Need the best non-toxic green laundry detergent for sensitive skin? The thought of clean laundry brings to my mind fresh clothing and crisp linens with a snuggly bear touting a particular brand of fabric softener. But what about the harsh chemicals used in most laundry detergents? It’s no wonder so many kids suffer rashes or eczema from detergent. You’ve trusted Mamavation to bring you topics like safest laundry detergent sheets sans PFAS “forever chemicals,” safest cookware, safest olive oils tested for phthalates, & safest shampoos, now join us as we explore the best (& worst) non-toxic laundry detergents for sensitive skin and tips for what ingredients to avoid.
Disclosure: This post was medically reviewed by Sondra Strand, RN, BSN, PHN. Donations were provided by Environmental Health News and Mamavation community members. Note that Mamavation has only “spot-checked” the industry and thus we cannot make predictions about brands and products that we have not tested. Products and manufacturing aides can change without notice so buyer beware. This post contains affiliate links, with most to Amazon, which means Mamavation will receive a portion of those sales and we will use that to pay ourselves back for the testing. You can also give a tax-deductible donation to our consumer studies here through Environmental Health Sciences. Thank you! Copyright © 2024 Mamavation — All Rights Reserved
What is Non-Toxic Green Laundry Detergent for Sensitive Skin?
Mamavation is looking for eco-friendly, green, & non-toxic laundry detergent for sensitive skin that has the following qualities:
Non-toxic to the touch for people with sensitive skin & eczema
The fragrances are safe to inhale from clothing the entire day
Using ingredients that are safe for the environment.
Because we use so much washing soda for dirt and stains and it eventually makes its way into streams and other water systems, it’s important to consider purchasing from brands prioritizing green and non-toxic ingredients for our washing machines. We want to also get those grease stains or other tough stains out while still using less water in high-efficiency washing machines. Are these laundry formulas out there? Yes, and they are available in both liquid form and powders.
14+ Toxic Chemicals Commonly Found in Brand Name Laundry Detergent
We looked at the most popular brands of laundry detergents and found that the amount of problematic ingredients is vast. If you want the best non-toxic green laundry detergents for sensitive skin this list includes everything from mild irritants and allergens to endocrine disruptors and cancer-causing agents that can be found in your local laundromat or in your home:
Fragrances
Although fragrances give you that sense of things smelling clean, they do more to trick you than actually help you. Your brain is hard-wired to associate certain scents with clean, but did you know that those scents can also contain hormone-disrupting chemicals? Sadly, they can trick your brain into thinking they are good for you in that regard.
Phthalates are plasticizer chemicals used to make scents carry longer inside your indoor air and in the bottle, but they come with some health risks. Prenatal exposure in utero to phthalates are linked to attention problems in children. Phthalates are also closely linked to risks to children like attention deficit disorder (ADD), and other behavioral disorders. Here are some additional health problems linked with phthalates:
However, phthalates are rarely on the label, so good luck finding them, but they are typically found in the ingredient “fragrance” on the label. Technically, thousands of chemicals are approved to list under the ingredient “fragrance.” But there’s more:
“Fragrance” and the ingredients included in that label are considered trade secrets and, therefore, companies are not required to disclose their components to the general public.
If you see “fragrance” or “perfume” on the ingredient list, the product may also contain chemicals such as acetone or ethanol, just two of thousands of possible ingredients you’d also want to avoid.
Only brands disclosing ingredients in their fragrance made our “best” list down below for washing machines.
Mamavation has also tested several cooking oils for phthalates like olive oils, coconut oil, & avocado oils.
Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs)
Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that mimic estrogen and are linked to both hormonal problems and cancer. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), NPEs have been associated with reproductive and developmental effects in lab studies on rodents and are highly toxic to aquatic life. They have been found in human breast milk, too. While the EPA is starting to take action on NPEs, they have not yet banned them.
1,4-Dioxane
Although this chemical is not supposed to be used in “eco-friendly” products, studies have discovered it in a number of laundry detergents anyways. 1,4-dioxane isn’t added directly to your laundry detergent, it’s a contaminant that gets in during a process called ethoxylation when ethylene oxide is added to other ingredients to make them less harsh in processing.
