sustainable home

How to Choose a Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent That is Safe for You and the Planet

Clean clothes without the chemicals with this guide to eco-friendly laundry detergents

Did you know that switching to the right eco-friendly laundry detergent can significantly reduce your environmental footprint without sacrificing cleaning power? Many traditional detergents contain harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and phosphates that pollute waterways and harm aquatic life.

In addition, these harmful additives can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, while long-term exposure may lead to more serious health concerns. By choosing eco-friendly, non-toxic laundry detergent, you’re not just keeping your clothes fresh—you’re protecting your health, reducing plastic waste, and reducing toxic runoff. Ready to make the switch?

Harmful chemicals in laundry detergent

Isn’t it ironic that the detergent you use to clean your clothes might remove stains and odors, only to replace them with potentially harmful residues? There’s a—ahem— laundry list of harmful chemicals best avoided in laundry detergent. A few ingredients, such as optical brighteners, are designed to stick to fabric, while others don’t rinse out completely due to their chemical properties. Some substances can be absorbed through the skin after only a few minutes of contact. Over time, this repeated exposure—though subtle—can build up in the body and potentially contribute to health issues.

In addition, many of these chemicals are known to pollute waterways, causing harm to the environment and aquatic life, and some are not biodegradable.

Let’s dive in.

bubbles on the surface of water

Phosphates

  • Purpose: Phosphates soften water and fight stains and grease
  • Why Avoid: Leads to algae blooms in bodies of water, including the ocean. Algae blooms deplete oxygen in the water, harming aquatic life and also harmful to humans. Removal from wastewater is a complicated process that often results in sludge.
  • Common Names: Ingredient names contain “phosphate,” most commonly Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP).
  • Alternatives: Enzymes such as protease, lipase, and amylase; citric acid, sodium citrate, sodium carbonate or bicarbonate.

Formaldehyde

  • Purpose: Used as preservatives, but often formaldehyde may not be directly added to detergents, being present from chemical reactions of ingredients which can release formaldehyde as a byproduct.
  • Why Avoid: Known carcinogens and irritants; Persistent in the environment and harmful to aquatic life.
  • Formaldehyde-Releasing Ingredients: DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium-15, Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Methylene Glycol, Formalin, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Bromopol, Disteardimonium Hectoride, Nitromethylidynetrimethanol
  • Look For: “Formaldehyde-Free” or “Preservative-Free” labels; Products that use plant-based preservatives, such as citric acid.

Phthalates

  • Purpose: Common component of synthetic fragrances
  • Why Avoid: Phthalates are linked to hormonal disruption and environmental harm. They are designed to embed into material fibers, remaining on textiles for days or even weeks.
  • Common Names: Diethyl Phthalate (DEP), Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP).
  • Look For: Many products are now labeled “phthalate-free”; Choose fragrance-free detergents or those with natural oils for scent.

Sulfates

  • Purpose: Surfactant used to break down oils, grease, and stains; creates foam
  • Why Avoid: Potential skin irritant. Sulfates have a significant environmental impact: some are petroleum-based and may be contaminated with chemicals like 1,4-dioxane, a known carcinogen, while others are plant-based, often derived from palm oil, which is linked to widespread deforestation. While many organizations consider sulfates safe for use, there is ongoing debate about their potential drawbacks. For a balanced perspective, I recommend this blog post by Puracy, which, despite being written by a company that avoids sulfates, provides excellent information with well-sourced references for further reading. I also found this article by Healthline to be very insightful.
  • Common Names: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES).
  • Alternatives: SLS made from sustainably-sourced RSPO-certified palm oil is an acceptable eco-friendly option. Otherwise, look for other a plant-based surfactant such as Decyl Glucoside.

