What’s Really In Your Pantry and Products? How Cleaner Ingredients Can Change Your Life
Have you ever turned over a food label or cleaning bottle and realized… you had no clue what most of the ingredients actually were? You’re not alone. Many of us use products every day on our skin, in our homes, in our food that contain a cocktail of chemicals, preservatives, and synthetic additives we can’t even pronounce.
But here’s the truth: wellness starts with your labels. And the great news? You don’t have to be a scientist to start making smarter, cleaner choices that benefit your body, energy, skin, and long-term health.
At WELLTHY by Erin Murphy, we believe that clean ingredients can change your life and we’re here to help you do it in a way that’s simple, doable, and empowering.
The Truth About Ingredient Labels: What’s Really Inside?
Learning how to read ingredient labels is like learning a new language, one that translates directly into your health. From food packaging to skincare to household cleaners, brands often mask potentially harmful additives behind long, unrecognizable words or misleading claims like “natural” or “green.”
Here are a few red flags to look out for:
Artificial dyes (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5) – Linked to hyperactivity and behavioral issues in children.
Parabens and sulfates – Often found in personal care products; can disrupt hormones and irritate skin.
Synthetic fragrances – These can hide dozens of undisclosed chemicals.
Preservatives like BHA, BHT, and sodium benzoate – Suspected carcinogens and hormone disruptors.
Learning what ingredients to avoid in cleaning products and cosmetics gives you the power to choose products that align with your health, not work against it.
Why Clean Ingredients Matter in Food
Let’s talk about food. If you're feeling bloated, sluggish, moody, or stuck in your weight loss journey, hidden toxins in food and products might be playing a bigger role than you think.
Here’s why clean ingredients in food matter:
They support better gut health, which impacts immunity, mood, and inflammation.
They provide sustained energy instead of sugar crashes.
They help with clean eating and workout performance, leading to better recovery and results.
Clean foods reduce exposure to additives that can slow weight loss and increase cravings.
The benefits of clean eating go far beyond weight, it’s about nourishing your body at a cellular level. Think whole, minimally processed ingredients like vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and unrefined grains. That’s where the real transformation begins.
Hidden Toxins in Household Products
You may be eating clean, but what about the air you’re breathing and the surfaces you’re cleaning? Household products are some of the biggest culprits when it comes to chemical exposure.
Common offenders in cleaning and laundry products include:
Ammonia and chlorine – Can irritate eyes, skin, and lungs.
Phthalates and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) – Often found in air fresheners; linked to hormone disruption.
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) – A foaming agent that can irritate skin and trigger allergies.
Switching to clean household products not only supports your physical health but creates a safer space for your family, pets, and environment. Looking for the best non-toxic cleaning products for your home?
Your Skin Eats Too: Why Non-Toxic Skincare Matters
What goes on your skin goes in your body. In fact, your skin absorbs up to 60% of what you apply so if you wouldn’t eat it, why rub it all over your face?
Here’s what to look for when choosing non-toxic skincare and wellness products:
Avoid fragrance, parabens, and PEGs.
Seek out clean, plant-based ingredients like aloe, jojoba oil, and essential oils.
Watch for skincare ingredients to watch out for like formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, oxybenzone, and alcohols.
Making the switch to natural skincare vs chemical skincare can lead to clearer skin, fewer irritations, and even hormonal balance. Clean beauty is not just a trend, it’s a critical part of a holistic wellness lifestyle.
How to Start Choosing Cleaner Options
We get it, overhauling your pantry, bathroom, and kitchen can feel like a lot. But you don’t need to go zero-to-perfect overnight. Here’s how to make it work for real life:
Start small. Swap one product at a time like your laundry detergent or morning granola bar.
Read labels and know your red flags. Keep a simple cheat sheet handy.
Look for certifications like USDA Organic, EWG Verified, or MADE SAFE.
Be wary of “greenwashed” products; not everything labeled “natural” is truly clean.
Ask for help! That’s what WELLTHY by Erin Murphy is here for. Explore our curated clean swaps, helpful blog posts, and real-life wellness guidance to keep you on track.
Clean living isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. And even small shifts can make a huge impact over time.
Ready to Feel the Difference? Let’s Do This Together
Choosing clean ingredients is one of the most empowering things you can do for your health, mindset, and long-term wellness. From clearer skin to more energy to better workout recovery, the benefits are real and they’re waiting for you.
So if you’re wondering:
How clean ingredients improve workout recovery
Why chemicals in food slow weight loss
How to spot harmful ingredients in skincare
You’re already on the right track. Come dive deeper with us.
👉 Visit wellthybyerin.com to explore clean swaps, wellness tips, and non-toxic lifestyle resources that help you live better, one label at a time. Because your health deserves nothing less.