Need the best non-toxic green laundry detergent for sensitive skin? The thought of clean laundry brings to my mind fresh clothing and crisp linens with a snuggly bear touting a particular brand of fabric softener. But what about the harsh chemicals used in most laundry detergents? It’s no wonder so many kids suffer rashes or eczema from detergent. You’ve trusted Mamavation to bring you topics like safest laundry detergent sheets sans PFAS “forever chemicals,” safest cookware, safest olive oils tested for phthalates, & safest shampoos, now join us as we explore the best (& worst) non-toxic laundry detergents for sensitive skin and tips for what ingredients to avoid.
Disclosure: This post was medically reviewed by Sondra Strand, RN, BSN, PHN. Donations were provided by Environmental Health News and Mamavation community members. Note that Mamavation has only “spot-checked” the industry and thus we cannot make predictions about brands and products that we have not tested. Products and manufacturing aides can change without notice so buyer beware. This post contains affiliate links, with most to Amazon, which means Mamavation will receive a portion of those sales and we will use that to pay ourselves back for the testing. You can also give a tax-deductible donation to our consumer studies here through Environmental Health Sciences. Thank you! Copyright © 2024 Mamavation — All Rights Reserved
Table of Contents
What is Non-Toxic Green Laundry Detergent for Sensitive Skin?
Mamavation is looking for eco-friendly, green, & non-toxic laundry detergent for sensitive skin that has the following qualities:
- Non-toxic to the touch for people with sensitive skin & eczema
- The fragrances are safe to inhale from clothing the entire day
- Using ingredients that are safe for the environment.
Because we use so much washing soda for dirt and stains and it eventually makes its way into streams and other water systems, it’s important to consider purchasing from brands prioritizing green and non-toxic ingredients for our washing machines. We want to also get those grease stains or other tough stains out while still using less water in high-efficiency washing machines. Are these laundry formulas out there? Yes, and they are available in both liquid form and powders.
14+ Toxic Chemicals Commonly Found in Brand Name Laundry Detergent
We looked at the most popular brands of laundry detergents and found that the amount of problematic ingredients is vast. If you want the best non-toxic green laundry detergents for sensitive skin this list includes everything from mild irritants and allergens to endocrine disruptors and cancer-causing agents that can be found in your local laundromat or in your home:
Fragrances
Although fragrances give you that sense of things smelling clean, they do more to trick you than actually help you. Your brain is hard-wired to associate certain scents with clean, but did you know that those scents can also contain hormone-disrupting chemicals? Sadly, they can trick your brain into thinking they are good for you in that regard.
Phthalates are plasticizer chemicals used to make scents carry longer inside your indoor air and in the bottle, but they come with some health risks. Prenatal exposure in utero to phthalates are linked to attention problems in children. Phthalates are also closely linked to risks to children like attention deficit disorder (ADD), and other behavioral disorders. Here are some additional health problems linked with phthalates:
- Weight gain & obesity
- Shorter height
- Precocious puberty
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Lower IQ
- Social impairment
- Type II diabetes and insulin resistance
- Poor cardiovascular health
- Thyroid function and increased risk of thyroid cancer
- Females: pregnancy loss and preterm birth, low birth weight, earlier menopause
- Males: genital development, semen quality, reduced “masculine” play, Inhibits testosterone production, Shortened anogenital distance, or shortened “taint” , Shortened length of penis
However, phthalates are rarely on the label, so good luck finding them, but they are typically found in the ingredient “fragrance” on the label. Technically, thousands of chemicals are approved to list under the ingredient “fragrance.” But there’s more:
- “Fragrance” and the ingredients included in that label are considered trade secrets and, therefore, companies are not required to disclose their components to the general public.
- If you see “fragrance” or “perfume” on the ingredient list, the product may also contain chemicals such as acetone or ethanol, just two of thousands of possible ingredients you’d also want to avoid.
- Only brands disclosing ingredients in their fragrance made our “best” list down below for washing machines.
Mamavation has also tested several cooking oils for phthalates like olive oils, coconut oil, & avocado oils.
Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs)
Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that mimic estrogen and are linked to both hormonal problems and cancer. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), NPEs have been associated with reproductive and developmental effects in lab studies on rodents and are highly toxic to aquatic life. They have been found in human breast milk, too. While the EPA is starting to take action on NPEs, they have not yet banned them.
1,4-Dioxane
Although this chemical is not supposed to be used in “eco-friendly” products, studies have discovered it in a number of laundry detergents anyways. 1,4-dioxane isn’t added directly to your laundry detergent, it’s a contaminant that gets in during a process called ethoxylation when ethylene oxide is added to other ingredients to make them less harsh in processing.
Ingredients like sodium laureth sulfate are ethoxylated because they are harsh on the skin. This process is what creates the contamination of 1,4-dioxane.