Ethanolamines

  • Purpose: Foaming agents, surfactants, emulsifiers, pH adjusters
  • Why Avoid: Can react with nitrites to form nitrosamines, which are potential carcinogens. Skin and respiratory irritants. Linked to organ toxicity with long-term exposure.
  • Common Names: Often contain “-amine.” Monoethanolamine (MEA), Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA)
  • Alternatives: Plant-based surfactants and emulsifiers; citric acid or baking soda for pH

Chlorine

  • Purpose: Chlorine is a common disinfectant and used for whitening
  • Why Avoid: Nose, throat, and eye irritation. Very reactive with other chemicals, creating harmful, even carcinogenic compounds. Harmful to aquatic animals.
  • Common Names: Sodium Hypochlorite, Trichloroisocyanuric Acid (Trichlor), Dichloroisocyanurate (Dichlor), Chlorinated Isocyanurates
  • Alternatives: Chlorine-free bleach or whitening agents containing sodium carbonate or hydrogen peroxide

Optical brighteners

  • Purpose: Optical brighteners, also known as fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) or optical brightening agents (OBAs), are synthetic chemicals added to laundry detergents to make clothes appear whiter and brighter. They don’t actually clean clothes but instead coat fabric fibers with a chemical layer that absorbs ultraviolet (UV) light and re-emits it as visible blue light, creating an illusion of brightness.
  • Why Avoid: Remains on clothes after washing and may cause skin reactions in sensitive individuals, and could have endocrine-disrupting properties. Brighteners also increase your skin’s more sensitivity to UV light. Not biodegradable and many persist in the environment; some are toxic to aquatic life.
  • Common Names: The most common chemicals used are stilbene derivatives, especially Disodium Distyrylbiphenyl Disulfonate (DSBP). Other include Tinopal CBS-X (or CBS) and 4,4′-Bis(benzoxazolyl)stilbene (BBS).
  • Alternatives: “Optical brightener-free” or “dye-free”

Ethoxylated ingredients

  • Purpose: Surfactant
  • Why Avoid: The ethoxylation process used to produce these ingredients may create traces of two carcinogens, 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide. May cause damage to gut cells
  • Common Names: Most labels do not indicate the presence of these contaminants because they are byproducts of manufacturing. Can be found in Alcohol Ethoxylate, Alkoxylated Alcohol, PPG and PEG compounds (Polyethylene Glycol), Polysorbates, and Ingredients that end in –eth (such as laureth, steareth, ceteareth)
  • Alternatives: Biodegradable, non-ethoxylated surfactants like coco glucoside or decyl glucoside. Be aware that even if an ingredient is plant-based to start, such as laureth-6, once ethoxylated it becomes chemically modified and not naturally occurring, carrying the same risks as synthetic-based. A newer process called Narrow Range Ethoxylation (NRE) reduces 1,4-dioxane formation during ethoxylation, but this will likely be difficult to verify. Look for 1,4-dioxane-free on labels.

Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs)

NPEs are a particularly toxic subtype of ethoxylated ingredient which are mostly phased out but could still appear in products.

  • Where Found: Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) are surfactants
  • Why Avoid: Highly toxic to aquatic life and persistent in the environment. Endocrine disruptor. Associated with reproductive and developmental effects in rodents.
  • Common Names: Nonoxynol-4, Nonoxynol-9, Nonoxynol-10, etcOctylphenol EthoxylateAlkylphenol Ethoxylate (APE or APEO)NP-9, NP-10, NP-40, etc.4-Nonylphenol, Polyethylene Glycol Nonylphenyl Ether

Quaternary ammonium compounds

  • Purpose: Commonly known as QACs or quats, this group of chemicals is used to reduce static cling and help clothes feel softer; they are especially prevalent in fabric softener.
  • Why Avoid: Quats achieve their softening and static fighting abilities by coating fabrics, which can irritate the skin. Additionally, quats are associated with allergic reactions and reproductive toxicity and can be absorbed through the skin, inhaled, or absorbed via the GI tract. They resist biodegradation and are therefore very pervasive in the environment– found in soil, wastewater, and groundwater, where the are toxic to aquatic life.
  • Common Names: The most commonly used QACs are alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride (ADBAC or BAC), cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), dodecyl-dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC), and cocobenzyldimethyl ammonium chloride (BKC); ingredients tend to end with “-monium chloride.” They may also be labeled as ‘cationic surfactacts.’
  • Look For: Skip fabric softeners (see below).

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)

  • Purpose: Enhance stain and water resistance or as unintended contaminants from manufacturing processes
  • Why Avoid: PFAS, aka “forever chemicals,” persist in the body and environment indefinitely. Chemicals have been associated with a wide variety of health effects, from endocrine dysfunction, immune suppression, and cancer, among others.
  • Common Names: PFAS are a large group of chemicals; identify ingredients containing “fluoro” or “perfluoro”, such as Perfluoropolyether, PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), Perfluoroalkyl compounds, Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), Perfluorodecalin, Fluoropolymer.
  • Look For: Note that PFAS may not be specifically named on the ingredient list, but some chemicals like PEGs and ethoxylated substances may be contaminated with PFAS. Seek brands that are PFAS-free and use plant-based ingredients.

