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    Home » Health Information

    The 11 Best Natural and Non-Toxic Laundry Detergents of 2025

    Modified: Feb 17, 2025 • Published: Jan 12, 2023 by Dr. Erin Carter • This post may contain affiliate links • Leave a Comment

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    A collage of laundry detergents with the title The Best Non Toxic Laundry Detergents

    These are the best non-toxic laundry detergents that are not only good for your health but actually work well too! Here you will find eco-friendly, plant based, natural, and organic laundry detergents including liquids, powders, strips and pods.

    A collection of many different laundry detergents with the title "The Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergents" over them.

    Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links whereby if you purchase the product through that link I make a small commission. This does not cost you anything extra and allows me to keep this website running.

    Table of Contents
    • Why choose a non-toxic laundry detergent?
    • The Best Non Toxic Liquid Laundry Detergents:
    • The Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent Powders
    • The Best Non Toxic Laundry Detergent Strips
    • Detergents I didn't love as much:
    • Laundry detergent brands to avoid:
    • Ingredients to avoid in laundry detergents:
    • Frequently asked questions:
    • Other health info you will like:
    • Our expertise:

    Why choose a non-toxic laundry detergent?

    Laundry is one of those things that we all have to do. Cleaning your clothes, towels, cloths etc is important to keep them looking beautiful and fresh, but it's also important to remove stains, smells and odours, marks, sweat and dirt. Because of that, you want a laundry detergent that works well and is effective. And because your clothing touches your skin all day, you also want to use a laundry detergent that is safe, non toxic, non irritating and free of toxic chemicals.

    Unfortunately, the personal care and cleaning industries are poorly regulated when it comes to potentially harmful ingredients. There are many ingredients that are used in traditional laundry detergents (including some of the most popular laundry detergents on the market) that can be dangerous to health, including ingredients which are allergens, respiratory irritants, carcinogens and more. Hormone disruptors or endocrine disruptors can also commonly be found in laundry detergents. For these reasons, you want to be careful when buying laundry detergent, and stick with brands that use safe and healthy ingredients.

    Fortunately, in recent years more and more brands are starting to formulate with safer ingredients and clean ingredients, so it is becoming easier to find safe and effective laundry detergents. You no longer have to shop at specialty stores to find healthy laundry detergents, as most drug stores, department stores and grocery stores now carry safe options.

    You can get safe and effective laundry detergents that come in scented and fragrance free options, as well as green laundry detergents that are safe for babies, kids and pets. It is also now really easy to find eco-friendly detergents that are made with earth friendly ingredients and fragrance-free laundry soaps that are safe for septic systems. 

    However, not all clean laundry detergents are created equally. Sadly, some of them just don't work that well. I tried so many different ones before I finally found some that I like and that are effective for removing stains and smells. I want to save you that hassle and money which is why I put together this review.

    In this post I share the best non toxic laundry detergents brands, and provide you with many different options including laundry detergent liquids, powders, strips and pods. I have personally tried all of these laundry detergent's and will give you my honest opinion on them, both the good and the bad! All of these detergents are made with safe ingredients, non-toxic ingredients, and are free from harmful chemicals. I have included both scented and fragrance-free options so you have many options to pick from. 

    The Best Non Toxic Liquid Laundry Detergents:

    Aspen Clean Laundry Detergent

    A bottle of Aspen Clean laundry detergent.

    Aspen Clean is one of my favourite non toxic cleaning companies and their liquid laundry detergent is an amazing product. This is my overall top pick for the best non-toxic liquid laundry detergent.

    Features: It is also biodegradable and greywater and septic tank safe. Made with all natural ingredients. Is hypoallergenic. Safe for babies.

    Certifications: EWG verified, Ecocert certified, Vegan, Organic, Leaping Bunny certified.

    Pros:

    • Aspen Clean is a Canadian company so this laundry detergent is easy for me to buy locally.
    • It works so well! It cleans clothes nicely and removes stains and odours really well.
    • I really like how these detergents smell but they also have an unscented option if you prefer something without a scent.
    • Great for sensitive skin (some laundry detergents give me a rash but I have no issues with this one).

