Reading product labels shouldn’t feel like learning a new language – but for many of us, it does. With ingredients like “methylisothiazolinone” and “fragrance (parfum)” popping up on everyday items, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or misled. In this post, we’re going to break down the confusion around product labels, reveal the sneaky ways brands hide harmful ingredients, and give you the tools you need to shop smarter and feel confident in your choices. This is about cutting through greenwashing and getting real transparency – because your health (and your family’s) deserves nothing less.

“You deserve to know what you’re bringing into your home—because informed choices are powerful choices.”

Let’s face it: most ingredient lists are designed to confuse, not clarify. Companies can legally hide dozens of chemicals under umbrella terms like “fragrance,” without disclosing what’s actually in them. Many of these hidden ingredients are linked to hormone disruption, allergies, respiratory issues, and more. And the scariest part? Products marketed as natural, gentle, or eco-friendly are often the worst offenders. By learning to decode labels, you take your power back. You’re no longer at the mercy of marketing tactics – you’re in control of what touches your skin, your food, and your kids.

So how do you spot the red flags? Start by looking out for terms like “parfum,” “PEGs,” “SLS/SLES,” “phenoxyethanol,” and anything ending in -paraben. If the label feels vague, that’s a red flag too. Real transparency means full ingredient lists with recognisable, pronounceable names. The Low Tox Tap is designed to do this work for you – just scan a label and get instant insight into what each ingredient really means, and whether it’s worth a swap. Because let’s be honest, we’re busy mums. We don’t have time to Google every chemical at the supermarket.

Decoding labels is one of the most empowering steps you can take on your low-tox journey. It’s not about fear – it’s about facts. When you understand what’s in your products, you’re able to make informed, intentional choices that align with your values and protect your family’s health. You don’t need to memorise every ingredient – just start by spotting the most common red flags and using tools like The Low Tox Tap to fill in the gaps. Knowledge is power. And once you have it, you’ll never look at a label the same way again 💛