Ingredients like sodium laureth sulfate are ethoxylated because they are harsh on the skin. This process is what creates the contamination of 1,4-dioxane.
The EPA has determined that this chemical is a probable human carcinogen.
Synthetic and Petroleum-Based Surfactants
Surfactants help to clean your clothes, but when they are synthetically derived or petroleum-based, they are the most harmful. Surfactants can be divided into three categories:
Natural surfactants: Derived from vegetable or animal fats and they are the safest, however, some are still toxic to aquatic life.
Naturally derived surfactants: made by modifying coconut oil or other fatty acid plant-based ingredients. They may sound natural and safe, however, they are mostly known to be toxic and are known carcinogens.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS) are examples of naturally derived surfactants but we will discuss. SLS and SLES are naturally derived surfactants but that doesn’t mean they are not harmful. Both have been shown to be a skin and eye irritant by the Journal of the American College of Toxicology. There is debate over whether SLS is a carcinogen, and some research indicates it may damage the immune system. Both are harmful to the environment.
Synthetic or petroleum-based surfactants: These surfactants are typically the worst and potential for contaminated ingredients is higher. Examples of synthetic surfactants are ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES) and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS).
Ammonium laureth sulfate (ALES), which can cause moderate to severe skin and eye irritation, can also be contaminated with 1,4-Dioxane, which is a suspected carcinogen. The severity of the irritation will increase with the amount you are exposed to, but when combined with other chemicals, they can create nitrosamines, which are a potent class of carcinogens. ALES may also damage the skin’s immune system by causing skin layers to separate, inflame and age.
Polyethylene glycol (PEG), may be contaminated with measurable amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. 1,4-dioxane is persistent, meaning it doesn’t easily degrade and can remain in the environment long after it is rinsed down the drain.
Phosphates
Phosphates are difficult to remove, even in wastewater processing systems, and can pose a threat to the environment. According to the EPA, they promote algae growth that decreases the oxygen that many aquatic life forms need to survive. Studies also link them to cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and death in animals.
Chlorine Bleach
Chlorine bleach, such as Clorox, can burn the skin, and can cause eye damage and respiratory issues. It is classified as a hazardous chemical in its initial state.
Ammonium Quaternary Sanitizers (Quats)
Lab studies have shown this chemical to harm fertility, cause miscarriages, and cause severe birth defects in animals. According to Chemical of the Day, they can also trigger skin and respiratory irritations as well as allergies. Some quats are also EDCs and some are toxic to aquatic life. Not much is known about its effect on humans, but this is definitely a chemical you don’t want around your children.
Benzyl Acetate, and Other Benzene Ingredients
According to its own material safety sheet, this benzyl acetate is toxic if inhaled or ingested. It’s also irritating to eyes, lungs, and skin. Benzene-based ingredients are often toxic.
2-Butoxyethanol
The EPA states that this chemical can irritate your throat, skin, or eyes and may have even more serious health effects. In animal lab studies, it has also been associated with harmful effects during pregnancy, neurological effects, and more.
Optical Brighteners
These chemicals create the “optical illusion” of brighter whites. They “coat” your clothing and remain after washing, meaning that your family’s skin is constantly exposed to them. According to the material safety sheet, they are extremely toxic to aquatic life. They are also an irritant to skin, eyes, and lungs, and can be harmful if ingested.
Quaternium-15 & Formaldehyde
Quaternium-15 releases formaldehyde. Additionally, some companies add formaldehyde to their products. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and toxicant.
Artificial Colors and Preservatives
We know that artificial dyes are associated with ADHD. And artificial preservatives, like BHT and BHA, may be carcinogenic or an endocrine disruptor. You should avoid these as much as possible.
