As someone who is conscious about the products I use in my home, I was shocked to discover that my shower curtain and liner could be harming my health. In an attempt to streamline the products I use, I learned that many shower curtains are made from materials that can release harmful chemicals, such as phthalates and PVC, into the air and went out in search of the best non-toxic shower curtains & liners.
These chemicals can have serious health consequences, including respiratory issues and reproductive problems. Since then, I have been on a mission to find the best non-toxic shower curtain liners to help reduce my chemical load and create a safer, healthier home environment.
Fortunately, there are many choices of non-toxic shower curtain liners available that can help reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals.
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The 10 Best Non-Toxic Shower Curtains & Liners
| Non-Toxic Shower Curtain Liner (Click to read full review) | Material | Shop Now |
| Parachute Home | Linen | parachutehome.com |
| Outlines Liner System | PEVA and Cotton | outlines.com |
| LiBa | PEVA | Amazon |
| Bean Products | Hemp | beanproducts.com |
| Coyuchi | Cotton | coyuchi.com |
| Young Coconut Friends | Hemp | Etsy |
| AmazonBasics Linen Style | Polyester | Amazon |
| Downluxe | Polyester | Amazon |
| Nebia | Recycled PET | Amazon |
| Otter Wax Block makes any shower curtain waterproof and long lasting | Wax Block | Amazon |
Although some of the links in this article are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission for suggesting them, we have done our best to suggest only the best quality out there. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases with the links provided in this article. In no way does this affect our description or review of their products.
The best non-toxic shower curtain & liners
The shower curtain liner is important when it comes to reducing toxins because it is the part of the shower curtain that comes into direct contact with water and is closest to our bodies.
Although most people prefer a plastic-type shower curtain liner, these are not always the best options available due to off-gassing of the plastic liners and the environmental impact they incur in production and disposal.
Tightly woven cotton, hemp, bamboo, or linen make the best non-toxic shower curtains and liners that are best for both the environment and our health. When manufactured for the shower, these materials are often waterproof enough for a shower and dry quickly with proper ventilation.
These materials can easily be made even more waterproof by coating the surface with a natural wax block such as this one found from Rawganique. This will help to elongate the lifespan of the non toxic shower curtain liner while still remaining eco-friendly and biodegradable.
If you insist on using a plastic-type shower curtain, make sure it is on the lower scale of toxic-release such as a PEVA shower curtain. Although there have been some concerns with PEVA, as illustrated in this study, it is still a better option than other plastic-type materials.
Take note, that in order to ensure a more waterproof curtain, polyester can expose you to chemicals including Perfluorooctane sulfonate which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/product.
Be sure to stay away from PVC, Vinyl, or Nylon as they can contain phthalates, dioxins, VOCs, formaldehyde and flame retardants. They are also non-biodegradable and contribute to pollution and waste.
Is PEVA Toxic?
Many waterproof showers curtains today are made from PEVA, or polyethylene vinyl acetate, but is PEVA toxic?
PEVA is generally considered a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Some concerns have been raised about potential additives or impurities in PEVA products. Phthalates, lead and other heavy metals, and VOCs, have been found in PEVA products and have been associated with various health issues.
It’s important to note that not all PEVA products will have these concerns, and many manufacturers strive to produce high-quality, safe products. Make sure to select only the most reputable brands and to check product labels and certifications.
Non-toxic shower curtain/liner #1: Parachute Home
The Parachute Home linen shower curtain is made of 100% European flax, this chambray shower curtain is garment washed for a soft feel and relaxed look. Use it alone as a non-toxic shower curtain liner or in combination with a PEVA insert, the medium-to-light weight and subtly-textured feel of the linen fabric add an elegant touch to your bathroom decor.
The curtain features stitched button holes along the top hem, making it easy to hang with any standard shower curtain hooks. It measures 72″ x 72″ and is made in Portugal.
The Parachute Home company was founded on the principles of comfort and accessibility. They specialize in creating premium, everyday essentials for the home that are both high quality and affordable. The company has a loyal community of customers who appreciate their commitment to comfort and sustainability.
Green Footprint: It has been certified by OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, which means that it is free from harmful substances and has been produced in an environmentally friendly and socially responsible manner. It is also made from linen which is 100% biodegradable and low-carbon emitting.
