The good stuff (and the bad)
Curated ingredients with the chemistry behind why they work. Plus the ones to avoid and why.
ingredient
Bicarbonate of Soda
Natural abrasive cleaner and deodoriser. One of the few cleaning ingredients you actually need.
low costWhite Vinegar
Acidic cleaner that cuts grease and kills most bacteria. Dilute 1:1 with water for general cleaning.
low costLemon
Natural acid and antibacterial. The citric acid cuts grease and dissolves mineral deposits.
low costCastile Soap
Plant-based soap that works for body, hands, dishes, floors, and laundry. One product, many uses.
medium costcookware
laundry
skincare
Avoid
PTFE (Teflon)
The non-stick coating on most pans. Part of the PFAS "forever chemical" family that accumulates in your body.
Synthetic Fragrance
A legal loophole that allows companies to hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals under one word on the label.
Parabens
Preservatives in cosmetics that mimic oestrogen. Detected in breast tumour tissue.
Oxybenzone
Chemical sunscreen filter that absorbs into blood within hours. Confirmed endocrine disruptor.
Triclosan
Antibacterial agent banned in soaps by FDA. Still found in toothpaste and other products.

