We’ve all smelled it

That strong, ultra-synthetic, plastic-doll smell that bursts forth from a new plastic shower curtain liner and can last for weeks.

That smell is from toxic VOCs from PVC vinyl, and it's not something you want lingering in your bathroom and home.

Fortunately, non-toxic shower curtain liners are available in a variety of fabrics and low-tox, PVC-free options.

Here, you’ll learn the best fabrics for non-toxic shower curtain liners and PVC-free alternatives, their pros and cons, and our favorite brands.

Key Takeaways

• PVC shower curtain liners can release VOCs, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals, especially in humid bathrooms where heat increases off-gassing.

• Safer alternatives include natural fabrics like linen, hemp, and cotton, or PVC-free synthetic liners such as PEVA, EVA, nylon, or polyester.

• The best non-toxic shower curtain liner for your home depends on your budget, maintenance preferences, and sensitivity to chemical exposure.

That smell is from toxic VOCs from PVC vinyl, and it's not something you want lingering in your bathroom and home.

Why Bother With A Non-Toxic Or Low-Tox Shower Curtain Liner?

PVC vinyl shower curtain liners are a hotbed of chemicals, including:

• Toxic VOCs (volatile organic compounds): The chemicals you smell that can create a host of health issues, including sick building syndrome, brain fog, organ damage, allergies, headaches, respiratory issues, and more. (Learn more about VOCs here).

• Plasticizers, including phthalates, BPA, BPB, BPS, and others, disrupt the endocrine system, with many linked to hormone-driven diseases, including cancers.

  Forever chemicals: Endocrine-disrupting PFAS are used on PVC, and even some natural fiber shower curtains to create a water-resistant finish. 

  
• Antimicrobial chemicals: Some shower curtains are treated with synthetic antimicrobial chemicals to help prevent the buildup of mold, mildew, and other debris. Antimicrobials can cause or contribute to various health issues due to their harmful effects on the human microbiome and their role in promoting antibiotic resistance.

  
• SVOCs (semi-volatile organic compounds): The chemicals you don’t smell but that ride on dust, linger in the air and on surfaces. Phthalates, for example, are a type of SVOC. Although less studied than VOCs, various levels of exposure have been linked to health issues such as allergic reactions, impaired reproductive development, altered semen quality, and lower birth weight.

  
• Heavy metals: Some types of PVC shower curtains contain neurotoxic heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, which are used as stabilizers.

  Dioxanes: These harmful chemicals are used in the production of PVC, and can offgas from your shower curtain or shower curtain liner.

In addition, heat and humidity increase offgassing of VOCs, SVOCs, and other chemicals, creating a low-grade toxic soup every time you shower.

Fortunately, there are non-toxic and low-tox alternatives that are easy to find, affordable, and stylish.