Product Reviews ➜ Bathroom ➜ Shower Curtains
Non Toxic Shower Curtain
Dr. Meg Christensen is the physician founder of Interior Medicine, a non-toxic home resource built on her background in medicine, biochemistry, epidemiology, and clinical research.
➜ Shower curtains force a tradeoff: PVC liners off-gas harmful VOCs, while safer organic fabrics breed mold in a wet environment. Plastic isn't perfect, but less-toxic versions like PEVA and polyester beat PVC and PFAS while resisting mold and mildew. Below, I evaluate each layer and rate two things separately, material health and health function (water and mold resistance), all explained in my full methodology.
Updated June 5, 2026
Bean Products 100% Organic Cotton Shower Curtain Liner
The only GOTS-certified 100% organic shower curtain liner is from Bean Products. Most “organic” shower curtains start with organic cotton, but have unknown dyes and chemicals added during processing. This is the safest shower curtain liner from a material health standpoint, as long as you take care to make sure it doesn’t stay damp. You can wax it for waterproofing or use the clip method in a well-ventilated bathroom. It isn’t as waterproof as they claim, but it is lighter weight than heavy duck cloth canvas or waffle weaves, which are prone to retaining moisture and notorious for molding. Can also be used as a shower curtain outer with separate, more waterproof liner.
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Quince Natural Linen Shower Curtain
Quince’s linen shower curtains are affordable for 100% natural linen, and because linen dries faster than cotton, can resist mildew build up a little better. They are not organic or OEKO TEX certified, but are made with lightweight natural fibers and linen requires very little pesticides to grow, so they are naturally healthier than standard fibers like cotton. This can be used as a shower curtain outer with a waterproof liner, or as a totally plastic-free shower curtain liner with waxing or with regular washing and good ventilation.
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Bean Products Hemp Shower Curtain Liner
Hemp dries the fastest of any of the natural fiber shower curtains listed here— even faster than cotton or linen. So, this liner may be easier to keep mold and mildew-free than other organic fabric shower curtain liners. It doesn’t have GOTS or OEKO TEX certification, but hemp doesn’t require pesticides or fertilizers to grow, so is still a healthier plastic shower curtain liner alternative overall. Can also be used as a shower curtain outer with separate, more waterproof liner.
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Otter Wax: Great for Natural Fiber Shower Curtains
Waxing an organic fabric shower curtain is a great way to make it naturally waterproof, and therefore resist mold and mildew issues. Otter Wax is a very healthy option, made of 100% beeswax and plant-based oils instead of petroleum-based ingredients. Waxing a shower curtain is certainly a labor-intensive process, but can be worth it if you don’t mind the effort and want the safest shower curtain liner possible without any chemical PFAS or antimicrobial coatings. Otter Wax has tips on how to wax on the product page.
Magic Linen OEKO TEX Shower Curtain and Liner Set
This is the best non-toxic linen shower curtain with a polyester liner for water resistance. It’s extremely convenient, with a non-toxic backing that’s removable by snap-on clips for easy washing. Since it comes with this built-in linen shower cotton outer, you don’t have to buy a separate one. Importantly, the whole thing is OEKO-TEX certified, making this a healthy shower curtain liner that is safe to the touch, won’t off-gas, resists build-up, and looks elegant. Comes in more colors than most natural shower curtains, too. You can use code MAGICBATH for 7% off.
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Amazon OEKO TEX Polyester Shower Curtain Liner
If you’re shopping on Amazon or at big-box stores, beware the polyester shower curtains that are advertised as “anti-microbial,” “scum-resistant,” or completely waterproof. While polyester is quick-drying so naturally resists microbial build-up and water more effectively than natural fabrics, it still isn’t perfect at it. This type of advertising usually means that toxic coatings are applied to the polyester, like PFAS or endocrine-disrupting antimicrobials like Microban. This one from Amazon Basics thankfully has no such coating, and is even made in an OEKO TEX certified factory. It’s also the most affordable PVC free shower curtain liner on this page.