The EPA has determined that this chemical is a probable human carcinogen.
Synthetic and Petroleum-Based Surfactants
Surfactants help to clean your clothes, but when they are synthetically derived or petroleum-based, they are the most harmful. Surfactants can be divided into three categories:
- Natural surfactants: Derived from vegetable or animal fats and they are the safest, however, some are still toxic to aquatic life.
- Naturally derived surfactants: made by modifying coconut oil or other fatty acid plant-based ingredients. They may sound natural and safe, however, they are mostly known to be toxic and are known carcinogens.
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS) are examples of naturally derived surfactants but we will discuss. SLS and SLES are naturally derived surfactants but that doesn’t mean they are not harmful. Both have been shown to be a skin and eye irritant by the Journal of the American College of Toxicology. There is debate over whether SLS is a carcinogen, and some research indicates it may damage the immune system. Both are harmful to the environment.
- Synthetic or petroleum-based surfactants: These surfactants are typically the worst and potential for contaminated ingredients is higher. Examples of synthetic surfactants are ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES) and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS).
- Ammonium laureth sulfate (ALES), which can cause moderate to severe skin and eye irritation, can also be contaminated with 1,4-Dioxane, which is a suspected carcinogen. The severity of the irritation will increase with the amount you are exposed to, but when combined with other chemicals, they can create nitrosamines, which are a potent class of carcinogens. ALES may also damage the skin’s immune system by causing skin layers to separate, inflame and age.
- Polyethylene glycol (PEG), may be contaminated with measurable amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. 1,4-dioxane is persistent, meaning it doesn’t easily degrade and can remain in the environment long after it is rinsed down the drain.
Phosphates
Phosphates are difficult to remove, even in wastewater processing systems, and can pose a threat to the environment. According to the EPA, they promote algae growth that decreases the oxygen that many aquatic life forms need to survive. Studies also link them to cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and death in animals.
Chlorine Bleach
Chlorine bleach, such as Clorox, can burn the skin, and can cause eye damage and respiratory issues. It is classified as a hazardous chemical in its initial state.
Ammonium Quaternary Sanitizers (Quats)
Lab studies have shown this chemical to harm fertility, cause miscarriages, and cause severe birth defects in animals. According to Chemical of the Day, they can also trigger skin and respiratory irritations as well as allergies. Some quats are also EDCs and some are toxic to aquatic life. Not much is known about its effect on humans, but this is definitely a chemical you don’t want around your children.
Benzyl Acetate, and Other Benzene Ingredients
According to its own material safety sheet, this benzyl acetate is toxic if inhaled or ingested. It’s also irritating to eyes, lungs, and skin. Benzene-based ingredients are often toxic.
2-Butoxyethanol
The EPA states that this chemical can irritate your throat, skin, or eyes and may have even more serious health effects. In animal lab studies, it has also been associated with harmful effects during pregnancy, neurological effects, and more.
Optical Brighteners
These chemicals create the “optical illusion” of brighter whites. They “coat” your clothing and remain after washing, meaning that your family’s skin is constantly exposed to them. According to the material safety sheet, they are extremely toxic to aquatic life. They are also an irritant to skin, eyes, and lungs, and can be harmful if ingested.
Quaternium-15 & Formaldehyde
Quaternium-15 releases formaldehyde. Additionally, some companies add formaldehyde to their products. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and toxicant.
Artificial Colors and Preservatives
We know that artificial dyes are associated with ADHD. And artificial preservatives, like BHT and BHA, may be carcinogenic or an endocrine disruptor. You should avoid these as much as possible.
A Word About Silver Nanoparticles
More manufacturers are adding silver nanoparticles to clothing to combat odor-causing bacteria. These can seep back into wastewater, in this case, from your washing machine. They are harmful to ecosystems and can damage fish and other animals as well as their embryos, according to research. They can also prevent wastewater treatment systems from functioning properly. You may want to limit how many “odor-reducing” clothing articles you buy for your family, especially underwear.
Mamavation’s Recommended Laundry Detergent — Truly Free
Mamavation is recommending you try out Truly Free laundry detergent if you would like a non-toxic brand that works on tough stains. This brand reduces your exposure to immune-impacting toxins that are typically found in laundry detergents, so you can confidently wash everyone’s laundry, including your infant, with this product.
Benefits of Truly Free Laundry Detergent Products
- Natural and free of harsh chemicals that irritate and cause skin reactions
- Safe for infants
- Free of all Thickeners, Dyes, Optical Brighteners
- Uses Milled salts and Plant-Based Cleansing Ingredients (100% Vegan)
- Helps Washer Clean More Efficiently
- Better packaging — Uses reusable jug to help you save on plastics
Special Discount for Mamavation Fans
Truly Free has offered special discounts on their products for being a fan of Mamavation. Click here to automatically get a discount on Truly Free laundry detergent products. Here are some details and options:
- Starter Kit Choice: Refillable Forever Laundry Wash Jug & 100 free Loads of Signature Scent Laundry Wash Loads.