    Cons:

    • This is one of the most expensive options in this review so if you are looking for more budget friendly options this is probably not the one for you.
    • The containers are made of plastic with no refill program.

    Price: $29.99 CAD

    Size: 1.9 L or 64 ounces

    Formulated for cold water: Yes

    Shop for Aspen Clean liquid laundry detergent
    Buy on Amazon

    Attitude Laundry Detergent

    A bottle of Attitude laundry detergent.

    Attitude Laundry Detergent is widely available at grocery stores and drug stores. This company is focused on making clean products which are also rally affordable.

    Features: Made with natural ingredients. No dyes, optical brighteners or artificial fragrances. Is sustainable and biodegradable.

    Certifications: EWG Verified, ECOLOGO certified, vegan, PETA certified, cruelty free.

    Pros:

    • This is one of the more affordable options in this review and you can get an even better deal by purchasing their refillable option, which come in a larger cardboard box with a bag of detergent inside.
    • Is great for sensitive skin - I didn't get any rashes with this one.
    • They offer more scent options than most other brands so if you prefer a scented laundry detergent you are sure to find a scent you like. I really like the Citrus Zest scent.
    • For me this one works really well! I did not have to rewash any loads of laundry and it does a great job of cleaning and removing unwanted smells.

    Cons:

    • Some of the scents I really don't like (for example "Sweet Lullaby") but that is more my personal preference.
    • I have seen a few people online complain that their cap and the seal leaked. I have not had this issue personally but it was mentioned more than once so I did want to mention it.

    Price: $14.35 USD

    Size: 1.8 L or 60.8 ounces

    Formulated for cold water: Yes

    Shop on Attitude
    Shop for Attitude liquid laundry detergent on Amazon

    Common Good Laundry Detergent

    A bottle of Common Good laundry detergent.

    The Common Good laundry detergent is one of the most highly rated natural laundry detergents on the market so I had to try it for myself.

    Features: Made with plant derived enzymes and rated very well on the EWG database. Is biodegrade and made in the USA.

    Certifications: Leaping Bunny Certified.

    Pros:

    • I love how this one smells! Both the bergamot and lavender smell really nice.
    • For me it works really well for cleaning clothes and other laundry.
    • Great for sensitive skin - didn't give me any rashes.
    • They do offer larger sized boxes will refillable options to help cut down on waste and save money.

    Cons:

    • This is one of the most expensive laundry detergents I have come across so it's a bit hard for me to justify the price point.
    • I used to be able to order this on Amazon but it has become more difficult to find recently. If you live in the US you do have more buying options.

    Price: $24 USD

    Size: 946 mL or 32 ounces

    Formulated for cold water: Not specified.

    Shop at Common Good Co
    Shop for Common Good liquid laundry detergent

    Dapple Baby Laundry Detergent

    A bottle of Dapple Baby laundry detergent.

    Dapple Baby Laundry Detergent is a non toxic laundry detergent formulated specifically for baby's and their extra delicate and sensitive skin.

    Features: Hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested and paediatrician recommended. Is safe for HE laundry machines and standard washing machines

    Certifications: Clean Label Project certified.

    Pros:

    • Is nice and gentle - I didn't get any rashes.
    • This one works really well. I found it especially effective for getting out stains.
    • Available at Walmart.

    Cons:

    • Since I don't have kids I can't vouch for this working well or being gently on baby's skin but reviews online do indicate it works well for those with babies and children.
    • I didn't love the smell of this one as much as some of the others I tried.
    • Some people online have had issue with the container or cap leaking. I didn't have this issue personally but did want to mention it.
    • It is on the more expensive end.

    Price: $29.67 USD

    Size: 1 L or 34 ounces

    Formulated for cold water: Not specified

    Shop for Dapple Baby laundry detergent on Amazon
    Shop at Walmart

    Defunkify Liquid Laundry Detergent

    A bottle of Defunkify liquid laundry detergent.