A Word About Silver Nanoparticles
More manufacturers are adding silver nanoparticles to clothing to combat odor-causing bacteria. These can seep back into wastewater, in this case, from your washing machine. They are harmful to ecosystems and can damage fish and other animals as well as their embryos, according to research. They can also prevent wastewater treatment systems from functioning properly. You may want to limit how many “odor-reducing” clothing articles you buy for your family, especially underwear.
Mamavation’s Recommended Laundry Detergent — Truly Free
Mamavation is recommending you try out Truly Free laundry detergent if you would like a non-toxic brand that works on tough stains. This brand reduces your exposure to immune-impacting toxins that are typically found in laundry detergents, so you can confidently wash everyone’s laundry, including your infant, with this product.
Benefits of Truly Free Laundry Detergent Products
Natural and free of harsh chemicals that irritate and cause skin reactions
Safe for infants
Free of all Thickeners, Dyes, Optical Brighteners
Uses Milled salts and Plant-Based Cleansing Ingredients (100% Vegan)
Helps Washer Clean More Efficiently
Better packaging — Uses reusable jug to help you save on plastics
Special Discount for Mamavation Fans
Truly Free has offered special discounts on their products for being a fan of Mamavation. Click here to automatically get a discount on Truly Free laundry detergent products. Here are some details and options:
Starter Kit Choice: Refillable Forever Laundry Wash Jug & 100 free Loads of Signature Scent Laundry Wash Loads.
Unscented Laundry Detergent: Get the same non-toxic laundry detergent but with no signature scent. (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 30% off products in the store!)
Oxy Boost: Get your clothes whiter with their specialized Oxy Boost sodium percarbonate cleaner. (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 30% off products!)
Softening Rinse: Try their eco-friendly fabric softener for the softest & cleanest clothes with zero toxic chemicals. (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 30% off products!)
Enzyme Stain Remover: Try their non-toxic Enzyme stain Remover to treats your clothes gently while preserving their quality and getting out stains. (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 30% off products!)
Wrinkle & Static Releaser: Just a quick spray and your clothes are ready, eliminating wrinkles and static without the wait. (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 30% off products!)
Dryer Angels: Non-Toxic dryer sheet alternative for soft & heavenly scented clothing. (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 30% off products!)
Laundry Stain Spray: A revolutionary solution that tackles tough stains while prioritizing safety and effectiveness. (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 30% off products!)
Washing Machine Cleaners: These cleaners will get the mold and gunk out of your laundry machine. (Use code “MAMAVATION” for 30% off products in the store!)
Mamavation Investigates Laundry Detergents
Mamavation combed through 200+ Laundry Detergents online. Brands offering no or incomplete ingredient disclosure were deemed not our favorite. So were laundry detergents that cleaned with an abundance of ingredients harmful to the Planet and the humans on it.
Here are some additional investigations we thought you’d be interested in:
Not Our Favorite Laundry Detergent Brands for Sensitive Skin
These brands contain many of the chemicals from our toxic ingredient list above. We specifically were looking for brands that had Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), benzisothiazolinone, and methylisothiazolinone. Most noteworthy is this category has over 4 problematic chemicals in their formula. Please take note that some brands have other products in other categories.
