8 Non-Toxic Shower Curtain Liner Options For Your Bathroom

Last Updated on October 30, 2024

Did you know most shower curtain liners are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which contains a number of toxic chemicals? If it emits that “new shower curtain smell” it’s likely made from PVC.

The problem is PVC contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are linked to indoor air pollution and adverse health effects, such as headaches, dizziness and respiratory issues. VOCs can also contribute to petrochemical smog.

8 Non-Toxic Shower Curtain Liner Options For Your Bathroom

When possible, it’s best to avoid VOCs altogether, or choose low-VOC emitting materials for your shower curtains like PEVA or EVA (more on them below).

Here are the best non-toxic shower curtain liner options on the market. I’ve included both water-resistant and water-proof options to make it a more accessible list!

what kind of shower curtain liner is non-toxic?

If you’re looking for a non-toxic shower curtain liner, the best options are liners made from organic fabrics like cotton, linen, or hemp. These are not waterproof, but they are water resistant. They do take longer to dry, but they don’t emit any VOCs during production or use.

If you’re going to use them, it’s recommended to only use them in well-ventilated spaces to avoid mold growing. Opening a window and turning on the air filter can help circulate air in the room after a shower.

If you want water-proof fabrics that are low-tox, consider PEVA (polyethylene-vinyl acetate) or EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) liners. These are basically the same material.

However, it’s worth noting that PEVA shower curtains do emit VOCs that can harm living organisms. More studies are needed to deduce whether toxic effects occur in more complex organisms, especially humans.

While they may not be as healthy as natural fabrics, or even just regular polyester, PEVA and EVA are generally safer than PVC or moldy curtains. For this reason, I’ve chosen to include some PEVA and EVA options below.

which is safer, EVA or PEVA?

PEVA and EVA are basically the same materials. However, it’s worth noting that they are both made from synthetic plastic materials. While both options are chlorine-free, they do still emit VOCs, though on a lower scale than traditional PVC liners.

These options are completely water-proof, durable and affordable. You can typically find them in Home Goods, which makes them very accessible. I’ve also included some sustainable brands that use PEVA and EVA liners below.

However, the overall best non-toxic shower curtain liner will always be one made from sustainable materials, like organic cotton, hemp or linen. These may not dry the same way as plastic, but they are non-toxic and won’t emit any VOCs whatsoever.

You can also machine wash them which makes them reusable. However, you will have to wash them on a regular basis to keep them in good condition.

what is the best material for a shower curtain liner?

The best materials for a shower curtain liner are made from sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, hemp or linen.

Be mindful that if you choose one of these materials, you will need to do a few things to ensure mold doesn’t grow:

Wash it once per week/two weeks. Wash cold and hang dry.

Let your shower curtain dry completely between uses. You can speed this up by fully extending the curtain on the outside of the bathtub.

Ensuring the room has proper airflow (open the door or a window – or both). Using a fan is a great idea too.

If you do encounter any mold problems, consider using some non-chlorine bleach, like Meliora’s Oxygen Brightener or Dropps’ Oxi Booster, on your cloth liner. Adding white vinegar to your wash cycle can also help.

However, if you’re looking for something entirely water-proof, PEVA, polyester, and EVA materials are generally better than PVC.

Be mindful that you should also look for more than just materials when it comes to making a purchase. Ideally, you should purchase from brands that use ethical and transparent manufacturing, sustainable certifications like OEKO-TEX, and/or have a recycling system in place.

gzw approved non-toxic shower curtain liner

These non-toxic shower curtain liners get the Going Zero Waste seal of approval. All of these brands are made without PVA, and one of them even offers a recycling program.

I included some PEVA and EVA options for those looking for waterproof options, as these are considered low-tox materials compared to PVC.

I’ve gone ahead and highlighted some key features of each brand, but it isn’t an exhaustive list. Be sure to check out their websites for more information.

1. coyuchi

Made with organic Turkish cotton
GOTS Certified
1% of every order donated to non-profit of your choice
Fair trade certified
Take-back program

2. quince

Linen + organic cotton curtain options
Ships right from the factory to you, reducing overproduction
Transparent pricing practices
Compostable poly bags + recycled plastic mailers

bean products: non-toxic shower curtain liner

3. bean products

Organic cotton, hemp + linen shower curtain options
Handmade in Chigaco, USA
GOTS certified cotton

parachute: non-toxic shower curtain liner

4. parachute

Made from 100% polyester
No harsh chemicals like other PVC vinyl liners
Reusable + machine washable
Waterproof and mildew resistant
OEKO-TEX Certified

boll + branch: non-toxic shower curtain liner

5. boll + branch

Organic cotton shower curtains
GOTS certified cotton
Standard 100 OEKO-TEX Certified
Full impact report available on website

outlines: non-toxic shower curtain liner

6. outlines

Two parts: The top is reusable + machine washable 100% cotton. The bottom is made from PEVA.
Bottom can be disposed of when time is right + recycled with pre-paid mailer
Subscription plans available to replenish the bottom part every 3, 6 or 9 months
Anchors are dishwasher safe silicone-coated stainless steel