    Defunkify Liquid Laundry Detergent is another great non-toxic laundry deterget option.

    Features: is a low sudsing formula that's specially designed for HE machines and cold water. Artificial fragrance free.

    Certifications: EPA Safer Choice Program approved, EWG verified.

    Pros:

    • This one works really well! I found it especially great for our sweaty workout clothing.
    • Great for sensitive skin - no rashes for me!
    • I found this one especially great for getting out grease stains - this was the best detergent I found for removing grease and oil.
    • Is more affordable than some of the other options in this review.
    • I know this shouldn't matter but I just love the name of this one!

    Cons:

    • Harder for me to find locally where I live. I can only order it online.
    • The scent is quite mild so if you are looking for a stronger scent this is not the formula for you.

    Price: ~$24 USD

    Size: 1116 mL or 37.7 ounces

    Formulated for cold water: yes

    Shop for Defunkify liquid laundry detergent on Amazon
    Shop at Defunkify

    Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Laundry Detergent

    A bottle of Dirty Labs Scent Free Laundry Detergent.

    The Dirty Labs Enzyme Laundry Detergent is another great non toxic option with many great reviews online.

    Features: Hypoallergenic and sae for babies and pets. The formula is concentrated so you use less compared to conventional laundry detergents. It is septic safe.

    Certifications: Certified EPA Safer Choice Partner, EWG certified, 97% USDA Biobased certified, Cruelty free, vegan, no CA Prop 65 chemicals.

    Pros:

    • I found that this one works really well for removing stains and odours.
    • Is packaged in aluminum and not plastic! This makes it more environmentally friendly and sustainable. That is my favorite feature of this laundry detergent.
    • Is great for sensitive skin and didn't give me a rash.

    Cons:

    • Note that I only recommend their unscented laundry detergent. They don't disclose the ingredients used in their fragrances so I am reluctant to recommend their scented options without knowing exactly what is in them.
    • It is a little tricky to measure this laundry detergent as it doesn't come with a measuring device so I ended up using the cap and it got pretty messy.

    Price: $26 USD

    Size: 640 mL or 21.6 ounces

    Formulated for cold water: yes

    Shop for Dirty Labs liquid laundry detergent on Amazon
    Shop at Dirty Labs

    Hello Bello Concentrated Laundry Detergent

    A bottle of Hello Bello Concentrated laundry detergent.

    Hello Bello Concentrated Organic Laundry Detergent is made with organic soap berries and botanical extracts, and is a plant based laundry detergent that has great reviews online.

    Features: Designed to be gentle enough for babies and kids.

    Certifications: USDA organic

    Pros:

    • This is the most affordable option in this review!
    • Was great for my sensitive skin - no rashes!
    • I love how concentrated the formula is. A little goes a long way!
    • It works really well.
    • Has a nice mild scent.
    • Available at Walmart

    Cons:

    • Unfortunately the bottle I ordered had leaked during shipping. I have seen other reviews online with the same issue so this does seem to be a problem.
    • Not available to buy locally where I live so I do have to order it online.
    • Since I don't have kids I can't say for sure whether it's great for children but the reviews online do indicate that.

    Price: $12.34 USD

    Size: 1.47 L or 50 ounces

    Formulated for cold water: Not specified

    Shop for Hello Bello laundry detergent on Amazon

    The Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent Powders

    Country Save Laundry Detergent

    A box of Country Save laundry detergent.

    The Country Save Laundry Detergent Powder is a great alternative to powdered Tide if that is what you are used to using.

    Features: Made with biodegradable surfactants. Is eco-friendly. Works in both hard water and soft water. Is septic tank safe. Is all natural.

    Certifications: EPA certified, ECOLOGO certified, Leaping Bunny certified, cruelty free.

    Pros:

    • Is a more affordable option compared to most of the liquid laundry detergents in this review.
    • No plastic packaging so better for the environment.
    • It works really well for cleaning and removing smells.
    • Was great for my sensitive skin and didn't give me any rashes.
    • Available at London Drugs

    Cons:

    • The formula is unscented, so if you prefer your laundry detergent to have a scent you may not like this one as much.
    • I often wash my clothes in cold water and I don't love that you need to dissolve this in warm water first. It adds more work to doing laundry.