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Target OEKO TEX Waffle Weave Shower Curtain
This shower curtain is a blend of cotton and polyester and has OEKO TEX certification. If you want a waffle weave shower curtain that doesn’t need a liner, this would be your best bet. This is because the polyester content will help it dry faster than if it were just cotton, which most waffle weaves are made of. Because the texture prevents you from being able to wax it, I strongly recommend you use the clip method to keep it dry and easy hooks for removing for frequent washing. Alternatively, use this on the outside of your shower as the outer curtain, and pair it with a simple flat polyester or PEVA liner for the inside curtain that gets wet.
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Easy Shower Curtain Hooks: Great for Natural or Polyester Shower Liners Needing Frequent Washing
These are the best shower curtain hooks that make it easy to take it down frequently for washing. From the sustainable company Outlines, these are essential if you’re going the natural fabric, no-liner route and don’t want to wax it either. Hot tip: rub wax paper on your shower curtain rod to make hooks glide more easily.
Quiet Town Heavyweight EVA Shower Curtain Liners
PEVA and EVA are the same thing when it comes to shower curtains; the P just stands for poly. PEVA shower curtains are made of plastic, but don’t require phthalates to soften it and resist mold and mildew if you’re not going to do weekly laundry or upkeep. I love Quiet Town’s EVA shower curtain liners (and matching shower curtains) because they’re so colorful, and of course are BPA and PVC free. The bright patterns mean it functions well as a shower curtain that doesn’t require a liner. Heavier weight, so it won’t blow around. If you maintain them with cleaning spray, they can last years and years.
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Outlines Recyclable PEVA Shower Curtain Liner
If you know you’re not a regular cleaner, or if you run a rental home, Outlines shower curtains are a great choice. They recycle the shower curtains for you and send you replacements either on a schedule or as you wish. This way, you never have mold or mildew build up. The corners have little silicone weights you can insert so it doesn’t blow around in your shower. Multiple colors and sizes available. BPA, PFAS, and PVC free. Save 15% with code INTERIOR_MEDICINE.
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Sproos! Fluted EVA Shower Curtain Liner
Sproos! shower curtains are made with a heavier gauge EVA that doesn’t blow around, and it has a fluted texture that adds a little bit of privacy. Non-porous and mold resistant, it’s an easy to keep clean shower curtain that you won’t need to replace with a little care — but it is still fully recyclable and comes in a few fun colors that match their shower filters.
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Amazon PEVA Shower Curtain Liner
The most affordable healthy shower curtain liner. Many PEVA shower curtain options on Amazon have a “special waterproof treatment” or scum-resistant coating, which often means its coated in PFAS or Microban. This one doesn’t! It comes in just one color, but is very affordable and highly rated.
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How I Rate Shower Curtains
I rate shower curtains on two separate scales: first for their material health, and second for their health function. Beyond being materially healthy, a shower curtain also serves a health function: keeping water in and resisting mold. A wet bathroom that never dries breeds mildew, mold, pink bacterial film, and the odors associated with each, so a curtain's health benefit depends on how well it manages moisture. This is one of the unusual cases (along with blackout curtains and mattress protectors) where synthetics often outperform organic fabrics, which soak up water and stay damp.
Material Health
Shower curtains and liners are made with fabric or plastic film. You can see the Material Health Scale for fabric here. This is just one aspect of how I rate a curtain, and on its own it doesn't account for how well the curtain actually does its job.
Health Function
This is the scaleI use for that job. It's consistent across products, running from lowest to highest. For shower curtains:
Highest is fully waterproof, keeping water contained to the shower stall itself, with no soaking of the curtain or leaking into the bathroom. This is true for PEVA, EVA, and PVC, though I only include PVC-free shower curtains above.
High is water resistant, repelling most water but not fully sealed. This is true for polyester which is both naturally water-resistant and dries very quickly. It is also true of PFAS-coated fabrics, though I only include PFAS-free shower curtains above.
Moderate isn't waterproof but dries faster than somes, limiting how long moisture lingers. This is true of hemp and lightweight linen, which dry faster than cotton.
Low stays wet and slow to dry, giving mold and mildew time to build. This is true of cotton and thicker linen and hemp.
Lowest absorbs the most water, staying wet and is exceptionally slow to dry, giving mold and mildew time to build. This is true of canvas and heavyweight cotton.
Your Complete Guide to Non-Toxic Shower Curtain Liners
What is the best shower curtain liner material?
