Why Non-Toxic Cleaning Products Matter For Your Hormones And Health

We all know diet, exercise, and sleep are important for our health, but what about the everyday products we use around the home? In this guest blog, expert nutritionist Jenna Hope shares why switching to non-toxic cleaning products could be one of the most impactful, underrated ways to support your hormone health, gut microbiome, and skin.

Why your cleaning products might be harming your health

For years, we’ve associated health with diet, exercise, and sleep. But in recent times, there’s been growing awareness of something else that plays a major role - our toxic load. This is the cumulative exposure to synthetic chemicals we encounter in daily life.

Before you panic and throw out every spray bottle under your sink, this isn’t about going to extremes. It’s about making informed, simple swaps that can have a powerful long-term impact.

What's hiding in traditional cleaning products?

Many mainstream cleaning products - especially those we’ve seen on supermarket shelves for decades - contain harsh ingredients like ammonia, bleach, phthalates, dioxins, and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). While deemed safe in small amounts, the real issue lies in chronic exposure. These chemicals build up in our homes, our bodies, and even the environment.

Non-toxic cleaning products hormone health

Hormones and endocrine disruptors

Some of these chemicals are known endocrine disruptors, which means they interfere with the body’s hormone system. Ingredients like phthalates, PFAS, and dioxins have been linked to:

Hormonal imbalances
Menstrual irregularities
Fertility struggles
Pregnancy complications
Conditions like endometriosis

Endocrine disrupting chemicals can alter the natural expression of our genes, contributing to hormone dysregulation and even exacerbating symptoms of menopause.

Kit & Kin’s non-toxic cleaning products are free from known endocrine disruptors like phthalates, parabens, and triclosan. Instead, they’re naturally derived, lightly scented with essential oils, and completely free from synthetic fragrance.

Your gut microbiome and cleaning products

Your gut microbiome plays a vital role in everything from mental wellbeing to immunity, digestion, sleep, skin health and beyond. But studies now show that toxic chemicals found in everyday cleaning sprays, surface wipes and dish soap can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or accidentally ingested via residue left on plates - and all of this can negatively affect your gut health.

Supporting a balanced microbiome with good gut bacteria is essential for long-term wellbeing. Using chemical-free cleaning products is an easy way to reduce this risk at home.

Skin sensitivities, eczema, asthma & more

There’s also increasing evidence that prolonged exposure to harsh cleaning chemicals can trigger or worsen atopic conditions, such as:

Eczema
Asthma
Rhinitis

These effects may be linked to gut health too. Since around 70% of your immune system is housed in your gut, any disruption to your microbiome can throw your immune function out of balance, potentially exacerbating inflammation and sensitivities.

At Kit & Kin, non-toxic formulas are central to our ethos. In fact, co-founder Emma Bunton was inspired to create the range after struggling to find safe, gentle solutions for her children’s sensitive skin.

Natural cleaning products for sensitive skin

So, what can you do?

The good news is you can take control of your toxic load. Here are a few small changes that can make a big difference.

Switch to non-toxic cleaning products
Kit & Kin’s range is plant-based, free from synthetic fragrance, and lightly scented with essential oils. The refillable bottles help reduce plastic waste too.

Avoid synthetic candles
Instead, try using 100% essential oils in a diffuser.

Ditch cling film and foil
Use airtight glass containers to store food in the fridge instead.

Don’t microwave food in plastic
Opt for microwave-safe glass containers instead of plastic tubs.

Limit plastic bottled drinks
Where possible, choose paper cartons or glass bottles in your weekly shop.

Final thought from Jenna
Whilst this can all sound a little scary, remember that being aware and educated is incredibly powerful when it comes to managing our health. It’s also comforting to remember that these outcomes vary drastically between individuals, depending on your chemical exposure, general wellbeing, genes, diet and lifestyle.

Follow Jenna Hope on Instagram for more top tips, healthy swaps, and gut-boosting recipes.

References:

Liang, Y., Lu, Q., Chen, M., Zhao, X., Chu, C., Zhang, C., ... & Lash, G. E. (2025). Impact of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on epigenetic regulation in the uterus: a narrative review. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 23(1), 80.

Teffera, M., Veith, A. C., Ronnekleiv-Kelly, S., Bradfield, C. A., Nikodemova, M., Tussing-Humphreys, L., & Malecki, K. (2024). Diverse mechanisms by which chemical pollutant exposure alters gut microbiota metabolism and inflammation. Environment international, 190, 108805.

Sen, P., Fan, Y., Schlezinger, J. J., Ehrlich, S. D., Webster, T. F., Hyötyläinen, T., ... & Orešič, M. (2024). Exposure to environmental toxicants is associated with gut microbiome dysbiosis, insulin resistance and obesity. Environment international, 186, 108569.

Lindell, A. E., Grießhammer, A., Michaelis, L., Papagiannidis, D., Ochner, H., Kamrad, S., ... & Patil, K. R. (2024). Extensive PFAS accumulation by human gut bacteria. BioRxiv, 2024-09.
Salonen, H., Salthammer, T., Castagnoli, E., Täubel, M., & Morawska, L. (2024). Cleaning products: Their chemistry, effects on indoor air quality, and implications for human health. Environment International, 190, 108836.

FAQs

What are non-toxic cleaning products and why should I use them?
Non-toxic cleaning products are free from harsh chemicals like bleach, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. They're often made with naturally derived ingredients and essential oils. Choosing non-toxic products helps reduce your exposure to endocrine disruptors, supports gut health, and is gentler on sensitive skin, making them a safer choice for the whole family.

How do traditional cleaning products affect hormone health?
Many conventional cleaning products contain endocrine disrupting chemicals like phthalates, dioxins and PFAS. These hormone disruptors can interfere with the endocrine system and may contribute to fertility struggles, menstrual irregularities, and hormonal imbalances. Switching to chemical-free cleaning products can help reduce your overall toxic load.

Can cleaning products impact gut health and the microbiome?
Yes - research shows that toxic chemicals in cleaning sprays, dish soaps and surface cleaners can affect the gut microbiome when inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or ingested via residue on plates. A disrupted gut microbiota can impact digestion, immunity, sleep and even mental wellbeing. Choosing non-toxic cleaning supplies helps support better gut health.

Are non-toxic cleaning products better for sensitive skin or eczema?
Absolutely. Natural, non-toxic cleaners are free from harsh irritants and synthetic fragrances that can trigger eczema, asthma and other atopic conditions. For those with sensitive skin or allergies, switching to gentle, plant-based alternatives can make a big difference.

What are the best ways to reduce toxic load at home?
To reduce your toxic load, start by swapping to non-toxic cleaning products, avoid synthetic air fresheners and candles, store food in glass containers instead of plastic, and avoid microwaving food in plastic. These simple steps can significantly lower your exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals and support overall health.