Non-toxic shower curtain/liner #2: Living Outlines
If one of the reasons you’re looking at better options is because you feel bad about throwing out your shower curtain liner every 6 months, Outlines has solved that problem! Made from PEVA and cotton, Outlines sends you a shower curtain insert on your own frequency: every 3, 6, or 9 months. They will even recycle the one that you send back to them, avoiding having it sit in landfills for hundreds of years!
Since the upper part of the curtain is cotton and the lower part is a thicker PEVA, we found that the curtain does not billow and dried very quickly. Unless your shower is being used several times a day, one PEVA replacement every 9 months should suffice!
Green Footprint: Since the Outlines shower curtain system never NEEDs to reach the landfills the reduced waste is a great step in the right direction! Outlines has thought about their product in a circular fashion, creating a product with an end of life solution.
Non-toxic shower curtain/liner #3: LiBa
The LiBa shower curtain liner is a great option for anyone looking for a waterproof and durable option for their bathroom. With a speciality design that promotes water bead formation, the curtain keeps your bathroom dry and clean. It is available in three timeless colors to choose from.
This shower curtain is luxuriously made and thin enough to have light shine through. Pair it with Coyuchi’s best-selling Mediterranean Towels to give it a curated feel.
LiBa sells this curtain in a variety of sizes, making it a perfect fit for any standard size shower or tub, regardless of whether you have a straight or curved shower rod. The curtain liner also features three heavy-duty magnets on the bottom to keep it in place and away from your body while you shower. The 12 rust-proof metal grommets and reinforced header ensure the curtain liner lasts long and prevents tearing. Liba also sells rust resistant shower curtain rings that glide easily.
Green Footprint: The LiBa shower curtain liner is also environmentally friendly, as it is made with 100% high-quality and eco-friendly (compared to other plastic varieties such as PVC or Vinyl) PEVA material. This material is free of PVC and chlorine, which means no unpleasant plastic smell or unpleasant chemical fumes. The liner contains significantly less volatile organic compounds than PVC liners, making it the better choice if you’re looking for plastic.
Non-toxic shower curtain/liner #4: Bean Hemp Shower Curtain
The Natural Handcrafted Hemp Shower Curtain by Bean Products is made from sustainably grown hemp, this shower curtain is free of toxic PVC and other harmful chemicals, making it safe for you and your family. The hemp material is naturally processed without pesticides or fertilizers, ensuring that you get a product that is not only safe but also eco-friendly.
The Bean shower curtain is well-constructed and built to last, with wide seamless fabrics that do not billow in towards the shower spray like lightweight toxic PVC plastic liners. The hemp canvas dries quickly and allows light to filter through, giving your bathroom a natural and refreshing feel. The product comes in three sizes, making it a versatile option for any bathroom.
Green Footprint: Bean Products is committed to sustainability and reducing its environmental impact. The company cuts and sews its hemp curtains at its factory in Chicago, Illinois, and uses high-quality rustproof nickel-plated brass grommets. Plus, with the added benefit of being made in the USA, you can feel good about supporting a local business that cares about the planet.
Non-toxic shower curtain/liner #5: Coyuchi Turkish Cotton
Coyuchi’s Turkish Cotton Non-Toxic Shower Curtain is a great choice for a non-toxic shower curtain. Made with 100% organic cotton grown and woven in Turkey, this shower curtain is both absorbent and quick-drying, making it usable as a liner itself. The curtain is finished with a GOTS-certified process that prevents shrinkage, ensuring it will last you for a long time.
Green Footprint: What sets Coyuchi apart is their commitment to being environmentally responsible. They use only 100% organic fibers and hold their bedding to the strictest standards of environmental and social responsibility. Additionally, Coyuchi has a program called 2nd Home Take Back™ that allows customers to return their used linens to the company, which are then cleaned, checked for flaws, and repaired to be as good as new. This program helps to reduce textile waste and promotes a circular economy.
Coyuchi is constantly innovating with plant-based softeners, wastewater recycling initiatives at their factories, and circular solutions that combat textile waste. Their focus on making a positive impact on the planet is commendable, and it shows in the quality of their products.
Non-toxic shower curtain/liner #6: Young Coconut Friends
The Young Coconut Friends hemp shower curtain is a fantastic eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic liners. Made from a blend of hemp and organic cotton, this curtain offers a sustainable and biodegradable option for your bathroom. The material is sturdy and durable, and it has a tight weave that holds water and dries quickly, making it mold and mildew resistant.
