Toxin Free (ish)

After 3 years of showing up to Toxin Free(ish) every week, today's episode is the last one for a while. As my business and my life changes, I've decided to take a step back from the podcast. To be clear - this does NOT mean I'm leaving Toxin Free behind completely. Tune in to hear about what's to come in 2026 so we can continue cutting out the toxins together!

Tallow is a centuries-old secret that’s making a comeback, and today we’re pulling back the curtain on what really matters when it comes to what you put on your skin. In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend Sara from Willow Moon Farm, who makes the only tallow I trust on my face. We’re getting real about why tallow is so controversial, what makes it so special, and why sourcing and transparency are everything. If you’ve ever wondered whether tallow is a miracle ingredient or just another fad, this conversation is for you. We dig into the nitty-gritty of what “tallow” actually means in the skincare world (spoiler: it’s not as straightforward as you think). Sara shares her process for creating truly pure, nutrient-rich tallow—from hand-selecting beef suet at a regenerative farm to her meticulous rendering process. We talk about why most commercial tallow just doesn’t cut it, and how hidden toxins and lack of transparency can make all the difference in your skincare routine. You’ll also hear about our personal rituals, favorite products, and why handmade, small-batch skincare feels so much more special. If you’re ready to rethink your skincare and get the inside scoop on what’s really in that jar, you’re in the right place! In today’s episode, we’re chatting about:

Is that plant derived ingredient ACTUALLY better for you? A lot of companies certainly want you to think so. So today, we're getting ahead of a conversation that I think will only get bigger in the coming years. Here's the trend I'm seeing in the beauty industry: companies, brands and manufacturers are taking ingredients that are historically made from byproducts of petrochemicals and using byproducts of bioethanol instead. Then, the brands are advertising "plant-based" ingredients, painting the picture that they are completely safe and non-toxic. Here's the thing: these ingredients are better for the environment. It's a step in the right direction. However, the final ingredient is exactly the same. So let's break down this case of greenwashing so you can spot it in stores. I currently work in the bioethanol industry, so I'm intimately familiar with how these ingredients are made and I'm dedicated to making this as simple to understand as possible. Head on over to https://toxinfreeish.com/avoid-list in order to get the full context behind the ingredients we're talking about in this episode! In today's episode, we're chatting about: Mentioned in this episode: Wyld Notes Get 10% off Wyld Notes Botanical Perfume: https://wyldnotes.com/discount/WENDY10?ref=KathrynOstapuk

If you’re tired of fear-based marketing and just want the real, science-backed truth about what’s actually in your toothpaste, this episode is for you. We’re cutting through the noise around nano hydroxyapatite, debunking the scariest claims, and getting honest about what works, what doesn’t, and why your dental health is more personal than anyone's hot take. I’m sharing the latest research, my own journey from skeptic to supporter, and real-life stories that don’t make it into the marketing reels. In this episode, we’re chatting about: - The truth behind “toxic” nano hydroxyapatite claims and what the science actually says - How European and Japanese regulators have approached nano hydroxyapatite safety - Why some people thrive on natural toothpaste—and why others end up with more cavities - The practical realities of switching your family to non-fluoride options (and what to do if it’s not working) - How to tune out the judgment and make the best choice for your own mouth (and your kids’) You’ll also hear why I think Zebra’s toothpaste is great, just not for the reasons their marketing team wants you to believe. Plus, I’ll break down the most common myths about ingredients like glycerin and fluoride, and share my no-shame approach to finding what actually works for you. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting advice, or just want to brush your teeth without second-guessing every ingredient, this episode will give you the clarity (and peace of mind) you need. Mentioned in this episode: Toothpillow Head over to www.toothpillow.com and use code 'WENDY' at checkout for a FREE virtual assessment!