Synthetic Dyes

  • Purpose: Colorant
  • Why Avoid: Potential carcinogens, Pollute water
  • Common Names: D&C or FD&C [color] No. [number], such as FD&C Blue No. 1
  • Alternatives: Natural coloring or dye-free

Methylisothiazolinone & Benzisothiazolinone

  • Purpose: Synthetic preservatives found in liquid detergent
  • Why Avoid: Methylisothiazolinone is associated with organ system toxicity and neurotoxicity. Both are skin irritants. Neither are biodegradable and both are highly toxic to aquatic life.
  • Common Names: Methylisothiazolinone (MIT): 2-methyl-4-isothiazoline-3-one, Neolone 950 preservative, MI, OriStar MIT and Microcare MT. Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT): 5-Chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and MCI. Kathon is a mix of MIT and CMIT. Benzisothiazolinone (BIT): 1,2-Benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one, 2-Benzisothiazolinone, Proxel
  • Look For: “MIT-free”, “BIT-free”, “Isothiazolinone-Free” or preservative-free labels, or products with plant-based preservatives. Choose powder or tablets, since liquid and gel detergents require preservatives, making these difficult to avoid.

Synthetic fragrances

  • Why Avoid: Often a cocktail of chemicals that can not only trigger allergies, irritation, or dermatitis, fragrance information is considered proprietary and ingredients are not required to be fully disclosed. This allows companies to potentially hide any chemical (especially phthalates, parabens, or galaxolide) under the umbrella of fragrance, leaving consumers in the dark regarding chemical exposure. Therefore, going fragrance-free is ultimately the safest choice.
  • Alternatives: Products labeled “fragrance-free” or those scented with essential oils. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to wool dryer balls for a subtle scent. Consumer Reports suggests spritzing a paper towel or rag with your favorite perfume or cologne and storing it with clothing in drawers.

Fabric softener

  • Purpose: Make materials feel softer, decrease static
  • Why Avoid: Fabric softener creates softness by coating fabric with chemical residue, and almost always contains synthetic fragrances (see above) and quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), which can trigger skin irritation, asthma, and allergies. In addition, this residue decreases the absorption of towels and the moisture-wicking abilities of workout wear, and builds up inside washing machines, leading to mold and mildew.
  • Alternatives: Use naturally scented detergent. Try wool dryer balls to improve softness and combat static; add a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil to the balls to add some scent. A ball of aluminum foil can also be used to help with static. Consider purchasing quality clothing that remains soft.

Is borax toxic?

Borax is a somewhat controversial ingredient in the non-toxic cleaning world.

The EWG gives borax an F rating due to concerns about reproductive toxicity in high doses, and the European Union has restricted its use in personal care products. It can cause respiratory harm if inhaled and may cause skin irritation.

On the flip side, Borax is a naturally occurring mineral, biodegradable, and has been used for decades in cleaning products without strong evidence of harm in household use. It is much less toxic than many synthetic chemicals. For most people, the risk from borax in laundry detergents is low, as it gets diluted in rinse water.

  • Purpose: pH buffer and water softener, breaks down oils and grease
  • Why Avoid: If you are pregnant, have fertility concerns, or sensitive skin, you may want to choose a borax-free detergent.
  • Common Names: Sodium Borate, Sodium tetraborate
  • Look For: Sodium carbonate (washing soda), Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), Enzymes (protease, lipase, amylase)
detergent pods

Skip detergent pods & sheets

Laundry (and dishwasher) detergent pods and sheets are frequently marketed as eco-friendly options. But this isn’t exactly true.

Detergent pods are encased in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a clear plastic-like substance, which is also an ingredient in detergent sheets. PVA (also known as PVOH) is a petroleum-based synthetic polymer, and raises concerns about its environmental impact.

Whether PVA is truly biodegradable, as many companies claim, remains highly debated. While PVA is water-soluble, research—like a study from Arizona State University—suggests otherwise. Their findings indicate that PVA doesn’t fully degrade but instead breaks down into microplastics, adding to plastic pollution.

