Ingredients We Avoid

Benzalkonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium compound and it is one of the most commonly used disinfectants in traditional household cleaners. Repeat respiratory exposure to this compound has been reported to be highly toxic and prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis.

Chlorine Bleaches are often used in traditional household cleaners. During their breakdown process toxic substances are broken down in their process which is similar to that of pesticides.

Didecyldimethylammonium Chloride is a quaternary ammonium compound and it is one of the most commonly used disinfectants in traditional household cleaners. Repeat respiratory exposure to this compound has been reported to be highly toxic and prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis.

EDTA is added to oils and caustic soda during saponification to prevent soaps from becoming mouldy and producing scum in traditional household and personal care products. During it's process it attracts heavy metals such as mercury and lead, which both have carcinogenic properties. As a result these heavy metals can enter waterways causing further issues to living organisms and are very difficult to remove.

Formaldehyde is used in many traditional household and personal care products as a preservative to lead to irritation of the nose, mouth and throat. In severe cases, respiratory distress and swelling of the larynx and lungs may occur. In many EU countries the use of Formaldehyde is banned due to the adverse impacts it has on both human health and the enviroment in which it is discharged into.

Genetically or synthetically modified organisms are often now added to traditional household and personal care products as a replacement for other ingredients. Whilst there is not enough data to suggest that they have any adverse human health or environmental impacts we have avoided using any ingredients that have been GMO/ SMO processed.

Isothiazolinone derivatives i.e. Methylisothiazolinone (MI), Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), Benzisothiazolinone (BIT) are widely used as preservatives or biocides in household and industrial products, with many of them contained in everyday cosmetic products. Despite their effectiveness as biocides, isothiazolinones are strong sensitizers, producing skin irritations and allergies and may pose ecotoxicological hazards. Therefore, their use is restricted by EU legislation.

Lanolin is often used in many traditional household and personal care products as a conditioning agent. It is derived from sheep and it is secreted by the sebaceous glands of sheep. Due to this reason it is not suitable for vegans or those with high expectations of animal welfare.

Microplastics are small pieces of plastic, which are often found in many personal care products to their functional benefits such as exfoliation products. Due to their size they can enter waterways and impacting food supply chains for all living organisms on the planet.

Optical brighteners make clothes look cleaner than they are by using chemicals called stilbenes which reflect light on fabric giving a false illusion of 'whitening'. However, these chemicals do not biodegrade. As a result the waste water from the laundry enters our waterways. The Stilbenes found in optical brighteners are hormone disruptors, are toxic to fish, and may cause allergic reactions when in contact with the skin.

Parabens are often found in many traditional household and personal care products. They are a concern for human health as they can disrupt hormones in the body and harm fertility and reproductive organs, affect birth outcomes, and increase the risk of cancer. They can also cause skin irritation.

Phosphates are common additives in traditional laundry liquids to help soften hard water. When the laundry waste water enters our waterways this produces an excessive growth of algae, which causes oxygen deprivation in receiving waters impacting fish and plant life. This is now being seen in Lake Windemere through the increase in algae blooms as a consequence of a high levels of phosphates enriching the water.

Phthalates are found in many synthetic fragrances. There have been studies in humans that have found anti-androgenic effects on development of the male reproductive tract. In the last ten years, epidemiologic studies have also shown that prenatal exposure to phthalates affects children's neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral outcomes.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are both surfactants and foaming agents. All of our products use Sulphate Free Surfactants and don’t contain either SLS/ SLES. They are often found in many traditional household and personal care products as they are a cheap substitute for more speciality surfactants. Their use in formulations can cause drying and irritation to the skin, eyes, mouth and lungs.

Many traditional household and personal care products contain synthetic dyes to make the products look more appealing. When synthetic dyes are used they have many adverse effects on human health such as inflammation, irritation and unwanted redness to your skin.

Many traditional household and personal care products contain synthetic perfumes. They are often petroleum-based and can be harmful to human health. Chemicals found in fragrances include phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors, and carcinogens benzophenone and styrene. In addition, some children and adults have allergic reactions to fragrance chemicals.

Tallow is derived from animal fat and is used in many household and personal care products as a conditioning agent. Due to this reason it is not suitable for vegans or those with high expectations of animal welfare.

Titanium Dioxide is used in many household and personal care products as a colorant to either whiten or brighten many types of products. It has a lot of controversy due to its potential as a carcinogen to humans.

Triclosan is an antibacterial/ biocide and it is one of the most commonly used disinfectants in traditional household cleaners. Repeat respiratory exposure to this compound has been reported to be highly toxic and has been known to alter hormones in humans.

Urea can be found in many household cleaning products and is derived from animal urea. Due to this reason it is not suitable for vegans or those with high expectations of animal welfare.