The Best Eco-friendly Non-Toxic Laundry Detergents
If you've ever suffered from skin irritation, or if you have sensitive skin in general, then you probably already use a non-toxic laundry detergent. But if you don't, it might be time to consider switching! The fabric that surrounds us can make a massive impact on our lives.
Think about your clothes, your sheets, even your towels can have harmful chemicals in them from the soap you use, which then sits on your skin.
That's why it's a good idea to switch to a more natural laundry detergent, and why you should try these amazing non-toxic laundry detergent brands. Better for your skin and better for the planet!
This post does contain some affiliate links which means The Honest Consumer will receive a commission if you decide to purchase, however, at no additional cost to you!
First, let's break down some important information about what's in your laundry room, and what more eco-friendly laundry detergents look like.
Is laundry detergent toxic?
The short answer: yes. The longer answer: many conventional laundry detergents that are popular are full of chemicals that aren't great for us. Either the ingredients lists of the detergents cause allergic reactions, have a longer-term impact, or are harmful to our environment and aquatic life.
This includes detergents and the laundry "accessories" like fabric softener, dry sheets, optical brighteners or chlorine bleach. But, not all laundry detergent is built the same! So, first you should know which ingredients are harmful, and what to look out for when you read the labels and ingredient lists.
What harmful ingredients should consumers avoid in laundry detergent & why?
There are twelve main ingredients to avoid when it comes to laundry detergent. Many of these ingredients are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they interrupt the body's natural hormone production.
Also, these chemicals can cause allergic reactions, respiratory responses, or are known carcinogens, meaning they are cancer-causing chemicals. Here are the 12 ingredients you should be looking for and avoiding when searching for more green laundry detergent.
Bleach - You can kind of tell that bleach is toxic is by its intensely strong and caustic odor alone, but it is a harmful ingredient. Bleach exposure can cause irritation in the eyes, mouth, lungs and on skin. Anyone with asthma or other breathing problems are more susceptible. Contact with bleach can burn human tissue, internally or externally, especially in small children
Fragrance - a tricky ingredient because "fragrance" can be so many different things. Often created from petroleum and coal by-products which are classified as carcinogens, hormone disrupters, neurotoxins, and skin and respiratory irritants. The fragrance industry is self-regulated, with out safety standards in place to regulate the ingredients.
Phthalates - these are endocrine disrupters that harmful to neurological, reproductive, and developmental systems of humans, and often phthalates are unnamed or included in the "fragrance" name in the label.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) - These SLS and SLES are linked to skin & eye irritation, organ toxicity, reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption & ecotoxicology. The manufacturing of these also leads to a highly toxic & carcinogenic by-product called 1,4 dioxane.
1,4 Dioxane - shown to cause cancer in animal studies, 1,4 Dioxane is already considered toxic by the state of California and thought to be toxic to brain and central nervous system, kidneys, liver and respiratory system.
Optical Brighteners - the Environmental Working Group (EWG) recommends avoiding these because while they make your clothes appear brighter after a wash they can be irritating to your skin and eyes and harmful to the environment.
Phosphates and EDTA - these two chemicals are used to help detergent work better in hard water, but they are best to avoid because of the environmental concerns. Phosphates can cause algae blooms and disrupt the ecosystem, and often when phosphates are eliminated from an ingredient list they are replaced with EDTA which has been found toxic in certain studies.
Quaternium-15 - this ingredient releases formaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen.
Formaldehyde - not only is this chemical used to preserve dead bodies, but it is a known carcinogen.
Petroleum Distillates - while this chemical is used to remove grease from laundry, it is a carcinogen. Be aware, it also presents under the names: aliphatic petroleum naphtha, petroleum naphtha, and rubber solvent.
Nonylphenol Ethoxylate (NPE) - working as a surfactant, NPE chemicals help as a "wetting agent" so that the water from the laundry machine can penetrate the clothing more efficiently, and these chemicals are already banned in Canada and Europe because of their suspected carcinogen properties and the resulting hormone disruption.
Borax - often used when avoiding chemicals in laundry, Borax should still be avoided as it is toxic to children and according to the EWG it is an irritant for skin and eyes.
Are there any negative health impacts of laundry detergent?
Well, when using laundry detergent with harsh chemicals, there can be negative health impacts. For one, anyone who has sensitive skin, especially babies and young children, can experience skin irritation, and allergies like contact dermatitis or asthma.
Ongoing studies suggest that long-term effects from consistent exposure to these toxic chemicals can cause hormone imbalances, endocrine disruption, respiratory problems and even cancer.
Is there an environmental impact from laundry detergent?
Yes. Did you know that only 30 percent of plastic laundry jugs are recycled. That means 630 million plastic jugs are finding their way into landfills on a yearly basis in North America alone!
Not only is there the impact of the plastic detergent jugs that are tossed in landfills, but there is also a negative effect to the environment when the detergent runs off down the drain.
Some of the ingredients like phosphates can cause algae blooms, which depletes the water of oxygen, effectively disrupting and ruining that ecosystem.
Other ingredients such as the surfactants can harm the aquatic life, stripping fish from their ability to fight off parasites and other microorganisms.
Why is non-toxic laundry detergent a better choice?
Choosing the safest laundry detergents can seem daunting but we promise it's worth it! From all the cleaning products in your house—soap, cleaners, to dryer sheets and air fresheners, focusing on natural ingredients and essential oils are better for your overall human health.
