Last Updated on March 25, 2023 by NonToxicSwaps
Conventional laundry detergent contains chemical toxic ingredients that can harm your health. They are designed to leave behind a pleasant scent that keeps you coming back for more.
In order to do this, laundry detergents are designed to stay within the fibers of your clothing long after the wash cycle. This means your clothing, sheets, and towels are constantly exposing you to toxic chemicals around the clock!
By using a non toxic laundry detergent, you can effectively eliminate chemical toxins from remaining on your laundry.
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Ingredients to Avoid in Laundry Detergent
Laundry detergents are usually made with chemical ingredients to clean clothes effectively, and brighten colors. Unfortunately, many of these ingredients are not healthy and can be toxic to the human body.
Laundry detergents often include ingredients such as sodium borate, laureth-7, formaldehyde, sodium lauryl sulfate, methylisothiazolinone, sodium laureth sulfate, and more.
These ingredients can cause damage to the endocrine and reproductive systems, birth defects, cause allergies and asthma, and are even linked to cancer!
The reason this is of even more concern is because laundry detergent is designed to stay on our clothing long after they are removed from the washing machine – especially if they include scent boosting fragrances.
This means these ingredients are being inhaled on a regular basis AND are being absorbed by our skin, since our skin absorbs about 60% of what we put on it.
Combine these toxins with those found in all your other cleaning products and personal care products. Unless you’ve opted for non toxic products, you’re exposing yourself to a wide variety of unnecessary toxins. Make the switch and get these chemicals out of your home.
Switch to a Non Toxic Laundry Detergent
While there are safer, non toxic laundry detergents on the market, it can be tricky to navigate which ones are truly non toxic. Labels that read “natural” or “organic” are unregulated terms. They mean nothing when shopping around for a non toxic product.
The truth lies on the ingredient label. Non toxic laundry detergent needs to have a fully clean list of ingredients. Knowing how to decipher every ingredient, as well as its safety, is no small task.
I’ve researched over 100 laundry detergents and their ingredients to formulate this list of non toxic laundry detergents.
Best Non Toxic Laundry Detergent Options
Switch to one of the following non toxic laundry detergents to minimize your exposure to toxins.
Best Non Toxic Liquid Laundry Detergent
- “Gentle, clean-rinsing detergent ideal for those with eczema or other skin sensitivities. Scented with essential oils & natural fragrances, hypoallergenic and 100% free from 1,4 dioxane, artificial dyes & fragrances, and other harmful additives (like optical brighteners) found in conventional detergents.
- Ultra concentrated and stain fighting, provides a powerful plant-based clean and helps conserve water.
- Compatible with all washers including high-efficiency (HE) machines.
- Septic safe, works well in hard water to break through mineral build-up and remove grey streaks and other set-in stains.
- SUPERIOR CLEAN WITHOUT COMPROMISING: Made with truly safe ingredients you’ll feel confident bringing home.” – Molly’s Suds
- “HELLO BELLO LAUNDRY DETERGENT. Made with organic soap berries and botanical extracts, this powerful and plant based laundry detergent is tough on stains and gentle on fabrics.
- GO AHEAD AND GET DIRTY. We can handle almost any mess you can muster. Our low-to-no sudsing, sulfate-free laundry detergent uses the power of organic soap berries and botanical extracts for a deep clean that’s also gentle on clothes.
- HOW TO USE. Fill cap to designated line and show those never-ending piles of laundry who’s boss! Wash. Dry. Fold. Repeat.
- MADE WITHOUT. Our detergent is made without artificial fragrances, dyes, optical brighteners, phosphates, phthalates and petrochemicals. Basically, it’s made with the good stuff!
- PREMIUM FOR ALL. Not premium for some. Not premium for those who can afford it. Premium for everyone. Our mission is to create the highest quality products at the most reasonable cost, because we belive every child (and family) deserves the best.” – Hello Bello
- “You can feel good about it knowing that every one of our products is made with pure, high-quality, vegetarian ingredients. No parabens, phthalates, or detergents found here.
- Made With Plant-Based Ingredients
- Packed With Essential Oils
- Not Tested On Animals
- Made in Kansas City, Missouri” – Zum (by Indigo Wild)
- “With an uplifting citrus zest aroma for up to 80 loads, our laundry soap gets your clothes squeaky clean yet at the same time is gentle on your skin and on the planet
- Thoughtful Laundry Detergent: Graded A on EWG’s guide to healthy cleaning, our clean formula is free of irritating enzymes, parabens, MIT, phosphate, SLES and formaldehyde
- Gentle Laundry Detergent: Our gentle formula is free of dyes, optical brighteners or artificial fragrances that might irritate those with sensitive skin because we care about tHe most sensitive skins too!
