Laundry detergents are used in every household, yet many people overlook how much they can impact both personal health and the environment. While we all want clothes that are clean, stain-free, soft, and fresh-smelling, this shouldn’t come at the expense of our well-being or the health of our waterways.
Choosing a non-toxic laundry detergent means looking beyond marketing claims and understanding what’s actually in the formula. In this guide, we’ll break down the key ingredients and labels to watch out for and share reliable non-toxic detergent options for your needs and preferences.
What to look for when choosing a non-toxic laundry detergent
For a non-toxic laundry detergent, prioritize plant-based surfactants, mineral-based cleaning agents, and biodegradable ingredients while avoiding synthetic fragrances, dyes, optical brighteners, and preservatives like methylisothiazolinone.
Safe, effective ingredients include:
- Mineral-based cleaning agents: Sodium carbonate (soda ash), sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), sodium percarbonate (oxygen bleach), and sodium citrate.
- Plant-based surfactants: Derived from coconuts, sugar, or plants (e.g., coco-glucoside, lauryl glucoside).
- Biodegradable ingredients: Formulas that break down easily without polluting the water supply.
- Enzymes: Plant-based enzymes (amylase, lipase, protease) for breaking down stains safely.
Ingredients to avoid
- Synthetic Fragrance/Parfum: Often hides thousands of hidden chemicals, including phthalates.(4)
- Optical Brighteners: Chemicals that stay on clothes to make them appear brighter by reflecting light; they can be skin irritants.(1)
- Chlorine Bleach: Harsh on skin and fabrics.(1)
- Phosphates: Harmful to aquatic ecosystems.(1)(2)
- Preservatives: Methylisothiazolinone and benzisothiazolinone (skin allergens).(3)
- Surfactants: Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)(LAS, AOS, alcohol ethoxylates). Main concerns are aquatic toxicity, skin irritation, and eye damage at high exposures(1)
- Dyes/Colorants: Added for aesthetic purposes but serve no cleaning function.
Certifications to Look For:
EPA Safer Choice: Verified to be safer for people and the planet.
MADE SAFE: Ensures products are not made with known toxic chemicals.
USDA Biobased: Contains a high percentage of renewable, plant-based ingredients.
EcoLogo: Certified for reduced environmental impact.
Leaping Bunny or Cruelty Free Certification: products that are 100% free of animal testing.
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Best Non Toxic Laundry Detergent Tablets and Pods
Blueland, Laundry Essentials Kit
The Blueland Laundry Essentials Kit has all the plastic-free laundry essentials you need. It includes 2 tin packages, one laundry tablets refil, one oxi booster refil, and 3 laundry dryer balls.
Blueland offers both scented and unscented options.
Certifications: Safer Choice US EPA Partner Of The Year 2024, USDA Certified Biobased Product, National Eczema Association Accepted, Cradle to Cradle Certified, and Cruelty Free.
Loads: 60, 120, and 300
Scent-free: yes
Plastic-free package: Yes
HE washer compatible: yes
Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Citric Acid, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Subtilisin, Lauryl/Myristyl Glucoside, Amylase, Sorbitan Caprylate, Mannanase, Sodium Citrate, Cellulase, Hydrated Silica, Sodium Percarbonate, Sodium citrate, Alcohol Ethoxylated, Calcium Silicate, and Cellulase
Reason for rating:
100% plastic free, unscented option and free of: parabens, ammonia, phthalates, chlorine, bleach, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA/PVOH), methylisothiazolinone, benzisothiazolinone, octylisothiazolinone, or quaternary amine.
Dropps, Free + Clear Biobased Power Laundry Detergent Pods
Dropps Free + Clear laundry detergent pods are made from polyvinyl alcohol film, a water-soluble, biodegradable, non-plastic material. It is packed with advanced OdorDefense innovation, stain-fighting enzymes, Oxi, and FiberShield Technology to tackle odors and stains while whitening, brightening, and keeping fabrics looking fresh.
Certifications: USDA Certified Biobased Product, Cradle to Cradle Certified, Certified B Corporation, and Cruelty Free.
Loads: 38, 63, 76, 126, and 198
Scent-free: yes
Plastic-free package: Yes
HE washer compatible: yes
Ingredients: Alcohols, C12-16, ethoxylated, glycerin, water, alkyl glucoside, tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, lauramine oxide, myristamine oxide, subtilisin, amylase, lipase, pectate lyase, mannanase, citric acid, and polyvinyl alcohol
Reason for rating:
Dye Free, Paraben Free, Phosphate Free, Chlorine Free, Phthalate Free
Grab Green, 3-in-1 Laundry Detergent Pods
The Grab Green 3-In-1 laundry detergent pods are septic safe and made from naturally derived plant and mineral-based ingredients. It’s free of any optical brighteners, chlorine, or dyes. Grab Green uses paper-based pouch packaging, with a velcro closure.
Certifications: Cruelty Free, Leaping Bunny Certified, EPA Safer Choice Certified
Loads: 24, 60, and 132
Scent-free: yes
Plastic-free package: No. The velcro closing has plastic.