- Unscented Laundry Detergent: Get the same non-toxic laundry detergent but with no signature scent. (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 30% off products in the store!)
- Oxy Boost: Get your clothes whiter with their specialized Oxy Boost sodium percarbonate cleaner. (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 30% off products!)
- Softening Rinse: Try their eco-friendly fabric softener for the softest & cleanest clothes with zero toxic chemicals. (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 30% off products!)
- Enzyme Stain Remover: Try their non-toxic Enzyme stain Remover to treats your clothes gently while preserving their quality and getting out stains. (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 30% off products!)
- Wrinkle & Static Releaser: Just a quick spray and your clothes are ready, eliminating wrinkles and static without the wait. (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 30% off products!)
- Dryer Angels: Non-Toxic dryer sheet alternative for soft & heavenly scented clothing. (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 30% off products!)
- Laundry Stain Spray: A revolutionary solution that tackles tough stains while prioritizing safety and effectiveness. (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 30% off products!)
- Washing Machine Cleaners: These cleaners will get the mold and gunk out of your laundry machine. (Use code “MAMAVATION” for 30% off products in the store!)
Mamavation Investigates Laundry Detergents
Mamavation combed through 200+ Laundry Detergents online. Brands offering no or incomplete ingredient disclosure were deemed not our favorite. So were laundry detergents that cleaned with an abundance of ingredients harmful to the Planet and the humans on it.
Here are some additional investigations we thought you’d be interested in:
- Best Organic Mattresses
- Air Purifiers
- Infrared Saunas
- Probiotics
- Probiotics for Children
- All-Purpose Cleaners
- Hardwood Floor Cleaners & Other Cleaners
- Safe Disinfectants
- Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners
- Window & Glass Cleaners
- Fabric Softeners & Dryer Sheets
- Dish Soap
- Dishwasher Detergents
- Rinse Aids
Not Our Favorite Laundry Detergent Brands for Sensitive Skin
These brands contain many of the chemicals from our toxic ingredient list above. We specifically were looking for brands that had Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), benzisothiazolinone, and methylisothiazolinone. Most noteworthy is this category has over 4 problematic chemicals in their formula. Please take note that some brands have other products in other categories.
- Ajax Laundry Detergent Liquid 40oz HE Classic
- All® free clear The Original
- All Free & Clear
- Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin, Free & Clear, Hypoallergenic Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Arm & Hammer Clean & Simple Laundry Detergent
- Arm & Hammer Liquid Detergent Perfume & Dye-Free
- Botanical Origin Laundry Detergent Orange Blossom & Citrus Leaves
- Botanical Origin Plant-based Laundry Detergent: Scent: Fresh Jasmine and Wild Lavender
- Cheer Colorguard Liquid Detergent
- Cleancult Concentrated Liquid Laundry Juniper Sandalwood, Lavender, and Unscented
- Defunkify Powder Laundry Detergent, Free & Clear
- Dreft Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Dynamo Professional Sensitive Laundry Detergent
- Ecover Laundry Detergent – Fragrance-Free
- Ecover Laundry Detergent – Lavender
- Era Regular Liquid Laundry Detergent,
- Era 2X Ultra Active Stainfighter Formula Regular Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Fab Spring Magic Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Full Circle Market Laundry Detergent, Free & Clear
- Gain + Odor Defense Liquid Laundry Detergent Super Fresh Blast Scent
- Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean Premium Laundry Detergent with 2X Concentrate
- Mama Bear Concentrated Liquid Baby Laundry Detergent, Fragrance-Free
- Melaleuca MelaPower® 9x HE Detergent: Mountain Fresh
- Method Liquid Laundry Detergent Beach Sage Scent
- Modere Laundry Detergent
- Mrs. Meyers Basil Laundry Detergent
- Mrs. Meyers Rain Water Laundry Detergent
- Parent’s Choice Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Persil® Original Liquid Detergent Everyday Clean
- Planet Ultra Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Planet Ultra, Powdered Laundry Detergent
- Presto! Laundry Detergent Pacs, Hypoallergenic, Free & Clear
- Public Goods Laundry Detergent Sheets – Fresh Linen
- Purex® Natural Elements® Linen & Lilies® Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Purex Dirt Lift Action Free & Clear Detergent
- Rockin’ Green Laundry Detergent Pods
- Rockin’ Green Classic Rock Laundry Detergent Powder
- Roma Laundry Detergent
- Seventh Generation Concentrated Laundry Detergent – Free & Clear
- Seventh Generation EasyDose Laundry Detergent Fresh Lavender Scent 2 Pack Ultra Concentrated Washing Detergent
- Solimo Liquid Laundry Detergent
- The Laundress Baby Detergent
- The Pink Stuff The Miracle Laundry Detergent Bio Liquid
- Tide Ultra Concentrate, OXI Advanced Power, Extra Stain Removal for Whites & Color Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Tide Liquid Laundry Detergent, Original
- Up & Up Laundry Detergent, Lavender Bloom
- Vaska Baby Laundry Detergent, Scent-Free
- Vaska Perfect Laundry Detergent, Lavender
- Woolite Everyday Laundry Detergent
- Xtra Liquid Laundry Detergent, Fresh Air
The Better Non-Toxic Green Laundry Detergent Brands for Sensitive Skin
These brands are better but may contain 2 or 3 of the above ingredients. Most have naturally derived versions of certain chemicals and derive their scents naturally, and are clear of the worst of the “bad” chemicals. However, these are better products than those listed above and do not contain the worst offenders on the above list. That said, these chemicals do not pose a high risk but maybe something to avoid if you have sensitive skin, allergies, or are autoimmune compromised. One more thing to note about this section is it contains ALL additional “natural” brand that did not offer 100% fragrance disclosure. If we didn’t know what the fragrance was, we added it here.
