Why Your Laundry Detergent Is More Toxic Than You Think

It makes our clothes clean, and can smell lemon fresh. But here’s why your laundry detergent is more toxic than you think

By Bec Gregory

There’s nothing quite like the smell of clean laundry. I mean, who doesn’t love the aroma of freshly washed clothes wafting through the house? There are even scented candles with names like ‘fresh linen’.

But did you know that scented laundry products can release harmful chemicals through dryer vents, spreading toxins throughout your home?

Fragrance emissions from laundry care products have been linked to asthma attacks, respiratory problems, and hormone disruption. To make matters worse, manufacturers aren’t required to fully disclose fragrance ingredients. This leaves consumers unaware of their exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. In fact, hundreds of chemicals can be combined to create a product’s scent, making it difficult to know what you’re truly inhaling.

Even more concerning, synthetic fragrances are just one of many potentially harmful ingredients in laundry products. Traditional laundry detergents are often loaded with toxic substances and harsh chemicals that leave residue on clothes and pollute our homes.

Harmful chemicals found in laundry detergents include:

Phthalates
Phosphates
Sulphates
Phenol
Formaldehyde
Bleach or sodium hypochlorite
Dioxane
Dichlorobenzene (P-dichlorobenzene / benzene)
Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs) [Banned in the EU and Canada]
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)

…and many more. No idea what these chemicals are? No worries, we get into more detail on the key ones, below.

An Expert Talks Toxic Laundry Detergent

So, what’s the point of cleaning your clothes if you’re just polluting the environment and exposing yourself to chemicals with ever wash?

We reached out to Dr Kristina Braly, an experienced airway specialist, to learn more about the potential health risks associated with toxic laundry detergent.

“I believe that what we bring into our homes can significantly impact our health. Traditional laundry detergents often contain harsh chemicals like phthalates, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances, which can linger on our clothes, bedding, and towels,” says Dr Braly.

She told us that exposure to toxic substances found in laundry detergents is linked with a range of symptoms and health problems, from irritated skin, rashes and eczema to hormone disruption, organ damage and even an increased risk of cancer.

“These substances can irritate the skin, aggravate allergies, and even act as endocrine disruptors, affecting not only our hormonal balance but also those of our children – and they are forever chemicals, so they’re virtually impossible for the body to eliminate,” she says.

Additionally, and more sneakily, these harmful chemicals enter waterways. This wreaks havoc on aquatic ecosystems and builds up in the food chain.

For example, when phosphates from laundry detergents enter waterways, they act as fertilisers and can cause harmful algal blooms (HABs) which starve aquatic life of oxygen and release toxins that pollute drinking water.

This is even more horrendous when we consider the staggering scale of the laundry care industry. Laundry products are a household staple around the world, used daily by millions. In 2021, the global laundry care market was valued at a whopping $96.7 billion and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% between 2022 and 2028.

The most toxic ingredients in laundry care products

Don’t think for one minute whatever brand you’re using is ok. The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a leading authority on product and environmental safety, rates nearly 70% of laundry detergents with a D or F, indicating their highest level of safety concern. So, even some ‘eco friendly’ detergents only rate a C or B.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common toxic chemicals to avoid when choosing laundry care products.

Surfactants

Surfactants help to remove dirt and stains, but this cleaning power comes at a cost! Here are 3 harmful surfactants to watch out for:

Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs)

Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs), which are banned in the EU and Canada but are still widely used in the US, have been found to be harmful to aquatic life and may also be endocrine disruptors.

Naphtha

Naphtha is another widely use surfactant that has been shown to cause damage to the mucus membrane and lungs and has been linked to an increased risk of asthma and cancer.

Phenol

Phenol is comparable to naphtha but even more dangerous to human health. Some individuals are extremely allergic to phenol, and exposure can be fatal. When it comes into contact with the skin, phenol spreads throughout the body, causing damage to blood vessels, internal organs, and the nervous system. Yipes!

Phthalates

These are used in fragranced products as they make scents last longer. Phthalates are known endocrine-disrupting chemicals and are proven to be detrimental to human health.

Dioxane

Dioxane is a cheap chemical commonly used as a fabric softener. Again, like with synthetic fragrances, it won’t appear on ingredients labels since manufacturers are not required to disclose these ingredients. Dioxane is a probable carcinogen and an emerging water contaminant, posing significant health and environmental risks.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a preservative in laundry care products. It is a known carcinogen and a common trigger for eczema and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). This extremely irritant chemical can harm the eyes and lungs and poses significant health risks.

So, what can we do?

You can reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals in traditional laundry products by opting for natural, eco-friendly alternatives. These detergents are free from toxic substances, plant based and biodegradable, making them gentler on your skin and kinder to the environment.

“By choosing non-toxic laundry products, we minimise our exposure to these harmful ingredients, protecting not just our skin but also our overall well-being,” says Dr Braly.

Of course, you can make your own laundry soap, using natural ingredients such as conkers and English Ivy? Check out these super easy and effective recipes for more info.

But key ingredients in natural laundry soap should include:

Plant-based surfactants sourced from plants like coconut and corn. These eco-friendly cleaning agents effectively remove dirt and stains.
Enzymes to break down and lift stains and odours from fabrics.
Citric acid to soften water.
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to neutralise odours, lift stains, and soften fabric.
Essential oils for a natural fragrance.

You can also purchase 100% natural laundry soaps like AEMBR Laundry Powder.
It has just 5 simple ingredients: Sodium Chloride (salt), Sodium Carbonate, Linear Alcohol Ethoxylate, Sodium Metasilicate, and Natural Fragrance. AEMBR also makes scented candles and dryer balls that are 100% eco friendly.

Another good option is Puracy. It’s 99.4% natural, includes no

Do you have any non toxic laundry detergent hacks to share? Please comment below, we’d love to know!

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Bec Gregory

Based in Cheshire, Bec has over 20 years’ experience in the beauty and wellness industry. She holds a degree in Cosmetic Science from the world-renowned London College of Fashion. She is currently studying a master’s in journalism at the University of Derby. Her most recent projects explore spiritual life in Britain and the effects of female-centred spirituality on women's wellness. Follow her on Instagram here.