HE washer compatible: yes
Ingredients: sodium carbonate peroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, sodium metasilicate, tetraacetylethylenediamine, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, c9-11 pareth-6, hydrated silica, citric acid, protease enzyme blend, lipase enzyme blend, alpha-amylase enzyme blend, polyvinyl alcohol
Reason for rating:
Mineral and plant based ingredients but the packaging has plastic in the velcro closing
Best Laundry Detergent Powders
Branch Basics, Laundry Detergent
The Branch Basics laundry detergent is plant-based and mineral-based. It’s fragrance-free and safe for sensitive skin. The all-in-one formula combines stain-fighting, odor elimination, and fabric preservation.
Certifications: MADE SAFE® Certified, Leaping Bunny Certified, and EWG Verified
Loads: 90 per pack
Scent-free: yes
Plastic-free package: No.
HE washer compatible: yes
Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Percarbonate, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Surfactant, Sodium Metasilicate, TAED, Decyl Glucoside, Poly (itaconic acid-co-AMPS) Sodium Salt, Protease, and Amylase
Reason for rating:
Formula is biodegradable but packaging is not
Meliora Cleaning Products, Laundry Powder Detergent
Meliora has a simple formula of baking soda, washing soda, and vegetable soap made with organic coconut oil. It is packaged in a paper and steel canister and comes with a stainless steel scoop. There are unscented and scented options.
Certifications:The Eco-Scale™, Leaping Bunny Certified, MADE SAFE® Certified, Certified B Corporation, EWG Grade A
Loads: 64 (128 HE)
Scent-free: yes
Plastic-free package: Yes.
HE washer compatible: yes
Ingredients: Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), sodium carbonate (washing soda), vegetable soap [sodium cocoate, glycerin, organic cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, and water
Reason for rating:
Super clean and simple formula. Reusable stainless steel packaging.
Molly’s Suds, Original Laundry Detergent Powder
Molly’s Suds uses only 4 simple, stain-fighting ingredients that are safer for your family and for the planet. It’s unscented and sensitive skin safe.
Certifications: Leaping Bunny Certified, EWG Grade A, and Certified Vegan
Loads: 120
Scent-free: yes
Plastic-free package: No
HE washer compatible: yes
Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Magnesium Sulfate, Unrefined Sea Salt
Reason for rating:
Super clean and simple formula, but has a plastic package, although it’s recyclable
Best Non-Toxic Liquid Laundry Detergent
Truly Free, Laundry Wash Detergent
Truly Free laundry detergent’s formula was designed with sensitive skin, babies, pregnancy & pets in mind.
Certifications: Leaping Bunny Certified, Think Dirty® app, IFRA (International Fragrance Association) standards
Loads: 150
Scent-free: yes
Plastic-free package: No. BPA-free reusable plastic jug
HE washer compatible: yes
Ingredients: Alkyl Polyglucoside, TetraSodium Salt, Precipitated Silica, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Cocoate, Sodium Citrate, Fumed Silica, Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Hypromellose
Reason for rating:
Some ingredients like sodium polyacrylate and
CI 28440 may cause skin and eye irritation. Plastic jug.
Molly’s Suds, Liquid Laundry Detergent
Molly’s Suds liquid laundry detergent was developed by a pediatric nurse & mom and made with simple, effective ingredients. It harnesses the power of plant-based surfactants and active enzymes. It’s free from harsh chemicals and gentle on sensitive skin.
Certifications: Leaping Bunny Certified, Safer Choice & ISO-16128 Compliant
Loads: 100 and 200
Scent-free: yes
Plastic-free package: No
HE washer compatible: yes
Ingredients: Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Amine Oxides, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Carbonate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Protease, Mannanase, Sodium Gluconate, Phenoxyethanol less than 1%, Ethylhexylglycerin less than 1%
Reason for rating:
Plastic container
Attitude, Laundry Detergent
Attitude offers a sustainable, plant- and mineral-based, eco-friendly formula in recyclable plastic bottles or with plastic-free cardboard eco-refills. It focuses on safety, environmental sustainability, and ethical production.
Certifications: Ecologo Environmental Choice, EWG VERIFIED, Peta Cruelty-Free and Vegan
Loads: 40 and 80
Scent-free: yes
Plastic-free package: No
HE washer compatible: yes
Ingredients: Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Lauryl Glucoside, Myristyl Glucoside, Caprylyl Glucoside, Water, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Gluconate, Potassium Sorbate, Glycerin, Camellia Sinensis (Tea) Leaf Extract.