- 9 Elements Natural Laundry Detergent Liquid Soap, Citrus Scent
- Babyganics 3x Laundry Detergent, Fragrance-Free and Lavender
- BETTER LIFE Laundry Detergent – Concentrated Liquid Laundry Soap Gentle Unscented Laundry Supplies for Sensitive Skin
- Better Life Natural Concentrated Laundry Detergent, Lavender Grapefruit
- Biokleen Free & Clear Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Biokleen Laundry Liquid – Citrus
- Blueland Laundry Starter Set – Spring Bloom
- Boulder Clean Laundry Detergent
- Celadon Road Unscented Laundry Detergent
- Celedon Road Laundry Detergent Lime, Lavender, Jasmine, Cedarwood, Orange, & Lilac
- Charlie’s Soap Natural Laundry Liquid Detergent
- Charlie’s Soap Natural Laundry Powder Detergent
- Christina Maser Vegan Laundry Soap Jar
- Christina Maser Vegan Laundry Soap Unscented
- Cleancult Unscented Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Dansoap 100% Natural Laundry Soap
- Defunkify Liquid Detergent Free & Clear Unscented
- Defunkify Liquid Detergent, Lavender
- Defunkify Liquid Detergent, Fresh Air
- Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Laundry Detergent Pods Unscented
- Dropps Stain & Odor Detergent Pods Clean Scent
- Dropps Stain & Odor Detergent Pods Lavender & Eucalyptus
- Dropps Oxi Booster Laundry & Household Pods Unscented
- Eco Me Laundry Detergent – Vanilla Bean, UNscented, Citrus Berry, Lavender
- Ecos Laundry Detergent Ultra-Concentrated Lavender
- Ecos Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent with Enzymes – Magnolia & Lily
- Enviroklenz Laundry Detergent Powder (Take 10% off products by using “MAMAVATION” at checkout!)
- Grab Green 3 in1 Detergent Pods Fragrance-Free
- Grab Green 3-in-1 Laundry Detergent Pods – Lavender with Vanilla, Gardenia, & Vetiver
- Grab Green Newborn Baby Laundry Detergent Pods, Calming Chamomile
- Go by Greenshield Organic Organic Laundry Detergent, Lavender
- Honest Company Hypoallergenic Baby Laundry Detergent
- Indigo Wild Zum Frankincense & Myrrh 64 oz. Zum Laundry Soap
- Mamas Suds Laundry Detergent Soap
- Mild By Nature Laundry Soda, Unscented
- Mild By Nature Laundry Detergent Pods, Unscented
- Molly’s Suds Liquid Laundry Detergent (all scents)
- Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder Lavender
- Norwex Liquid Laundry Detergent – Unscented
- Norwex Eco-Wash Laundry Detergent Strips
- Norwex Ultra Power Plus™ Laundry Detergent
- O Organics Organic Laundry Detergent, Lavender
- Pardo Naturals Laundry Detergent
- Pardo Naturals Laundry Detergent Unscented
- PUR Home Lavender & Grapefruit Liquid Laundry Detergent
- PUR Home Citrus Liquid Laundry Detergent
- PUR Home Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent
- PUR Home Powder Laundry Detergent
- Puracy Natural Laundry Detergent (Use discount code “MAMAVATION20” for 20% off products)
- Puracy Natural Laundry Detergent Fresh Linen Scent (Use discount code “MAMAVATION20” for 20% off products)
- Safely Rise Laundry Detergent
- Seventh Generation EasyDose™ Power+™ Ultra Concentrated Laundry Detergent – Clean Scent
- Shakelee Fresh Laundry Concentrate (liquid) 32 oz. Fresh Laundry Concentrate (liquid)
- Shakelee Fresh Laundry Concentrate (powder)
- Simple Truth Organic Liquid Laundry Detergent Orange Bergamot
- Sonett Laundry Liquid Sensitive
- Sonett Laundry Powder
- Sonett Organic Laundry Liquid Lavender
- Sonett Organic Laundry Liquid Color Mint & Lemon
- Sonett Organic Laundry Liquid Sensitive
- Tandi’s Laundry Soap Jar Scented –Lavender, Citrusy Trio
- The Simply Co. Laundry Powder Detergent Unscented
- Thrive Market (Rosey) Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Thrive Market (Rosey) Liquid Lavender Laundry Detergent
- Trader Joes Liquid Laundry Detergent Free & Clear
- Zum Clean Aromatherapy Liquid Laundry Soap, Sea Salt
The Best Non-Toxic Green Laundry Detergent Brands for Sensitive Skin
We are happy to announce that this list is long enough to provide you with plenty of options! This category has one or no problematic ingredients. This would be the safest alternative for people who are chemically sensitive, however because this category is mostly non-toxic, you may lose some effectiveness in cleaning. If you decide that you still want effectiveness as the priority, go back to the “better” category to shop. Pay attention to products because some brands have products in different categories.
