The Best Non-Toxic Product Guide To Target (2024)

Why should you choose non-toxic products for your home?

The Health Benefits of Reducing Exposure to Harmful Chemicals

Exposure to toxic chemicals found in common household products has been linked to a wide range of health issues. 

For example, phthalates, often found in plastic products and synthetic fragrances, have been associated with hormonal disruptions, developmental problems, and even certain types of cancer. 

Another toxic culprit to watch for is volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are gases emitted from many common household products like paints, cleaners, and furniture. 

VOCs contribute to poor indoor air quality and exposure can cause a range of health issues. These health issues include short-term irritation as well as long-term risks like cancer and organ damage.

Similarly, parabens, a preservative used in many personal care products, have been linked to skin irritation, allergic reactions, and potential endocrine disruption.

By opting for non-toxic alternatives, you can significantly reduce your exposure to these harmful substances and lower your risk of developing associated health problems. 

Since non-toxic products are formulated with safer, gentler ingredients that are less likely to cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, or other sensitivities. 

The Environmental Impact of Choosing Safer Alternatives

Besides the health benefits, choosing non-toxic products plays a crucial role in protecting the environment. 

Conventional cleaning products and personal care items often contain chemicals that can pollute our water sources and harm wildlife when they are washed down the drain or disposed of improperly. 

These harmful chemicals can accumulate in the environment, causing long-term damage to plants, animals, and even human health.

By switching to non-toxic alternatives, you can help reduce water and air pollution, as these products are typically made with biodegradable, eco-friendly ingredients that break down safely. 

On top of that, many non-toxic brands prioritize sustainable packaging and manufacturing practices, further reducing their impact on the planet.

The Long-Term Cost Savings of Investing in Quality, Non-Toxic Items

While non-toxic products may sometimes come with a higher price tag upfront, they often prove to be a smarter investment in the long run. 

These products are typically made with higher-quality, more durable materials that stand the test of time, so you won’t need to replace them as often as their conventional counterparts.

Reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals may also lower your risk of developing chronic health issues that can lead to costly medical bills down the line. 

What is Target’s “Clean Initiative”?

Target’s Clean Initiative is designed to help consumers easily identify products that are formulated without certain harmful chemicals, making it simpler to make informed choices on healthier and safer products to buy. 

The Clean Icon

At the heart of the Clean initiative is the Target Clean icon. It’s a little green icon that indicates products that are formulated without specific chemicals that Target has deemed potentially harmful or undesirable.

This includes substances like phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde donors, and more, depending on the product category.

Target’s Clean Initiative extends to products in their beauty, personal care, feminine care, cleaning, and household essential categories. 

However, it’s important to point out that the Target Clean icon doesn’t mean a product is completely non-toxic. It simply means the product doesn’t contain certain chemicals that Target considers potentially harmful. 

While these products are likely safer options, they may still contain other ingredients that are harmful. 

What Are the Limitations of Target’s Clean Label?

While Target’s Clean initiative is a good start in helping to find safer, non-toxic products, it’s important to acknowledge that no system is perfect.

Like any retailer-led program, the Clean Label has some limitations you should be aware of. 

Is Target’s List of Restricted Chemicals Enough?

While Target has made a commendable effort to identify and exclude many well-known “chemicals of concern,” such as phthalates, parabens, and formaldehyde donors, the list is not exhaustive. 

There are dozens if not hundreds of other potentially harmful substances that may not be captured by Target’s “clean” criteria.

For instance, the Clean label does not specifically restrict certain fragrance ingredients, which can be a significant source of allergens and toxic chemicals. 

Additionally, some preservatives and dyes that have been linked to health concerns may not be explicitly prohibited under the Clean standards. 

Issues With Transparency & Third-Party Testing

It’s worth noting some of the finer details of Target’s Clean standards that may not be immediately apparent. 

For one, the Clean label does allow for trace amounts of certain restricted chemicals to be present in products, as long as they fall below a certain threshold (typically 100 parts per million). 

While these trace amounts are generally considered safe, some individuals with sensitive skin or allergies may still react to a small amount of these substances.

There also isn’t a lot of data on the long-term health effects as these small traces build up in the body over time. 

Additionally, not all products bearing the Clean icon have undergone independent, third-party verification.