Ajax Laundry Detergent Liquid 40oz HE Classic
All® free clear The Original
All Free & Clear
Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin, Free & Clear, Hypoallergenic Liquid Laundry Detergent
Arm & Hammer Clean & Simple Laundry Detergent
Arm & Hammer Liquid Detergent Perfume & Dye-Free
Botanical Origin Laundry Detergent Orange Blossom & Citrus Leaves
Botanical Origin Plant-based Laundry Detergent: Scent: Fresh Jasmine and Wild Lavender
Cheer Colorguard Liquid Detergent
Cleancult Concentrated Liquid Laundry Juniper Sandalwood, Lavender, and Unscented
Defunkify Powder Laundry Detergent, Free & Clear
Dreft Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent
Dynamo Professional Sensitive Laundry Detergent
Ecover Laundry Detergent – Fragrance-Free
Ecover Laundry Detergent – Lavender
Era Regular Liquid Laundry Detergent,
Era 2X Ultra Active Stainfighter Formula Regular Liquid Laundry Detergent
Fab Spring Magic Liquid Laundry Detergent
Full Circle Market Laundry Detergent, Free & Clear
Gain + Odor Defense Liquid Laundry Detergent Super Fresh Blast Scent
Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean Premium Laundry Detergent with 2X Concentrate
Mama Bear Concentrated Liquid Baby Laundry Detergent, Fragrance-Free
Melaleuca MelaPower® 9x HE Detergent: Mountain Fresh
Method Liquid Laundry Detergent Beach Sage Scent
Modere Laundry Detergent
Mrs. Meyers Basil Laundry Detergent
Mrs. Meyers Rain Water Laundry Detergent
Parent’s Choice Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent
Persil® Original Liquid Detergent Everyday Clean
Planet Ultra Liquid Laundry Detergent
Planet Ultra, Powdered Laundry Detergent
Presto! Laundry Detergent Pacs, Hypoallergenic, Free & Clear
Public Goods Laundry Detergent Sheets – Fresh Linen
Purex® Natural Elements® Linen & Lilies® Liquid Laundry Detergent
Purex Dirt Lift Action Free & Clear Detergent
Rockin’ Green Laundry Detergent Pods
Rockin’ Green Classic Rock Laundry Detergent Powder
Roma Laundry Detergent
Seventh Generation Concentrated Laundry Detergent – Free & Clear
Seventh Generation EasyDose Laundry Detergent Fresh Lavender Scent 2 Pack Ultra Concentrated Washing Detergent
Solimo Liquid Laundry Detergent
The Laundress Baby Detergent
The Pink Stuff The Miracle Laundry Detergent Bio Liquid
Tide Ultra Concentrate, OXI Advanced Power, Extra Stain Removal for Whites & Color Liquid Laundry Detergent
Tide Liquid Laundry Detergent, Original
Up & Up Laundry Detergent, Lavender Bloom
Vaska Baby Laundry Detergent, Scent-Free
Vaska Perfect Laundry Detergent, Lavender
Woolite Everyday Laundry Detergent
Xtra Liquid Laundry Detergent, Fresh Air
The Better Non-Toxic Green Laundry Detergent Brands for Sensitive Skin
These brands are better but may contain 2 or 3 of the above ingredients. Most have naturally derived versions of certain chemicals and derive their scents naturally, and are clear of the worst of the “bad” chemicals. However, these are better products than those listed above and do not contain the worst offenders on the above list. That said, these chemicals do not pose a high risk but maybe something to avoid if you have sensitive skin, allergies, or are autoimmune compromised. One more thing to note about this section is it contains ALL additional “natural” brand that did not offer 100% fragrance disclosure. If we didn’t know what the fragrance was, we added it here.
9 Elements Natural Laundry Detergent Liquid Soap, Citrus Scent
Babyganics 3x Laundry Detergent, Fragrance-Free and Lavender
BETTER LIFE Laundry Detergent – Concentrated Liquid Laundry Soap Gentle Unscented Laundry Supplies for Sensitive Skin
Better Life Natural Concentrated Laundry Detergent, Lavender Grapefruit
Biokleen Free & Clear Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent
Biokleen Laundry Liquid – Citrus
Blueland Laundry Starter Set – Spring Bloom
Boulder Clean Laundry Detergent
Celadon Road Unscented Laundry Detergent
Celedon Road Laundry Detergent Lime, Lavender, Jasmine, Cedarwood, Orange, & Lilac
Charlie’s Soap Natural Laundry Liquid Detergent
Charlie’s Soap Natural Laundry Powder Detergent
Christina Maser Vegan Laundry Soap Jar
Christina Maser Vegan Laundry Soap Unscented
Cleancult Unscented Liquid Laundry Detergent
Dansoap 100% Natural Laundry Soap
Defunkify Liquid Detergent Free & Clear Unscented
Defunkify Liquid Detergent, Lavender
Defunkify Liquid Detergent, Fresh Air
Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Laundry Detergent Pods Unscented
Dropps Stain & Odor Detergent Pods Clean Scent
Dropps Stain & Odor Detergent Pods Lavender & Eucalyptus
Dropps Oxi Booster Laundry & Household Pods Unscented
Eco Me Laundry Detergent – Vanilla Bean, UNscented, Citrus Berry, Lavender
Ecos Laundry Detergent Ultra-Concentrated Lavender
Ecos Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent with Enzymes – Magnolia & Lily
Enviroklenz Laundry Detergent Powder (Take 10% off products by using “MAMAVATION” at checkout!)