- AspenClean Unscented Laundry Pods
- AspenClean Eucalyptus Laundry Detergent Natural
- AspenClean Lavender Laundry Detergent Natural
- AspenClean Unscented Laundry Detergent Natural, Organic
- Attitude NATURE+ Baby Laundry Detergent Unscented
- Attitude NATURE+ Laundry Detergent Lavender
- Attitude SENSITIVE SKIN Baby Laundry Detergent Unscented (With Oats)
- Attitude NATURE+ Laundry Detergent Wildflowers
- Blueland Laundry Starter Set — Unscented
- Branch Basics Laundry Kit
- Common Good Laundry Detergent – Bergamot
- Common Good Laundry Detergent Unscented
- Corewash Laundry Powder
- doTERRA On Guard Laundry Detergent
- Dr. Bronners Hemp Citrus – Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
- Dr. Bronners Unscented – Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
- Earthley Laundry Detergent, Unscented
- Earthley Laundry Detergent, Citrus
- Eco Nuts Soap Nuts Concentrated Extract Powder
- EnviroKlenz Laundry Liquid Box 20 Load
- Fit Organic Baby Laundry Stain Remover
- Good Natured Brand Laundry Powder Lavender & Eucalyptus
- Good Natured Brand Laundry Powder Fragrance-Free
- Greenshield Organic Laundry Detergent Free & Clear
- HealthyBaby Laundry Detergent (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 15% off sitewide no minimum purchase, eligible for use on subscriptions, 1 use per customer.)
- Ingredients Matter Powder Laundry Soap – Fragrance-Free, Hypoallergenic Detergent
- Meliora Unscented Laundry Powder
- Meliora Lemon Laundry Powder
- Meliora Lavender Laundry Powder
- Molly’s Suds Original Laundry Detergent Powder
- Molly’s Suds Baby Laundry Detergent Powder
- Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder Unscented
- Molly’s Suds Liquid Laundry Detergent Unscented
- Nature’s First Laundry Pods
- NaturOli Soap Nuts / Soap Berries, Hand-sort “Select” Seedless
- Nellie’s Laundry Soda
- Nellie’s Laundry Nuggets
- Nellie’s Baby Laundry
- O Organics Organic Laundry Detergent, Free + Clear
- One Organic ORG USDA Happi Pouch 400 Wash Loads
- Pronounce Laundry Detergent Powder Alternative Lemon
- Public Goods Laundry Detergent Pods
- Pure Haven Laundry Detergent
- Pure Natural Laundry Detergent
- Pure Baby Natural Laundry Detergent
- Rebel Green Organic Laundry Detergent – Natural Laundry Soap – Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Sapadilla Laundry Liquid Rosemary Peppermint
- Sapadilla Sweet Lavender + Lime High Efficiency (he) Biodegradable Laundry Detergent Liquid
- Sapadilla Grapefruit + Bergamot High Efficiency (he) Biodegradable Laundry Detergent Liquid
- Seventh Generation Ultra Power Plus Laundry Detergent Packs Fresh Citrus Laundry Soap
- Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent Packs – Fresh Lavender
- Simple Truth Organic Liquid Laundry Detergent Free & Clear
- Tandi’s Laundry Soap Jar – Unscented
- The Simply Co. Laundry Powder Detergent
- Thrive Market (Rosey) Free & Clear Laundry Detergent Powder
- Thrive Market (Rosey) Lavender Laundry Detergent Powder
- Thrive Market (Rosey) Peppermint Laundry Detergent Powder
- Truly Free Laundry Wash Unscented (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 25% off products!)
