Question 1

What are non-toxic products?

Accepted Answer

Non-toxic products are household, personal care, and baby items made without harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates, PFAS, BPA, synthetic fragrance, and other ingredients linked to health concerns. They use safer, often traditional alternatives that are better for your family and the environment.

Question 2

How do I start switching to non-toxic products?

Accepted Answer

Start with the products your family uses most and that have the highest exposure — like skincare, cleaning sprays, and cookware. Our Swap Guide helps you go room by room at your own pace. Even switching one product at a time adds up to a healthier home.

Question 3

What ingredients should I avoid?

Accepted Answer

Key ingredients to watch for include synthetic fragrance (which can hide phthalates), parabens, PFAS/PFOA (forever chemicals in nonstick coatings), BPA in plastics, SLS/SLES, formaldehyde releasers, triclosan, and flame retardants. You can ask our AI assistant about any specific ingredient.

Question 4

Are natural and organic products always safe?

Accepted Answer

Not always. "Natural" and "organic" are sometimes used as marketing terms without strict regulation. That's why we look beyond labels and check actual ingredient lists. Third-party certifications like EWG Verified, MADE SAFE, USDA Organic, or GOTS are more reliable indicators of safety.

Question 5

What certifications do you look for?

Accepted Answer

We prioritize products with EWG Verified, MADE SAFE, USDA Organic, and GOTS (for textiles) certifications. We also consider B Corp status, Leaping Bunny (cruelty-free), and NSF certifications. These third-party verifications mean the product has been independently tested, not just self-labeled.

Question 6

How do you research and choose products?

Accepted Answer

Every product we recommend goes through a careful evaluation. We check ingredient lists against safety databases, look for third-party certifications, consider real-world effectiveness, and factor in family-friendly pricing. We don't recommend anything we wouldn't use ourselves.

Question 7

Do you make money from product recommendations?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we participate in affiliate programs like Amazon Associates. When you purchase a product through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep the site free. Our recommendations are never influenced by commissions — we only recommend products we've genuinely researched and believe in.

Question 8

How does the AI assistant work?

Accepted Answer

Our AI assistant is trained on our product research and ingredient safety knowledge. Ask it anything — about specific products, ingredients, or what to look for in a category — and it gives you personalized recommendations based on your needs, budget, and family situation. It's completely free to use.

Question 9

Is Old Ways Today free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our product recommendations, AI assistant, Swap Guide, and all blog content are completely free. We're supported by affiliate commissions when you purchase products through our links.

Question 10

Is Old Ways Today just for moms?

Accepted Answer

Not at all! While many of our early community members are parents looking for safer products for their families, our recommendations are for anyone who wants to reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals — whether you're a parent, a couple, or living on your own.

Question 11

How often do you add new products?

Accepted Answer

We're actively researching and adding new recommendations every week. We're building out every room in your home — from kitchen and bathroom to bedroom and laundry. If there's a category you'd like us to cover, let us know through our contact page.

Question 12

Can I suggest a product for you to review?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We love hearing from our community. If there's a product you'd like us to research or a category you want us to cover, reach out through our contact page or ask our AI assistant. Your suggestions help us prioritize what to review next.

Frequently Asked Questions