Other studies found that PVA is not filtered out by wastewater treatments, and is biodegradable only under specific conditions and not in nature. The Washington Post explores this controversy if you wish to learn more.

For me, it’s simple: PVA is derived from petrochemicals, which inherently harm the environment. If I don’t need to use them, I won’t—especially when, in detergent, PVA serves no real purpose beyond convenience. With biodegradability still debated, I’d rather err on the side of caution. Plus, there are plenty of truly eco-friendly, plastic-free laundry detergents to choose from.

What is the most toxic laundry detergent?

In general, liquid laundry detergents tend to contain more harmful ingredients than powder or tablets. This is because they contain water, which requires preservatives to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

Liquid detergents often contain more ethoxylated surfactants, such as SLES. Since scent is a valued component of liquid detergent, these will also likely have synthetic fragrances (and dyes), and there’s a good chance those will be accompanied by phthalates.

Unfortunately, most big name detergents contain a number of harmful ingredients, in addition to the unknown chemicals included under the ambiguous umbrella of ‘fragrance.’ A rundown of popular laundry detergents earning an ‘F’ grade on EWG includes:

  • Numerous Tide products, including the original formula–which contains 27 ingredients!
  • All Gain laundry detergents scored either a ‘D’ or ‘F’
  • Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Liquid Laundry Detergent
  • Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean Premium Laundry Detergent

Don’t let the ‘Free & Clear’ labels fool you, either. Many receive F grades, despite lacking synthetic colors or fragrances.

Some disappointing surprises came from brands normally known for their eco-friendly, non-toxic products, also receiving failing grades.

  • Full Circle – boric acid, sodium borate, laureth-7, SLS, alcohol ethoxylates, benzisothiazolinone
  • 365 Everyday Value – sodium borate, laureth-7, fragrance, methylisothiazolinone, SLS
  • Boulder Clean – sodium borate, SLES, alcohol ethoxylates, methylisothiazolinone
  • Method – laureth-7, colors, methylisothiazolinone

And in case you were looking for the best laundry detergent for babies, Dreft isn’t it. It contains synthetic fragrance, alcohol ethoxylates, sodium borate, and other concerning ingredients, also earning it an ‘F’ from the EWG. Babyganics detergent also receives an ‘F’ for sodium borate and methylisothiazolinone.

woven basket holding white linens

What to look for in non-toxic laundry detergent

After discovering the vast amounts of laundry detergents that contain less desirable ingredients, you might be wondering if there are any left that are actually clean. The number is certainly more limited, but fortunately there are a variety of really great non-toxic laundry detergents.

In general, tablets and powder are the safest and best eco-friendly laundry detergents. This is because they:

  • Do not need preservatives.
  • Contain fewer harsh surfactants.
  • Often avoid optical brighteners & synthetic dyes.
  • Usually come in more sustainable packaging (cardboard instead of plastic).
  • Take up less space than liquid detergent. Liquid detergents are up to 90% water, making them heavier and bulkier. This extra weight and volume increase emissions from production and transportation, leading to a larger environmental footprint.

With powders and tablets, it is still important to keep an eye out for phosphates or harsh fillers. Check for phosphate-free, biodegradable, and fragrance-free formulas for the safest choice.

The best ingredients for natural laundry detergent include sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium percarbonate, and citric acid. If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic option, you’re in luck—these same ingredients are commonly found in gentle, skin-friendly detergents. Plus, they’re septic-safe, meaning they break down easily without harming your plumbing or the environment. After all, if a product isn’t safe for your septic system, why would you want it on your clothes—or your skin?

Summary: Key Differences Between Regular & Non-Toxic Laundry Detergents

Ingredient TypeRegular DetergentsNon-Toxic/Hypoallergenic Detergents
SurfactantsSLS, SLESCoco Glucoside, Decyl Glucoside, SCS
Water SoftenersPhosphatesSodium Carbonate or Bicarbonate, Citric Acid
Stain FightersOptical brighteners, chlorine bleachSodium Percarbonate (oxygen bleach), enzymes
PreservativesFormaldehyde-releasers (DMDM Hydantoin, MIT, BIT)Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate (or none in powder)
FragranceSynthetic fragrance, phthalatesFragrance-free, essential oils, or plant extracts
Fabric SoftenersQuats (conditioning agents)❌ None

Eco-friendly certifications to look for

Laundry detergents that have earned third-party eco-certifications have undergone rigorous testing and met standards regarding chemical safety. The presence of symbols denoting these certifications on product packaging reflects manufacturer values and verifies claims regarding product safety, making it easier for consumers to find safe products.