- Truly Free Laundry Wash Signature Scent(Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 25% off products!)
- Whole Foods Market, Organic Laundry Detergent (33 HE Loads), Unscented
- Woolzies Lemon Lime Powder Laundry Detergent
- Woolzies Lavender & Jasmine Powder Laundry Detergent
- Young Living Thieves Laundry Soap
Laundry Aides
If this list of toxic laundry detergents surprised you, I’m sorry to say that it gets worse. Almost all laundry aides – dryer sheets, fabric softener, and stain remover – use toxic chemicals. Most fabric softeners, for example, contain quats but they also have fragrance, or artificial preservatives and colors. Dryer sheets fare even worse.
If you want to use these products, here are some of the safest choices:
- Fabric Softeners:
- Attitude: Fragrance-Free, Sweet Lullabuy, Citrus Zest, and Pear Nectar.
- Greenshield Organic Fabric Softener
- Truly Free Softening Rinse (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 30% off products!)
- Dryer Sheets:
- Pure Ecosheet
- Truly Free Dryer Angels (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 30% off products!)
- Stain Remover:
- Branch Basics Oxygen Boost, (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 15% off)
- Fit Organic Baby Laundry Stain Remover,
- Poofy Organics Pre-Spray,
- Pure Haven Master Blaster,
- OxyClean Stain Remover.
- Truly Free OxiBoost (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 30% off products!)
- Truly Free Enzyme Stain Remover (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 30% off products!)
- Truly Free Stain Stick (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 30% off products!)
- Wrinkle & Static Releasers:
- Truly Free Wrinkle & Static Releaser (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 30% off products!)
- Laundry Machine Cleaner
- Truly Free Laundry Machine Cleaner (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 30% off products!)
So what can you use in your high-efficiency washer and is laundry detergent toxic? Many brands are but you don’t have to stop washing your clothes. (Bad news for your teenager!) There are a lot of brands you can choose from to keep your family safe and freshly laundered. Or, take the plunge and DIY your laundry cleaners. You won’t regret it!
friv
This is a helpful guide for anyone looking for gentle laundry solutions. Thanks for sharing these non-toxic options for sensitive skin.
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Join the fun in funny shooter 2, where every match is a comedy show wrapped in action.
idle breakout
When choosing the safest green laundry detergents for sensitive skin in 2024, consider options with biodegradable ingredients and no harsh chemicals. These products are better for your health and the environment. Just like idle breakout teaches strategy, selecting the right detergent is about making thoughtful choices for the best outcomes.
red ball 4
When choosing the safest green laundry detergents for sensitive skin in 2024, it’s essential to look for eco-friendly ingredients and avoid harsh chemicals. Just like enjoying a game like red ball 4, simplicity and care make a big difference in daily choices. What are your top picks for safe detergents?
Mia M Maddalena
I’m Looking for Laundry SHEETS that are non toxic.
there are only 1 brand listed for sheets NORWEX but have you tested any others? there are nmany on the market and I am trying to go PLATIC FREE which is the whole reason we have PFAS in our air, ater and in everything so I’m specifically looking for products that come in non plasic pacaging.
Carlene
Please would you let us know about laundry sheets? I have been using Clean People of late, made in North America and appear to be plastic & toxin free….but is that really the case?
Marie
My roommate mixed up the Truly Free Signature Scent laundry detergent yesterday and drove me out of the house! It had an AWFUL chemical smell! She bought it after seeing an ad saying it was “100% nontoxic” and thought it would be okay with me, a person with multiple chemical sensitivities. It was significantly worse than the All Free & Clear she usually uses. MCSers (and others) BEWARE!
Emily
If you update this post, would you evaluate Dirty Labs brand? I’m curious about that one. Thank you!
Michelle
Thank you for asking! I’m curious too.
Sandee
Thank you so much for including and testing Thrive Market products!!!
Rosie Gutierrez
Have you tested Dr Bronners Sal Suds? I make my own detergent using Sal Suds. Thank you for your research and better recommendations.
Wynter Kruger
My AVG internet security tells me there is a malware/virus threat when I click on your link to go to TrulyFreeHome.com. I tried it twice. Hopefully you can investigate. I want to receive the 25% discount but I have to go in to their website another way, and I’m wondering if there is another way to get the discount.
Amanda Pillow
Nellies detergent sent my daughter(who has never been allergic to anything) to Urgent Care twice in two weeks, and a visit to an allergist. Weeks later, we are still trying desperately to get all of the residue out of everything we washed in Nellies and she’s still trying to heal from this terrible allergic reaction. I’m surprised it’s on your best list. There are many reviews that state it caused an allergic reaction.
slope
it’s essential to patch-test any new product on a small area of skin before using it extensively, especially for those with severe allergies or sensitivities.