One of the best things about this shower curtain is that it does not require a plastic liner. Simply place the curtain inside the tub while showering, and it will keep the water inside without the need for an additional liner. After your shower, keep the base of the curtain outside of the tub for a quicker and cleaner dry.
The sizing is customizable, with options for extra-long, extra-wide, stall size, or anything you need. If you are concerned about the whiteness of the fabric, the shop owner is happy to send a free fabric swatch in the mail.
Green Footprint: The curtain is made without chemicals such as phthalates and formaldehyde, and it is never dyed or chlorine bleached. Young Coconut Friends creates all of its products with the environment in mind, using natural and sustainable materials whenever possible. By choosing this hemp shower curtain, you can feel good about supporting a small, eco-friendly business that is making a positive impact on the planet.
Non-toxic shower curtain/liner #9: Amazon Basics
While this curtain does require an additional waterproofing element such as a liner or a natural wax, we included it in the list because of its non-toxic properties, its OEKO-TEX manufacturing certification, and its reasonable price point. Available in a variety of colors and textures, customers have been very happy with the quality and durability of this curtain.
This polyester curtain is free from harmful substances which can often be found in other polyester curtains. Buyers find the simplistic look of this curtain pleasant and easy to match to a variety of bathroom decor.
Green Footprint: This shower curtain is made in Green by OEKO-TEX and is climate pledge friendly, which is an Amazon certification that requires products to qualify based on numerous planet-friendly criteria. It is tested for harmful substances to ensure a safer, healthier non-toxic shower curtain.
Non-toxic shower curtain/liner #10: Downluxe
I am quite impressed with its quality and features of the Downluxe Polyester Non-Toxic Shower Curtain. It is made of premium 100% polyester fabric and is soft, comfortable, and machine washable.
It is water-repellant and does not require an additional liner. It has a weighted bottom hem with three magnets which helps to keep the curtain in place and prevent it from blowing around while showering.
Green Footprint: In addition to the product features, I am happy to learn that this company is committed to sustainability and has received certification from STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX. This certification requires that products be tested against a list of over 1,000 chemicals to limit those which may be harmful to human health. It is reassuring to know that this company values product safety and chemicals used in their products.
Non-toxic shower curtain/liner #11: Nebia
The Brondell Nebia Shower Curtain is a modern and sustainable addition to any bathroom. It is made from over 41 recycled plastic bottles, which would otherwise end up in oceans and landfills, making it a planet-friendly alternative to traditional shower curtains that are made from toxic PVC and other plastics. The fact that it is Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified is a testament to the company’s commitment to sustainability and the environment.
This non-toxic shower curtain comes with a removable liner and 12 pre-assembled hooks. The snap-in, detachable liner is also machine-washable, making it easy to clean and maintain.
The Nebia Shower Curtain is also shrink-free, making it a reliable choice for long-term use. It has a water-repellent and mildew-resistant coating, ensuring it remains clean and hygienic over time.
Green Footprint: The Brondell Nebia Shower Curtain is an eco-friendly shower curtain that is not only beautiful but also contributes to a greener planet. The company’s use of recycled materials and commitment to sustainability is commendable, and it sets an example for other companies to follow.
Otter Wax Block
Use the Otter Wax block to make any curtain naturally and safely more water resistant. Be sure to follow these steps to ensure it is done correctly.
To apply the natural waterproofing wax bar to your hemp, linen, or cotton curtain, follow these simple steps:
- Choose the appropriate size wax bar based on the size of your project. A 2.25oz bar can waterproof 2-4 pairs of shoes, while a 5oz bar is recommended for shower curtains.
- Rub the wax bar onto your curtain in a circular motion, ensuring that you cover the entire surface.
- Use a wooden smoothing tool (sold separately) to work the wax into the fibers of the fabric.
- Let the product cure in a warm area for at least an hour.
- Store any leftover wax in a cool, dry place for future reapplication.
Please note that once you have applied the wax, your curtain will not be machine washable. The natural wax bar is made from 100% natural ingredients, including beeswax and plant-based waxes and oils, and is free from chemicals, petroleum derivatives, and silicone. By using this natural waterproofing method, you can enhance the lifespan of your curtain and reduce your environmental footprint.
FAQ
What chemicals are commonly found in shower curtains?
