In our daily quest for clean clothes, it's essential to consider the impact of the laundry detergent we use on both our health and our pet's health as well as the environment. Unfortunately, many conventional laundry detergents contain harmful substances and additives that can pose risks to our well-being. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of choosing non-toxic laundry detergent options for safer and more eco-friendly laundry practices.
Below offers a list of harmful substance found in many laundry detergents and their potential health impacts:
Optical Brighteners: These fluorescent agents are often added to laundry detergents to keep clothes appearing bright, but they can cause skin irritation and may pose other health risks as research continues to develop regarding how brighteners affect humans. [1] They also harm the environment as they are insusceptible to biodegradation meaning they easily accumulate in the environment, and are often found in bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and even wastewater treatment facilities. [2]
Fragrances & Phthalates: Synthetic fragrances are common in many laundry detergents, but they often contain potentially harmful chemicals as well as phthalates, leading to migraines, respiratory issues, neurological problems, hormone disruption, and some of these fragrances are even carcinogenic (cancer-causing). [3] [4] [5] Furthermore, many of these fragrances consist of toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to indoor air pollution, respiratory problems, and other concerning health issues. [6]
Sulfates/ Surfactants: Chemical surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are commonly used in laundry detergents to create foam, but surfactants can cause skin irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin, and may be contaminated with carcinogens. [7] [8] [9] Other surfactants commonly found in laundry detergents include ethanolamines, which are chemicals that include MEA (monoethanolamine), DEA (diethanolamine), and TEA (triethanolamine) that are made by combining ethylene oxide with ammonia. [10] In addition, certain surfactants like nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) can lead to ecotoxicity as they have low biodegradability, especially with regards to marine life. [11] [12] Ultimately, sulfates are good for cleaning, so choose what fits your laundry needs best, but if you have sensitive skin or are concerned about potential contaminants, it may be best to avoid commonly used surfactants in laundry detergent.
Dyes: Not only do dyes add no cleaning power at all to detergents, they are another frequent culprit when unexplained skin irritations appear. Harmful chemicals used in dyes like benzene can have harmful health risks. [13] In addition, many dyes are proven carcinogens, and they can cause reproductive and neurological issues. [14] [15] Though more regulations are being placed on dyes, many are still likely to pose potential health concerns.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEGs): These compounds are sometimes used as thickeners, penetration enhancers, and surfactants in laundry detergent, but PEGs are often hidden under many different names. [16] A primary issue with PEG compounds is that during the manufacturing process they may become contaminated with known carcinogens, making it a safer choice to avoid PEGs in products when possible. [17] [18]
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): PFAS are toxic fluorinated chemicals (found in almost everything!) that are commonly referred to as forever chemicals and are associated with many health risks including reproductive issues, hormone disruption, increased risk of some cancers, and other concerning long-term health problems. [19] An option to help reduce your exposure to PFAS is to avoid ingredients with “fluoro” in the name.
Common Contaminants: There are many potential contaminants present in laundry detergents due to the methods applied during production. Keep in mind, contaminants don't have to be labeled on the ingredient list as they are created during production, so they’re not technically an ingredient. Two primary contaminants include dioxins like 1,4-dioxane as well as formaldehyde (also used as a preservative in detergent) and formaldehyde releasers. The chemical 1,4-dioxane is mostly used as a solvent or a solvent stabilizer, and is often introduced as a contaminant during the production of goods like laundry soap. However, 1,4-dioxane is likely carcinogenic and can cause developmental concerns. [20] It has also been found that 1,4-dioxane impacts the environment as this chemical has contaminated large amounts of groundwater as a result of incorrectly discarding it. [21] Similarly, formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers can be introduced during manufacturing, but these VOCs are common irritants and known carcinogens. [22] When in doubt, stay away from labels containing “PEG,” “eth” (like “myreth,” “oleth,” “laureth,” and “ceteareth,”), “form,” “polyethylene glycol,” “polyoxyethylene,” and “oxynol.” [23]
This list is just the beginning of some of the foremost harmful ingredients in laundry detergents. Keep an eye out for builders (enhances cleaning ability) like phosphates, though no longer as prevalent in detergent as they were banned or reduced in many regions due to environmental impact, to ensure the detergent is safe. [24] Also, avoid benzyl acetate as this fragrance additive is linked to irritation and other potential health risks. [25] Remember, many other harmful contaminants may be introduced to detergents during the manufacturing process like the common contaminants described above that don’t have to be listed on the ingredient label. This makes it critical to select laundry detergent from reputable brands.