Meg
Is Molly’s liquid detergent unscented also on the better list or would it be on the best list? I don’t see it .. thank you for all that you do!
Anonymous
What about laundry sheets? None are listed but they were listed on your previous article. Most notably Tru Earth fragrance free eco strips.
Devyn Rowe
I’ve heard bad things about Charlie’s soap. Such as the way it is produced doesn’t allow the lye to fully react, meaning there is active lye in the detergent and can cause burns. Can you speak to that?
Linda
What about the Tyler laundry detergent. I didn’t see it on any lists they claim to use natural ingredients but don’t have them on their containers
Ginny
I would love to see a test of Zum. They list fragrance but state it’s all natural. I reacted badly to it and am wondering how to find out what the fragrance is?
Anonymous
To my understanding ones that say fragrance with essential oils is made with EO, the others that don’t list EO I’m not sure on!
Anonymous
Have you tried emailing them to ask, saying that you had an allergic reaction to it and would like to know the ingredients so that you can get tested to see which one(s) you have an allergy to?
CB
What about “sheets”???. They clean and I do not have a big jug of plastic to recycle when the biodegradable box is empty.
Anonymous
I saw she recommended Tru Earth fragrance free eco sheets on another blog post. I only remember because I started to buy it from that link.
Joanna Kling
How about Grove laundry detergent. I’ve bee\n using the lavender rosemary pods/packs. Do you know anything about their products?
Terri Sidell
Lesh,
I did find your lists for bad & good detergents. Thanks for doing the time to list all the info.
Thanks!! Terri
Brooke
I didn’t see Norwex on the list.
Christen
Norwex liquid is on the “better” list, I’m wondering about the powder!!
Anonymous
Me too! I switched thinking it was good and now I’m wondering if it is!
Monica
Norwex is on the “not our favorites” list.
Sue Ann Niehaus
I am curious if any further research was done on the Norwex laundry soap. Specifically looking for your input on the Norwex powder detergent. I really like it but I want to use something that has been approved by you and your research. Thanks so much for all you do!
jolene davis
babyganics. did make it onto the toxic detergent list. the updated one. search it up.
Nadine
Hello. I am looking for a non-toxic, safe laundry detergent that cleans men’s really dirty clothes. Would you please provide me with your recommendation?
Thanks,
Nadine
G. Green
I just found out yesterday that my normal laundry detergent, which I’ve really liked for the last few years, has been discontinued. [It was the own-brand, fragrance-free laundry detergent by the regional supermarket chain Fresh Thyme.] I have a lot of sensitivities, particularly to artificial fragrances, certain essential oils, and methylchloroisothiazolinone and related preservatives, so every time that my laundry detergent is discontinued or has something added to the formula that I can’t tolerate (which seems to happen every 2 to 3 years), I end up spending a lot of time researching what is currently available in the marketplace and delving into the ingredient lists — so that’s what I’ve done all evening.
I have narrowed down the list of detergents that I am going to try out to about 3 or 4 that I will order online, to see if any of those work for me and my family.
Sadly, it was only *after* all that work tonight that I found your site and this fantastic page of information that you have compiled! This is so helpful.
I was surprised not to see 2 of the detergents that I am going to buy and try out anywhere on your list here. I think that because they are similarly named to one of the detergents that you do have on this list, maybe you overlooked them and thought that they were the same formula as the one you do have named here. But actually all 3 of them have different formulas, which I confirmed by going to the brand’s website and looking at the ingredient lists. These detergents are:
1. Planet Ultra Laundry Detergent Free and Clear
2. Planet 2X He Ultra Laundry Detergent Free and Clear
3. Planet Delicate Laundry Wash Free and Clear
Number 1 you have on your “worst” list above. And I agree with you, because they have one of the -isothiazolinone preservatives in it.
But, number 2 and number 3 do not have any -isothiazolinone preservatives. They get pretty good write-ups on the EWG site. As far as I can see in their ingredient lists, I don’t see anything that I already know I am sensitive to. So I am going to give both of them a try.
Also, a couple of months ago, when I found out that my old standby for dish soap, the Ecover Zero fragrance-free dishwashing detergent, actually has an -isothiazolinone preservative in it that they had not previously declared on their official ingredient list but which the California law forced them to list, I searched around for alternatives and the Planet fragrance-free dish soap seems to be okay for the various members of my family, so that gives me hope that the Planet laundry detergent might also be okay for us.
Another brand that is going well for us is the Canadian Attitude brand — I have used their fragrance-free, gentle shampoo and conditioner for the last few years, so I have bought their dish detergent to try out and will soon buy their fragrance-free laundry detergent to try also (one variation of it anyway, the one that doesn’t have oats in it).