Reason for rating:
recyclable plastic container
Best non toxic laundry detergent Sheets
GoodHands, Laundry Detergent Sheets
The Good Hands laundry detergent sheets are plastic free and formulated from all-natural plant-based ingredients. They are designed to dissolve completely in all water temperatures, containing no phosphates, parabens, or 1,4-dioxane
Certifications: EPA Safer Choice, Cradle to Cradle Certified Gold status and EWG Verified®
Loads: 320 and 640
Scent-free: yes
Plastic-free package: Yes
HE washer compatible: yes
Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Alcohol, Natural Vegetable Oil, Coconut Oil Extract, Deionized Water
Reason for rating:
few, clean ingredients. plastic-free packaging
Beyond, Laundry Detergent Strips
Beyond Laundry Detergent Sheets are eco-friendly and non-toxic, formulated with plant-based ingredients and designed to be gentle on both users and the environment. These ultra-concentrated, plastic-free strips eliminate the need for harsh chemicals often found in traditional liquid detergents while maintaining effective cleaning power.
Certifications:USDA Certified Biobased, EPA Safer Choice,
Loads: 32
Scent-free: yes
Plastic-free package: Yes
HE washer compatible: yes
Ingredients: Zea mays (corn) starch, polyvinyl alcohol, glycerin, sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate, water, glycereth-6 cocoate, cocamidopropyl betaine, caprylyl/capryl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, sodium gluconate, paraffinum liquidum, potassium sorbate
Reason for rating:
few, clean ingredients. plastic free packaging
Best-Non Toxic Laundry Boosters
Some of our laundry, like white socks or t-shirts need a bit more help to get to the white state. Most of the time whitness is achieved with bleach and other harsh chemicals, but there are a few good products on the market that will help clean your fabrics without wearing them down and irritating your skin.
Blueland, Oxi Laundry Booster Starter Set
Blueland Oxi Laundry Booster is an eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning agent designed to brighten whites and colors without the use of harsh chemicals. Formulated with plant- and mineral-based ingredients, it provides a powerful clean while remaining safe for the entire family and the environment. The starter kit included a reusable stainless steel tin.
Certifications: EPA Safer Choice, Cradle to Cradle, Leaping Bunny, USDA BioPreferred, Certified B corporation, and The Climate Label Certified
Loads: 25
Scent-free: yes
Plastic-free package: Yes
HE washer compatible: yes
Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Percarbonate, Sodium Citrate, and Alcohol Ethoxylated
Reason for rating:
few, clean ingredients. plastic free packaging
Dirt Labs, Bio Enzyme Laundry Booster
The Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Laundry Booster is a high-performance, ultra-concentrated powder that relies on clean science rather than harsh chemistry. It’s a 100% bio- and mineral-based formula designed to tackle stubborn stains while remaining exceptionally gentle on the planet.
Certifications: EPA Safer Choice, USDA Certified Biobased, and Green Seal
Loads: 48
Scent-free: yes
Plastic-free package: Yes
HE washer compatible: yes
Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Percarbonate, Sodium Citrate, Deoxyribonuclease, Sodium silicate, Sodium sulfate, Sorbitan caprylate, Tartaric acid, and Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose
Reason for rating:
few, clean ingredients. plastic free packaging
How We Selected the Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergents
1. Ingredient list – we looked at the ingredient list and made sure that there are no harsh and harmful ingredients. We also checked that the active ingredients listed actually work.
2. Packaging – we prioritized recycled, recyclable packaging with minimal vaste.
3. Customer reviews and whether products are effective – if a product is non toxic, but doesn’t work we did not add it to the list. We have analysed many user reviews and used face review detection tools.
4. Certifications- We only list products approved by relevant bodies to make sure they are 100% safe.
5. Value for money – more sustainable and non-toxic options are more expensive to produce, but they should not be overpriced.
FAQ
Does laundry detergent expire?
What are the most toxic laundry detergent ingredients?
The most toxic laundry detergent ingredients include carcinogens:1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde, hormone-disrupting phthalates (mainly in fragrance), skin-irritating SLS/SLES, and aquatic-toxic nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs).
Can you mix laundry detergents
Idealy no, as different detergents might have an unknown reaction when mixed. It might also be difficult to have the right amount of detergent if multiple kinds are mixed. If you just want to finish two boxes of detergents as one off, it should be fine, but you should not do it regularly.
References
- Warne, M., & Schifko, A. (1999). Toxicity of laundry detergent components to a freshwater cladoceran and their contribution to detergent toxicity.. Ecotoxicology and environmental safety, 44 2, 196-206 . https://doi.org/10.1006/eesa.1999.1824.
- , H., , R., Sarkar, A., & Khandaker, T. (2017). Comparative analysis of some Bangladeshi detergents. Bangladesh Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research, 52, 321-324. https://doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v52i4.34818.
- Andersson, M., Nagy, S., Mikkola, R., Kurnitski, J., & Salonen, H. (2020). Toxicities of detergents used in cleaning chemicals and hygiene products in a test battery of ex vivo and in vitro assays.
- Braga, J., & Varesche, M. (2014). Commercial laundry water characterisation. American Journal of Analytical Chemistry, 5, 8-16. https://doi.org/10.4236/ajac.2014.51002.
Silvija Meilunaite, PN1-NC, CSMC, is a certified nutrition and menopause coaching specialist who writes about midlife health, nutrition, and evidence-based wellness. She focuses on research-driven approaches to feeling better in your 40s and beyond, with a special interest in low-tox living and supportive daily habits.