While Target does encourage brands to seek out certifications like EPA Safer Choice and EWG Verified, it is not a mandatory requirement for all Clean products. 

This means that some products may have been vetted only by Target’s internal review process, which may not be as rigorous or transparent as external certifications.

Ever-Evolving Chemical Safety Standards

What we know about the health impacts of certain substances is always changing, as new studies shed light on previously unknown risks and concerns.

This means that a product that qualifies for the Clean label today may not necessarily meet the same standards tomorrow.

To their credit, Target has acknowledged this reality and has committed to regularly reviewing and updating their Clean criteria based on the latest scientific evidence.

However, this process is not always immediate or fully transparent to us as consumers. 

It’s possible that products bearing the Clean icon may contain ingredients that have since been identified as potentially harmful but have not yet been added to Target’s restricted list.

As consumers, it’s important we stay informed about the latest developments in chemical safety research and use the Clean label as just one tool in your decision-making process.

Don’t rely solely on the presence of the icon, but also take the time to read ingredient lists, research unfamiliar substances, and consult with trusted third-party resources.

How Can You Identify Truly Non-Toxic Products at Target?

It’s important to keep in mind that Target’s “Clean” initiative reflects just one retailer’s interpretation of “safe” and “non-toxic” products. 

Since we all have different health concerns, environmental priorities, and values, these terms can have different meanings for different people.

That’s why it’s crucial to determine your own standards for the products you buy and to verify that the items you choose meet those standards.

This means going beyond the Clean icon and using other criteria to evaluate products.

What Ingredients to Look For (and Avoid)

One of the most important steps in identifying truly non-toxic products is to become a savvy reader of ingredient lists. 

Unfortunately, the list of toxic chemicals found in household items is long and seems to be growing every day.

But luckily, resources like the Toxic Free Choice can help you stay informed about which harmful ingredients to look out for!

Here are some common toxic chemicals to watch out for:

Phthalates: Often found in fragrances and plastics, linked to endocrine disruption and developmental issues.

• Look for ingredients like diethyl phthalate or di-n-butyl phthalate
• Often hidden in “fragrance” or “parfum” listings
• Some common phthalates: DBP, DEHP, BBP, DEP

Parabens: Preservatives that can mimic estrogen in the body, potentially contributing to hormone imbalances.

• Search for words ending in “-paraben” (e.g., methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben)
• Common parabens include ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, and benzylparaben

Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives: Known carcinogens that can also cause skin irritation and allergies.

• Look for formaldehyde itself or these common releasers:
• DMDM hydantoin
• Imidazolidinyl urea
• Diazolidinyl urea
• Quaternium-15
• Bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol)

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Are harsh surfactants that can cause skin and eye irritation.

• These ingredients are usually clearly listed
• Also, look for variations like ammonium lauryl sulfate

Oxybenzone: A common sunscreen ingredient that can disrupt hormones and harm coral reefs.

Synthetic Fragrances: Can contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, many of which are allergens or toxicants.

• Listed as “oxybenzone” or “benzophenone-3”
• Other similar chemicals: octinoxate, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene

If you spot any of these ingredients on a product label, it’s best to steer clear even if the item bears the Clean icon. 

Third-Party Certifications

In addition to reading ingredient lists, another way to identify truly non-toxic products at Target is to look for respected third-party certifications.

These seals indicate that a product has been independently vetted for safety and transparency based on standards that go above and beyond those set by retailers like Target.

Some of the most reliable certifications to look for include:

• USDA Organic: Indicates that a product contains at least 95% certified organic ingredients, grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers.

• EPA Safer Choice: This signifies that a cleaning product has been formulated with ingredients that pose the least concern for human health and the environment.

• MADE SAFE: Certifies that a product is free from known toxic ingredients and has been screened for bioaccumulation, persistence, and general ecosystem harm.

By selecting products that carry these certifications, you can feel more confident that you’re making truly non-toxic choices for yourself and your family.

But of course, you’re busy, and reading the fine print of each ingredient list or looking for veritable third-party certifications can be time-consuming. So that’s where this handy checklist comes in. 

We’ve gone through each product label line by line to bring you the best in non-toxic items currently available at Target. 

What are the most important non-toxic swaps I should make in my home?

Baby Products: If you have children, prioritize non-toxic baby items such as diapers, wipes, and skincare products.

