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Have you ever wondered what materials are in your shower curtain and curtain liner? I never did, until a few months ago. Even as I attempted to “eco edit” many of my cleaning supplies, soaps, and skincare products in my home with non-toxic versions, the sneaky shower curtain entirely escaped my notice for the longest time. Once I figured out that PVC is used in many shower curtains, I set out to find a non-toxic shower curtain and shower curtain liner instead.
The Dangers of PVC in Shower Curtains
Polyvinyl chloride, commonly known as PVC, has been widely used in various industries because it’s affordable and has a number of uses. However, PVC comes with a host of significant health risks we should all be aware of:
- Chemicals in PVC: The production process of PVC involves toxic chemicals, including phthalates and lead, which are widely known to be hazardous to our health. Phthalates in particular are plasticizers added to PVC to increase its flexibility; however, they’ve been linked to hormone disruption and adverse effects on our reproductive and developmental systems.
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): One of the most concerning things about PVC is its tendency to release VOCs into the air of our homes. VOCs can easily evaporate at room temperature, leading to a process known as as off-gassing. When PVC materials, including our shower curtains and curtain liners, are exposed to heat and humidity in our bathrooms, they then go on to release VOCs into the air, creating indoor air pollution we don’t want to be breathing.
- Indoor air quality: When PVC products off-gas, the concentration of VOCs in the air can rise to higher than normal levels. Prolonged exposure to high levels of VOCs has been associated with respiratory problems, headaches, dizziness, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Individuals with asthma or allergies may experience worse symptoms when they’re exposed to PVC that has been off-gassing. Studies have even linked chronic exposure to VOCs to more serious health concerns, such as organ damage, neurological issues, and unfortunately, an increased risk of certain cancers.
- Environmental impact: PVC production and disposal also has serious environmental consequences. The manufacturing process releases harmful pollutants into the air, water, and soil. PVC is also not biodegradable, so it contributes to plastic waste that persists in the environment for many years.
PVC-Free Options for a Non-Toxic Shower Curtain and Liner
Given the risks associated with PVC, it’s important to be mindful of the materials we introduce into our living spaces, especially in hot and humid places like the bathroom, where off-gassing can more easily occur. Luckily, there are several safer and more eco-friendly alternatives to PVC for manufacturing shower curtains and curtain liners.
Here are some popular options:
- PEVA (Polyethylene vinyl acetate): PEVA is a non-chlorinated vinyl alternative that creates a similar level of water resistance as PVC but without the use of harmful chlorine. It’s considered a safer option to PVC, as it also doesn’t contain phthalates or other toxic additives.
- EVA (Ethylene vinyl acetate): EVA is another non-chlorinated vinyl option that’s free from phthalates and chlorine. Like PEVA, it offers water resistance and durability, which makes it ideal for shower curtains and liners. EVA is even biodegradable under certain conditions.
- Polyester fabric: Polyester is a synthetic fabric that can be treated to repel water and prevent mold and mildew growth. Look for options labeled as “water-resistant” or “mildew-resistant” to ensure they perform well in the bathroom environment before purchasing a polyester shower curtain.
- Nylon fabric: Nylon fabric shower curtains offer water repellency and durability. Nylon is a synthetic material that can be coated or treated to enhance its water-resistant properties, making it suitable for use as a shower curtain or liner.
- Hemp fabric: For those seeking a more natural and sustainable option, hemp fabric shower curtains are a fantastic choice. Hemp is a highly renewable and eco-friendly resource that requires minimal pesticides and water to grow. Hemp curtains may not be as water-resistant as some synthetic options, however, so you may want to get a PVC-free liner if you’re using a hemp shower curtain.
- Cotton: Cotton shower curtains with a water-repellent coating are a good compromise between natural and synthetic materials. The cotton fabric provides a more organic feel, though you often will also need a non-toxic shower curtain liner to keep your cotton shower curtain dry.
When selecting a PVC-free shower curtain or curtain liner, make sure to read product labels and look for materials like PEVA, EVA, polyester, nylon, hemp, or cotton.
5 Best Non-Toxic Shower Curtain Liners Without PVC
Here are some great options for non-toxic shower curtain liners for your bathroom that are entirely PVC free.
1. Target’s Made By Design PEVA Shower Curtain ($6 each)
Target makes 100% PEVA shower curtain liners that are PVC-free. They’re also quite affordable compared to some other options. These non-toxic shower curtains work well to repel water and keep your bathroom and shower curtain dry while you shower.
2. Target’s Polyester Fabric Shower Curtain Liner ($12)
For $12, you can alternatively grab a polyester fabric shower curtain liner from Target that’s also PVC-free. This curtain has grommets for hanging. Best of all, it’s machine washable.