- He Laundry Detergent: Safe for use in both high efficiency (He) washing machines and standard ones in cold water cycle
- Eco-friendly, Vegan + Cruelty-free: ECOLOGO Certified, PETA Approved and Proudly Vegan because our products are never tested on animals.” – Attitude
- “doTERRA On Guard Laundry Detergent is an ultraconcentrated 6X laundry detergent that utilizes the power of doTERRA On Guard Protective Blend and bio-originated enzymes to target and lift stains for amazingly clean clothes.
- Contains surfactants, bio-originated enzymes, and stabilizers from sustainable, natural-based sources (not petrochemical)
- Provides a unique, natural-based bio-originated enzyme blend
- Delivers a strong and effective formula, tough on stains and dirt, with familiar aroma of doTERRA On Guard
- Includes 10 mL of doTERRA On Guard Protective Blend
- HE washers: ¼ cap (1 tbsp) Conventional washers: ½ cap (2 tbsp)
- Stains: Put a small amount of detergent directly on the stain. Let sit for 3–10 minutes; wash as directed. For very stubborn stains, re-apply the detergent before the garment is dry and repeat the wash cycle. After repeating wash, allow garment to dry before attempting additional stain treatment. As with any stain removal, test for colorfastness of garments in small area before treating.” – doTerra
- All DoTerra products are 25% off with a membership. Click here to learn more.
6) Happi Earth Laundry Liquid
- “Happi is 100% organic, all natural and environmentally friendly so you can save money while saving the earth.
- This highly-concentrated, powerful blend will leave your clothes smelling fresh and give them the REAL clean they need.
- When tested against Australia’s leading laundry brand, Happi performed 61% better (on an average across 8 independent lab tests).” – Happi
7) Mama Suds Laundry Detergent Soap
“Directions for us: 1/3-1/2 c. (80-120 mL) soap for a large load in a regular washer. Add 1 c. (240 mL) vinegar to the rinse cycle. Optional: For whitening/deodorizing, add 1/2 c. (120 mL) baking soda to wash cycle. Halve these amounts for HE washers.” – Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap
Non Toxic Laundry Detergent Powder
- “Made with a special stain-fighting, mineral-based formula so that your clothes & towels stay brilliantly clean
- Lifts tough stains without any harsh chemicals
- No optical whiteners, added SLS, or phthalates
- Unscented for sensitive skin
- Up to 70 loads per bag
- Rosey™ by Thrive Market: mineral- & plant-powered cleaning that really works.” – Thrive Market
- “NATURAL UNSCENTED LAUNDRY POWDER: Made with natural ingredients for natural cleaning power. Use just 1 tablespoon for standard-size laundry loads to deep clean and deodorize your laundry.
- GENTLE SKIN FORMULA: Designed with sensitive skin in mind. Natural ingredients means a natural clean with no harmful additives. Unlike most chemical detergents, Dr Suds Natural Laundry Powder is a soothing blend of real Earth ingredients easy on your skin.
- SAFE FOR EVERY WASHER: Use in top-load, side-load, and HE washers (high efficiency). Always follow the directions listed on the packaging and in your washing machine user guide.
- ECONOMICAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT POWDER: 100+ loads in every bag means a very low cost per load. Competitive even with leading commercial detergents but with natural real Earth ingredients.
- MADE IN USA: Made with USA ingredients in a USA facility. Each pouch includes a convenient “Zipper-Lock Easy Press Seal” for easy use & safe storage. Each product is made with love from our family to your family.” – Dr. Suds
- “STRONG, SAFE, SUSTAINABLE: Made with 4 stain fighting natural ingredients safe for the planet and safe for your family. 1 tablespoon sized scoop of Original Laundry Powder deep cleans and gently deodorizes 1 load of clothes. Gentle for sensitive skin, the environment, and most fabrics excluding silk and leather
- SMART STAIN PREP: Get stains out for good with our concentrated laundry detergent free of artificial scents. Always check for stains before laundering; treat fabric within 24 hours; read and follow laundry care labels; blot stains with a clean napkin or rag; rinse from the inside out; make a paste from the laundry powder; use the right water temperature; then launder as usual
- SAFE FOR ALL WASHERS: Standard, commercial, and HE washing machines clean clothes best with sustainable cleaning products like our Original Laundry Powder. Uses only a few simple ingredients and minimal suds for a safe detergent that launders garments naturally and effectively. Eliminates buildup left behind in clothing fibers from prior washing powders
- FOR MOTHERS EVERYWHERE: From Mother Earth to our family to your family. Made in the USA with plant and earth-based ingredients that are peanut free, vegan, and certified cruelty-free that leave no residue and rinse clean. Septic and grey water safe, soil tested. Available unscented or lightly scented so clothes smell fresh. Safe for all mothers, babies, people, skin sensitivities, and planet for cleaning power with compassion
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: One 80.25 oz bag of Laundry Powder with one measuring scoop. Our sustainable detergent is capable of deep cleaning 120 loads of laundry. Free of harsh synthetic fragrances, dyes, and other harmful additives. Dissolve 1 measuring scoop in warm or hot water for each load of laundry to power through dirt and grime.” – Molly’s Suds
- “CONCENTRATED: All it takes is 1/2 tablespoon per high efficiency (HE) load – or 1 tablespoon per standard load – of laundry. This compact cardboard and steel canister of Laundry Powder replaces that unsightly plastic jug – and looks great, too!