    Price: $29.95 USD

    Size: 2.83 kg or 100 ounces

    Formulated for cold water: It is recommended that you dissolve it in warm water first.

    Shop for Country Save laundry detergent powder on Amazon

    Nellie's Laundry Soda

    A can of Nellie's Laundry Soda.

    Nellie's Laundry Soda is made with just a few simple ingredients and is another great alternative to powdered Tide.

    Features: Made without SLS, SLES, gluten, phosphates, fragrances and chlorine.

    Certifications: Compact by Design and eco-friendly.

    Pros:

    • More affordable compared to most of the liquid laundry detergent options in this roundup.
    • It works really well!
    • Didn't give me a rash so seems great for those like me with sensitive skin.
    • No plastic packaging so is better for the environment.
    • Made in Canda.
    • Easy to find in may different stores including Walmart and Home Depot.

    Cons:

    • This doesn't dissolve well in cold water so I did have to dissolve it in warm water first and then add the cold water afterwards which I found cumbersome.

    Price: $21.87 USD

    Size: 1.5 kg

    Formulated for cold water: Not specified.

    Shop for Nellie's laundry soda on Amazon
    Shop at Home Depot
    Shop at Walmart

    Seventh Generation Free and Clear Laundry Detergent Packs

    A bag of Seventh Generation Free and Clear laundry detergent packs.

    Seventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Detergent Packs are the best non-toxic laundry detergent pods that I have tested.

    Features: Made without synthetic fragrances, dyes or artificial brighteners.  

    Certifications: EPA Safer Choice certified and USDA Certified Bio Based Product, certified B corporation.

    Pros:

    • The pods dissolved and didn't arrive broken! Of the 3 types of laundry detergent packs I tested these are the only ones that passed both tests.
    • They worked really well for cleaning our clothing.
    • Was good for my sensitive skin and I didn't get any rashes.
    • Available at Walmart and Target.

    Cons:

    • They do come in a plastic bag so not the most eco-friendly packaging.
    • Some reviewers online did complain that their packs did not dissolve so this may be an issue for some.
    • I did find that I needed to use more than one pod to get our more dirty laundry clean so in the long run this wouldn't be very cost effective.

    Important note: You may see other clean living bloggers and wellness experts advising you to avoid Seventh Generation because they use Laureth-6 in their laundry detergent. This ingredient can be problematic because it can get contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, but the Seventh Generation detergent has been independently tested and did not show evidence of this 1,4-dioxane, so at this time I feel comfortable recommending this product.

    Price: $12.79 USD

    Size: 42 pods

    Formulated for cold water: Yes

    Shop for Seventh Generation laundry detergent packs on Amazon
    Shop at Walmart
    Shop at Target

    The Best Non Toxic Laundry Detergent Strips

    Lazy Coconuts Laundry Detergent Strips

    The Lazy Coconuts Laundry Detergent Strips are a great option for getting your laundry clean, and also reducing your environmental impact as these produce zero waste!

    Features: Biodegradable and hypoallergenic. Can be used in all washing machines including HE machines.

    Certifications: cruelty free, vegan, ultra low emission, compact by design, zero waste, carbon negative. Rated an A on the EWG database.

    Pros:

    • I love that there is no waste with these strips and absolutely no plastic.
    • These do not produce plastic microbeads or micro plastics.
    • They are really easy to use.
    • These are the best for travelling.
    • These work really well for cleaning and removing stains.
    • Work for my sensitive skin and don't give me rashes.

    Cons:

    • I can't buy these locally and have to order online. But that is a very minor issue.

