Cura Basics 01. ‘Low-Tox’

What is low-tox living?

Low-tox living is about reducing unnecessary exposure to chemicals in our everyday environment. While not all chemicals are harmful, becoming more aware of what we bring into our homes can support overall wellbeing.

This is not about living in perfection or fear, but about making informed choices and prioritising simple, practical changes where possible.

Why consider a low-tox lifestyle?

• Reduce exposure to synthetic fragrances, irritants, PFA’s and pthalates

• Support hormone, skin, respiratory and reproductive health

• Minimise environmental impact

The goal is not to eliminate every exposure, but to focus on reducing the exposures you can control.

What are ‘PFAS’?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man made chemicals used to make products, resistant to heat, water, grease and stains. They can be found in non-stick cookware, waterproof products, food packaging, cosmetics and stain-resistant fabrics. They are often called ‘forever chemicals’ because they break down very slowly in the environment and our bodies, accumulating over time.

What is synthetic fragrance or ‘parfum’?

‘Fragrance’ or ‘Parfum’ is an umbrella term used to describe a blend of scent chemicals on ingredient labels. A single fragrance mixture can contain sometimes hundreds of individual ingredients, many of which are not required to be individually disclosed.

Commonly found in: air fresheners, candles, perfumes, laundry products, cleaning products, skincare and cosmetics.

For some individuals, these chemicals can contribute to headaches, skin irritation, respiratory symptoms, migraines or sensitivities.

What are phthalates?

Phthalates are another group of chemicals commonly used to help fragrance last longer, as well as improve the flexibility or performance of some plastics and consumer products.

Commonly found in: perfumes, air fresheners, cleaning products, plastics, fragranced personal care products.

Certain phthalates are classified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, meaning they may interfere with the body’s hormone signalling symptoms. Research is ongoing into effects on reproductive, developmental and metabolic health.

Cleaning Products

Many conventional cleaning products contain 'ingredients’ that can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. These ingredients include synthetic fragrances, PFAS and pthalates.

Simple Swaps

• Vinegar and water as all-purpose cleaner.

• Baking soda for scrubbing sinks and surfaces.

• Castille soap as a general household cleaner.

If you enjoy fragrance, ass a few drops of lemon or essential oils rather than relying on synthetic scents.

Brands such as Koala Eco, Kin Kin, Seed & Sprout and euclove offer sustainable and natural cleaning products like dishwashing liquid, washing powder, floor cleaner, bathroom cleaner, toilet cleaner etc.

Skincare/Body/Beauty Products

Our skin comes into contact with personal care products everyday. Many conventional skincare products contain synthetic fragrances, PFAS, and pthalates.

Simple Swaps

• Natural deodorants (TuttoFare, No Pong, MooGoo, Noosa Basics)

• Natural moisturiser (In Bluem, Mukti, Corynnes Natural Skincare)

• Natural facewash (In Bluem, Mukti, Corynnes Natural Skincare)

• Tallow moisturiser (TuttoFare, Naked Tallow, Tassie Tallow)

• Home-made moisturiser - shea butter, hemp seed oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil

• Mineral based make-up (Inika Organic, Eco By Sonya)

• Castille soap

• Organic menstrual products (Femme Organic, TOM Organic, Moxie)

• Menstrual cup (TOM Organic, Inoya)

• Period underwear (HARA The Label, ModiBodi, TOM Organic)

• Essential oils instead of perfumes

Look for short ingredient lists with ingredients you can understand!

Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most impactful places to make changes. Emerging research shows that plastics in food packaging, storage containers, chopping boards and kitchen utensils contribute to human exposure to microplastics and plastic associated chemicals such as PFAS.

Consider swapping:

• Plastic food containers - glass containers (Seed & Sprout, Ikea, Go for Zero) or re-use old jars!

• Plastic drink bottles - stainless steel drink bottles (Biome, Go for Zero, Seed & Sprout, Project PARGO)

• Non-stick cookware - stainless steel or cast iron (Kitchen Warehouse, Go For Zero, SolidTeknics)

• Plastic utensils - wooden or stainless steel utensils (Seed & Sprout, Go For Zero, Kitchen Warehouse)

• Plastic chopping boards - wooden chopping boards (Seed & Sprout, Biome, Ikea)

• Plastic wrap - beeswax wrap or silicone covers (Go For Zero, Kangaroo Island Living Honey,

Items to consider removing immediately

• Scented candles

• Air-fresheners

• Reed diffusers with synthetic fragrance

• Scented room sprays

• Aerosol deoderants

• Synthetic perfumes

• Heavily fragranced body products

• Plastic cooking utensils

• Plastic wrap

• Scratched non-stick cookware

• Highly fragranced laundry detergents

• Fabric softeners

High Impact Swaps

If you feel overwhelmed, I would suggest focusing on the following:

1. Laundry detergent

2. Deodorant/perfume

3. Scented candles and air fresheners

4. Drinking water bottle

5. Non-stick cookware

6. Food storage containers

Focus on progress, not perfection.

Low-tox living does not happen overnight, nor should it.

Instead:

• Replace products as they run out

• prioritise items you use frequently

• Make gradual, sustainable changes

• Avoid becoming overwhelmed by conflicting information