6 Best, Toxin-Free Laundry Detergents
When choosing a toxin-free laundry detergent, my priority was ensuring it had either an “A” or “B” rating from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which evaluates commercial products for user safety. Laundry detergent feels like a personal decision. Afterall, our clothes drape our bodies for several hours a day, touching the skin of our loved ones. It’s intimate. I remember searching in anguish, when my children were babies, for the perfect toxin-free laundry detergent. There weren’t many choices then. But now, there are almost too many to choose from, which is why I have narrowed down the list to the 6 Best Toxin-Free Laundry Detergents. My final decision was also guided by three main factors.
3 Deciding Factors for Choosing These 6 Toxin-Free Laundry Detergents:
- Non-Toxicity
- EWG VERIFIED™: This certification helps consumers make informed choices by identifying products that meet the highest health and wellness standards.
- Eco-Friendliness
- Leaping Bunny: This certification signifies cruelty-free products, ensuring no animal testing throughout the supply chain. It is managed by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics in the U.S. and Canada.
- Sustainability
- I focused on products that offer environmental, social, and economic benefits. Cost was not a primary concern, so the following choices may not be the cheapest, but they met my standards.
My Journey for Toxin-Free Laundry Detergent
My journey towards a toxin-free laundry detergent restarted at in 2020 during the pandemic. After recovering from a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, I developed pneumonia and experienced severe shortness of breath. Everyday scents became intolerable and exacerbated my condition. Even after recovering, returning to work as an essential worker in a senior living facility, I found myself unable to tolerate certain chemicals. Hand sanitizers and aerosol disinfectants caused skin irritation and respiratory issues reminiscent of my pneumonia symptoms.
This health scare was the catalyst for my quest to eliminate chemicals from my home. I discovered numerous low and non-toxic alternatives, many made with natural ingredients. The more I researched, the more I realized the silent harm these chemicals were causing to my family and me. Household cleaners I had trusted for years were linked to immune system damage, hormonal disruption, developmental delays, and even cancer.
Determined to make a change, I decided to detoxify my home, starting with the laundry room. I learned that even “safer” laundry detergents often contained hidden toxins disguised as fragrances and environmentally harmful materials like plastic packaging. Shockingly, clothes can retain these toxins for days, leading to skin exposure and triggering allergies.
Chemicals in Traditional Laundry Detergents and How They are Harmful
Phosphates: Can lead to algae growth in lakes and rivers, which can harm fish and other wildlife
Optical brighteners: Synthetic chemicals that make clothes appear brighter by reflecting light, but don’t actually clean the fabric. They can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions
Benzene and Formaldehyde: A known carcinogen that can cause respiratory and skin irritation
Surfactants: Highly toxic to aquatic life and organisms. They work by interrupting the surface tension of oil and water to allow them to mix and wash dirt away
Phthalates: These chemicals are used to make scents last longer, but they are known endocrine disruptors. Phthalates can interfere with hormone function, potentially leading to reproductive issues, developmental problems in children, and even an increased risk of certain cancers.
Synthetic fragrances: Petroleum derivatives. They can cause respiratory issues and even lead to asthma
Sodium laureth sulfate (SLS): A foaming agent that can cause severe skin and eye irritation and lung damage on regular exposure
Toxin-Free Laundry Detergents
Top Recommendations
(All available on Amazon. I may earn commissions from links below)
- Meliora Cleaning Products Laundry Powder Detergent (128 HE Loads), Unscented
- Molly’s Suds Natural Laundry Detergent Powder for Sensitive Skin | Earth-Derived Ingredients, Stain Fighting | 120 Loads (Unscented)
- Arm & Hammer Detergent, Free of Perfume & Dyes, Powder, 100 Loads
- Blueland, Laundry Tablets
Additional Eco-Friendly Options
Though not yet verified by EWG, these two products impressed me with their extra environmental consciousness:
- Clean People, Laundry Sheets
- NaturOli Organic Soap Berries laundry soap, natural detergent
- Eco Breeze Sheets Laundry Detergent Sheets – 30 Detergent Sheets
Conclusion
I have tried each one of these and discovered that my favorite is #6: NaturOli Organic Soap Berries laundry soap, natural detergent. I have even provided a video here showing how I use the Soap Berries. By sharing my story and recommendations, I hope to help others make informed, healthier choices for their homes and families.
