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I researched and tested the best nontoxic and organic shower curtains and liners in my bathroom so you can sustainably upgrade your setup.

Shower curtains have always seemed to me like a one-time purchase. Once it’s up, you are locked into that decision for the rest of your time in a home. I grew up with basically the same shower curtain throughout my whole childhood. Of course that means you want something that will last. A shower curtain should be able to withstand the test of time, but that doesn’t have to mean that they’re treated with harsh chemicals, which unfortunately, they often are.

So, it’s been the perfect time for me to test shower curtains as I’ve just moved into a new, fresh space. My new home is a little Craftsman house tucked away in the hills of Los Angeles. I’ve been so inspired by my surroundings, and the decorating bug has seeped into everything I do. As I refine my tastes around the home, i.e., scouring FB Marketplace every second I can, I am realizing how much the little touches in a small space (especially your bathroom) can completely transform your experience. 

We spend so much time in the bathroom; often it’s one of the only spaces of complete privacy, especially when you are sharing a home like I am. As I looked for ways to decorate that space, I wanted those private moments to reflect my mood and ground my energy. The bathroom is also an important place to limit exposure to materials made with harsh chemicals, given the buildup of heat and moisture, and that we’re often scantily clad in there!

The plastic shower curtains and liners that are usually on offer are far from sustainable, since they are made from virgin synthetic materials and can be difficult to reuse or dispose of at the end of their life. For me, choosing a natural-fiber curtain or a thoughtfully made liner is an easy little swap that can make a space feel better without sacrificing function.

What should you look for in a nontoxic shower curtain or liner?

I love the combination of a fabric curtain and a liner — when shopping for both, I’d look for organic cotton or other natural-fiber fabrics for the outer curtain. If they are OEKO-TEX certified, that is a major plus! This means each part of the fiber is tested to be free from harmful chemicals and heavy metals, since even natural materials are sometimes treated in ways that lead to off-gassing, which is particularly noticeable in a bathroom.

Shopping for a liner can feel even more tricky, since most of us grew up using plastic shower liners, and much of the market today is still rooted in plastic. Looking for more sustainable, eco-conscious liner options can take some extra digging, but it’s totally worth it! For this guide, I tested options made with recycled materials when possible. EVA is a great option with less VOCs because of its durability, and checking for certifications like BPA- and PVC-free is a great way to know what you’re bringing into your home is safe. I’ve outlined the materials and benefits of each brand below, and you can see how it looks in the bathroom as well!

One thing I paid close attention to while testing was whether each curtain could stand on its own or needed a liner. Fabric curtains generally work best with a liner to help protect the fabric from constant moisture. In contrast, some water-resistant or dedicated shower curtains are designed to be used without one. I’ve noted those differences below so you can choose what works best for your space.

If you’re looking for a liner that can do double duty, Quiet Town is one of my favorite options I tested. Their translucent shower curtain is made with 30% recycled cooking oil and 30% recycled EVA vinyl, and because of its liner-like texture, it can be pulled into the shower and used as a liner, too. I love that it gives you the function of a liner while still feeling like a thoughtfully designed part of the bathroom.

Our criteria & methodology:

Our editors are sustainability devotees who decorate their homes with the top eco-friendly brands. Together with the team, I selected the top nontoxic options on the market to test in my new bathroom.

When considering what I was looking for in a curtain, I focused on how it would feel and function in the room. My shower is a combination bath/shower, so water is easily contained, but I wanted to note the sheerness of each curtain because I live with roommates. Since some of the curtains I tested are fabric, I plan to pair them with a liner to keep everything fresh. As a colorful gal, I especially love the idea of mixing colors and patterns with the shower curtains and liners. I think this is a great way to build depth in a small space! Most of all, I wanted to make sure these options could perform well without relying on plastics or unnecessary chemicals.

So, after personally testing and researching a variety of shower curtains and liners, these are my top picks that are thoughtfully crafted, durable, and affordable, too.

  • SUSTAINABLE | These shower curtains are made by brands that care about the environment. They use nontoxic and sustainable materials like cotton and nontoxic PEVA.
  • QUALITY/DURABLE | We’ve personally picked the highest-quality shower curtains available that are made to last.
  • AFFORDABLE | We’ve made sure to include affordable options that are just as functional as their higher-priced counterparts!

Finish off your bathroom upgrade with our favorite organic bath towels.