• Babies and young children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of toxic chemicals due to their developing bodies and smaller size.
• Prioritizing non-toxic baby products minimizes their exposure to harmful substances during a critical developmental period.

Cleaning Products & Laundry Detergent: Switch to non-toxic, plant-based cleaning solutions for all your household cleaning needs. This is considered one of the biggest and most impactful swaps you can make. 

• Cleaning products are used frequently throughout the home, leading to regular exposure for you and your family.
• Switching to non-toxic cleaners significantly reduces the amount of harmful chemicals you come into contact with on a daily basis.

Air Fresheners, Candles, and Scented Laundry Products: Eliminate toxic air fresheners, plug-ins, and scented candles. Instead, opt for essential oil diffusers, beeswax candles, or natural room sprays.

• Air fresheners, candles, and laundry products can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxins into the air you breathe.
• Replacing these with non-toxic alternatives improves indoor air quality and reduces respiratory irritation and potential long-term health risks.

Cookware & Food Storage Containers: Replace plastic food storage containers with glass or stainless steel alternatives, especially for storing hot foods. Swap non-stick cookware for cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic options to avoid harmful chemicals leaching into your food.

• Food storage containers and cookware can leach chemicals into food, especially when heated.
• Switching to non-toxic options ensures that your family is not ingesting harmful substances through their meals

Personal Care Products: Gradually replace conventional personal care items like shampoo, body wash, and skincare products with non-toxic alternatives.

• Personal care products are applied directly to the skin, the body’s largest organ, allowing for easy absorption of chemicals into the bloodstream.
• Opting for non-toxic personal care items reduces your body’s toxic burden and minimizes potential health risks.

Water Filtration: Consider installing a whole-home water filtration system or using a high-quality water filter for drinking and cooking water.

• Tap water can contain a variety of contaminants, including heavy metals (lead, arsenic), chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceutical residues, and even microplastics.
• Water filtration systems, especially those with reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters, effectively remove these harmful substances.

Air Purification: Use air purifiers to reduce indoor air pollution and improve overall air quality in your home.

• Air purifiers with HEPA filters capture tiny particles like dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores, which can trigger allergies and respiratory issues. 
• Activated carbon filters absorb odors, gasses, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from common household items like cleaning products, paints, and furniture.
• By filtering out harmful particles and chemicals, air purifiers reduce your exposure to toxins that can irritate your lungs, skin, and eyes. 

Bedding & Towels: Replace conventional bedding and towels with organic or natural fiber alternatives.

• Conventional bedding and towels are often treated with a variety of chemicals throughout their production process. These include pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic dyes, which can off-gas and be absorbed through the skin.
• Organic and natural fiber alternatives are grown and produced without the use of these harmful chemicals, minimizing your exposure to potential toxins while you sleep or bathe.

What are some tips for transitioning to a non-toxic home on a budget?

Transitioning to a non-toxic home doesn’t have to be expensive! 

Start by focusing on replacing the most frequently used or high-risk products first, such as cleaning supplies and personal care items.

Replace items gradually as they run out or as your budget allows, rather than trying to do everything at once. Make one change at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed and to spread out the costs. 

Remember that while some non-toxic alternatives may have a higher upfront cost, they often last longer or require less product per use, saving you money in the long run.

Are there any hidden dangers in “natural” or “plant-based” products?

While “natural” and “plant-based” products are often perceived as safer alternatives to conventional products, they can still pose potential risks. 

It’s important to note that the terms “natural” and “plant-based” are not strictly regulated, allowing some companies to use these labels even when their products contain synthetic ingredients. 

Some “natural” products may still contain hidden synthetic preservatives, fragrances, or other additives that are not clearly disclosed on the label. 

Natural ingredients can also be contaminated with pesticides, heavy metals, or other harmful substances if not properly sourced or tested.

Additionally, even natural substances can be irritating to the skin, especially if used in high concentrations or on sensitive skin types.

Some natural ingredients, like essential oils and botanical extracts, can trigger allergic reactions or skin sensitivities in certain individuals.

To minimize risks when using natural or plant-based products, always read ingredient labels carefully, research individual ingredients, perform patch tests before using new products, and choose products from reputable brands that prioritize transparency and safety testing.