6 natural swaps you can make to your showering routine

3 weeks ago

21 May, 2025

When you’ve had a long day, what could be better than having a long, hot shower or bath? But did you know that your routine could include harmful chemicals? Switching to a more natural showering routine offers several benefits for both your skin and overall health (including potentially helping to reduce your risk of breast cancer).

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals, or EDCs, are harmful chemicals that interfere with our hormone system by mimicking or blocking the action of our natural hormones. EDCs may be present in many products, including cosmetics and beauty products. By using natural shower products, you can reduce the number of chemicals entering your body.

Why is making that shift to ‘natural’ a great choice?

Gentler on your skin

Many products we use in the shower can contain harmful chemicals like parabens and artificial fragrances. These can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, or even allergic reactions. Natural products, on the other hand, are less likely to cause adverse reactions (still a good idea to check ingredient lists) and do not contain artificial fragrances (or Parfum), which can be irritating to sensitive skin.

Reduced chemical exposure

Your skin is your largest organ, and it generally absorbs whatever you put on it. Over time, reducing exposure to harmful chemicals can have long-term positive effects on your body.

Improved skin and hair health

Natural ingredients, like aloe vera, coconut oil, and shea butter, have natural moisturising properties that can help hydrate your skin without the potential harshness of harmful ingredients. Additionally, natural shampoos and conditioners are often free of harmful chemicals, which can dry out your hair and scalp.

So, what swaps can I make to better my shower routine?

Here are six natural swaps you can make to your showering routine that can help improve your skin, hair, and overall health:

Firstly, download Yuka

Yuka* can be a big part of starting your natural showering routine! Yuka analyses hygiene and cosmetic products and gives you a risk rating, with a detailed data sheet for each product you scan, to help you understand its score.

The app even displays the products you have already scanned with an easy-to-understand colour code, which lets you view the product’s impact on your health. When you scan a product with a bad score, Yuka offers independent recommendations for comparable items that are healthier!

Top tip: go into shops and scan an array of products to get the best personal alternative possible. Click here to download!

Switch to a natural soap

Instead of using a soap or body wash with artificial fragrances (look for parfum or perfume on the label) and harmful chemicals, try using natural alternatives. Look for soaps made with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or olive oil. These options are gentler on the skin and often have moisturising properties.

Use a natural scrub, loofah or exfoliating mitt

Consider using a natural loofah or an exfoliating mitt made from materials like bamboo. These are better for your skin as they don’t contain plastics and help promote exfoliation, leaving your skin smooth and rejuvenated! You could even make your natural body scrub using our Breast Cancer UK recipe:

75g organic sugar
115g sea salt
30ml organic coconut oil

Replace shaving cream with coconut oil

Coconut oil is a great natural alternative to shaving cream. It softens the skin and hair, making shaving smoother while also moisturising and nourishing your skin. Just apply a thin layer before shaving for a close, smooth shave!

Switch to a natural shampoo

Conventional shampoos often contain sulphates and parabens that can strip hair of its natural oils. Switch to a parabens-free, natural shampoo with ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or argan oil. Your hair will thank you with added shine and softness. We even have a natural hair mask recipe here at Breast Cancer UK:

1 ripe organic avocado
1 overripe organic banana
2 tablespoons organic coconut oil

Switch to natural deodorant

Traditional deodorants can contain aluminium, parabens, and other chemicals. Look for natural deodorants made without these ingredients. They are gentler on the skin. Read more on aluminium and breast cancer here.

By making these simple swaps, you’ll be taking steps to create a more natural showering routine, meaning you’re reducing your risk of breast cancer, removing harmful chemicals from your routine. Your hair and skin will be thanking you in the long run, too!

*App not affiliated with Breast Cancer UK.

6 natural swaps you can make to your showering routine