The best shower curtain liner material is organic fabric (cotton, linen, or hemp) if and only if, your bathroom has good ventilation, or you wax it, or you wash it frequently.
There are three non-toxic shower curtain liner materials. The healthiest requires the most maintenance.
100% organic cotton, linen, or hemp: high maintenance to avoid mold, mildew, pink bacterial film, and odors.
OEKO-TEX certified polyester: medium maintenance to avoid mold, mildew, pink bacterial film, and odors.
PEVA: lowest maintenance to avoid mold, mildew, pink bacterial film, and odors.
How to choose the best non-toxic shower curtain material:
Choose your shower curtain liner based on your bathroom's ventilation and the maintenance you can realistically commit to:
Good ventilation + weekly laundry: Choose a plastic-free liner made from organic cotton, linen, or hemp. Hemp dries fastest and resists mold better than cotton. Lightweight linen can too. Wash weekly (or more frequently in humid conditions). Consider buying 2-3 liners to rotate while washing.
Good or moderate ventilation + willing to wax: Choose an organic fabric liner (cotton, linen, or hemp) and waterproof it yourself using this waxing method. Do periodic wax barrier checks and do not wash in the laundry! You can use a cleaning spray to remove any small surface build-up. Ventilate well with the exhaust fan and window, or use a dehumidifier after each shower.
Moderate or poor ventilation + weekly laundry: Choose an OEKO-TEX certified 100% polyester liner without PFAS coatings or “anti-scum” antibacterial treatments. Polyester resists water and mold better than natural fabrics because it dries faster. They also wash easily with non-toxic oxygen bleach.
Moderate or poor ventilation + unable to wash weekly: Choose a non-toxic PEVA or EVA liner. While not as ideal as natural fabrics or certified polyester, these are significantly safer than PVC or a mold-covered curtain. Clean with spray and a cloth as needed.
What certifications should I look for in non-toxic shower curtain liners?
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): This ensures the shower curtain starts with organic fibers, and prohibits toxic chemicals throughout production. Many “organic” shower curtains start with organic fibers but are processed with additives that are harmful.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is the most important certification for shower curtain liners. It tests for hundreds of harmful substances and prohibits PFAS and antimicrobial coatings, which are very common on shower curtains.
Avoid vague claims like "eco-friendly" or "natural" without third-party certification backing them up. You can read more in my free Fabric Guide.
Are plastic shower curtains toxic?
It depends.
PVC plastic shower curtains are harmful to your health because they're made with polyvinyl chloride and softened with BPA and other harmful chemicals. PVC on its own is very hard and extremely rigid, so the chemicals are required to make it soft.
Some polyester (a type of plastic) shower curtains can have waterproof PFAS coatings or endocrine-disrupting antimicrobials added to their surface, making them toxic.
However, other plastic shower curtains are better for health:
OEKO TEX certified polyester do not have PFAS or antimicrobials added and are tested for hundreds of harmful substances.
PEVA does not require BPA or phthalates to soften it. Read more below.
Is there a non-toxic plastic shower curtain?
Both un-coated polyester and PEVA are two plastic materials that make relatively non-toxic plastic shower curtain options for 3 reasons:
Both are good at resisting mold, mildew, and water, and require less maintenance than organic or natural fabric shower liners that are more prone to growth.
VOC off-gassing is nearly zero or very minimal with both materials, unlike PVC, which does off-gas harmful VOCs.
Microplastics do not volatilize into the air like VOCs do. They are released with friction. Since shower curtains are something you touch 1-2 times a day with one hand, and there is very little friction on it. This means any chemicals would have a hard time finding their way out of the liner. Compared to your bed sheets, a shower curtain liner will have a much lower impact on your health.
What is PEVA material? What is EVA?
PEVA (polyethylene vinyl acetate), also known as EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), is a non-toxic plastic alternative to PVC. It's a long, repeating chain of polymer molecules that creates a soft, flexible fabric.
PEVA and EVA are essentially the same material when it comes to shower curtains—the "P" simply stands for "poly."
Is PEVA safe? Is PEVA toxic?
PEVA falls somewhere in the middle.