Grab Green 3 in1 Detergent Pods Fragrance-Free
Grab Green 3-in-1 Laundry Detergent Pods – Lavender with Vanilla, Gardenia, & Vetiver
Grab Green Newborn Baby Laundry Detergent Pods, Calming Chamomile
Go by Greenshield Organic Organic Laundry Detergent, Lavender
Honest Company Hypoallergenic Baby Laundry Detergent
Indigo Wild Zum Frankincense & Myrrh 64 oz. Zum Laundry Soap
Mamas Suds Laundry Detergent Soap
Mild By Nature Laundry Soda, Unscented
Mild By Nature Laundry Detergent Pods, Unscented
Molly’s Suds Liquid Laundry Detergent (all scents)
Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder Lavender
Norwex Liquid Laundry Detergent – Unscented
Norwex Eco-Wash Laundry Detergent Strips
Norwex Ultra Power Plus™ Laundry Detergent
O Organics Organic Laundry Detergent, Lavender
Pardo Naturals Laundry Detergent
Pardo Naturals Laundry Detergent Unscented
PUR Home Lavender & Grapefruit Liquid Laundry Detergent
PUR Home Citrus Liquid Laundry Detergent
PUR Home Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent
PUR Home Powder Laundry Detergent
Puracy Natural Laundry Detergent (Use discount code “MAMAVATION20” for 20% off products)
Puracy Natural Laundry Detergent Fresh Linen Scent (Use discount code “MAMAVATION20” for 20% off products)
Safely Rise Laundry Detergent
Seventh Generation EasyDose™ Power+™ Ultra Concentrated Laundry Detergent – Clean Scent
Shakelee Fresh Laundry Concentrate (liquid) 32 oz. Fresh Laundry Concentrate (liquid)
Shakelee Fresh Laundry Concentrate (powder)
Simple Truth Organic Liquid Laundry Detergent Orange Bergamot
Sonett Laundry Liquid Sensitive
Sonett Laundry Powder
Sonett Organic Laundry Liquid Lavender
Sonett Organic Laundry Liquid Color Mint & Lemon
Sonett Organic Laundry Liquid Sensitive
Tandi’s Laundry Soap Jar Scented –Lavender, Citrusy Trio
The Simply Co. Laundry Powder Detergent Unscented
Thrive Market (Rosey) Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent
Thrive Market (Rosey) Liquid Lavender Laundry Detergent
Trader Joes Liquid Laundry Detergent Free & Clear
Zum Clean Aromatherapy Liquid Laundry Soap, Sea Salt
The Best Non-Toxic Green Laundry Detergent Brands for Sensitive Skin
We are happy to announce that this list is long enough to provide you with plenty of options! This category has one or no problematic ingredients. This would be the safest alternative for people who are chemically sensitive, however because this category is mostly non-toxic, you may lose some effectiveness in cleaning. If you decide that you still want effectiveness as the priority, go back to the “better” category to shop. Pay attention to products because some brands have products in different categories.