Non-toxic laundry detergent is a better choice because you can avoid the harmful chemicals to protect yourself, your family, and the environment, all while keeping your clothing, sheets, and towels clean and fresh.
The 5 Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent Brands to Try
If you’re ready to give non-toxic and eco-conscious laundry detergent a try we’ve got a list to get you started! Here are my top picks for safe laundry detergent that will leave you with clean laundry and peace of mind!
EcoRoots Zero Waste Laundry Detergent Sheets
EcoRoots laundry detergent sheets are super concentrated pre-measured strips that target tough stains but stay eco-friendly and human-friendly, without toxic chemicals that are harsh on skin. They're hypoallergenic, paraben-free, phthalate-free & phosphate-free and made without synthetic fragrances, optical brighteners or dyes.
EcoRoots sells zero waste household products with safe ingredients, from laundry soap to dish soap to plastic-free items for the home. EcoRoots laundry detergent sheets can be purchased for around $19 for 64 strips.
Kind Laundry's Non-Toxic Laundry Strips
Kind Laundry strips are an eco-friendly alternative to the traditional liquid and powder detergents, with plastic-free and zero-waste packaging that will take up almost no space in your laundry room! Kind Laundry strips are ultra-concentrated with safer ingredients than your traditional detergent.
These sheets are easy to use, just dissolve one into your laundry and let the strips do the rest of the work! Currently available Fragrance-Free or with an Ocean Breeze scent. Kind Laundry strips can be purchased for around $20 for 60 loads. Along with their laundry strips Kind Laundry sells eco-friendly laundry accessories such as stain remover bars, wool dryer balls, and more.
Earth Breeze's Eco-friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets
Earth Breeze offers a range of conscious cleaning products including laundry detergent sheets, dishwasher pods, and more. The company's products are made with natural ingredients and are free of harmful chemicals.
Earth Breeze's laundry detergent sheets are also paraben free, vegan & cruelty free, phthalate free, phosphate free, bleach & dye free, and hypoallergenic. Earth Breeze's laundry sheets can be purchased for $20 for 60 loads or they also have a bulk offering.
To further their sustainability Earth Breeze is part of 1% for the Planet and We Are Neutral. Earth Breeze also gives back. With every purchase of Laundry Detergent Eco Sheets, Earth Breeze donates ten washes and every purchase of dishwasher Power Pebbles or Hope Cloths donates 10 meals.
Public Goods Plant Based Laundry Detergent Pods
Public Goods' laundry detergent pods are an all natural detergent made entirely from plants! That means they're safe for you, for your baby, and even for the gray water, which means there is no harmful runoff.
These pods are hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, and ideal for sensitive skin because they don't contain any harmful chemicals or synthetic fragrance. Just drop a pod into hot or cold water and let your laundry go! Public Goods pods can be purchased for around $10 for 24 pods.
Dropps Clean Laundry Detergent Pods
Dropps' laundry pods are dye-free, phosphate-free, phthalate-free, paraben-free, never tested on animals and optical brightener-free. The detergent pod itself is made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), which dissolves upon contact with water, and includes a bitter agent to prevent children or pets from wanting to consume it.
This detergent is available unscented or in several ethically-sourced scents like lavender eucalyptus, citrus, ocean, and clean & crisp.
Dropps laundry detergent pods can be purchased for $19-$58 depending on the quantity the customer chooses. Along with their detergent Dropps sells non-toxic fabric softener and laundry accessories! Be sure to check out my Dropps laundry detergent review too!
The Simply Co. Zero Waste Vegan Laundry Detergent Powder
The Simply Co. uses all natural and vegan ingredients that you can actually pronounce; your ingredient list can be found on your recycled and plastic-free packaging. The Simply Co. is the ideal detergent solution for the environmentally conscious consumer.
Made from organic and natural ingredients, one 32oz jar of The Simply Co. laundry detergent will clean up to 60 loads of laundry depending on the size of your load! Conscious consumers can choose from unscented or Lavender scents. A jar of this laundry detergent is $24.
Seventh Generation's Range of Non-Toxic Laundry Products
Seventh Generation is a laundry brand that also focuses on being more earth friendly. The company's mission is to "provide consumers with safe, effective, environmentally responsible solutions for their cleaning needs."
Seventh Generation's laundry products are made with natural ingredients and are free of harmful chemicals.
Seventh Generation offers a wide range of laundry products including liquid laundry detergent, detergent packs, zero waste laundry detergent powder, and more. These products come in a variety of scents including sage & cedar, fresh citrus, fresh lavender, and more.
Their laundry products range in price from $11-$28.Seventh Generation also has a donation program in which the company donates one percent of its sales to "environmental nonprofits working to create a more sustainable world."
Hopefully this guide has helped you learn more about what to look for when shopping for non-toxic laundry detergent and reading ingredient lists. We hope these eco-conscious brands are something you will consider trying with your laundry routine.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Marina Crouse is a writer, editor, & writing coach based in Los Angeles, California. She has her MFA in creative writing and 10+ years experience working as a professional writer. Her favorite sustainability habits involve making choices that are kind to herself, others, & the planet, & carrying her emotional support reusable water bottle with her everywhere. Learn more on Marina’s website or Instagram.
For more tips & tricks on sustainable living be sure to follow The Honest Consumer on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, & check out the Ethical & Sustainable Brand Directory.