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.
And if that’s not bad enough, almost all commercial chemical laundry detergents are tested on animals.
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 soap 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.
1. 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:
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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!
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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. Some of the best are listed below.
Non Toxic Laundry Soaps To Try
1. 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.
2. Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent
Clean, plant-based, and free of sulfates, harsh chemicals, and synthetic dyes — Puracy is formulated by doctors for sensitive skin and allergy-friendly washing. It uses natural enzymes for deep cleaning without irritation.
3. Seventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Detergent
A classic choice for non-toxic laundry care in the U.S., this hypoallergenic, plant-based liquid detergent is fragrance-free and free of dyes and optical brighteners — ideal for sensitive skin and families.
4. Blueland Laundry Detergent Tablets
These plant- and mineral-based tablets dissolve in water and clean without PVC, PVA, parabens, phosphates, or VOCs — plus they come in reusable tins for zero-waste laundry.
5. Molly’s Suds Original Laundry Detergent Powder
With a simple, short ingredient list and no synthetic fragrance or harsh chemicals, Molly’s Suds is a minimalist, non-toxic powder detergent that’s gentle on skin and the environment.
FAQs About Toxic Laundry Detergent
1. Why is laundry detergent considered toxic?
Many laundry detergents contain chemicals that can irritate skin, disrupt hormones, and pollute waterways. Common ingredients such as synthetic fragrances, optical brighteners, preservatives, and surfactants are designed to cling to fabrics—meaning they can stay in contact with your skin long after washing.
2. What is the most toxic laundry detergent?
Detergents with synthetic fragrance blends, optical brighteners, chlorine-based whiteners, and quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) are generally considered the most toxic. Products marketed as “ultra-concentrated,” “long-lasting scent,” or “odour-eliminating” often contain higher levels of these chemicals, even if they are widely sold in supermarkets.
3. Are scented laundry detergents harmful?
Yes. Scented detergents often contain dozens of undisclosed fragrance chemicals, many of which are derived from petroleum. These fragrances can trigger allergies, headaches, asthma, and skin irritation—and are one of the leading causes of detergent toxicity.
4. Is laundry detergent bad for sensitive skin?
Laundry detergent can be especially harmful for people with sensitive skin, eczema, or allergies. Harsh surfactants, preservatives, and fragrances can remain in clothing fibers and cause rashes, itching, or flare-ups, even after multiple rinses.
5. Can laundry detergent affect hormones?
Yes. Some detergent ingredients are linked to hormone disruption. Certain fragrance chemicals, preservatives, and surfactants may interfere with the endocrine system, potentially affecting thyroid function, fertility, and overall hormonal balance with long-term exposure.
6. Is laundry detergent toxic to babies and children?
Yes. Babies and children are more vulnerable to chemical exposure because their skin is thinner and their detox systems are still developing. Residue left on clothing, bedding, and reusable diapers can contribute to skin irritation and unnecessary chemical exposure.
7. Does laundry detergent pollute the environment?
Yes. Conventional laundry detergents are a major source of water pollution. Many ingredients are not fully biodegradable and can harm aquatic life, disrupt ecosystems, and contaminate waterways after entering wastewater systems.
8. How can I reduce exposure to toxic laundry detergent?
To reduce exposure, choose detergents that are fragrance-free, plant-based, and fully biodegradable. Avoid products with optical brighteners, artificial dyes, and “secret” fragrance blends. Using less detergent and adding an extra rinse cycle can also help reduce residue on clothes.
9. Are eco-friendly laundry detergents safer?
Generally, yes—but not all “green” detergents are truly non-toxic. Look for full ingredient transparency, third-party certifications, and formulas without synthetic fragrance. Terms like “natural” or “eco” are not regulated, so reading labels is essential.
10. Can laundry detergent residue stay in clothes after washing?
Yes. Many detergent chemicals bind to fabric fibres, which means residue can remain even after rinsing. This is why clothing may retain scent for weeks—and why detergent exposure doesn’t end when the wash cycle does.
Final Thoughts: Why Rethinking Laundry Detergent Matters
Laundry detergent is something most of us use several times a week—often without questioning what’s inside. Yet many conventional formulas contain chemicals designed to cling to fabrics, linger on skin, and wash straight into waterways. Over time, that daily exposure can add up, especially for children, people with sensitive skin, and anyone trying to reduce their overall toxic load.
The good news is that cleaner alternatives now exist. Non-toxic laundry detergents made with plant-based, biodegradable ingredients can clean clothes effectively without relying on synthetic fragrance, optical brighteners, or harsh surfactants. Choosing a safer detergent is one of the simplest ways to protect your health at home while also reducing pollution beyond it.
Do you have any non toxic laundry detergent hacks to share? Please comment below, we’d love to know!
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