A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on Sep. 07, 2024
Warning: Toxic chemicals may be lurking in your laundry detergent. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe and get your clothes truly clean.
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Sure, you can use any old pod or detergent in your laundry routine, but have you ever stopped to consider what goes into those products? Unfortunately, even some of the highest-rated laundry detergents are loaded with artificial fragrances and other chemicals that can cause skin irritation, trigger allergic reactions, and even harm the environment. With so much to sort through on product labels, it can be hard to find safe laundry detergents.
Though pleasant-smelling laundry is tempting, start with a fragrance-free detergent, especially if you have sensitive skin, recommends dermatologist Kristin Baird, MD, the founder and medical director of Green Goo. “Fragrances in laundry detergent can lead to skin irritation, which can cause rashes, eczema, and itching,” she explains. These potentially harmful ingredients aren’t always listed on the label, either. “Fragrance is considered to be a trade secret, so the individual ingredients are not required to be listed on the label,” explains Tonya Harris, an award-winning environmental toxin expert and the creator of the Slightly Greener Method.
In short, opt for a fragrance-free formula and add essential oils to your dryer balls for an extra scent boost at the end. In a world where everyone is marketing their products as “clean,” we did the research for you. Read on to find the safest laundry detergents and select the one that’s right for you.
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Harris gives Molly’s Suds a glowing review. “It contains fewer than four simple ingredients, is gentle on skin and still works well to get your clothes clean,” she says. The powder was developed to be eco-friendly and people-safe, even for babies. If you are chemically sensitive or suffer from allergies or eczema, Molly’s Suds is a quality choice and a safe bet. For a normal load, just add one tablespoon of the laundry powder to your machine, and your clothes will come out fresh and clean. In case you’re wondering, here’s the difference between powder and liquid detergent.
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If you or your washing machine prefers powdered detergent, this hypoallergenic, eco-friendly detergent from Charlie’s Soap is a great choice. Made using just four plant-based, biodegradable ingredients, the formula is EPA Safer Choice certified, meaning it’s safer for the environment and your septic system. Charlie’s Soap recommends adding just one tablespoon of detergent directly into your washer to remove tough stains and odors from your laundry, but did you know that it will also clean your washing machine? Yep! Run a load of rags through on hot to give your washing machine a much-needed deep clean.
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This formula is so safe, you could bathe in it. It’s fragrance-free, dye-free, phosphate-free, paraben-free, and phthalate-free, and it’s conveniently portioned out for you in each Dropp. The packaging is also eco-friendly and compostable. You can buy a single package, or you can subscribe to have Dropps delivered to your house as often as you need it. Just be sure you know how to use laundry pods the right way.
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Say goodbye to laundry detergent in jugs and never use too much laundry detergent again. Believe it or not, this safe laundry detergent comes in lightweight square sheets that dissolve completely in all water temperatures and work in both HE and standard machines. Since it’s pre-portioned, you don’t have to think about how much detergent goes into each load. Not convinced these will do the trick? Here’s what our Executive Shopping Editor had to say about her experience with Grove Co. laundry detergent sheets.
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You know Tide to be a trusted laundry detergent that works hard on stains and stink. This newer version works just as well—it contains 10 cleaning ingredients that get between fibers to bust hidden dirt and grime on a microscopic level—but is hypoallergenic and has zero dyes or perfumes. In fact, Tide Hygienic Clean Heavy Duty 10X Free Power Pods are recognized by the National Eczema Association and the National Psoriasis Foundation for being gentle on sensitive skin.
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Puracy Natural Stain Remover is made almost entirely of natural, plant-based ingredients. It contains six plant-derived surfactants and enzymes that effectively remove stains and odors without irritating even the most sensitive skin. Not only does this stain remover work on all sorts of old and new stains, but it also works on just about any washable fabric. Yep. We’re talking clothing, linens, carpets, floor mats, dress shirts, bedding, car seats, cloth diapers, you name it!
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Botanical Origin, whose goal is to be completely carbon neutral by 2040, serves up a plant-based laundry detergent that is free from dyes, brighteners, parabens, chlorine, phosphates, and artificial preservatives. Deemed hypoallergenic by dermatologists, it is safe for babies but still strong enough to fight tough stains. Rather than using artificial perfumes, the formula is infused with essential oils for a natural orange-blossom and citrus scent that won’t overstay its welcome.
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If you thought you had to sacrifice your skin for odor-free clothing, think again. If you have sensitive skin, Harris highly recommends Pardo Naturals detergent, which has just three ingredients. Made from Castile soap, baking soda, and washing soda, it is simple, effective, and kind to your body and clothes. There are also lavender and citrus formulations, which use all-natural essential oils to add a light scent. To increase the softness of your clothes, the brand recommends adding a bit of white vinegar in the fabric softener compartment.
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Seventh Generation’s plant—and mineral-based formulas are safe for your skin and the environment, which is why it’s such a popular household brand. According to the manufacturer, it’s designed to make everyday cleaning more sustainable by using biodegradable ingredients that won’t pollute the Earth. More importantly, it’s made from 97% plant-based ingredients and has been tested by many dermatologists for safe use on sensitive skin.
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Not only is washing your clothes in cold water more sustainable, but it can also improve their longevity. This plant-based, safe detergent is formulated without dyes, irritating enzymes, phosphate, or SLES. It is dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic, making it the ideal choice for people with sensitive skin. And to make you feel even better about adding this detergent to your cart, it’s 100% vegan, Ecologo Certified, biodegradable, and septic tank safe.
As a household essential, you need to consider only a few factors when finding the best safe laundry detergent for your household. Here’s what the experts recommend looking for.
As a shopping writer who is also a full-time mom, I’m always on the hunt for quality, safe products, whether on the job or at home. My writing has appeared in PopSugar, U.S. News & World Report, Gourmet Insider and Reader’s Digest, where I’ve covered everything from the best cheap vacuums to cooling comforters to avoid night sweats. For this guide I consulted a handful of experts, including a dermatologist, laundry expert and more:
After researching expert recommendations, we searched for laundry detergents with clean ingredients, eco-friendly certifications, dermatologist testing and free from all the “bad stuff” like phthalates, phosphates, petroleum, artificial dyes and fragrances. We then read hundreds of verified reviews to see which detergents were safe and effective. Whatever detergent you choose, follow those handy laundry symbols on your clothing labels.
Yes! Not every laundry detergent will work for every person, whether for protecting clothes or their own skin. Different fragrances and other ingredients can cause skin irritation, so it’s important to seek out safe formulations.
Powder laundry detergent, like our top pick from Molly’s Suds, is budget-friendly, long-lasting and often quite potent because it has a higher pH. Liquid laundry detergent works well in all water temperatures, which is great for cold cycles, pre-treating stains and handwashing. If you want to know more about liquid versus powder detergent, we broke down all of the differences.
Laundry pods tend to be more expensive than liquid and powder laundry detergents. While the individual pods are mess-free and don’t require measuring, they also use a lot more packaging, making them less eco-friendly.
This article includes additional reporting by Meghan Jones and Zoë Roscoe.