    Price: $14.95 USD

    Size: 48 strips

    Formulated for cold water: yes

    Shop for Lazy Coconuts laundry detergent strips on Amazon
    Buy at Lazy Coconuts
    Buy at Walmart

    Detergents I didn't love as much:

    As I mentioned in the introduction, I have tried many brands of clean laundry detergents over the years and some of them didn't work as well as I would have liked or I had reactions to them. Here are some of the others I have tried and didn't love:

    • Puracy liquid laundry detergent- I love this brands stain remover so I was excited to try their laundry detergent as well but it just didn't work as well as some of the others I have tried.
    • ECOS liquid laundry detergent - this one gave me a rash. I am not sure which ingredient it was that I was sensitive to in it but it didn't work for me.
    • Grab Green laundry detergent pods - these just didn't work that well for removing stains or odours.
    • Molly's Suds laundry powder - this just didn't work that well for me. I found our clothes still had a slight smell and just didn't feel as clean as with some of the others I tried. I have heard that the Molly's Suds liquid laundry detergent works better but I haven't had a chance to try it yet.
    • GO by Greenshield Organic Laundry Detergent - this one didn't work very well for me. I found it wasn't that great for removing smells or stains. It also leaked when shipped.
    • 9 Elements Natural Laundry Detergent - I actually really like this laundry detergent. It works really well and I love and the fact that they only use 9 ingredients, but both times I ordered this from Amazon the bottle leaked so I have a hard time recommending it. If you like in the US you can buy this one at Target so that is probably a safer option than risking buying it online.
    • Earthley Wellness Laundry Detergent - This one just didn't work as well for me and the detergent was pretty clumpy in the package.
    • Good Natured Brand Laundry Soda - This detergent made my skin very itchy so I must have been sensitive to something in the formula.
    • Defunkify Powder Laundry Detergent - I actually liked this powdered detergent a lot but I found the seal on the bag hard to close and it does come in plastic, whereas the other laundry powders I tried came in more eco-friendly and sustainable packaging so for those reasons it wouldn't be my first choice when it comes to non-toxic powdered laundry detergent.
    • Aspen Clean Laundry Detergent Pods - While I love the Aspen Clean liquid laundry detergent I was disappointed by these pods. They were hit or miss for me on whether or not they would actually dissolve. Hopefully the brand is able to remedy this issue overtime because they are a more eco-friendly option which I would love to be able to recommend.
    • Grab Green 3-in-1 Laundry Detergent Pods - I liked how these ones worked but when I ordered them many of the pods had either been crushed or broken open during shipping. I have seen others online complain of the same issue so this seems to be a problem with the packaging in general.

    Laundry detergent brands to avoid:

    All of these laundry detergents have ingredients that could cause health issues so you will want to avoid them. Some of these brands are advertised as clean or "cleaner" but when you actually review the ingredients they actually aren't as safe as advertised.

    • Ajax
    • All
    • Arm & Hammer (with the exception of their regular baking soda and their Super Washing Soda Detergent Booster & Household Cleaner)
    • Cheer
    • Clorox
    • Downy
    • Dreft
    • Dropps detergent pods
    • Dynamo
    • Earth Breeze laundry detergent sheets - testing indicates they contains PFAS chemicals
    • ECOS laundry detergent sheets - have been shown to contain evidence of PFAS chemicals
    • Era
    • Fab
    • Force of Nature laundry detergent sheets - have been shown to contain evidence of PFAS chemicals
    • Gain
    • Kirkland
    • LA’s
    • Method
    • Mrs. Myers
    • OxyClean
    • Persil
    • Purex
    • Resolve
    • Shout
    • Suavitel
    • Sun
    • The Laundress
    • Tide
    • Up & Up (Target)
    • Great Value (Walmart)
    • Xtra

    Ingredients to avoid in laundry detergents:

    If you are reading labels and ingredients lists on laundry detergents and trying to determine which ingredients can be potentially harmful to health, here is a list of ingredients to watch for and avoid. For further reading and more information on these ingredients please refer to the articles in the reference list at the end of this post. This is not a complete list of all the potentially harmful ingredients in laundry detergents, but these are some of the most commonly used.