1. Brooklinen

American made
Cruelty free
Family owned
Gives back
Made in Canada
Natural materials
OEKO-TEX® certified

What I tested | Patchwork Shower Curtain – Blooms & Stripes
Eco-friendly materials | 100% cotton
Price | $76

Brooklinen’s shower curtains are all about style, function, and sustainability! The Micro Waffle Shower Curtain is made from 100% Turkish cotton and is super lightweight and fast-drying — while the Linen Shower Curtain gives your bathroom a chic upgrade, complete with a PEVA liner that’s waterproof and recyclable. And if you want to make bath time more fun for the kiddos, the brand’s Sesame Street character curtains are crafted from soft organic cotton and are totally safe for little ones.

I absolutely LOVE this shower curtain! After moving into a new place, I’ve been searching for ways to brighten the space without overwhelming it with accessories (a habit I have). This curtain scratches that itch with its adorable patchwork design. I love Brooklinen’s attention to detail with the double-stitch pattern that connects each piece of fabric, referencing the patchwork and giving it a vintage feel. Because it is crafted from 100% cotton, it’s light and flowy, making the space feel open. The cotton weave is also thick enough to be opaque for privacy but thin enough to capture and filter light in a really nice way. Because it’s a fabric curtain, I paired it with the Quiet Town Sun Shower as a waterproof liner. Together, they give the shower a warm seafoam green tint while you shower, which feels so serene and soothing.


2. Quiet Town

Family owned
GOTS certified
Natural materials

What I tested | Sun Shower 2×2 – Atlantic
Eco-friendly materials | 30% recycled cooking oil and 30% recycled EVA vinyl
Price
| $58

Started by husband-and-wife duo Lisa and Michael Fine, Quiet Town makes bath accessories that combine function, sustainability, and design. The brand’s commitment to sustainability includes using USA-milled and -grown canvas, dyeing locally in the US, and upcycling material whenever possible. With color-blocking patterns and bold colors, you can find the durable, long-lasting shower curtain you’ve always wanted. Quiet Town ships both internationally and domestically — plus, you can find them through global retailer West Elm.

I fully lived out my Aquamarine dreams with the 2×2 Atlantic Sun Shower from Quiet Town. One thing I love about this shower curtain is the way it makes your space feel. Originally, I wasn’t sure about having a translucent shower curtain, but after using it, I realized how much I love it! The curtain’s translucency opens up your space and makes the room feel more airy— and whichever color you choose filters the light beautifully, giving the bathroom its own unique aura! Because it is see-through, I’d recommend this curtain if you have your own bathroom or are comfortable with those you share it with. I was happy to note how versatile this curtain is during testing. The material has a nice weight to it without feeling bulky, and I loved being able to pull it into the shower when I wanted a little more coverage. It’s such a simple design choice, but having a curtain that can work as both a shower curtain and liner makes it especially functional in a smaller bathroom.


3. Sproos

Eco friendly packaging
Recycled materials
Small business
Subscriptions available
Third party tested
Warranty offered

What I tested | Pink Fluted Shower Curtain
Eco-friendly materials | High-Quality EVA
Price
| $29

Sproos brings a playful pop of color and texture to the bathroom with its collection of shower curtains and liners. The brand’s fluted shower curtains are made from durable EVA and come in a range of fun colors, making them an easy way to add personality while still being functional. With a thick, durable, and fully recyclable material, Sproos offers a colorful alternative to traditional plastic shower liners without sacrificing style or function.

If you want to sing in the shower and have the ambiance to do so, the Sproos Pink Fluted Shower Curtain made my pop star dreams come to life. As a lover of pink, I knew this curtain would be an easy sell, but I was surprised by how much depth the fluted texture adds! I find the pattern mesmerizing, and the way it filters light makes my bathroom feel so inviting. Because the liner is made of high-quality EVA material, it’s thick and durable, making it perfect as a stand-alone piece or a pop of color when paired with a fabric curtain. During my testing, I really appreciated how the material doesn’t cling to the side of the tub; instead, it drapes cleanly (and did I mention it’s fully recyclable?)!


4. Coyuchi

1% for the planet
Eco friendly packaging
GOTS certified
Gives back
Made safe
Plastic/Pfas free
Woman owned

What I tested | Organic Waffle Shower Curtain – Alpine White
Eco-friendly materials | 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton
Price | $128

Committed to sustainable and ethical practices, Coyuchi has spent the last three decades brightening up our beds, baths, and beyond. (See what we did there?) The team invests in organic and regenerative farming, circular initiatives to minimize waste, and its own Take Back program that upcycles your gently used towels and linens. Its line of minimalist, eco-friendly shower curtains is made with organic cotton and linen, available to ship across the US.

