Last updated on September 12th, 2025 at 01:03 am

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Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergents: Safe for You & the Planet

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

Most traditional laundry detergents contain harmful additives that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, while long-term exposure may lead to more serious health concerns. In addition, some of these ingredients, such as synthetic dyes, fragrances, and phosphates, pollute waterways and harm aquatic life.

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, all without sacrificing cleaning power. Ready to make the switch?

Seeking more non-toxic and planet-friendly laundry products? Find plenty of product recommendations here.

In this article

Quick Picks: Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent Options
Harmful chemicals in laundry detergent
Is borax toxic?
What is the most toxic laundry detergent?
Why you should skip detergent pods & sheets
What to look for in non-toxic laundry detergent
Best non-toxic laundry detergent
Final thoughts on non-toxic laundry detergent

Quick Picks: Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent Options

If you’re short on time, here are my top recommendations for safe, non-toxic laundry detergent:

Best Detergent Pod Alternative: Blueland Laundry Detergent Tablets — Convenient tablets replace the pods, but without the microplastics. Clean ingredients, numerous safety and eco certifications, and plastic-free packaging.
Best Liquid Detergent: Dirty Labs Bio Laundry Detergent — Powered by enzymes, this ultra-concentrated formula offers lovely natural scents or an unscented option.
Most Durable Investment: Lodge Cast Iron — Heavy-duty, heirloom-quality, versatile, and extremely safe; inexpensive.
Best Budget-Friendly Option: Meliora Eco Laundry Powder — Simple but powerful ingredients, refills can cost as low as $0.13 per load.

Keep reading for a full breakdown of cookware materials and more recommendations.

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.

Ingredients to avoid

Click on each ingredient to learn its function, why it should be avoided, common names, and better alternatives.

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. In addition, chemical reactions from certain other ingredients 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.
Common Names: Diethyl Phthalate (DEP), Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP).
Look For: Many products are now labeled “phthalate-free”; Choose fragrance-free products or those with natural oils for scent.

Sulfates

Purpose: Surfactant used to break down grease, oils, 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: Disinfectants are not needed in dishwasher detergent–the hot water provides adequate sanitizing.

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 ingredients 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, etc; Octylphenol Ethoxylate, Alkylphenol Ethoxylate (APE or APEO); NP-9, NP-10, NP-40, etc.; 4-Nonylphenol, Polyethylene Glycol Nonylphenyl Ether

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, and avoid products

Synthetic Dyes

Purpose: Colorant
Why Avoid: Unnecessary, 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

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.

Synthetic Preservatives, i.e. Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) & Benzisothiazolinone (BIT)

Preservatives are usually found in liquid detergents.
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.

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 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). Others include Tinopal CBS-X (or CBS) and 4,4′-Bis(benzoxazolyl)stilbene (BBS).
Alternatives: “Optical brightener-free” or “dye-free”

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 they 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 surfactants.’
Look For: Skip fabric softeners (see below).

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 a 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.

Many of these ingredients are often found in other cleaning products–discover non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning products here.

Is borax toxic?

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

The Environmental Working Group (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, consider choosing a borax-free detergent.
Common Names: Sodium Borate, Sodium tetraborate
Alternatives: Sodium carbonate (washing soda), Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), Enzymes (protease, lipase, amylase)

What is the most toxic laundry detergent?

In general, liquid laundry detergents tend to contain more harmful ingredients than powder or tablets. A main reason is their water content, which requires preservatives to prevent mold and bacterial growth (the same goes for any liquid soap–dish soap, hand soap, shampoo, and body wash).

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 many 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.

Why you should 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 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 there are a number of natural laundry detergents that are just as tough on stains as traditional options, but without the harsh additives.

In general, tablets and powder are the safest and most 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 Type	Regular Detergents	Non-Toxic/Hypoallergenic Detergents
Surfactants	SLS, SLES	Coco Glucoside, Decyl Glucoside, SCS
Water Softeners	Phosphates	Sodium Carbonate or Bicarbonate, Citric Acid
Stain Fighters	Optical brighteners, Chlorine bleach	Sodium Percarbonate (oxygen bleach), enzymes
Preservatives	Formaldehyde-releasers (DMDM Hydantoin, MIT, BIT)	Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate (or none in powder)
Fragrance	Synthetic fragrance, Phthalates	Fragrance-free, Essential oils, or plant extracts
Fabric Softeners	Quats (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.”

EWG

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.”

EPA Safer Choice

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

Made Safe

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.”

B Corp

Leaping Bunny

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

Leaping Bunny

Learn more about sustainability certifications on eco-friendly products.

Best non-toxic laundry detergent

Go Green: Plastic-free eco-friendly laundry detergent

Take it a step further and get your non-toxic laundry detergent in non-toxic packaging. 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 recyclable, usually ends up in landfills–less than 10% of plastic is recycled in the U.S. annually.

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 clean laundry.

Laundry detergent tablets

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.

Blueland

Amazon

Laundry 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.

When you purchase through Meliora, enter ‘LETSGOGREEN’ at checkout to save 10% on your purchase!

Meliora

EarthHero

Amazon

Mama Suds

Mama Suds Laundry Soap Powder is handmade with simple, 100% biodegradable ingredients: sodium carbonate, sodium percarbonate, and sodium olivate (saponified olive oil). It is available with peppermint oil for scent or unscented.

Certifications – Certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny and certified vegan by PETA.

Packaging – Resealable brown paper pouch (recyclable or compostable)

Price – $25 for 32 ounces ($0.78/ounce); up to 128 loads of laundry (for High-Efficiency washers), which is just under $0.20 per load. Save 15% with a subscription.

Mama Suds

Shop locally

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.

Package Free Shop

Liquid detergent

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 – Initially, you’ll have to purchase the 32-load bottle (8.6 fl oz) if you want the silicone measurer; it is very expensive at $16, or $.050/load. Otherwise, stick with the 80-load refill bottle (21.6 fl oz), which is $28, or $0.35/load. Save 10% with autoship.

Dirty Labs

EarthHero

Amazon

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.

Molly’s Suds

Grove

Amazon

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)

Seventh Generation

Grove

Amazon

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.

Branch Basics

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—or a natural, eco-friendly alternative—is one of the simplest ways to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals at home. I hope one of my recommendations helps you keep your clothes clean—without harmful chemicals or plastic waste.

Want a greener clean beyond laundry? Check out the best non-toxic dishwasher detergents, or find recommendations for other non-toxic cleaning products.

Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergents: Safe for You & the Planet

Quick Picks: Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent Options

Harmful chemicals in laundry detergent

Ingredients to avoid

Is borax toxic?

What is the most toxic laundry detergent?

Why you should skip detergent pods & sheets

What to look for in non-toxic laundry detergent

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

Eco-friendly certifications to look for

EWG Verified

EPA Safer Choice

UL Ecologo

Leaping Bunny

Best non-toxic laundry detergent

Go Green: Plastic-free eco-friendly laundry detergent

Laundry detergent tablets

Blueland

Laundry powder

Meliora

Mama Suds

The Simply Co.

Liquid detergent

Dirty Labs

Honorable mentions

Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder

Seventh Generation Ultra Concentrated Laundry Detergent

Branch Basics – The Concentrate

Final thoughts on non-toxic laundry detergent

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