    Fragrances:

    Fragrances are one of the most common ingredients in household products and personal care products. The problem with fragrances is that they are considered to be trade secrets (this applies to fragrances used in any industry – whether it be laundry detergents, air fresheners, candles, shampoos, body washes, deodorant etc). This means that a company doesn’t have to disclose the ingredients used to make that fragrance. The problem with this is that some of the ingredients used in fragrances can be carcinogens, hormone disruptors, allergens, airway irritants, neurological-toxins and ingredients linked to infertility. 

    One of the ingredient classes commonly used in fragrances that can be bad for our health are phthalates. Phthalates are used to help fragrances last longer. Unfortunately, phthalates can be hormone disruptors that are linked to infertility, weight gain, lowering the IQ of children, and cancers.

    As well, according to the Environmental Working Group, 95% of chemicals used in synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum and include benzene derivatives, such as toluene, which is known to cause urothelial or bladder cancer. Phthalates in fragrances have also been linked to bladder cancer. 

    To avoid fragrances in products look for the words "fragrance", "perfume" or "parfume" on the product ingredient list.

    Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

    PFAS are a class of chemicals that provide stain and water resistant coatings. For instance they are often used on non-stick pans, rain coats, stain resistant furniture, food packaging etc. PFAS chemicals have been termed “forever chemicals” because they are persistent, meaning they build up and don’t go away. They resist degradation in the environment and they remain in our bodies for years, and sometimes even decades after exposure. 

    PFAS, even at low doses, can be harmful to health and are known to have a number of harmful effects on human health including but not limited to:

    • They are endocrine disruptors or hormone disruptors. 
    • They increases the risks of certain cancers including thyroid and kidney cancer.
    • Can cause metabolic diseases including obesity and diabetes.
    • Can contribute to cardiovascular disease.
    • Can cause thyroid disease.
    • Can decrease sperm counts.
    • Can increase the chances of miscarriages in pregnancy.
    • Affects the growth, learning, and behaviour of infants and older children.
    • Increases risk of allergies and asthma in children.
    • Decreases chances of getting pregnant.

    Unfortunately more and more personal care and cleaning products are being found to contain PFAS, and recently many laundry detergent strips tested positive for indications of PFAS chemicals.

    Harmful preservatives

    Most consumer products need preservatives to prevent mold and bacteria growth (which is really important!). But some preservatives are safer than others.

    Parabens are a commonly used type of preservative. Unfortunately, parabens have weak estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity and can be hormone disruptors or endocrine disruptors. Parabens have also been linked to breast cancer, skin cancer, decreased sperm counts and infertility.

    Chlorine bleach

    Chlorine bleach can cause a number of harmful health effects including eye irritation, skin burns, pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), and respiratory issues and more.

    1,4-dioxane

    1,4-dioxane is not supposed to be used in laundry detergents. But unfortunately, studies have found it to be present in many laundry detergents. When cleaning products and detergents are made using a process called ethoxylation, 1,4-dioxane is created as a byproduct. Since it is a byproduct of ethylene oxide reacting with other ingredients, 1,4-dioxane is considered to be a contaminant and doesn't have to be included on product labels, so unfortunately, even if you are reading labels carefully, you won't see this ingredient listed.

    When it comes to health issues, 1,4-dioxane is a known carcinogen and is also known to cause liver disease, kidney disease and respiratory problems.

    UV brighteners/ optical brighteners

    Brighteners are used to make fabrics look whiter and brighter. The are also used to hide stains by coating the fabric with a substance that reflects light. The problem with these brighteners is that they can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs, and can harm aquatic life.

    Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs)

    Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs for short) are chemicals that are widely used as surfactants in detergents. Unfortunately, they are known hormone disruptors, or endocrine disrupting chemicals, and mimic estrogen in the body. They can cause hormone problems, nervous system problems, immune system problems, obesity, allergies and breast cancer. They are also known to increase the toxicity of other endocrine disrupting chemicals and they are harmful to marine and aquatic life.

    Surfactants

    Surfactants are used widely in laundry detergents because they help the products clean your clothes more effectively. Unfortunately, not all surfactants are created equally and some have concerning health risks. There are three types of surfactants on the market:

    Natural surfactants

    These are derived from vegetable or animal fats and are the safest for our health.

