazel, ACV, and essential oils

You’d think a product you use to clean yourself would be safe, right?

Wrong.

Most store-bought soaps (yes, even the ones labeled “natural”) are made with sulfates, parabens, artificial colors, and—you guessed it—more synthetic fragrance. These can strip your skin barrier, irritate eczema or acne-prone skin, and throw off your microbiome.

I didn’t even want to look at what was in my makeup bag. But when I did? Yikes.

From foundations to lipsticks and blushes—most mainstream brands contain:

• BHT/BHA – linked to endocrine disruption

• Talc (often contaminated with asbestos)

• Heavy metals – like lead and cadmium

• Synthetic dyes + fragrance

These go directly onto the most absorbent parts of your body, your face and lips. So if you’ve ever felt like your skincare isn’t working, or your breakouts won’t go away no matter what you try… your makeup could be the real problem..

🌿 So... What Can You Do?

You don’t have to throw everything out at once. But imagine the ripple effect when you start where you can.

Here’s what I recommend:

• Swap your laundry detergent (start with castile soap + white vinegar)

• Ditch candles + plug-ins (watch for my DIY scent recipes this week!)

• Switch to ACV-based skincare (like our handcrafted soap!)

• Read your makeup labels (or go barefaced & glow naturally 🧡)

Because clean isn’t a smell. Clean is transparency. Clean is knowing what you’re putting on your body.

And the truth? You don’t need chemical-laced products to feel beautiful, clean, or worthy.

💌 This week on the blog:

I’ll be sharing easy DIY recipes for:

• Natural home scents

• ACV toner and body mist

• Essential oil blends that actually smell amazing

This is more than a clean swap. It’s a clean revolution, And you’re invited.

Don't want to make your own candles? Check out our candles, scented only with essential oils.

Citrus Woods Tallow Candle

Buy Now