The Most Toxic Laundry Detergents and Some Safer Alternatives

 

It’s easy to assume that laundry detergents are all about cleanliness, but many of the best-known brands contain ingredients that can put your health at risk. From triggering allergies to exposing users to chemicals linked to cancer, the wrong detergent could leave far more than just a fresh scent behind.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a shocking 65% of the 434 general-purpose laundry detergents they reviewed scored a D or worse, and nearly 38% received an F. Those ratings reflect serious concerns over ingredient safety, environmental impact, and transparency.

If you’re looking to protect yourself and your loved ones, it’s essential to know what’s inside your detergent bottle.

The Problem with Conventional Laundry Detergents

Many conventional detergents rely on a cocktail of harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances. Here’s what they can do:

• Trigger skin and respiratory allergies
• Disrupt hormones
• Contribute to long-term health issues, including cancer

Even products labeled “gentle” or “for sensitive skin” can hide irritants or toxic ingredients. Always check ingredient lists and ratings.

Worst Laundry Detergent Brands (and Why They’re Risky)

1. Tide Original

EWG Grade: F

• Contains sodium borate, known to disrupt hormones
• Filled with artificial fragrances, a common cause of skin and respiratory allergies

2. Gain Liquid Detergent

EWG Grade: F

• Uses methylisothiazolinone, a preservative linked to skin allergies and potential neurotoxicity
• Relies heavily on synthetic fragrances

3. Arm & Hammer Clean Burst

EWG Grade: F

• Contains sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a harsh surfactant and known irritant
• Uses optical brighteners that can cause allergies and are not biodegradable

4. All Free Clear

EWG Grade: D

• Marketed for sensitive skin but contains benzisothiazolinone, which can irritate skin and eyes
• Includes surfactants harmful to aquatic life

5. Persil ProClean

EWG Grade: D

• Contains formaldehyde releasers, linked to cancer
• Heavy artificial fragrance load

6. Cheer BrightClean

EWG Grade: F

• Includes quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), which can trigger asthma and skin irritation
• Loaded with potentially toxic optical brighteners

7. Dreft Stage 1: Newborn

EWG Grade: F

• Marketed as safe for babies but contains synthetic fragrances and harsh cleaning agents
• Can easily irritate sensitive skin and airways

8. Fab Ultra

EWG Grade: F

• Contains 1,4-dioxane, a probable carcinogen
• Includes synthetic dyes that can irritate the skin

Harmful Ingredients to Watch For

When shopping for laundry detergent, keep an eye out for these common offenders:

• 1,4-Dioxane: Classified as a probable human carcinogen; typically a byproduct of detergent manufacturing.
• Formaldehyde Releasers: Preservatives like DMDM hydantoin, releasing formaldehyde (a known carcinogen) over time.
• Synthetic Fragrances: Often composed of dozens of undisclosed chemicals, these can disrupt hormones and cause allergic reactions.
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): A surfactant associated with skin and eye irritation.
• Optical Brighteners: Used to make clothes appear whiter but can irritate skin and pollute the environment.
• Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats): Linked to asthma, skin irritation, and environmental harm.

What to Look for in a Safer Laundry Detergent

• Fragrance-Free: Steer clear of products with synthetic scents.
• EWG Rating: Aim for brands rated A or B by the Environmental Working Group.
• Plant-Based Ingredients: Choose biodegradable, naturally derived components.
• Hypoallergenic: Look for products without dyes or harsh chemicals, especially for sensitive skin.

Safe Laundry Detergent Alternatives

These brands consistently avoid the worst chemicals and practice ingredient transparency:

• Seventh Generation Free & Clear (EWG Grade: A)
• Biokleen Laundry Liquid (EWG Grade: A)
• ECOS Free & Clear (EWG Grade: A)
• Better Life Natural Laundry Detergent (EWG Grade: A)

All the above offer plant-based formulas, transparent labeling, and omit fragrances and dyes known to trigger allergies or other health issues.

Protecting Your Home and Family

Laundry detergents play an important role in hygiene, but not all formulas are created equal. The widespread presence of allergens, hormone disruptors, and carcinogens in popular brands is a cause for concern.

Choosing a detergent free from toxic ingredients can help shield your family from unnecessary health risks. Always check labels, consult EWG’s ratings, and consider switching to proven safer alternatives.

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Your family’s health is worth it. Make the switch to a safer laundry detergent today and experience peace of mind with every wash.