The Hidden Dangers of Conventional Cleaning Products

Conventional cleaning products often contain a mix of potentially harmful ingredients, including dyes, phthalates, ammonia, bleach, triclosan, formaldehyde, parabens, optical brighteners, synthetic fragrances, and many petrochemicals.

But here's the shocking part:

Manufacturers aren't required to disclose all the components of their formulations. So, what's really nesting in your cupboards and creeping around your surfaces?

While many brands tout the safety and quality of their ingredients, their refusal to disclose them raises an eyebrow. If they're genuinely proud and transparent, why the secrecy?

The hidden dangers of conventional cleaning products

Demystifying the 'Chemical' Debate

It's true that "everything is a chemical," from the water we drink to the air we breathe. Our world depends on chemical interactions, and many of them have clearly improved and even extended our lives. The real issue is not chemicals themselves, but figuring out which ones might harm our health or the environment.

Also, just because something is labelled "natural" or "naturally derived" does not mean it is always safer or better for the environment. Most ingredients undergo some form of chemical processing. When it comes to safety, it is not just about where an ingredient comes from; the amount used and how it is applied are important too.

Lavender & Lemon: A Transparent Promise

At Lavender & Lemon, we champion transparency. Every ingredient we use stands proudly on our website and product labels. No hidden secrets, no perplexing terms, only pure honesty. Should any ingredient pique your curiosity, we're always happy to answer any questions, so do get in touch.

Free From Icon

Free From

Phthalates, Phenoxyethanol, synthetic fragrance and petrochemicals.

Lavender & Lemon

Naturally Scented

100% pure essential oils for a calm, naturally scented home.

9_c1b08230-7e6f-4d4d-b388-dcaa8df42523

Plant-Based

Made with certified-organic ingredients; readily biodegradable.

Ethically Sourced Icon

Ethically Sourced

UK suppliers chosen for their social and environmental responsibility.

Free From Icon

Free From

Phthalates, Phenoxyethanol, synthetic fragrance and petrochemicals.

Lavender & Lemon

Naturally Scented

100% pure essential oils for a calm, naturally scented home.

9_c1b08230-7e6f-4d4d-b388-dcaa8df42523

Plant-Based

Made with certified-organic ingredients; readily biodegradable.

Ethically Sourced Icon

Ethically Sourced

UK suppliers chosen for their social and environmental responsibility.

The Power of Essential Oils

The Power of Essential Oils

Essential oils are more than just aromatic treasures. Many are clinically acclaimed for their:

Antibacterial Properties: Combating and restricting bacterial proliferation.

Antiviral Abilities: Eliminating or impeding virus reproduction.

Antifungal Capacities: Thwarting fungal growth.

At Lavender & Lemon, we use premium essential oils, ensuring their potency and purity remain uncompromised.

Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium)

Geranium oil has been researched extensively for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and pain-relieving properties. Inhalation of Geranium oil reduces stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Additionally, it has excellent antimicrobial activity against various bacteria and fungi and is especially effective against gram-negative bacteria.

Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender)

Lavender oil is one of the most researched essential oils. Studies confirm it has antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and anticancer properties. Lavender oil has been shown to benefit women's health, especially in relieving menstrual pain and menopausal symptoms. Inhalation of Lavender oil reduces stress and anxiety, improves sleep quality, and reduces pain. It is also know for keeping pests and harmful bacteria at bay.

Citrus Bergamia (Bergamot) 

Bergamot oil has been widely studied for its anxiety and stress-relieving effects. Inhaling Begamot oil relieves acute or chronic stress, improves mood, and reduces anxiety. It is also shown to have antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Citrus Limon (Lemon)

A refreshing, energizing oil and an excellent cleaner due to its powerful hygienic properties and its ability to attack harmful microorganisms. It’s a powerhouse degreaser and research shows it is also antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial. Inhaling Lemon oil helps improve mood, reduces anxiety, pain, and nausea, and enhances learning and memory.

Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) 

Tea Tree oil is one of the most researched essential oils, mainly for its antimicrobial activity. Numerous studies have demonstrated efficacy against a broad spectrum of bacteria (including MRSA), fungi, and viruses.