    Naturally derived surfactants

    Naturally derived surfactants are made by modifying coconut oil or other plant-based fatty acids. Unfortunately, even though they are naturally derived they do have potential health risks. Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS) are naturally derived surfactants that can be eye irritants and skin irritants. While these are generally pretty mild health concerns, another concern regarding these chemicals is that they are known to be toxic to aquatic life. So while the human health concerns are pretty mild, their toxicity and harm to other animals and species must also be considered.

    Synthetic or petroleum based surfactants

    Synthetic surfactants have potential health effects and their potential for contamination with other harmful ingredients is higher. One examples of a synthetic surfactant is Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES). Ammonium Laureth Sulfate can be an irritant to the skin, and eyes, but of even greater concern is that it is easily contaminated with ethylene oxide during the ethoxylation process, which leads to the creation of 1,4-dioxane, and as we previously discussed, 1,4-dioxane is a known carcinogen.

    Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is another synthetic surfactant that can be an allergen to some people, and while for most people this should not be an issue, the other concerns with PEGs is that depending on the manufacturing process, they may become contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. Unfortunately, current labelling rules do not require brands to test for or disclose this contamination information so it would be very difficult for you to find out if the PEGs used in a product are contaminated or not.

    Phosphates

    Phosphates are known to be toxic to aquatic life and harmful to the environment. There is less information regarding their potential toxicity in humans, but there is some evidence linking them to heart disease and osteoporosis.

    Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs)

    Ammonium quaternary compounds (also known as quats or QACs) are used as sanitizing and antibacterial agents in many different industries, including in laundry detergents. The problem with QACs is that they are toxic to many aquatic organisms including fish, daphnids, algae, rotifer and the microorganisms used in wastewater treatment systems. Antibiotic resistance has also emerged in microorganisms due to excessive use of QACs in household and industrial applications. Animal studies have also shown QACs to cause mitochondrial dysfunction, decreased fertility, skin irritation, weight loss and lung problems if inhaled.

    Benzyl acetate

    Benzyl acetate is used as a flavoring agent in foods, as a fragrance in soaps, perfumes and detergents, as a solvent for cellulose acetate and nitrate, and as a component of printing inks and varnish removers. Animals studies have shown this chemical to cause cancer, reproductive toxicity as well as damage to the brain, liver, kidneys, tongue and skeletal muscles if ingested. Human studies have shown it to be a skin irritant and unfortunately topical application of benzyl acetate leads to absorption of this chemical through the skin.

    Formaldehyde and Quaternium-15

    Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that toxic to both humans and animals. Some companies add formaldehyde directly to their products, while others add quaternium-15 which is a preservative that releases formaldehyde into the product.

    Artificial colours, preservatives and dyes

    Some companies will add artificial colors to their laundry detergent to give them a pretty color. Unfortunately, artificial colors and dyes are linked to behavioural issues and ADHD while artificial preservatives, like BHT and BHA, may be carcinogenic or endocrine disruptors. Butylated compounds such as BHA and BHT are known endocrine disruptors and are also toxic to other organs. The are also likely a human carcinogen. They are especially concerning for pregnant women and children.

    Frequently asked questions:

    Is Tide non-toxic?

    Tide powdered laundry detergent is not considered to be a non toxic laundry detergent. The original powdered Tide formula is made with ingredients that can be unsafe and harmful to health including sodium polyacrylate, PEG-75, fragrance, and disodium diaminostilbene disulfonate, just to name a few.

    Is Arm & Hammer laundry detergent toxic?

    Arm & Hammer powdered and liquid laundry detergents would not be considered to be safe or non toxic. They contain a number of ingredients which can be harmful to health including fragrances, polyacrylic acid, sodium alkyl aryl ether sulphates, alcohol ethoxylates (C12-15), and sodium tripolyphosphate, just to name a few.

    Is Purex laundry detergent toxic?