After a 6 week long hiatus, I'm excited to be back with my cousin and long-time health coach - Claire Cook. I get a lot of questions about healing my thyroid. How do you get off of your thyroid medication?What does that healing look like? Why are you doing it? Why does it matter? This has been such a long process for me, and I didn't do it alone. I did it with a lot of support and I'm still in it. Here's the truth: women are suffering. Whether it's brain fog, infertility, thyroid issues, or hormonal imbalance, we're all looking for answers. And people like Claire really lead the way in grounding us back into the basics. We'll be touching on nutrition, of course. But it's also about mindset! When we can take the time to truly celebrate every small win, we can integrate the changes more sustainably. I'll be honest, the past year has been incredibly hard. From divorce to job changes to personal tragedies, I've never been so grateful to have built up healthy habits with Claire. I've been navigating weight fluctuations publicly, and let me tell you - it has been nothing short of traumatic. But I've had the support of people like Claire and my healthy habits to keep my head above water. I'm constantly hearing from people who say they've tried everything: the fad diets, the workout routines, the mindset hacks, and still, it doesn't feel like it's enough. That's why incremental change is so important. This past year, I had a hard time getting myself to go on walks routinely. But I didn't take that as a failure! Instead, I did a few squats every hour. With a personalized approach, you can make your wellness routine work for you and leave the all or nothing ideas at the door. In today's episode, we're talking about Mentioned in this episode: Toothpillow Head over to www.toothpillow.com and use code 'WENDY' at checkout for a FREE virtual assessment!

Episode Links: 10% off Sauna SpaceTop 25 Toxins to AvoidToxin Free Shopping Guide Episode Description: If you think light therapy is just about getting vitamin D from the sun or avoiding sunburn, this conversation will completely transform how you understand light as a fundamental nutrient your body desperately needs to function properly. Today I'm talking with Brian Richards, founder and inventor of SaunaSpace, who discovered the power of light therapy over a decade ago when he was struggling with insomnia, acne, and low energy right out of college. What started as a personal health journey led him to uncover Dr. Kellogg's work, where he tested incandescent electric light baths on 50,000 patients and documented healing from almost every chronic illness imaginable. Brian's approach is revolutionary because he's not just creating another red light device, he's recreating the full spectrum of healing light that our bodies are designed to receive from the sun, but without the harmful UV rays. We're diving deep into why we're literally beings of light, how over 70% of the photons we absorb from the sun are near infrared, and why this specific wavelength is crucial for mitochondrial function, melatonin production, and cellular repair. From why LED lights are damaging our health to how structured water works in our bodies, Brian breaks down the science behind why light therapy can be life-changing for everything from seasonal depression to eyesight improvement. In today's episode, we're talking about: - How over 70% of the energy we absorb from the sun is near infrared light that directly feeds our mitochondria - The difference between LED red light therapy and full-spectrum incandescent light - How light exposure in the morning programs your entire day - The revolutionary sauna technology that heats your body from the inside out using light instead of hot air - EMF shielding and why it matters for creating the ultimate healing environment free from the constant stress of wireless signals TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Guest Introduction: Brian Richards, Sauna Space 00:51 – Brian’s Story: From Insomnia to Sauna Space 02:00 – The Science of Light Therapy 07:44 – Structured Water & Health 15:16 – Biohacking vs. Bioharmonizing 16:08 – Dangers of Blue Light 21:36 – Seasonal Affective Disorder & Light Solutions 27:00 – Sauna Science & Benefits 36:00 – EMF Shielding & Non-Toxic Living Mentioned in this episode: Toothpillow Head over to www.toothpillow.com and use code 'WENDY' at checkout for a FREE virtual assessment!

Join Toxin Free in 3 Listen to the Private Podcast Series: Truth, Toxins & Taking Control Most people think microplastics are the biggest threat from our plastic-saturated world, but they're completely missing the danger that's infiltrating our individual cells right now. Today I'm pulling back the curtain and letting you into my brain to share the 5 rabbit holes I'm currently spiraling down. And trust me, they're not what you'd expect. I'm a creature of curiosity who loves a good deep dive into scientific research that maybe the public isn't looking at yet. But here's something you should know about me first: I'm not an early adopter. I'm a hardcore skeptic who takes everything with a grain of salt until I've done my own research and my intuition tells me it's correct. This is especially important in the holistic wellness space where people love to talk about topics as if they're the end-all-be-all for everyone. From nanoplastics that actually infiltrate our individual cells (way scarier than microplastics) to the incredible research on how specific microbes can literally digest these plastics out of our bodies, I'm sharing what's got me excited about the future of detoxification. I'm also diving deep into light therapy, structured water, and preparing for my first Northern Virginia winter with some interesting tools. In today's episode, we're talking about: Resources Mentioned: How Plastics are Accumulating Inside Our Brains Smarter Tech Podcast Sarah Kleiner WellnessMayu WaterGlow Infrared Therapy Light Mentioned in this episode: Toxin free in 3 2025 ad Wyld Notes Get 10% off Wyld Notes Botanical Perfume: https://wyldnotes.com/discount/WENDY10?ref=KathrynOstapuk