At Lavender & Lemon we use gentle, ECOCERT, COSMOS and Soil Association approved plant-derived surfactants, preservatives, and mineral ingredients.

Harnessing the Best of Nature and Science

At Lavender & Lemon, we use gentle, ECOCERT COSMOS and Soil Association approved plant-derived surfactants, preservatives, and mineral ingredients.

Deionised Water

Purified water that has had contaminants removed in order to maximize shelf life of the finished product and improve cleaning power.

Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside

A highly effective, plant-derived, biodegradable, non-ionic surfactant that has the ability to loosen and aid removal of oily residues and emulsify essential oils. It is ECOCERT Certified. 

Decyl Glucoside

A mild and gentle non-ionic plant-based surfactant made from derivatives of Coconut Oil and Glucose. Non-ionic surfactants are not deactivated in hard water so this ingredient is added to boost foam and support the detergent system. It is Soil Association and ECOCERT approved.

Sodium Coco Sulfate

Sodium Coco Sulfate (SCS) is a COSMOS-certified anionic surfactant that the Soil Association also permits. It is derived from the fatty acids found in coconut oil and . It's important to note that SCS should not be mistaken for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). Unlike SLS and SLES, which go through the ethoxylation process and are often made from palm or crude oil, SCS is not ethoxylated and has a larger molecule size, so it cannot penetrate the skin and, therefore, is much less likely to cause irritation. In our washing-up liquid, Sodium Coco Sulfate is used to improve foaming and assist the detergent system. It is readily biodegradable, environmentally friendly and skin-friendly.

Denatured Alcohol

Selected for its performance, safety, and responsible formulation. Made with a high-grade, denatured ethanol to meet UK regulatory standards, it is designed for essential-oil-based products. It evaporates cleanly, helps essential oils disperse evenly, and supports a streak-free finish without unnecessary stabilisers or synthetic solubilisers.

Sodium Carbonate

Also known as soda ash or washing soda - used as a builder in detergent powders and tablets for water softening in the washing process. It effectively tackles dirt and its abrasive nature cuts through grease and grime. Can be used to clean various items around the house.

Sodium Bicarbonate

Also known as baking soda - a very effective abrasive cleaner and deodorizer that replaces many chemical-laden, lab-derived ingredients in our daily lives. We use 100% pure, naturally sourced sodium bicarbonate that is environmentally sustainable with minimal CO2 emissions.

Sodium Percarbonate

Also known as oxygen bleach, it is made from sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide. It is an environmentally safe bleaching agent that offers many of the same functional benefits as liquid hydrogen peroxide. It dissolves into water rapidly to release oxygen and provides powerful cleaning, bleaching, stain removal and deodorising. It has the added advantage of having no odour and is colour and fabric safe. We use 100% pure sodium percarbonate.

Citric Acid

Naturally found in citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges. It is an excellent natural cleaning agent that is ideal for removing mould and mildew and is also effective at tackling limescale and calcium build-ups.

Xantham Gum

A 100% natural thickening agent. We use a specially formulated cosmetic-grade gum.

Benzyl Alcohol

An organic compound that naturally occurs in plants. It inhibits the development of microorganisms and is used in our water-based products to ensure that they are safe, stable and effective. It is part of our broad spectrum natural preservative system which is ECOCERT, COSMOS and Soil Association approved and contains no Parabens, no Phenoxyethanol, no isothiazolones and no Formaldehyde.

Salicylic Acid

A naturally occurring compound derived from fruits and vegetables and is used in our products as part of our COSMOS and ECOCERT approved natural preservative system.

Vegetable Glycerin

A natural thickener made from plant oils and helps stop skin from drying out.  It’s also a natural preservative and is part of our broad spectrum natural preservative system which is ECOCERT, COSMOS and Soil Association approved and contains no Parabens, no Phenoxyethanol, no isothiazolones and no Formaldehyde.

Sorbic Acid

A naturally occurring compound obtained from fruit and one of the most commonly used preservatives in the world. It is highly effective at prohibiting the growth of mould and is part of our broad spectrum natural preservative system which is ECOCERT, COSMOS and Soil Association approved and contains no Parabens, no Phenoxyethanol, no isothiazolones and no Formaldehyde.

Ingredients