- PEOPLE-FRIENDLY: Dye-free, preservative-free, brightener-free, and fragrance-free, our Laundry Powder is gentle enough for sensitive skin and babies, but also works well enough to get through your everyday dirt and grime.
- PLANET-FRIENDLY: Our Laundry Powder is 100% biodegradable. It’s also septic-safe and great for use around kids and pets. As a Cruelty-Free company by Leaping Bunny, none of the ingredients we use are tested on animals.
- COST-EFFECTIVE: Made in Chicago, IL at our own factory, each HE load costs just $14 ($0.29 for one standard load). It shouldn’t cost more to clean better.
- MELIORA MEANS BETTER: Pronounced meh-lee-OR-ah, Meliora Cleaning Products is a Certified B Corp committed to people, planet, and profit. All Products are Cruelty-Free, MADE SAFE Certified, and receive an A from Environmental Working Group (EWG).” – Meliora Cleaning Products
14) Earthley Laundry Detergent
- “Effective & Gentle – Salt-based minerals and lavender & eucalyptus essential oils thoroughly clean your laundry and leave it smelling fresh. The perfect powdered laundry detergent for sensitive noses and skin
- Less is More – We use simple ingredients mixed with essential oils, ensuring all of our products are free of harsh chemicals and great for kids and pets
- Safe For All Washers – Our low sudsing formula is compatible with both standard and high efficiency washing machines
- Easy to Use – Use one scoop of laundry soda per load (or slightly more for heavily soiled clothes). Resealable bag allows for convenient storage and use
- Woman Founded Company – Originally sold at a farmer’s market in Maine, Good Natured Brand was founded by moms for moms
- Homegrown and Pet Friendly – Our products are made in the USA and never tested on animals
- What’s Included – One bag provides 52 washes/loads – scoop is included” – Good Natured Brand
- “SOAP IS DOPE: Our powdered powerhouse is good for clothes, you and the earth. No hidden petroleum or needless plastic. No scent, either so it’s ideal for sensitive skin and noses.
- ONE SCOOP = WHOLE LOAD: With 72 Loads per box, our detergent is independently tested to clean and eliminate odor as well as stuff in the big plastic jugs.
- EASY TO USE: One scoop per load for both standard and HE machines. Add directly to the barrel with your clothes before washing. Works in all water temperatures. Safe for septic and greywater systems.
- ALWAYS FREE FROM: detergents (like sulfates, glucosides, and ethoxylates), synthetic fragrances, synthetic preservatives, dyes, parabens, phosphates, brighteners and animal cruelty.
- DO SOMETHING GOOD: We can no longer choose between performance and the planet. We need both. Household cleaning is as unregulated as the beauty biz. Companies do not have to test or list their ingredients, we list every ingredient.” – Ingredients Matter
17) Rowe Casa Organics Laundry Detergent Powder
18) Humble Suds Laundry Detergent Powder
Conclusion: Non Toxic Laundry Detergent
Switching to one of these non toxic laundry detergents will significantly reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals found in the average laundry detergent. Here’s a summary of both liquid and powder detergents:
Non Toxic Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Molly’s Suds Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Hello Bello Concentrated Laundry Detergent
- Zum Laundry Soap
- Attitude Laundry Detergent
- doTerra On Guard Laundry Detergent
- Happi Earth Laundry Liquid
- Mama Suds Laundry Detergent Soap
- Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap
Non Toxic Laundry Detergent Powder
- Rosey Laundry Detergent Powder
- Dr Suds Laundry Powder
- Molly’s Suds Laundry Detergent Powder
- Meliora Laundry Powder
- Blur Laundry Detergent
- Earthley Laundry Detergent
- Good Natured Brand Laundry Soda
- Ingredients Matter Laundry Detergent Soap Powder
- Rowe Casa Organics Laundry Detergent Powder
- Humble Suds