Shower curtains are commonly made from materials like vinyl or PVC, which can contain harmful chemicals such as phthalates, lead, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Phthalates are often used as plasticizers in shower curtains to make them more flexible, but they have been linked to health problems such as reproductive issues, asthma, and developmental problems in children. Lead is sometimes used as a stabilizer in PVC, and exposure to lead can cause neurological and behavioral problems. VOCs, which are released into the air when shower curtains off-gas, can cause respiratory problems, headaches, and nausea. Overall, these chemicals can have serious negative effects on our health, so it’s important to choose non-toxic shower curtain liners and other products whenever possible.
How can I tell if my shower curtain is toxic?
There are a few ways to tell if your shower curtain is toxic:
- Smell: If your shower curtain has a strong chemical smell, it may be off-gassing harmful chemicals. You may notice a strong “new shower curtain” smell when you first purchase a shower curtain, but if the smell persists or gets worse over time, it may be a sign of toxic chemicals.
- PVC: If your shower curtain is made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), it is likely to contain harmful chemicals such as phthalates and lead. PVC shower curtains may also have a plastic-like feel and make a crinkly sound.
- Labeling: Check the labeling or packaging of your shower curtain to see if it contains any warnings about harmful chemicals. Some shower curtains may also be labeled as “non-toxic” or “PVC-free”.
- Certifications: Look for shower curtains that have been certified by third-party organizations such as Oeko-Tex or Greenguard. These certifications indicate that a product has been tested for harmful chemicals and is safe for human use.
If you’re unsure whether your shower curtain is toxic, it’s best to err on the side of caution and replace it with a non-toxic shower curtain liner.
Are shower curtains made from natural materials (cotton, linen & hemp) washable and dry-able?
Yes, natural material shower curtains such as cotton, linen, and hemp are washable and dry-able. However, it’s important to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to avoid damaging the fabric or causing shrinkage. Some natural materials may require special care, such as gentle washing and air drying to maintain their quality and durability. Additionally, if you have applied wax or other treatments to make the curtain water-resistant, it may affect the cleaning method and require a different approach.
What is PEVA? Is PEVA safe for shower curtains?
PEVA (Polyethylene vinyl acetate) is generally considered safe for use for shower curtains and consumer products. It is a non-chlorinated vinyl alternative that does not contain harmful chemicals such as phthalates or bisphenol A (BPA), which have been linked to various health concerns.
PEVA is commonly used in products such as shower curtains, tablecloths, and protective covers for electronic devices. However, it is important to note that some manufacturers may add other substances to the PEVA material, which could potentially pose a health risk.
As with any consumer product, it is always recommended to read the label and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and care. If you have any concerns or questions about the safety of a specific PEVA product, you can contact the manufacturer or consult with a healthcare professional.
Conclusion
As consumers, we have the power to make conscious choices for ourselves and for the environment. Choosing a non-toxic shower curtain or liner is a small step towards reducing our exposure to harmful chemicals and creating a healthier home. If you’re looking for other eco-friendly and non-toxic options for your home and family, take a look at our articles: The Best Non-Toxic Rugs for Your Home, and The Top 20 Eco-Friendly Things on Amazon. Not only are the options we’ve presented in this article safe for you and your family, but they’re also made with sustainable materials that contribute to a greener planet. So, the next time you’re in the market for a new shower curtain or liner, consider one of these non-toxic and eco-friendly options. Your body and the planet will thank you for it!
10 Responses
Love this!! I’m always looking for alternatives to my shower curtain. My current one is getting gross and I’m actually needing a new one.
I never thought of the toxicity in shower curtains, but it’s definitely important. Thanks for this comprehensive guide
oh wow, am alws interested and looking for non toxic materials for the home but never thought of shower curtains. Thank you.
Love this post! I’ve never really though about the toxicity of shower curtains – it was always a functional item that was also decorative. This post certainly provides a new perspective. Also, the shower curtains you’ve highlighted are gorgeous!
I had no idea that plastic liners were toxic. This was a great read for me! Thank you for the information!
This is a great list! I have been on a non-toxic/sustainable living journey for a while. I haven’t really thought to change out my shower curtain!
I literally never knew shower curtains/liners could be harmful! Thank you for sharing this!
Very thorough article with lots of great information!
So informative and important since we use this daily! Thank you for sharing!
Found your blog on Google. I dislike shower cutains. Having to clean or change them is a hassle. You gave me another resson to not like them. But thanks for sharing a more sustainable alternative shower curtain. Informative post.