3. Ikea PEVA Shower Curtain Liner ($4)
Ikea makes a PVC-free PEVA option for shower curtains for just $4. They also have some great options for non-toxic shower curtains (see below). You can keep this non-toxic shower liner clean by regularly wiping it down with a sponge and some bathroom cleaner.
4. West Elm’s EVA Non-toxic Shower Curtain Liner ($19)
West Elm’s EVA (aka vinyl) non-toxic shower curtain liner contains no phthalates, plasticizers, chlorine, or PVC, making it a solid alternative to traditional shower curtains.
5. Pottery Barn ($19)
Pottery Barn also sells its own EVA curtain liner that’s PVC-free. You can pair it with one of their many organic shower curtains made out out hemp, linen, or cotton (see below for more details).
8 Best Non-Toxic Shower Curtains
Here are some of the best options for non-toxic shower curtains that are made out of polyester, cotton, hemp, or linen and are entirely free of PVC.
1. Ikea Polyester Shower Curtain ($14)
Next time you’re headed to Ikea for a new bookcase or bed frame, you can also pick up a shower curtain or two made entirely out of polyester in their bathroom section. These curtains are water resistant, perform well, and are machine washable. I like that they come in a classy white and grey stripe pattern, and that you don’t need to add a shower curtain liner with this curtain.
Ikea also makes the Addarn shower curtain out of polyester in a classic waffle pattern. This curtain, though, does require an inner shower curtain liner to keep it dry.
To maintain their water repellence, Ikea recommends you iron these shower curtains after washing them.
2. Pottery Barn Non-Toxic Shower Curtains (from $35)
Pottery Barn offers a plethora of options for shower curtains made of eco-friendly and Fair Trade materials including hemp, canvas, linen, and organic cotton. Pair any of these with their EVA shower curtain liner to make them more water resistant, and you’re good to go!
3. West Elm (from $45)
West Elm also makes some beautiful shower curtains out of canvas, linen, and cotton that you can pair with their EVA shower curtain liner (above). Their shower curtains are PVC free and non-toxic, plus they come in some gorgeous patterns and prints that will stand out in any bathroom.
4. Coyuchi Organic Shower Curtain (from $128)
Coyuchi is one of my favorite brands for high-quality organic sheets, and they also make organic shower curtains with beautiful designs that will last years in your bathroom. These non-toxic shower curtains are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton grown in Turkey.
These shower curtains are not entirely waterproof, though they are fairly water repellant due to their tight weave, so you may be able to get away without adding a shower curtain liner. You can simply wring them out once and let them dry when you’re done. Then, wash these shower curtains in your machine when they need to be cleaned.
5. Parachute Organic Shower Curtains (from $99)
Parachute is a company that prides itself on making high quality, eco-friendly home goods for your bed and bath. They offer a variety of simple, classic shower curtains made out of organic cotton and linen to choose from. I especially love the Turkish shower curtain in black and white.
Parachute also makes a polyester curtain liner that can pair with any of its curtains.
6. Boll and Branch Waffle Organic Shower Curtain ($109)
Boll and Branch is an eco-friendly, ethical company that uses GOTS-certified organic cotton for many of its beautiful products, including its organic pillows and non-toxic shower curtains.
Their waffle knit shower curtain comes in grey and white. It’s made of 100% organic cotton and has a soft and springy texture. This non-toxic shower curtain is machine washable and can be put in your dryer on medium heat, as well as ironed if needed.
7. Bean Products Shower Curtains (from $39)
Bean offers non-toxic shower curtains made out of cotton (including organic cotton), hemp, and linen. I especially love their hemp shower curtain (pictured above), which is made from hemp grown without pesticides and is machine washable. Most of these curtains should be paired with a non-toxic shower curtain liner.
8. Lifekind ($169)
Lifekind is a California-based company that specializes in organic mattresses and other bedding and bath products that are super high quality, handmade, and eco-friendly. If you’re looking to go for a luxurious organic shower curtain, Lifekind is here for you. Their handmade shower curtain made of GOTS-certified organic cotton naturally repels water, due to its tight knit, and doesn’t necessarily need a liner.
Lifekind makes its non-toxic shower curtain oversized so it can shrink as it’s washed to its 72×72″ dimensions for a standard shower size. You can choose between brass and chrome grommets to match your bathroom decor.
Go Non-Toxic and PVC-Free For Your Next Shower Curtain
Given the many dangers of PVC, and a plethora of other options for non-toxic shower curtains and liners, you might as well look for a more eco-friendly and safer option when it comes time to replace that moldy old shower curtain.
For help finding other eco-friendly household products made of safe, non-toxic, and organic materials, check out these other guides:
- Non-Toxic and Organic Mattress Toppers
- Organic Crib Sheets and Non-Toxic Cribs for an Eco-Friendly Nursery
- Best Zero VOC Paints