Furthermore, most conventional laundry detergents negatively affect the environment with surface water experiencing the most significant impact. [26] Choosing non-toxic laundry detergent options is essential for safeguarding our health and those in our household as well as the environment. Look for laundry detergents that are free from the above additives, opting instead for natural and biodegradable ingredients that are gentle yet effective. In addition, choose laundry detergents that are packaged in eco-friendly and sustainable materials to further reduce environmental impacts.
Top Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent
The shift toward non-toxic laundry detergents reflects a growing awareness of the potential health implications of laundry detergents. However, many companies still fall short in providing transparency about the ingredients they use in laundry detergents, calling for further improvement. By prioritizing safer and more eco-friendly laundry detergent options, we can ensure that our clothes are clean and fresh without compromising our health, our pet's health, or the health of the planet. The six sustainable laundry products below provide safer options for chemical-free detergent.
Powder Detergent Options
Many people prefer laundry powder for detergent purposes. Just be cautious not to inhale the powder by dumping it directly on top of your laundry inside the washing apparatus, and even wearing a mask can help. Below are two safe powder laundry detergent options. Please note, if you have very sensitive skin, powder detergent may be too harsh to use for washing clothes, bedding, etc.
Original Laundry Detergent Powder (Unscented)
If you prefer a powder over liquid, Molly’s Suds Original Laundry Powder offers one of the best options on the market. Their gentle laundry detergent is free of fragrances, dyes, formaldehyde, 1,4-Dioxane, synthetic nonylphenol ethoxylates, VOCs, optical brighteners, phosphates, phthalates, and parabens. Also, it does not contain SLES or petrochemicals (petroleum). I followed up with them to learn more and they confirmed that their laundry powder is free of PFAS and PEGs.
Original Laundry Detergent Powder Ingredients:
Sodium Carbonate (sourced from the Green River Basin in Wyoming) (inorganic compound known as washing soda with high irritation and ranked as a low hazard ingredient by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) in regulated amounts)
Sodium Bicarbonate (inorganic salt known as baking soda)
Magnesium Sulfate (Heptahydrate) (inorganic salt known as Epsom salt)
Unrefined Sea Salt
Another powder laundry detergent that is an optimal option is Simply Co. Laundry Detergent. Their organic laundry detergent is free of dyes, SLS, 1-4 dioxane, formaldehyde, phosphates, DEA, and optical brighteners. They do not use any synthetic preservatives or petrochemicals (petroleum). Also, their laundry powder comes in plastic- free packaging. I confirmed with them that their detergent is free of nonylphenol ethoxylates, PFAs, and PEGs. However, they did not state if testing is done to ensure no PFAs are present.
Simply Co. Laundry Detergent Ingredients:
Sodium Cocoate (sodium salt derived from coconut oil fatty acids with low irritation and ranked as low hazard by EWG in regulated amounts)
Sodium Bicarbonate (inorganic salt known as baking soda)
Sodium Carbonate (inorganic compound known as washing soda with high irritation and ranked as a low hazard by EWG in regulated amounts)
Available on their website.
Soap Nuts
Soap nuts are actually berries, not nuts. They make for an ideal non-toxic laundry detergent option since soap nuts consist of saponin, a natural chemical that functions as a surfactant. The two soap nut brands below provide sustainable laundry detergent options.
Eco Nuts offers deseeded soap nuts that allow for a biodegradable laundry detergent option that does not contain chemicals or harmful toxins. This hypoallergenic laundry detergent utilizes soap nuts that are gathered from wild trees and are grown organically in the Himalayan regions of Nepal, meaning their soap nuts are grown without the use of chemicals, fertilizers, or pesticides. Their plant-based laundry care uses a proprietary sorting process to guarantee uniformity in shape and texture of each of their soap nuts, then they are sorted and packaged in the U.S. Please note, it is important to keep soap nuts stored in a cool, dry place removed from moisture.
Eco Nuts Deseeded Soap Nuts Ingredients:
Organic Sapindus Mukorossi Soap Nuts (ranked as a low hazard ingredient by EWG)
Available on their website.
