Why “Chemical-Free” Isn’t a Real Thing (And What to Look for Instead)
Have you ever found yourself shopping for personal care products, spotting a bottle proudly labeled “chemical-free”, and feeling relieved - like you’ve found something safer? I know that feeling and you aren’t alone. The thought of using something that’s “free from chemicals” sounds like a good thing – especially when we’re trying to make healthier choices for ourselves and our families.
But there’s an issue with that phrase because there’s no such thing as a chemical-free product.
Let’s dig into that.
What Is Clean Beauty, Really?
The term “clean beauty” has exploded across the wellness and skincare world. On the surface, it sounds amazing - safe, non-toxic, better-for-you options for everything from shampoo to sunscreen. But the term “clean beauty” isn’t regulated. That means companies can define it however they like, and many do. Some take it seriously and are genuinely trying to create safer, more responsible products. Others? They’re just hopping on the trend to boost sales.
This confusion has opened the door for two sneaky marketing tactics: greenwashing and cleanwashing.
What Are Greenwashing and Cleanwashing?
Greenwashing is when a company tries to appear environmentally friendly without actually changing much about their practices or products. Labels might feature images of plants, to express that more natural ingredients are inside.
Cleanwashing is similar, but it’s focused on personal health. Brands use feel-good buzzwords like “non-toxic,” “natural,” or “chemical-free” to imply that a product is safer or healthier than it really is.
Front-of-package claims like “free from...” or “natural ingredients” might look comforting, but they can still mask problematic ingredients buried in the fine print.
Some companies truly want to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals in personal care products and that’s something to celebrate. But others are just using clever language to win our trust.
I know this from personal experience. For years, I bought personal care products (primarily ones for my kids) labeled “safe” and “natural,” trusting that the brands were telling the truth. I thought I was buying the safest products. But then I learned that those very products contained ingredients linked to allergies, hormone disruption, and other health concerns.
Learning that there’s little regulation around product labeling was a real eye-opener for me. Realizing how easily well-meaning people - myself included - could be misled is what sparked my journey into non-toxic living. Once I knew the truth, I couldn’t ignore it. I felt called to help others understand what to look for and how to make more informed choices, too.
Let’s Be Clear: Everything Is a Chemical
It’s worth repeating: there is no such thing as a chemical-free product.
Water is a chemical. So is vitamin C. So is your morning coffee or tea. Estrogen, serotonin, cortisol are all naturally occurring chemicals in our bodies.
So when a label says “chemical-free,” it’s not only misleading, it’s just not true.
What these brands are likely trying to say is that their products don’t contain certain ingredients that have raised health or environmental concerns. That’s a message I agree with, but they need to be honest and call it what it is.
What Should We Watch Out For?
If you're looking to reduce potentially harmful ingredients in your personal care products, - here are some common ones to watch out for.
Phthalates – They’re used to make fragrances last longer, but are linked to hormone disruption.
PFAS (aka “forever chemicals”) – Found in waterproof and long-wear cosmetics, associated with a wide range of health concerns.
Fragrance/Parfum – A catch-all term that can hide dozens (or even hundreds) of chemical ingredients, some of which may be allergens or respiratory irritants.
Learning to read ingredient labels and recognize these red flags can go a long way in helping you make more informed, empowered choices. This is something I teach in my course and also when working with people individually.
It’s Okay If You’ve Been Misled - We All Have
If you’ve ever bought into the idea of “chemical-free” products, don’t be hard on yourself. I’ve been there too. It’s easy to get swept up in marketing that taps into our desire to live cleaner, healthier lives.
At the end of the day, the most powerful things you can do for your health remain the same:
Eat a fiber-rich, nutrient-dense, varied diet
Move your body regularly
Prioritize quality sleep
Manage stress in sustainable ways
Once you’ve got the basics in place, taking a closer look at your environmental exposures - like what’s in your skincare or cleaning products - can be that extra nudge to support your well-being even further.
If you're ready to dive deeper and feel more confident navigating labels, ingredients, and creating a low-tox lifestyle, my course, 5-Weeks to a Healthier Home is designed for you. It’s a step-by-step guide to help you reduce toxic exposures in your daily life without the confusion or overwhelm. You’ll learn what to look for, what to avoid, and how to make safer swaps with confidence.
👉 Learn more and join here: https://betterhealthwithsarah.com/5weeks-to-a-healthier-home
You don’t have to figure this out alone - and small changes really can lead to big results.