EWG Verified

The EWG (Environmental Working Group) is a non-profit whose mission is “to empower you with breakthrough research to make informed choices and live a healthy life in a healthy environment.”

EPA Safer Choice

The EPA’s Safer Choice program “helps consumers, businesses, and purchasers find products that perform and contain ingredients that are safer for human health and the environment. Safer Choice is an EPA Pollution Prevention (P2) program, which includes practices that reduce, eliminate, or prevent pollution at its source, such as using safer ingredients in products.”

Made Safe certified products are made without harmful and polluting chemicals.

UL Ecologo

The UL ECOLOGO “indicates a product has undergone rigorous scientific testing and exhaustive auditing to prove its compliance with stringent, third-party environmental standards.”

This certification is a “designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials.”

Leaping Bunny

Standardizes cruelty-free claims. Companies do not conduct animal testing or use/purchase ingredients from companies that do.

Learn more about sustainability certifications on eco-friendly products.

Best non-toxic laundry detergent

Go Green: Plastic-free eco-friendly laundry detergent

Plastic laundry detergent jugs are among the worst contributors to plastic pollution, and 700 million jugs end up in U.S. landfills each year. There are quite a few eco-friendly laundry detergent options that have plastic-free packaging, and some are even compostable.

Plastic laundry detergent jugs are a major contributor to plastic pollution, with an estimated 700 million jugs ending up in U.S. landfills each year. These bulky containers are often made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which, while technically recyclable, is rarely recycled at scale–less than 10% of plastic is recycled in the U.S. annually. Many jugs end up in landfills or the environment, taking centuries to break down and contributing to the growing plastic waste crisis.

Fortunately, eco-friendly laundry detergent alternatives are gaining popularity, offering plastic-free packaging and low-waste solutions. Switching to these alternatives not only reduces plastic waste but also lowers carbon emissions, as many eco-friendly detergents are lighter, more concentrated, and require less water to produce and transport. By making the switch, you can help cut down on unnecessary plastic waste while still getting effective, clean laundry.

Laundry detergent tablets

tin of Blueland laundry detergent

Blueland

Blueland Laundry Detergent Tablets are made without dyes or bleach and are free from parabens, VOCs, ammonia, phthalates, chlorine, bleach, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA/PVOH), methylisothiazolinone, benzisothiazolinone, octylisothiazolinone, or quaternary amine. Available Fragrance-Free (which is accepted by the National Eczema Association) or with Spring Bloom scent. Acceptable for all types of washing machines.

Certifications – This great company is a Certified B Corp and Climate Neutral certified. Products are EPA Safer Choice, Cradle to Cradle, Made Safe, USDA Biopreferred, and Leaping Bunny certified. The fragrance-free tablets are EWG verified.

Packaging – All of Blueland’s packaging is plastic-free. A starter pack includes a cute refillable tin to hold your tablets. Refill tablets come packaged in commercially compostable packaging with water-based inks. Shipping packaging uses paper-based tape.

Price – The Laundry Detergent Starter Set is $25, which includes a tin and 60 tablets. Refills are $21 for 60 tabs, or $0.35/load. Save 10% with subscription or bulk order.

Laundry powder

Meliora laundry detergent powder

Meliora

Meliora Eco Laundry Powder is available in four scent options (made with essential oils) or unscented. This sodium carbonate-based detergent powder does a killer cleaning job with simple, minimal ingredients and is a fantastic budget-friendly choice.

Certifications – MADE SAFE Certified, Leaping Bunny certified, and vegan. ‘A’ grade on EWG.

Packaging – Powder comes in an uncoated paper and steel canister, with a stainless steel measuring scoop. Canisters are sturdy enough to reuse and refill. Detergent refills are packaged in a sturdy kraft paper bag with natural water-based lining and tin tie closures.

Price – A 35-oz laundry powder canister is $20.99, which will provide 128 HE/64 Standard loads, $0.16 or $0.32 per load. Refills are even more economical at $16.99 for the same amount, $0.13 or $0.26 per load. If you buy from a local bulk store or refillery, refills may be even cheaper.