Join Toxin Free in 3 Listen to the Private Podcast Series: Truth, Toxins & Taking Control If you're tired of feeling confused in store aisles, stressed about scary headlines, and overwhelmed by conflicting advice about toxins, this episode is your permission slip to finally breathe easy. Today I'm sharing something special: the finale episode from my private podcast series that stands completely on its own. This isn't about adding more fear or another massive to-do list to your life. Instead, I'm giving you the framework to live from a place of peace, not panic, when it comes to toxins in your everyday life. I've been exactly where you are. Confused, spending too much money on products that didn't work, and battling anxiety every time a fear-based reel popped up in my feed. But here's what I've learned after 18 years as an environmental law expert and healing from autoimmune issues: you don't need to be afraid when you have the right knowledge and know where to find reputable information. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on my signature course, Toxin Free in 3, and sharing exactly what it takes to build sustainable, lifelong habits around clean living. You'll hear about my unique risk-routine-relevance framework that helps you focus on what actually matters instead of getting lost in rabbit holes. I'm also diving deep into why not all toxins are created equal, how to read labels like a pro, and why understanding the science behind ingredients gives you the confidence to make your own informed choices. This isn't theory. This is real-world application from someone who's walked this path and helped hundreds of students do the same. Whether you're just starting your clean living journey or you're ready to take it to the next level, this episode will give you clarity and peace of mind. In today's episode, we're talking about:

Free: 4 Part Private Podcast Series: Toxins, Truth & Taking Control Enrollment for Toxin Free in 3 is OPEN: Get 10% off Waveblock Devices I've been a vocal critic of EMF protection products for years because most of them are complete junk, some actually amplify your radiation exposure! But today I'm talking with the one inventor whose products I actually recommend and use myself. In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Ben Salem, the inventor and owner of WaveBlock. We're diving deep into EMFs, radiation exposure, and why most "protection" devices on the market are not only useless but potentially dangerous. Ben's story is fascinating. He's a natural inventor who converted his entire home office into a Faraday cage during the pandemic and tested every EMF product he could find online, only to discover that most either didn't work or actually made radiation exposure worse. What I love about Ben is that he's realistic about technology. He's not telling you to throw your phone away or go live in a cave. He recognizes that these devices aren't going anywhere, so he's creating practical solutions that reduce exposure while still allowing your technology to function. His wave-breaking theory, inspired by watching ocean waves crash on sand, led to a breakthrough that reduces phone radiation by up to 80%. In this episode, we're chatting about: • Why most EMF protection products make exposure worse • The shocking truth about Bluetooth vs. 5G • Outdated safety standards • Practical protection strategies Mentioned in this episode: Toxin free in 3 2025 ad

Today, we're chatting with one of my youngest Toxin Free in 3 students. When she realized the work she was doing as a speech language pathologist was being impeded by the chemicals coming from home, she knew she wanted to learn more about the root problem. What started as curiosity about why she was seeing so many more autism diagnoses and chronic illnesses in her young patients led to a revelation about the toxic load these kids were carrying, and how it was affecting her own health too. Michelle's story is fascinating because she made the connection between the disinfectants being used in schools (which are literally made with pesticides) and her constant headaches. Then, she realized she was putting a bandaid on symptoms instead of addressing root causes. After taking my course, she didn't just overhaul her own home. She even launched a toxin-free house cleaning service and now trains apartment complexes and gyms to swap their harsh chemicals for plant-based alternatives that actually save them money! I love that Michelle represents the younger generation who's getting ahead of health issues instead of waiting until they're sick to make changes. Her approach to teaching businesses about proper disinfection (spoiler: most people don't know you have to leave Clorox on surfaces for 10 minutes) is changing how entire communities think about what "clean" really means. In this episode, we're chatting about: • How toxic chemicals were impeding Michelle's therapy • Building a toxin-free cleaning business • Training businesses to go clean • The disinfectant truth Follow Michelle on Instagram HERE

