Materials Library
The materials that make up your home.
Browse every material, coating, and chemical we track — from stainless steel to PFAS. Scan the tiles, filter by type or vertical, and dive into an evidence-based guide when a material catches your attention.
25 materials
- Higher ConcernChemical
PFAS
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
A family of thousands of 'forever chemicals' prized for resisting heat, oil, and water — and criticised for persisting in the body for years.
Commonly found in
- Nonstick cookware
- Waterproof jackets
- Grease-proof takeout wrappers
- Stain-treated carpet
Read guide - Higher ConcernCoating
PTFE
Polytetrafluoroethylene
The fluoropolymer coating behind classic nonstick pans. Stable at moderate heat, but degrades and off-gases above ~500°F.
Commonly found in
- Nonstick fry pans
- Waffle irons
- Rice cooker inserts
- Bakeware coatings
Read guide - PreferredMetal
Stainless Steel
Iron–chromium–nickel alloy
A durable iron-based alloy with chromium and nickel. One of the safest, longest-lasting materials for cookware, kettles, and food storage.
Commonly found in
- Fry pans and stockpots
- Kettles
- Sinks and countertops
- Water bottles
Read guide - PreferredMetal
Cast Iron
Molded iron with a seasoned polymer surface
Naturally nonstick when seasoned, heirloom-durable, and free of synthetic coatings. Adds a small, usually welcome amount of dietary iron.
Commonly found in
- Skillets
- Dutch ovens
- Griddles
- Bakeware
Read guide - PreferredMetal
Carbon Steel
Iron–carbon alloy, lighter than cast iron
Lighter and more responsive than cast iron, but built from the same seasoned-metal tradition. Common in professional kitchens.
Commonly found in
- Chef's fry pans
- Woks
- Roasting pans
- Crepe pans
Read guide - PreferredMineral
Glass
Silica-based inert material
Chemically inert, non-leaching, and infinitely recyclable. The default for food storage, baby bottles, and safe packaging.
Commonly found in
- Food storage containers
- Baby bottles
- Water bottles
- Bakeware
Read guide - Context DependentMetal
Aluminum
Light, thermally responsive metal
Lightweight and heat-conductive, but reactive with acidic foods. Anodised or clad forms behave very differently from bare aluminum.
Commonly found in
- Baking sheets
- Foil
- Antiperspirants
- Beverage cans
Read guide - Context DependentMineral
Ceramic
Fired clay, glazed or unglazed
A broad category — from 100% clay heirlooms to short-lived 'ceramic-coated' nonstick. Quality varies enormously.
Commonly found in
- Dinnerware
- Bakeware
- 'Ceramic' nonstick pans
- Tea and coffee ware
Read guide - Context DependentCoating
Silicone
Synthetic polymer of siloxanes
Food-grade silicone is heat-stable and largely inert, but not all silicone is equal. Best in supporting roles, not primary cookware surfaces.
Commonly found in
- Baking mats
- Spatulas
- Baby feeding gear
- Muffin cups
Read guide - Higher ConcernMetal
Lead
Heavy metal contaminant
A neurotoxic heavy metal with no safe exposure level. Legacy sources — paint, solder, older ceramics — still turn up in the home.
Commonly found in
- Pre-1978 painted trim
- Old window frames
- Vintage glazed ceramics
- Older brass plumbing
Read guide - Higher ConcernMetal
Cadmium
Heavy metal contaminant
A toxic heavy metal used in bright pigments and older solders. Concerning when it leaches from ceramics, jewellery, or plumbing fittings.
Commonly found in
- Bright ceramic glazes
- Costume jewellery
- Older painted glassware
- Pigments in plastics
Read guide - Higher ConcernChemical
BPA
Bisphenol A
An endocrine-disrupting plasticiser used to make polycarbonate hard plastic and epoxy can linings. 'BPA-free' often just means BPS or BPF.
Commonly found in
- Hard plastic water bottles
- Can linings
- Thermal receipts
- Food storage containers
Read guide - PreferredTextile
Organic Cotton
GOTS-certified fibre for products worn against skin
Cotton grown without synthetic pesticides and processed without chlorine bleach. Look for GOTS certification, not just the word 'organic'.
