By now, as a Chalkboard reader, you’re likely aware that choosing the cleaning and self-care products in your home discerningly is crucial. We get a few eye rolls from friends and family when this topic comes up and we know you may too. Here’s what too many of us don’t realize:

+ While ingredient labeling is mandatory for food, cosmetics and drugs – it is not mandatory for cleaning products. Manufacturers aren’t required to disclose all ingredients in their cleaners, and many don’t, including some “green” cleaners brands.

+ Women apply over 300 chemicals daily to their bodies via soaps, cleaning solutions, makeup, hair products, lotions, and perfumes. And 80% of that is applied as part of a daily morning routine.

+ The Environmental Protection Agency says that indoor air quality can be five times worse than outdoor air quality.
Plus, they have various reports on how synthetic colors and dyes contain various chemicals that can negatively impact our skin and internal organs.

Consider how all this impacts on you and your family on a daily basis by simply enjoying the comfort and cleanliness of your home. The great news is that studies continue to take place on the impacts and in the Environmental Working Group’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning report, the only one of its kind, the organization reviewed more than 2,000 popular household cleaning products. There were 6 key highlights from the report that stood out for us specifically:

01 | Some 53 percent of cleaning products assessed by EWG contain ingredients known to harm the lungs. About 22 percent contain chemicals reported to cause asthma to develop in otherwise healthy individuals.

02 | Formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen, is sometimes used as a preservative or may be released by other preservatives in cleaning products. It may form when terpenes, found in citrus and pine oil cleaners and in some essential oils used as scents, react with ozone in the air.

03 | The chemical 1,4-dioxane, a suspected human carcinogen, is a common contaminant of widely used detergent chemicals.

04 | Chloroform, yet another suspected human carcinogen, sometimes escapes in fumes released by products containing chlorine bleach.

05 | Quaternary ammonium compounds (“quats”) like benzalkonium chloride, found in antibacterial spray cleaners and fabric softeners, can cause asthma.

06 | Sodium borate, also known as borax, and boric acid are added to many products as cleaning agents, enzyme stabilizers or for other functions. They can disrupt the hormone system.

The report also revealed that leading “green” brands sell superior products, among them Green Shield Organic and Whole Foods’ Green Mission brand, but not all cleaners marketed as environmentally conscious score high. Some “green” brands such as Earth Friendly Products do not disclose ingredients adequately.

So when Cymbiotika—a beloved brand of supplements that are designed to support the overall health of your body systems and overall well-being—introduces a line of household cleaning and self-care products, we were floored. We’ve already seen incredible results of their supplements first-hand, so we couldn’t wait to bring their expertise and responsible approach into other areas of our home. The best news? The products are all plant-based and none of the ingredients indicated above appear in the line.

Everything You Need To Know About Cymbiotika Home Cleaning Products

Probiotic Hand Soap | Designed to not only cleanse your hands with aloe vera and apple amino acids, this nourishing hand soap supports the skin’s microbiome with probiotics. (Don’t forget your skin is your first line of defense!) They also use essential oils like lavender and peppermint oil to create a soothing aroma while staying completely fragrance-free.Probiotic Hand Lotion | Another hand care product designed to support the skin’s microbiome with probiotics, this rich formula features almond oil and shea butter for buttery-soft skin. Plus, banana leaf extract is rich in flavonoids, enzymes, and active compounds that nourish and protect dry skin.
Laundry Detergent | Enzymes are the key to stain-lifting in this natural detergent. Most brands use two or three enzymes in their cleaning formulas… they use five. Formulated with a powerful blend of bio enzymes including protease, alpha-amylase, pectate lysase, mannase, lipase, and cellulase, these plant-based enzymes break down dirt and stains while keeping fabrics soft and colors bright.

Multi-Purpose Cleaner | Busting dirt and grime with enzymes are the key foundation of this multi-purpose cleanser as well. Plus, zinc salts work to neutralize odor and leave your home smelling like freshly picked tangerines. With plant-based ingredients, the formula is super gentle on the skin as you use it, but potent enough to tackle stubborn areas of the home.
Natural Home Essentials Kit | Wipe out your conventional cleaning supplies in one swoop with the essentials kit that includes Cymbiotika’s hand soap and lotion, laundry detergent, and multi-purpose cleaner. Plus, a subscription option is an easy way to keep your cupboard stocked.

We’ve teamed up with Cymbiotika to offer TCM readers an exclusive sitewide 15% discount so you can try their new home products for yourselves. And shop the rest of their supplements and wellness products, too.

This story is brought to you in partnership with Cymbiotika. From time to time, TCM editors choose to partner with brands we believe in to bring our readers special offers. All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programs.