Ready to take Toxin Free to a whole new level? Register for the Private Podcast: Toxins, Truth & Taking Control Get on the Toxin Free in 3 Waiting List I need to set the record straight about those viral videos claiming "Organipeel" is now coating all your organic produce because it's completely false, and I accidentally contributed to the misinformation. In today's episode, I'm doing something super fun: admitting I was wrong. A few weeks ago when those viral reels started spreading panic about Organipeel being approved for certified organic produce, people asked me to look into it. I did my research, found it registered with the EPA and listed on the OMRI website, and confirmed it was "real." But I didn't dig deep enough. Here's what I missed: Organipeel was only ever approved as a post-harvest fungicide (not a coating). It was never approved for use on raw produce, and was actually discontinued in 2023. The company doesn't even make it anymore. So all that panic about a "new" coating on organic produce? It was based on old, irrelevant information. But here's what IS true: there are waxes on your organic produce, and there have been for years. I'm breaking down what those actually are: organic carnauba wax from Brazilian palm plants, beeswax, and sometimes shellac (yes, insect wax). I'm also touching on why they're used to replace the natural wax that gets washed off during processing. If you want truly wax-free produce, you're going to need to befriend your local farmer. In this episode, we're chatting about: • The Organipeel myth breakdown • What's actually on your organic produce • My research mistake • Getting truly wax-free produce Mentioned in this episode: Register for The Private Podcast The 4 Part Series: Toxins, Truth & Taking Control with take you from confused to confident. Register Private Podcast

Ready to take Toxin Free to a whole new level? Register for the Private Podcast: Toxins, Truth & Taking Control Get on the Toxin Free in 3 Waiting List When someone with a Harvard degree in sustainability and 10+ years of experience managing POTS through clean living tells me my course taught them things they couldn't find anywhere else, I know we need to have that conversation on the podcast. In this bonus Thursday episode of the Toxin Freeish Podcast, I'm talking with Whitney, founder of Sustainably Acquired, about her incredible journey from being bedridden with POTS to becoming a sustainability consultant for both families and businesses. What makes Whitney's story so powerful is that she already had the educational background and had been living toxin-free for a decade, but she still found massive value in understanding the "why" behind ingredient safety. Whitney shares how ditching fragrances and forever chemicals helped her become functional again after years of being completely bedridden, and why she's now creating solutions like a searchable clean product database where people can shop by their value. Whether that's zero waste, regeneratively grown, or just "clean but it has to actually work." Plus, she's developing fully biodegradable Easter eggs that will decompose in your garden but stay shelf-stable for years. In this episode, we're chatting about: • POTS and toxin connection • Her new business venture: Sustainably Acquired • Why being scared constantly is toxic too • Innovation in green chemistry

If you've ever tried switching to mineral sunscreen only to hate the white cast, thick texture, or breakouts it caused, this conversation with Julie Longyear is going to change everything for you. In today's episode, I'm talking with the founder of Blissoma, a skincare brand that has a cult-like following among people with the most sensitive, reactive skin. What makes Julie so special is that she actually formulated her own sunscreen in-house. This is something most clean skincare companies won't even attempt because of the FDA approvals, drug facts panels, and complexity involved. We dive deep into why she spent evenings and weekends for months perfecting her sunscreen formula, how she fought back against manufacturers who tried to sneak in butyl octyl salicylate (a chemical UV filter disguised as an inactive ingredient), and why she believes our skin hasn't changed much since we were cave people, it's just the products we're using that are causing problems. This conversation gets real about the manufacturing industry, why brands get pressured to compromise their formulations, and how Julie created a zinc oxide sunscreen that doesn't leave you looking like a ghost or feeling like you have cement on your face. In this episode, we're chatting about: • The sunscreen formulation journey • Regenerative vs. organic sourcing • Manufacturing industry truths • Sensitive skin solutions Mentioned in this episode: Wyld Notes Get 10% off Wyld Notes Botanical Perfume: https://wyldnotes.com/discount/WENDY10?ref=KathrynOstapuk Register for The Private Podcast The 4 Part Series: Toxins, Truth & Taking Control with take you from confused to confident. Register Private Podcast

Episode Links: Register for the Private Podcast: Toxins, Truth & Taking Control Get on the Toxin Free in 3 Waiting List I'm dropping this special Thursday episode because I want you to hear directly from my students why Toxin Free in 3 has changed their lives, and today's conversation with Jen might be the most powerful one yet. In this raw and real interview, I'm talking with Jenn Cicci (Beauty in the Green), an integrative health practitioner who survived two rounds of fluoroquinolone antibiotics that left her unable to walk without braces due to tendon rupture. This was a well-known side effect her doctor never warned her about! Seven years later, she still can't run and lives with permanent damage from what should have been informed consent. But here's what really got to me: Jenn told me she left my course completely fear-free after years of following practitioners on Instagram who were constantly sharing scare tactics. She said, "I left that course with no fear," and I honestly got emotional hearing that because that's exactly my goal: to give women mental and emotional armor to navigate the clean living space without panic. In this episode, we're chatting about: • Fluoroquinolone toxicity • Fear-based wellness content • Functional medicine accessibility • Alternative breast health screening