Package Free shop powder laundry detergent

The Simply Co.

The Simply Co. Laundry Detergent is another laundry powder comprised of only a few simple ingredients: Sodium Cocoate, Sodium Bicarbonate, and Sodium Carbonate. If you prefer scent, lavender essential oil is a fourth ingredient.

Certifications – EWG Verified

Packaging – Reusable glass jar with a metal lid.

Price – $24 for a 32-oz jar, which lasts up to 60 loads; $0.40 per load.

Liquid detergent

These plastic-free liquid detergents are all ultra concentrated, so a little goes a long way.

Dirty Labs concentrated liquid laundry detergent in an aluminum bottle

Dirty Labs

Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Laundry Detergent is a powerful concentrated liquid detergent that contains Phytolase®, the company’s advanced enzyme cleaning technology. Formulations eliminate all CA Prop 65 chemicals of concern. You can select a fragrance-free option, which is 100% biobased, or choose from two scents, which are both very pleasant but are comprised of a mix of natural and synthetic ingredients (95% biobased)–although they are free from any EU-listed fragrance allergens.

Certifications – EPA Safer Choice, USDA Certified Biobased, Green Seal, PETA cruelty-free and vegan. The fragrance-free option is EWG Verified and National Eczema Association accepted.

Packaging – Aluminum bottle and cap. The smaller 32-load bottle comes with a small silicone measuring beaker.

Price – You definitely want to purchase the 80-load refill bottle (21.6 fl oz), which is $28, or $0.35/load. The 32-load bottle (8.6 fl oz) does come with the silicone measurer, but it is very expensive at $16, or $.050/load. Save 10% with autoship.

Honorable mentions

There are many excellent non-toxic laundry detergents made with clean, safe, and biodegradable ingredients–only their plastic packaging keeps them from being fully sustainable. Still, they’re worth mentioning since they demonstrate a commitment to quality ingredients and are still great non-toxic options.

Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder

A very popular clean detergent, free from Synthetic Fragrances, Dyes, Contaminants such as 1,4 Dioxane, Formaldehyde, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Optical Brighteners, Phosphates, Chlorine, Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Phthalates, Parabens, Methylisothiazolinone, Cocamide DEA, and more.

  • Certifications – Leaping Bunny, EWG ‘A’ grade
  • Price – $14.99 for 70 loads ($0.21/load) or $22.99 for 120 loads ($0.19). Save 5% with subscription.

Seventh Generation Ultra Concentrated Laundry Detergent

Plant-based detergent that is third-party tested for safety. Scented options are made with essential oils and botanical ingredients. Be aware that some formulations contain MIT or BIT.

  • Certifications – Certified B Corp, EPA Safer Choice, USDA Biobased Certified, Leaping Bunny
  • Price – $14.49 for 66 loads ($0.22/load)

Branch Basics – The Concentrate

With 4670 reviews averaging 4.9, this versatile non-GMO plant and mineral-based cleaning concentrate can be used to clean virtually anything. For laundry, only one teaspoon is advised per load, or you can dilute with water to make a laundry solution–use your own bottle or buy their glass dispensing bottle that marks how much soap to water to use. The formula is biodegradable and free from sulfates, chlorine, phosphates, phthalates, parabens, VOCs, and endocrine disruptors.

  • Certifications – MADE SAFE, Leaping Bunny, EWG ‘A’ grade
  • Price – A 33.8-fl oz bottle is $55 and if you only use 1 tsp per load, that’s 203 loads at $0.27 each. Save 10% with subscription.

Final thoughts on non-toxic laundry detergent

In general, powder laundry detergents are less likely to contain harmful chemicals and are more eco-friendly than liquid detergents. If you prefer liquid detergent, choose a concentrated form that does not contain harmful preservatives. Avoid detergent pods and sheets, as well as detergents that contain:

  • Phosphates
  • Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing agents
  • Phthalates
  • Ethoxylated ingredients
  • Sulfates
  • Ethanolamines
  • Chlorine
  • Optical brighteners
  • Quaternary ammonium compounds
  • PFAS
  • Synthetic preservatives (like MIT or BIT), fragrances, and dyes
  • Fabric softeners

Choosing a non-toxic laundry detergent is one of the best ways to protect your skin, health, and the planet. I hope one of my recommendations helps you keep your clothes clean—without harmful chemicals or plastic waste.

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