One 2014 study by a high school researcher at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics gets an outsized amount of attention. The study exposed worms (Lumbriculus variegatus) to VOCs from PEVA shower curtains heated to 150°F in water. The PEVA-exposed worms showed stress reactions higher than the control group that wasn’t exposed to PEVA (but lower than PVC-exposed worms.) These worms do not have lungs or livers.
To the best of my knowledge, no other PEVA toxicity studies exist, especially for humans at normal bathroom water temperatures and exposure durations. PEVA is certainly less toxic than PVC because it doesn't require phthalates like BPA or chlorine in production. On the other hand, it's also probably not as safe as natural fiber and is definitely less eco-friendly.
PEVA deserves more research to ensure it's truly safe and I'd like to see updated studies on it.
So, I don't recommend heating PEVA to 150°F and breathing the VOCs that creates. However, I do consider it a safer option than PVC for waterproofing applications, because protecting against mold and water damage is critical for your health.
If you’re interested in a deeper dive on this, take my free course.
Are PEVA shower curtains toxic?
PEVA shower curtains have very low toxicity, especially compared to PVC. While PEVA isn't as safe as organic fabric, it's a reasonable compromise when mold prevention is your priority and you can't commit to washing natural fabric weekly.
Are there plastic additives in PEVA?
It’s possible, yes. While we know PEVA doesn’t require phthalates or BPA to soften it like PVC requires, some still likely contain other additives. To change the color or transparency of a PEVA shower curtain, additives would have to be mixed in. I don’t know of a single manufacturer that discloses its full ingredients list. Because of their minimal VOC release, and low exposure (once daily touching) this probably represents a low risk to you. That said, without better research, we don’t know for sure. If that uncertainty makes you uncomfortable, and precaution matters more than convenience in this situation, that is more than valid. Read my free course on untangling these concepts, if you’d like to learn more.
What is the difference between PEVA and PVC?
PEVA (polyethylene vinyl acetate) is a polymer-based fabric that is naturally flexible. Unlike PVC, PEVA doesn't require phthalates to make it soft and bendable. It also doesn't contain chlorine like PVC does—one of PVC's main health hazards.
Why are PVC shower curtains toxic?
The two main reasons PVC is toxic are:
PVC itself: PVC is a priority chemical to avoid, as agreed upon by international health organizations, because of its toxicity during production and degradation. The US Green Building Council states that PVC is "consistently among the worst materials for human health impacts." Vinyl chloride, the molecule used to make PVC, is an established carcinogen that causes lung, brain, liver, and rare cancers like hepatic angiosarcoma. When PVC products are burned in municipal waste incinerators, they release dioxins—among the most hazardous chemicals for human and environmental health.
Chemicals added to PVC to make it flexible fabric:
Lead is still commonly added to PVC for flexibility. Phthalates and other chemicals are also added to alter rigidity, transparency, or softness. These chemicals are not chemically bound within the PVC structure and easily leach out into the environment or absorption into your body.
VOCs like benzene, toluene, and organotins — the classic vinyl or “new plastic” smell are released into the air continuously, especially in high heat and humidity situations like the bathroom, and can be inhaled, causing negative health impacts.
Are polyester shower curtains toxic?
OEKO-TEX certified polyester shower curtains are very minimally toxic. There are three pathways of exposure to consider: inhalation (what you breathe), absorption (what touches your skin), and ingestion (what you consume).
OEKO-TEX certified polyester shower curtains won't off-gas since they contain basically zero VOC chemicals. They don't come into significant contact with your skin during normal use. The key is avoiding polyester liners with PFAS waterproof coatings or antimicrobial treatments.
The primary way these could be considered toxic, and I think is worth thinking about, is that they are petroleum-based, and that does have long-term impacts on the health of our environment and all people. If you do go with a polyester shower curtain, it will likely not cause a major impact on your immediate health. I would just recommend keeping it as long as you can instead of creating waste by throwing it away prematurely, causing more strain on the environment and people.
Coatings Added to Shower Curtains
Are waterproofed shower curtains toxic?
It depends on how they're waterproofed. Natural fibers or polyester can be coated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) to make them waterproof—these coatings are toxic and should be avoided. Suspicious marketing to look out for includes “100% waterproof,” “stain-resistant” or “water-resistant coating.”
