11 Safest Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent Brands That WORK

What is non-toxic laundry detergent?

A non-toxic laundry detergent is a safer, more eco-friendly alternative to your typical laundry detergents.

They’re made without harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and other potentially harmful ingredients that can irritate your skin and pollute the environment.

Instead, these detergents use plant-based or naturally derived cleaning agents that are gentle on your clothes and skin. They effectively break down dirt and stains without relying on toxic chemicals that can harm your health.

Key Differences

• Made with plant-based, naturally derived ingredients
• Free from artificial fragrances, dyes, and phosphates
• Biodegradable and safer for the environment
• Gentler on the skin, reducing the risk of irritation and allergies
• No known or suspected carcinogens, hormone disruptors, or toxins

What toxic chemicals are hiding in your detergent? How are they affecting your health?

• Formaldehyde (a Known Carcinogen): Used as a preservative and antibacterial agent. Health effects include skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. Long-term exposure linked to cancer. | How To Identify: Formaldehyde, DMDM hydantoin, Diazolidinyl urea, Imidazolidinyl urea, Quaternium-15, Bronopol, 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane, Hydroxymethylglycinate.

• 1,4-Dioxane (Probable Human Carcinogen): Used for manufacturing byproducts of chemical preservatives. Health effects include eye, nose, and throat irritation. Potential liver and kidney damage. Probable carcinogen. | How To Identify: Not listed directly. Look for: -eth, -oxynol, PEG, Polysorbate, ethoxylated alcohols, ethoxylated alkylphenols.

• Phthalates (Hormone Disruptors): Used to make fragrances last longer. Health effects include disrupting the endocrine system, hormonal imbalances, and reproductive and developmental issues. | How To Identify: “Fragrance” or “parfum”, Diethyl phthalate (DEP), Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP).

• Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs)(Endocrine Disruptors): Used for surfactants (remove dirt & grease). Health effects include mimics estrogen, disrupting the endocrine system, & reproductive & developmental problems. | How To Identify: Nonylphenol ethoxylate, Nonoxynol, Octylphenol ethoxylated.

• Chlorine Bleach (Irritant): Used for whitening and disinfects. Health effects include Severe skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. Can form toxic compounds when mixed. | How To Identify: Sodium hypochlorite, Calcium hypochlorite.

• Diethanolamine (DEA) & Triethanolamine (TEA): Used for pH adjusters and surfactants. Health effects include can form of nitrosamines (potential carcinogens). Skin & eye irritation. | How To Identify: DEA, TEA, cocamide DEA, lauramide DEA, oleamide DEA, myristamide DEA, stearamide MEA, cocamide MEA, lauramide MEA, oleamide MEA.

• Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats): Used for fabric softeners and antibacterial agents. Health effects include skin and respiratory irritation. Contribute to antimicrobial resistance. | How To Identify: Benzalkonium chloride, Cetrimonium chloride/bromide, Stearalkonium chloride, Didecyldimethylammonium chloride.

• Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate (SLS/SLES): Used for surfactants (create lather). Health effects include skin and eye irritation. SLES may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane. | How To Identify: SLS, SLES, sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium salt sulfuric acid, monododecyl ester, sodium lauryl ether sulfate.

• Petroleum Distillates: Used for solvents in stain removers. Health effects include skin and respiratory irritation, headaches, dizziness, and potential neurological damage. | How To Identify: Naphtha, Stoddard solvent, Mineral spirits, White spirits, Petroleum solvents.

• Artificial Fragrances: Used for scent and cover up chemical scents. Health effects include allergies and sensitivities, skin rashes, headaches, and respiratory issues. Potential endocrine disruptors. | How To Identify: “Fragrance” or “parfum”.

• Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) & Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT): Used for preservatives. Health effects include severe allergic contact dermatitis. | How To Identify: MIT, CMIT.

• Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds: Used for thickeners and surfactants. Health effects include may be contaminated with carcinogens. Skin irritation. | How To Identify: “PEG” followed by a number, ingredients ending in “-eth”.

• Optical Brighteners: Used to make clothes appear whiter. Health effects include skin irritation and photosensitivity. | How To Identify: Fluorescent whitening agents, Tinopal, Blankophor.

• Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulfonates (LAS): Used for surfactants. Health effects include skin and eye irritation. | How To Identify: “Anionic surfactants”, Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate.

• Phosphates: Used to soften water and improve cleaning. Health effects include skin irritation. Contribute to water pollution. | How To Identify: Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), Trisodium phosphate (TSP), Potassium tripolyphosphate.

• Ammonium Sulfate: Used for pH adjuster. Health effects include mild skin and eye irritants. | How To Identify: Ammonium sulfate.

How do we absorb these toxic chemicals in laundry detergents?

The toxic chemicals can enter our bodies in several ways, eventually reaching our tissues and bloodstream.

This exposure can lead to serious long-term health issues. But how exactly do these chemicals get into our bodies?

Skin Absorption: Residual chemicals on clothes can be absorbed through the skin, especially when we sweat. This prolonged contact allows toxins to penetrate the skin barrier.

Inhalation: Fragrances and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from detergents can be inhaled, particularly when handling wet laundry or during the drying process. These chemicals can irritate the respiratory system.

Ingestion: Small amounts of detergent residue may be ingested if it remains on dishes or utensils washed with contaminated water.

Environmental Exposure: Detergent chemicals can contaminate water sources and soil, eventually making their way into the food chain.

Direct Contact: Handling concentrated detergents can lead to skin irritation or accidental ingestion.

Are non-toxic laundry detergents as effective as traditional ones?

Non-toxic laundry detergents have improved significantly over the years, with many now better than conventional laundry detergents. 

Since they use plant-based enzymes and surfactants that effectively break down dirt and grime, they leave your clothes feeling fresh and clean without any harsh chemicals or gummy residues.  

For most everyday laundry needs, you’ll find non-toxic options to be perfectly adequate. However, it’s worth noting that exceptionally stubborn stains or heavily soiled items might require a bit of extra attention, such as pre-treatment or soaking.

Can non-toxic detergents remove tough stains?

While non-toxic detergents excel at handling everyday dirt and grime, their stain-fighting ability can differ depending on the specific formula and stain type. 

Some brands incorporate natural enzymes and stain lifters, making them more effective against tough stains. Detergents that include proteases (like subtilisin, bromelain, or papain) or soap nuts on their ingredient list are best for fighting tough stains. 

For optimal results, it’s always a good practice to pre-treat stains as soon as possible and avoid letting them set for too long.

Don’t hesitate to try out different non-toxic detergents to discover the ones that best suit your laundry needs.

Are all-natural laundry detergents truly non-toxic?

Unfortunately, the term “natural” is not strictly regulated in the cleaning product industry. That’s why it’s essential to read ingredient lists carefully, even on products labeled “natural.” 

Some might still contain potentially harmful chemicals or allergens. 

Seek out certifications like USDA Organic or Oregon Tilth Certified Organic (OTCO) which indicate a higher standard of ingredient safety and transparency.

Are plant-based laundry detergents safe for all washing machines?

Yes, plant-based laundry detergents are generally safe for all types of washing machines, including high-efficiency (HE) models. 

They are specifically formulated to be gentler than conventional detergents, which benefits both your machine and the environment. 

Unlike homemade detergents that might damage newer machines, commercially available plant-based detergents are designed to be safe for most modern appliances.