The swap guide is designed to be scannable. Find the product category, see what to look for, and get specific alternatives where possible. This is not sponsored and there are no affiliate links. These are based on ingredient profile and availability.
Where specific brands are named, they represent one option — not an exclusive recommendation. The category criteria matter more than any specific brand, because formulations change and better options appear.
Personal Care
Daily moisturiser
What to avoid: , /, formaldehyde releasers (DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15), synthetic musks
What to look for: short ingredient list, no , well-tolerated humectants (hyaluronic acid, glycerin) and emollients (shea butter, jojoba oil, squalane)
Budget option: Plain unrefined shea butter or jojoba oil — genuinely one ingredient, extremely effective, inexpensive Mid-range: Cetaphil Moisturising Cream (-free version), Vanicream Daily Moisturizer Higher end: OSEA Atmosphere Protection Cream (-free), Weleda Skin Food Light
Deodorant
What to avoid: aluminium compounds (antiperspirant), , ,
Note: aluminium in antiperspirants is absorbed transdermally and has been detected in breast tissue. The evidence for harm isn't conclusive, but the precautionary case for switching is reasonable given the proximity to breast tissue and daily use.
What to look for: natural deodorants actually work better than their reputation — the key is that they need a few weeks adjustment period as your body recalibrates after stopping antiperspirant use.
Budget option: mixed with coconut oil — genuinely effective but can cause irritation for sensitive skin Mid-range: Salt of the Earth Crystal Deodorant, Wild Natural Deodorant (UK), Native Deodorant (US, -free option) Higher end: Corpus Natural Deodorant (-free), Routine Cream Deodorant
Shampoo
What to avoid: , , DMDM hydantoin, SLS (optional, mainly an irritation concern)
Budget option: Faith in Nature -free shampoo, Simple Kind To Hair Nourishing Shampoo Mid-range: Vanicream Free and Clear Shampoo, Free & Clear Shampoo Higher end: Rahua Voluminous Shampoo (discloses ingredients, plant-based)
Period products
What to avoid: conventional (non-organic) cotton, , synthetic fibres where possible, BPA in applicators
Menstrual cups: Mooncup (UK, medical-grade silicone, well-tested), DivaCup, Lunette Organic tampons: DAME reusable applicator with organic cotton tampons, Natracare, Yoni Organic pads/liners: Natracare, DAME, Yoni Period underwear (PFAS-free certified): Modibodi (independently tested), DAME (UK)
Sunscreen
What to avoid: , octinoxate (chemical filters with hormonal activity concerns)
What to look for: mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients
Budget option: Altruist SPF50 (zinc/titanium, very affordable, widely available in UK) Mid-range: Bondi Sands SPF50 Mineral (Australia), Neutrogena Sheer Zinc SPF50 (US) Higher end: Unsun Mineral Tinted Sunscreen, Coola
Cleaning Products
All-purpose surface cleaner
What to avoid: quats (quaternary ammonium compounds) for everyday use, , bleach for non-disinfection tasks
DIY option: 1 tsp + 2 cups water in a spray bottle. Genuinely effective for everyday cleaning. Ready-made: Method All-Purpose Cleaner (-free), Ecover Multi-Surface Cleaner, Attitude All-Purpose Cleaner
Laundry detergent
What to avoid: (highest priority), optical brighteners,
Budget option: Ecover ZERO Laundry Liquid (-free, widely available, inexpensive) Mid-range: Smol -Free Laundry Capsules, Method Free + Clear Laundry Detergent Higher end: Attitude Baby Laundry Detergent (very clean profile, not just for babies)
Fabric softener replacement
Swap: (half cup in the fabric softener drawer). Softens fabric, reduces static, no chemical residue. Doesn't smell of vinegar once dry.
For static in the dryer: (3-4 per load). Reusable, no chemicals, reduce drying time.
Kitchen and Cookware
Cooking oil swap
Replace: Sunflower oil, vegetable oil, rapeseed/canola oil, corn oil for everyday cooking
For low-medium heat: Extra virgin olive oil For medium-high heat: Butter, ghee, or refined coconut oil For high heat / searing: Beef tallow, lard, or refined avocado oil (highest smoke point of plant oils) For baking: Butter or coconut oil instead of vegetable oil
Cookware
Replace non-stick with:
Cast iron: Lodge Cast Iron (US), any good cast iron brand. Affordable, lasts indefinitely. Requires occasional seasoning. Best for: searing, frying, oven cooking.
Carbon steel: de Buyer Mineral B (France) is the gold standard. Lighter than cast iron. Best for: omelettes, crepes, stir-fries.
Stainless steel: Any good quality thick-base stainless. All-Clad (US), Stellar (UK), or any decent supermarket brand. Nothing leaches. Best for: sauces, boiling, general cooking.
Enamelled cast iron: Le Creuset, Staub, or supermarket own-brand alternatives. Non-reactive, easy to clean. No seasoning needed.
Food storage
Replace plastic with:
Glass containers: IKEA 365+ are affordable and practical. OXO Good Grips glass containers for airtight storage. Beeswax wraps: Abeego, Bee's Wrap. Replace cling film for direct food contact. Silicone bags: Stasher bags for storage that needs flexibility. Mason jars: Inexpensive, multipurpose, excellent for fridge storage.
Water Filtration
Basic upgrade (chlorine, taste): Counter-top solid block activated carbon filter — Berkey (travel size) or Aqua Optima Evolution
PFAS and lead removal: Under-sink reverse osmosis — iSpring RCC7AK (US), APEC Water Systems ROES-50, or Waterdrop G3 (tankless, UK-available)
Shower filter (chlorine reduction): KDF-55 based shower filter — available from £20-40 from multiple brands. Reduces chlorine and chloramines.
Candles and Home Fragrance
Replace paraffin candles with:
- Beeswax candles with cotton wicks (search "pure beeswax candle" — clean burning, natural honey scent)
- Soy wax candles with cotton wicks and non-
- Brands: Neom (UK, soy-based), Skandinavisk (soy, simple fragrances), P.F. Candle Co (US, soy)
Replace plug-in air fresheners with:
- Nothing — identify and address the source of odours
- Fresh flowers (the only unambiguously clean air freshener)
- Occasionally: beeswax candle for ambience, intermittent essential oil diffuser
A Final Note on Priorities
This guide covers a lot of ground. Don't try to do it all at once.
The products with the highest impact are those applied daily to large surface areas of skin (moisturiser, body lotion, deodorant), left on for extended periods (period products), or used in confined spaces where you breathe the air (candles, cleaning products, air fresheners).
Start there. Everything else follows.