Commonly found in
- Baby clothing
- Bedding
- Tampons and pads
- Reusable menstrual products
Read guide - Context DependentTextile
Rayon & Viscose
Regenerated-cellulose fibre used in mainstream tampons
A semi-synthetic fibre made from dissolved wood pulp. Feels natural, but the chemistry to make it is anything but — quality hinges on process.
Commonly found in
- Tampons and pads
- Wet wipes
- Apparel linings
- Home textiles
Read guide - PreferredNatural Material
Bamboo Fiber
Rapidly renewable grass used as a tree-free paper pulp
Fast-growing plant fibre used in toilet paper, textiles, and disposables. 'Bamboo viscose' is chemically processed; mechanical bamboo is not.
Commonly found in
- Toilet paper
- Baby wipes
- Reusable cloths
- Bedding
Read guide - Context DependentNatural Material
Recycled Paper
Post-consumer fibre diverted from the paper waste stream
Paper made from post-consumer waste — lower forest impact, but can carry trace contaminants from the recycling stream (BPA, PFAS, inks).
Commonly found in
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Packaging
- Notebooks
Read guide - Context DependentNatural Material
Virgin Wood Pulp
Freshly harvested softwood and hardwood fibre
Paper made directly from freshly harvested trees. Soft and consistent, but tied to boreal forest loss when sourced without FSC oversight.
Commonly found in
- Premium toilet paper
- Tissues
- Paper towels
- White office paper
Read guide - Context DependentChemical
Fluoride
Sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride, MFP
A well-studied cavity-prevention ingredient. The debate is about dose and delivery, not whether it works — and hydroxyapatite is a modern alternative.
Commonly found in
- Toothpaste
- Municipal drinking water
- Mouth rinses
- Some bottled waters
Read guide - PreferredMineral
Hydroxyapatite
The mineral your enamel is made of
The mineral your enamel is already made of. Nano-hydroxyapatite is emerging as a fluoride-free remineralising active with growing evidence.
Commonly found in
- Fluoride-free toothpaste
- Remineralising gels
- Some children's toothpaste
- Enamel-repair products
Read guide - Context DependentChemical
SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate)
A common — and irritating — surfactant
A cheap foaming surfactant. Not toxic in the sense many people fear, but irritating for many mouths — and unnecessary in modern toothpaste.
Commonly found in
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo
- Body wash
- Bubble bath
Read guide - PreferredChemical
Xylitol
Sugar alcohol with an anti-caries mechanism
A plant-derived sugar alcohol that starves cavity-forming bacteria. Widely used in modern toothpaste and dental gum.
Commonly found in
- Toothpaste
- Dental gum and mints
- Nasal sprays
- Some children's oral care
Read guide - PreferredMineral
Hydrated Silica
The most common toothpaste abrasive
The gentle mineral abrasive in most toothpaste. Cleans effectively without stripping enamel when formulated at the right particle size.
Commonly found in
- Toothpaste
- Cosmetics
- Anti-caking agents
- Skincare
Read guide - PreferredMineral
Calcium Carbonate
Traditional mineral abrasive
A traditional mild abrasive and remineralising ingredient. Common in natural toothpaste and used across baking, supplements, and paper.
Commonly found in
- Toothpaste
- Antacids
- Supplements
- Paper
Read guide - Context DependentMineral
Titanium Dioxide
White pigment under active regulatory review
A bright-white pigment and sunscreen active. Skin-safe when used topically; the concern is inhalation and, in some regions, ingestion.
Commonly found in
- Mineral sunscreens
- Toothpaste
- Cosmetics
- Painted candy shells
Read guide - Higher ConcernChemical
Phthalates
Plasticiser chemicals
Plasticiser chemicals that soften plastic and carry fragrance. Several are recognised endocrine disruptors and restricted in kids' products.
Commonly found in
- Vinyl shower curtains
- Fragranced personal care
- Nail polish
- Food packaging
Read guide