If you want to feel like you are having a personal spa day, I highly recommend the Waffle Shower Curtain from Coyuchi! The waffle knit is extremely soft and fluffy. I liked how lightweight it felt — the weave is translucent, so it doesn’t weigh the bathroom down with another white surface. On the days I was testing this curtain, I was inspired to transform my space into a zen zone, AKA lighting a candle and spraying my eucalyptus shower spray as part of my nightly routine. Because this is a fabric curtain, I recommend pairing it with a liner to help protect the material from constant moisture. I ended up pairing it with the Sproos Pink Fluted Shower Curtain, which is a great way to add a fun pop of hidden color! This curtain has made me discover my love for waffle knit. It’s a gateway obsession!


5. Hawkins New York

Handcrafted
Natural materials
OEKO-TEX® certified
Small business

What I tested | Essential Striped Shower Curtain – Sage/Olive
Eco-friendly materials | 100% cotton
Price
| $168

Hawkins New York’s shower curtains bring a fresh, timeless feel to the bathroom, with a focus on quality materials and thoughtful details. The brand’s collection includes 100% cotton styles, from classic yarn-dyed stripes to soft waffle weaves, with options that are machine washable and made to last. With natural cotton fabrics and thoughtful construction, Hawkins New York makes it easy to bring a softer, more sustainable feel to your bathroom.

This one is for the stripe lovers! I am always looking for ways to incorporate play and patterns into my living spaces, and the Essential Stripe Shower Curtain from Hawkins New York checks all the boxes. It’s made from 100% yarn-dyed cotton and is machine washable, which is a major plus! You can really feel the quality of this curtain – the material feels durable and soft, and it’s opaque, which adds privacy to your space while still making a statement in the room. The style feels timeless yet fresh, and I really appreciate the attention to detail in the stitched hems. Since this is also a cotton curtain, I’d recommend pairing it with a liner to protect the fabric from moisture.


6. Quince

Budget friendly
Eco friendly packaging
Natural materials
OEKO-TEX® certified
Size inclusive

What I tested | Euro Linen Shower Curtain – White
Eco-friendly materials | 100% European flax
Price
| $52

Quince is the place for organic cotton and European linen shower curtains that are breathable, luxe and dare we say…affordable?! In comparison to some other brands that offer luxury shower curtains, Quince has made it accessible to make our homes look chic on a budget. With free shipping and free returns (you have 365 days in case you’re not satisfied), these beautiful curtains are worth checking out for your next bathroom upgrade.

Because of the summer heat, all I want near my body is soft, breathable material. I guess this goes for shower curtains too, because I adore this European Linen Shower Curtain from Quince! Flowy and lightweight, I love the fresh feeling this curtain adds to my bathroom. At heart, I am a girl who loves color, so I’ve been pairing this curtain with a colored liner for that extra pop. Still, the material quality really speaks for itself, especially with the fabric’s softness and stitched details. I love that the curtain is pre-washed so it comes out of the packaging ready for action! Since it’s made from linen, it has that natural, breathable quality I love in a fabric, while still feeling durable enough for everyday use. Some things to note: This curtain is more on the translucent side, so if you have a bright liner (like I do), it might show through. Also, since it is linen, there is some creasing from the packaging. Overall, if you are looking for the simplest way to level up your bathroom while still feeling incredibly fresh, a linen curtain is the absolute move!


7. Parachute

Climate neutral
GOTS certified
Handcrafted
Natural materials
OEKO-TEX® certified
Recycled materials

What I tested | Linen Shower Curtain – Bone
Eco-friendly materials | 100% European flax
Price | $109

Turkish robes and towels are some of the finest in the world, and that’s likely why Parachute crafts many of its bed and bath goods using 100% Turkish cotton and European flax linen. Available in the US, Canada, and select countries in Europe, these sophisticated shower curtains come in relaxed patterns made with super soft material. And if you’re into neutral colors (which pretty much go with anything), you can also find a handful of other eco-friendly shower curtains for your coziest bathroom style yet.

If you want to call in serenity, Parachute’s Linen Shower Curtain in Bone is peaceful and understated. I can always appreciate simple touches, and the elegance a linen shower curtain adds makes the whole bathroom feel elevated! It’s made from 100% European flax and is OEKO-TEX certified. That certification is a major plus for me when I’m looking for natural-fiber textiles, since it means the finished product has been tested for harmful substances. I love the details of the stitched button holes; this piece feels high quality even though it is so simple. Since linen is a natural material, I’d note that there is some wrinkling that occurs once outside of the package — but taking a steamy shower relaxes the weave! Like the other fabric curtains I tested, I’d pair this one with a liner for added moisture protection.


Featured image is from Quince