If you've tried switching to clean deodorant only to find yourself smelling funky by noon, you're not alone, and it's not because clean deodorants don't work, it's because you're probably using the wrong one for your body and climate. In this final episode of my three-part "Toxin Free Fails" series on the Toxin Freeish Podcast, I'm breaking down the science behind why clean deodorants fail and how to choose one that actually works for your specific situation. Here's the truth: sweat itself doesn't smell. It's the bacteria thriving at a pH of 5.5 to 7 under your arms that creates that funky odor! Clean deodorants work by driving your pH either way up (like Just Ingredients with magnesium hydroxide) or way down (like KosasSport with alpha hydroxy acids) so bacteria can't survive. But here's what nobody tells you: what works in winter might fail you in summer, and what works for average sweaters might not work for heavy sweaters. I'm doing a complete breakdown of my three go-to deodorants: Primally Pure for most of the year, Just Ingredients for sensitive skin, and KosasSport for those brutal summer months. Plus, why I rotate seasonally and why you should too. In this episode, we're chatting about: • The bacteria and pH science • 3 deodorant deep dives • My seasonal rotation strategy • The pit detox process

Free: Top 25 Toxins to Avoid Get on the Toxin Free in 3 Waiting List Episode Description: You switched to a clean laundry detergent because you wanted a non-toxic option, but now your clothes smell funky, look dull, and feel rough, and you're ready to go back to Tide. In this second episode of my three-part "Toxin Free Fails" series, I'm breaking down exactly why your clean laundry detergent isn't working and what you can do about it without going back to toxic products. The truth is, it's not the detergent's fault. It's your water hardness, your high-efficiency washing machine, and the fact that you need to understand which ingredients actually work in different water conditions! I'm doing a complete ingredient breakdown of three different clean detergents: - the ultra-clean Meliora powder - my go-to Thieves liquid detergent - the controversial Truly Free that works in the hardest water conditions. You'll discover why plant-based surfactants get "gunked up" by minerals, why your high-efficiency washer isn't using enough water to get clothes clean, and the two specific ingredients that make some clean detergents work in hard water (even though some people call them "toxic"). This episode will save you from throwing in the towel on clean laundry products and give you the knowledge to choose the right detergent for your specific water situation. No more funky-smelling clothes or going back to products that actually harm your health. In today's episode, we're chatting about: • The water hardness factor • High-efficiency washer problems • Three detergent case studies • The "toxic" ingredient controversy Products mentioned: Shop Thieves Cleaning Products Try Truly Free for $5 Check your water hardness Mentioned in this episode: Wyld Notes Get 10% off Wyld Notes Botanical Perfume: https://wyldnotes.com/discount/WENDY10?ref=KathrynOstapuk

Episode Links Free Download: Top 25 Toxins to Avoid Get on the Toxin Free in 3 Waiting List Shop Shower Filters Shop Non-Toxic Haircare Episode Description Most people try one "clean" shampoo that doesn't work and immediately assume all non-toxic hair products are inferior. But the real culprit isn't the product, it's your water! In the first episode of a three-part "Toxin Free Fails" series , I'm revealing why your expensive clean shampoo might be leaving your hair feeling greasy, buildup-heavy, or just plain dirty. Spoiler alert: it has nothing to do with the quality of the product and everything to do with the mineral content flowing out of your shower head. You'll discover the simple chemistry behind why hard water (over 180 ppm of calcium and magnesium) literally holds plant-based cleansers hostage, making it impossible to rinse them out properly. I break down the difference between ultra-clean brands like Rahua that work best in soft water versus slightly more synthetic options like Evolve and JS Health that contain specific surfactants designed to work in any water condition. This episode will save you from wasting money on products that aren't right for your specific situation and give you actionable solutions. From $13 water tests to shower head filters to understanding which ingredients actually make clean products work better in hard water. In today's episode, we're chatting about: • How to test your water and understand the 60-180+ ppm scale • The chemistry behind haircare fails • Two shampoo case studies • Water softening solutions for any budget