NaturOli seedless soap nuts provide deseeded soap nuts that offer a plant-based laundry detergent option. Their seedless organic soap nuts are hypoallergenic and unscented. They source their soap nuts from India and then they are sorted and packaged in the U.S. Remember, keep soap nuts stored in a cool, dry place away from moisture.
NaturOli Seedless Soap Nuts Ingredients:
Organic Sapindus mukorossi (Soap Nuts) (ranked as a low hazard ingredient by EWG)
Liquid Laundry Detergent
It's challenging to find a non-toxic liquid laundry detergent. During my research, most all of the brands I reached out to regarding their detergents did not respond back to me (which says something...) or they were extremely vague when answering my questions. However, the two liquid detergent options below are safer than many others currently on the market. I will continue to update this section as I receive responses from companies and find other safe liquid detergent options to share.
AspenClean Laundry Detergent is unscented and made with organic, plant-derived ingredients. It does not contain artificial colors or synthetic fragrances and is chemical-free. Their hypoallergenic laundry soap is free of phosphates, parabens, sulphates, and petroleum. This vegan laundry detergent prioritizes using clean ingredients that are safe for sensitive skin.
AspenClean Unscented Laundry Detergent Ingredients:
Water
Decyl Glucoside (sustainable Coconut/ Palm Kernel Oil derived) (glucose-based surfactant with low use restrictions, low non-reproductive organ system toxicity, and low Irritation, and ranked as a low hazard ingredient by EWG when regulated)
Sodium Chloride (table salt)
Potassium Cocoate (a salt of coconut acid with low irritation, and considered a low hazard ingredient by EWG in regulate amounts)
Sodium Citrate (trisodium salt of citric acid used as a pH adjuster, and ranked as a low hazard ingredient by EWG when regulated)
Organic Glycerine (vegetables derived) (alcohol compound with moderate use restriction, and ranked as low hazard by EWG when used in regulated amounts)
Lauryl Glucoside (sustainable Coconut, Palm Kernel Oil derived) (sugar- and lipid-based surfactant with low use restrictions, low endocrine disruption, and low irritation. And ranked as a low hazard ingredient by EWG)
Sodium Carbonate (inorganic compound known as washing soda with high irritation and ranked as a low hazard the by EWG in regulated amounts)
Sodium Gluconate (a salt of gluconic acid and reviewed as a low hazard by EWG in regulated amounts)
Coconut Acid (fatty acids from coconut oil and considered a low hazard ingredient by EWG in regulate amounts)
Potassium Hydroxide (inorganic base ranked as a moderately hazard ingredient by EWG, but none to minimal Potassium Hydroxide remains in the finished detergent)
PurHome’s laundry detergent offers a natural detergent that’s made with biodegradable ingredients. It’s free of SLES, synthetic fragrances, phosphates, dyes, and optical brighteners. Their laundry soap comes in a %100 recyclable shell made of cardboard and newspaper.
PUR Home Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent Ingredients:
Water
Organic Potassium Cocoate (potassium salt derived of coconut acid with low irritation and ranked as low hazard by EWG)
Sapindus Mukorossi (Organic Soap Nuts) (ranked as a low hazard ingredient by EWG)
Decyl Glucoside (glucose-based surfactant with low use restrictions, low non-reproductive organ system toxicity, and low Irritation, and ranked as a low hazard ingredient by EWG when regulated)
Lauryl Glucoside (sugar- and lipid-based surfactant with low use restrictions, low endocrine disruption, and low irritation and ranked as a low hazard ingredient by EWG)
Sodium Carbonate (inorganic compound known as washing soda with high irritation and ranked as a low hazard the by EWG in regulated amounts)
Sodium Citrate (trisodium salt of citric acid used as a pH adjuster, and ranked as a low hazard ingredient by EWG when regulated)
Coco-PolyGlucoside (naturally derived from plant sugars and fatty alcohols, and ranked as a low hazard ingredient by EWG)
Scented with Pure Essential Oils
Available on this website.
The above eco-friendly alternatives offer effective cleaning without the use of substances that could jeopardize our health and the environment. Laundry detergent that’s free from harsh chemicals benefits all of us with cleaner clothes and a healthier planet.
Choosing non-toxic laundry detergent is not just a personal health choice—it’s a step towards a more sustainable lifestyle. By selecting products that are safe for the whole family and kind to the planet, you contribute to reducing pollution and protecting natural ecosystems. Let’s make informed laundry choices for a cleaner world, one laundry load at a time!
References
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