AspenClean Unscented Laundry Pods
AspenClean Eucalyptus Laundry Detergent Natural
AspenClean Lavender Laundry Detergent Natural
AspenClean Unscented Laundry Detergent Natural, Organic
Attitude NATURE+ Baby Laundry Detergent Unscented
Attitude NATURE+ Laundry Detergent Lavender
Attitude SENSITIVE SKIN Baby Laundry Detergent Unscented (With Oats)
Attitude NATURE+ Laundry Detergent Wildflowers
Blueland Laundry Starter Set — Unscented
Branch Basics Laundry Kit
Common Good Laundry Detergent – Bergamot
Common Good Laundry Detergent Unscented
Corewash Laundry Powder
doTERRA On Guard Laundry Detergent
Dr. Bronners Hemp Citrus – Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Dr. Bronners Unscented – Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Earthley Laundry Detergent, Unscented
Earthley Laundry Detergent, Citrus
Eco Nuts Soap Nuts Concentrated Extract Powder
EnviroKlenz Laundry Liquid Box 20 Load
Fit Organic Baby Laundry Stain Remover
Good Natured Brand Laundry Powder Lavender & Eucalyptus
Good Natured Brand Laundry Powder Fragrance-Free
Greenshield Organic Laundry Detergent Free & Clear
HealthyBaby Laundry Detergent (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 15% off sitewide no minimum purchase, eligible for use on subscriptions, 1 use per customer.)
Ingredients Matter Powder Laundry Soap – Fragrance-Free, Hypoallergenic Detergent
Meliora Unscented Laundry Powder
Meliora Lemon Laundry Powder
Meliora Lavender Laundry Powder
Molly’s Suds Original Laundry Detergent Powder
Molly’s Suds Baby Laundry Detergent Powder
Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder Unscented
Molly’s Suds Liquid Laundry Detergent Unscented
Nature’s First Laundry Pods
NaturOli Soap Nuts / Soap Berries, Hand-sort “Select” Seedless
Nellie’s Laundry Soda
Nellie’s Laundry Nuggets
Nellie’s Baby Laundry
O Organics Organic Laundry Detergent, Free + Clear
One Organic ORG USDA Happi Pouch 400 Wash Loads
Pronounce Laundry Detergent Powder Alternative Lemon
Public Goods Laundry Detergent Pods
Pure Haven Laundry Detergent
Pure Natural Laundry Detergent
Pure Baby Natural Laundry Detergent
Rebel Green Organic Laundry Detergent – Natural Laundry Soap – Liquid Laundry Detergent
Sapadilla Laundry Liquid Rosemary Peppermint
Sapadilla Sweet Lavender + Lime High Efficiency (he) Biodegradable Laundry Detergent Liquid
Sapadilla Grapefruit + Bergamot High Efficiency (he) Biodegradable Laundry Detergent Liquid
Seventh Generation Ultra Power Plus Laundry Detergent Packs Fresh Citrus Laundry Soap
Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent Packs – Fresh Lavender
Simple Truth Organic Liquid Laundry Detergent Free & Clear
Tandi’s Laundry Soap Jar – Unscented
The Simply Co. Laundry Powder Detergent
Thrive Market (Rosey) Free & Clear Laundry Detergent Powder
Thrive Market (Rosey) Lavender Laundry Detergent Powder
Thrive Market (Rosey) Peppermint Laundry Detergent Powder
Truly Free Laundry Wash Unscented (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 25% off products!)
Truly Free Laundry Wash Signature Scent(Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 25% off products!)
Whole Foods Market, Organic Laundry Detergent (33 HE Loads), Unscented
Woolzies Lemon Lime Powder Laundry Detergent
Woolzies Lavender & Jasmine Powder Laundry Detergent
Young Living Thieves Laundry Soap
Laundry Aides
If this list of toxic laundry detergents surprised you, I’m sorry to say that it gets worse. Almost all laundry aides – dryer sheets, fabric softener, and stain remover – use toxic chemicals. Most fabric softeners, for example, contain quats but they also have fragrance, or artificial preservatives and colors. Dryer sheets fare even worse.
If you want to use these products, here are some of the safest choices:
Fabric Softeners:
Dryer Sheets:
Stain Remover:
Wrinkle & Static Releasers:
Laundry Machine Cleaner
So what can you use in your high-efficiency washer and is laundry detergent toxic? Many brands are but you don’t have to stop washing your clothes. (Bad news for your teenager!) There are a lot of brands you can choose from to keep your family safe and freshly laundered. Or, take the plunge and DIY your laundry cleaners. You won’t regret it!