That cheap red light device you bought on Amazon might literally just be a regular light with red film over it. If so, you're missing out on real healing benefits! In today's episode, Dr. Abby Kramer from Fringe Heals joins me to break down everything you need to know about red light therapy. We're going beyond the surface to dive into the actual science: how red light works at the cellular level to supercharge your mitochondria, why specific wavelengths (660nm red and 850nm near-infrared) are crucial, and why most cheap devices are complete scams. The truth is, red light therapy harnesses the same healing wavelengths that come from the sun,the ones that are most abundant at sunrise and sunset. But since the average American spends 93% of their time indoors, we need quality devices that actually deliver therapeutic benefits. Dr. Abby explains why intensity matters more than you think (hint: higher isn't always better), how to avoid EMF exposure from poorly made devices, and why flicker can sabotage your results. We also dive into specific applications that might surprise you: using red light for thyroid health, gut microbiome healing, brain function, and even addressing hormonal acne with therapeutic blue light. Plus, we tackle controversial topics like whether it's safe to look directly at red light (spoiler: the research says yes, with proper precautions) and why the warnings about pregnancy and babies are mostly legal disclaimers rather than science-based concerns. In today's episode, we're chatting about: • Why most Amazon red light devices are literally fake (and how to spot quality ones) • The specific wavelengths and intensity levels that actually provide therapeutic benefits • How red light therapy works at the mitochondrial level to heal everything from thyroid issues to brain fog • The controversial truth about looking directly at red light (and why it might improve your vision) • Why EMF exposure and flicker in cheap devices can sabotage your healing EPISODE RESOURCES Free: Top 25 Toxins to Avoid Get on the Toxin Free in 3 Waiting List 10% off Fringe Red Light with code WENDY10

A massive international study just proved what we've suspected for decades, glyphosate causes cancer even at doses the European Union considers "safe." In today's episode, I'm breaking down the results of the Global Glyphosate Study, led by major institutions including the Ramazzini Institute in Italy, Boston University, and universities across the globe. Over 1,000 rats were tested, with control groups receiving zero glyphosate and three other groups receiving amounts equivalent to what the EU deems safe for human consumption. The results are devastating: all groups exposed to glyphosate developed tumors and cancers, with leukemia being the most prevalent, especially in rats exposed during the prenatal stage. This isn't some fringe research. This is an international coalition of credible universities providing evidence that glyphosate infiltrates our entire food system and causes cancer. Meanwhile, Bayer and Monsanto continue trying to get immunity laws passed across the United States, claiming farmers can't grow food without glyphosate. But here's the truth: regenerative and organic farming doesn't require synthetic pesticides, it's just that we've destroyed our soil with decades of chemical agriculture. The solution isn't just individual action (though I'll share practical steps you can take), it's systemic change. We need to call our representatives and demand two things: no liability shields for pesticide companies, and government grants to help farmers transition to regenerative agriculture. This is about more than just our personal health - it's about saving our entire food system. In today's episode, we're chatting about: • The shocking results of testing 1,000+ rats with "safe" levels of glyphosate • Why pesticide companies are fighting for legal immunity across the US • How glyphosate exposure during pregnancy increases childhood leukemia risk • Practical steps to reduce glyphosate exposure in your home and diet • Why we need systemic change, not just individual action, to solve this crisis

Your clean tallow-based sunscreen could be attracting sharks and damaging pool filtration systems. In today's Ask Me Anything episode, I'm answering a question that's been flooding my DMs since I shared my thoughts on tallow-based sunscreens while at the beach in San Diego. While I absolutely love PrimallyPure's new regenerative, organic tallow-based SPF for hiking and outdoor activities, there are two specific situations where I wouldn't use this type of sunscreen. First, let's talk about the ocean. Sharks have an incredible sense of smell, especially when it comes to animal fats. During shark season when great whites migrate past the California coast, the last thing I want to do is slather myself in tallow and go surfing at dawn or dusk when attacks are more likely. Yes, shark attacks are rare, but why take an unnecessary risk when there are plenty of other clean mineral sunscreen options? The second issue is chlorinated pools. Tallow is not water-soluble, so it separates from pool water, floats on top, and accumulates in filtration systems and piping, just like pouring cooking oil down your drain. This can seriously damage pool equipment and interfere with chlorine's ability to sanitize the water, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Whether it's a public pool or your own backyard, tallow-based sunscreens and chlorinated water don't mix. In today's episode, we're chatting about: • Why sharks are attracted to animal fats and when this matters most • How tallow sunscreens can damage pool filtration systems and piping • The difference between regenerative organic tallow and commercial tallow • When tallow-based sunscreens are actually perfect (hiking, laying out, outdoor activities) • Why sourcing matters when choosing animal fat-based skincare products Get 20% off Aizome sheets with code WENDY Shop the 2025 Clean Sunscreen Guide Free: Top 25 Toxins to Avoid Get on the Toxin Free in 3 Waiting List