The 10-minute ingredient audit

Bathroom

Your shampoo might be releasing formaldehyde — slowly

•  DMDM hydantoin
•  quaternium-15
•  diazolidinyl urea

These preservatives slowly release trace formaldehyde to keep bacteria out of shampoo and lotion. It’s a common trigger for itching, rashes, and eczema.

A formaldehyde-free shampoo

Cleaning

That "clean" smell might be doing more than you think

•  2-butoxyethanol
•  chlorine bleach
•  "fragrance"/"parfum"

These release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the air when you spray and scrub. They’re linked to respiratory irritation and higher asthma risk, especially with frequent use in small or poorly ventilated spaces.

A fragrance-free or natural origin fragrance all-purpose cleaner

Medicine cabinet

White coating on pills isn’t necessary after all

•  Titanium dioxide
•  E171
•  CI 77891

This pigment coats tablets and capsules to make them look clean and uniform — it has no nutritional or therapeutic value. The EU has banned it in food — U.S. regulators still consider it safe.

A multivitamin or supplement made without titanium dioxide