Look for liners that achieve water resistance through the material itself (like PEVA) or DIY waxing methods, rather than chemical coatings.
Are antimicrobial shower curtains toxic?
Antimicrobial shower curtains are often coated with endocrine-disrupting chemicals like Microban.
There is no evidence for antimicrobial coatings reducing illness at home. What happens inside of homes is always hard to study, but we do know that antimicrobial coatings are not particularly good at reducing germs outside of homes, either: in 2024, a study found that out of 20 commercially available antimicrobial coatings tested, only 2 met the EPA standard for efficacy across all tested organisms, and 10 showed no effect at all.
Regular cleaning with soap and water has a more established track record for reducing surface pathogen loads than passive antimicrobial coatings. The coating provides minimal benefit while introducing uncertain health risks.
Bacteria, Mold, and Mildew
What is mildew?
Mildew is actually a type of fungus! Mold is also a type of fungus, but mildew has its own special name because of its color (light) and flat growing pattern.
What is the pink film on my shower curtain?
That isn’t mold, but bacteria— specifically Serratia marcescens.
How do I prevent mold on fabric shower curtain liners?
Mold prevention requires a multi-faceted approach. I have lots of techniques and products listed above to help you with this:
Ventilation: Run your bathroom fan during every shower and bath, and for 20-30 minutes after. If you don't have a fan, open a window.
Drying: Air out your liner fully after each shower so all surfaces can dry. Don't let it bunch up or remain in contact with the tub wall— jump up to see the clip and hook method I recommend.
Washing frequency: Wash fabric liners weekly in hot water. Use a non-toxic bleach alternative rather than chlorine bleach (see above.)
Rotation system: Keep 2-3 liners in rotation so you always have a clean, dry one available while others are in the wash.
Waxing (optional): For cotton, linen, or hemp liners, apply a beeswax or plant-based coating to create a waterproof barrier that resists mold growth. Do not wash a waxed liner in the washing machine.
Immediate action: If you spot any mold, clean the liner immediately.
General
Do fabric shower curtains need a liner?
Yes, fabric shower curtains almost always need a separate liner to reduce your exposure to mold, mildew, and bacteria. However, there are three exceptions:
You wax your fabric shower curtain liner to make it naturally waterproof
You wash your fabric shower curtain liner weekly to remove buildup of mold, mildew, or bacteria
You live in a very dry climate and the shower curtain isn't touching anything that keeps it damp (like the side of a tub), so it dries completely every day. Or, you use a dehumidifier and exhaust fan religiously, and monitor your bathroom humidity for very low levels.
Scroll up to see the wax, laundry detergents, dehumidifiers, air quality monitors and other tools I recommend using to make your shower curtain and bathroom healthier.
How often should I replace my shower curtain liner?
If you have a separate decorative shower curtain and a shower curtain liner, your outer curtain can last indefinitely—just wash it monthly to remove dust and bacteria. But, for shower curtain liners, replace as follows:
Polyester liners (machine washable): Don't need replacement as long as you wash them whenever mold or mildew appears. Frequency depends on bathroom ventilation and climate. Consider washing weekly or bi-weekly as a preventive routine.
PEVA liners: Wipe with cleaning spray or scrub with vinegar and baking soda. Check regularly for mold and mildew. With proper maintenance, a heavy-gauged high quality PEVA liner can last a long time, though without maintenance, consider replacing every 6-9 months.
Organic fabric liners: Can last years if properly maintained with weekly washing and proper drying, or indefinitely if waxed and maintained correctly.
Can I make my own non-toxic DIY shower curtain?
Yes, use an organic sheet and commit to maintenance.
There are very few truly organic shower curtains available, as noted above, but there are plenty of GOTS certified organic cotton and linen sheets, which you can easily use to make a no-sew DIY shower curtain out of with these instructions. Even easier than these sewing instructions, just attach the sheet as-is with these clip rings that let it glide on your shower rod.
These are all of the organic sheets I recommend. A flat sheet in size Full will work best at 81 x 96” (shower curtains are typically 72 x 72”) — hem down or use no-sew adhesive. A twin is a little too narrow, at 66 x 96” but may work for a shower stall.
Product Reviews ➜ Bathroom ➜ Shower Curtains