    Purex laundry detergent would not be considered non-toxic as it contains ingredients such as C12-15 pareth-9, sodium trimethylpentene/ma copolymer, polyacrylates, fragrances and more which can cause health issues.

    Other health info you will like:

    • The best non toxic toothpastes
    • The best non toxic body lotions
    • The best non toxic body washes
    • The best non toxic mattresses
    • Are candles toxic?
    • Is there mercury in your mascara?
    • How to choose a safe deodorant
    • How to choose a safe sunscreen

    Since you made it this far we are basically best friends so be sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok and Facebook where I share even more recipes and healthy living tips!

    Our expertise:

    Dr. Erin Carter, MD, FRCPC, is a physician with board certifications in internal medicine and rheumatology. She is passionate about nutrition, environmental health and low toxicity living and has been doing research and publishing information in this area for years. She is also a self-trained chef and has been creating and publishing recipes since 2015. Her recipes have been featured on many different websites and online publications.

    DISCLAIMERS: The statements made on this website have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration or Health Canada. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. You assume full responsibility for how you use this information. Always consult with your physician or other health professionals before making any diet or lifestyle changes. This post may contain affiliate links whereby if you purchase these products I receive a small percentage of the sale price. This allows me to keep the blog running and I thank you for allowing me to do that!

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    A photo of Dr. Erin Carter wearing a floral dress in her kitchen.

    Hi everyone!

    My name is Dr. Erin Carter and I am so thrilled you are here. I am a physician with specialties in both internal medicine and rheumatology, and I believe that food and healthy living are forms of medicine. In my spare time I share health information and delicious, healthy recipes here on Pure and Simple Nourishment.

    More about me

    Summer Recipes

    • A bottle of dill pickle salad dressing with cut up pickles beside it.
      Dill Pickle Salad Dressing with Pickle Juice (so easy!)
    • A lemon lavender cookie on a baking sheet with a bite out of it and surrounded by lemon slices.
      Lemon Lavender Cookies (gluten-free option)
    • Two ginger turmeric shots in glass bottles with white lids surrounded by ginger, turmeric, orange slices and lemon slices.
      Easy Lemon Ginger Turmeric Shots Recipe & Benefits (no juicer)
    • A jar of raspberry chia pudding topped with fresh raspberries and white chia seeds.
      5 Ingredient Raspberry Chia Pudding
    • A jar of chocolate orange overnight oats garnished with orange zest.
      The Best Chocolate Orange Overnight Oats
    • A bowl of coconut whipped cream.
      Easy Coconut Whipped Cream (vegan, dairy-free)

    Health Info

    • A collage of different air fryers with the title "Non-Toxic Air Fryers" over them.
      6 Non-Toxic Air Fryers - without Teflon or PFAS (2025 Update)
    • A collage of many different sunscreen bottles with the title The Best Safe Sunscreens Over them.
      10 Non-Toxic Sunscreens (tried and tested)
    • Two girls laying on the beach with their legs in the air and the title "how to choose a safe sunscreen" over them.
      How to Choose Non-Toxic Sunscreen & the Best Brands
    • A collage of toothpastes, flosses, and bamboo toothbrushes with the title "the best natural dental care products" above them.
      Non-Toxic Dental Care Products

    Popular Recipes

    • A paleo apple pie bar with a bite out of it and pieces of cooked apples beside it.
      Healthy Apple Pie Bars (gluten-free, vegan & paleo)
    • A gluten free burger in a bun with lettuce, tomato and ketchup.
      The Best Gluten-Free Burgers Recipe (so juicy!)
    • A loaf of gluten free chocolate chip banana bread cut into pieces.
      The Best Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Banana Bread (dairy free & paleo)
    • A paleo chocolate chip zucchini muffin with a bite out of it.
      Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins (dairy-free & paleo)
    • A bowl of Whole30 asian coleslaw with dressing being poured on it.
      The Best Healthy Asian Coleslaw Salad
    • A jar of berry cheesecake overnight oats topped with fresh berries with a spoon in it.
      The Best Berry Cheesecake Overnight Oats

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