Let’s be honest, switching to a non-toxic lifestyle can feel like a lot. One minute you’re minding your business, lighting your favorite candle… and the next, you’re reading a post telling you it’s “basically poison” and you need to throw it all away.
Here’s the truth:
You don’t have to be perfect to make progress.
At Root + Clay, we believe in better choices - not guilt, not fear, and definitely not shame. Whether it’s your skincare, your cleaning products, or the candle burning on your counter, small intentional swaps add up.
Take home fragrance, for example.
The cleanest option? Essential oils - and yes, we offer products made with those.
But real talk? Sometimes I miss traditional scents. Essential oils don’t always scratch that itch. That’s why we also offer phthalate- and paraben-free fragrance options - so you can enjoy those cozy, familiar smells without all the hormone-disrupting junk.
It’s about meeting in the middle.
Not giving up everything, just giving yourself better options.
And speaking of balance…
Let’s talk about preservatives.
Sometimes, to keep your products safe, especially anything with water in it, we use gentle, naturally-derived preservatives. These protect against mold, bacteria, and yeast. Because no one wants to rub a science experiment on their face (gross, but true).
We’re always intentional:
> We avoid harsh synthetics.
> We choose preservatives rated low-tox (often a 1 or 2 on EWG).
> We only use them when absolutely necessary for your safety.
At the end of the day, clean living isn’t about doing everything perfectly.
It’s about doing what you can, when you can, and staying informed so you’re not fooled by greenwashing or fear-mongering.
Even one cleaner product in your routine makes a difference. Even one candle swap or skincare upgrade moves you in the right direction.
You don’t have to go zero-to-crunchy overnight.
Just start where you are and build from there.
We’re here to help you do that.