You can find all 3 of Planet’s laundry detergents on Amazon, and I would encourage you to check out the 2 that you do not have on your list on this page, and slot them into whichever category you think they should go into. Again, they are:
– Planet 2X He Ultra Laundry Detergent Free and Clear
– Planet Delicate Laundry Wash Free and Clear
========
If I may mention a different issue, I don’t know if you have any connections at the EWG website, but it’s really frustrating that their lists of ingredients and letter-grades of products are so outdated and totally misleading for certain brands.
For example, they give the Ecover Zero products really good letter grades and list ingredient lists that are from 2012, which is nine years ago, and which are not at all accurate now. Having such good ratings on the EWG site is allowing brands like Ecover Zero to keep selling a lot of product to people like us who are looking for “clean” products, even though those products really have -isothiazolinone preservatives in them, which the company partially obfuscates.
There are other cleaning and laundry products which the EWG gives great reviews to, but their ingredient lists also have long since changed and have had ‘bad stuff’ added to them.
I am bringing this up here, because I looked a long time tonight on the EWG site to try to find a way to report this to them, to report that an ingredient list has changed, or in the very least to ask them to review their published list with the product’s manufacturer to make sure it’s up to date, but there seems to be no way to report to them that they have a terribly incorrect presentation of a lot of their highly-rated products.
(Also, several of their highly-rated brands seem to have gone out of business, and they should take those items off their site, to save so many consumers from wasting their time trying to buy those products.)
So if you have any contacts there, I wonder if you could pass those concerns along to them.
===
I am really excited to look around at the other categories on your site in the coming weeks! Thank you so much for making your crucial research and analysis widely available.
Joanne T Healey
So helpful. Thank you for adding this in.
Alysa
Learn about the ingredients. It makes it easier to find products then. The EWG can’t keep up I believe. Consider looking at Kind & Sheets which have simple ingredient lists and don’t require shipping water still & compare to the two Plant products you liked. I started looking a few weeks back since these dry detergents are available now and it’s getting harder to locate the brand I have been buying for years that is good. Some of these sheets are good, many were not.
Alysa
So sorry that was supposed to say Planet, not Plant.
Chhabra Timbers
Really Nice.
Love It.
Thanks for the Information.
Curio Centre
Your writing is perfect!!!
You gave me great joy!!!
I simply need to offer a gigantic go-ahead for the decent data you have here on this post. I can be returning again to your blog for extra soon.
Leah Segedie
Thank you!
John
You listed seventh generation which has sodium lauryl sulfate.
MARIE
Any info on Beekman 1802. I have found their products to be great on my skin. They claim to be clean and appear great so far. Since you are more knowledgeable, I was hoping to pick your brain. They make clean beauty and have added household cleanning products to their line, including laundry detergent/soap.
Marvelmama
Thanks for in-depth research. You’ve done a profound job on these products! I will definitely try some brands you’ve mentioned.
cookie clicker
Thanks for the sharing. This is my first time visiting your blog. Really I like your Blog. Keep doing more like this.
Aria Grace
My first priority is my skin safety is this detergent is secure or harmful?
Jillian R
I used pure naturals for months and wanted to love it but sad to say it did a terrible job for us – didn’t remove odors, struggled with even the most basic stains. We are a pretty average three person family, not even hard on our clothes. It’s Sonett unscented sensitive all the way for us – I wish I knew what you find problematic about it specifically because other non-toxic bloggers I trust recommend it. For us, it’s odor fighting and stain fighting is unreal! Literally red wine out of white tablecloths no problem.
Ann
Finally – I am using something on the best list and don’t need to find an alternative!!! Woo hoo. I run an AirBnB so use a lot of laundry detergent! Thank you so much for all the research, time and effort. I
Ann
Molly’s Suds is a detergent! Look at the ingredient list and their website… not sure where you are getting YOUR information… I used to use and it was fine for septic and hardwater but terrible on clothes. Moved to My Green Refills two years ago and I am very happy with this product.
Doris
How about Seventh Generation and Tide Plantbase?
Maggie Smith
Love My Green Fills! They’re in my hometown!! Also, was hoping to see Boulder on your list somewhere.
Amy
That’s interesting. How did 2 versions of Tide end up on your BETTER list? This investigation has completely discredited all Mamavation investigations for me. You’re seriously misleading people with this poorly researched article.
Angela Young
I was wondering why Indigo Wild Zum laundry detergent went from your best list to the better list this time.
Dawn
I would love to know how Puracy stacks up. Thanks for your great insights as always.
Leah Segedie
Dawn come back and take a look! The site was dancing the funky chicken yesterday and wouldn’t update. Today, you can look and find that brand in there!
Gus
any updates on Thrive Market? Their ingredients look good to me, I’m not seeing anything problematic and am wondering what your reasoning is or if they’ve already reformulated and y’all haven’t had time to update this article? Lmk!
Leah Segedie
Yes, actually we just updated the post for 2021!
S
What about Boulder Detergent?