Finding the best non-toxic laundry detergents can feel overwhelming. Many brands claim to be safe, but a closer look at the ingredients tells a different story. Most regular detergents contain harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and leftover toxins. These can stay on clothes and irritate the skin.
Switching to a non toxic detergent is one of the easiest ways to create a healthier home. It means reducing exposure to chemical-filled cleaning products while still getting the cleaning power you need. Whether you’re looking for an organic washing detergent, something fragrance free for sensitive skin, or an eco friendly laundry detergent, you have plenty of great options. These choices work just as well without the harmful additives.
The challenge is knowing which ones are truly safe. Some brands market themselves as all natural laundry detergents, yet they still contain harsh chemicals that can cause skin irritation and contribute to a larger environmental impact. That’s why I’ve researched and created this list of the 10 best non-toxic laundry detergents.
Before we dive into the best options, let’s explore what makes a laundry detergent truly non-toxic.
What Makes a Laundry Detergent Truly Non-Toxic?
Not all natural clothes detergents are created equal. Some brands advertise themselves as eco friendly laundry detergents, but their ingredient lists tell a different story. Knowing what to look for and what to avoid is important when choosing a non toxic detergent. The right laundry soap should be safe for your home, skin, and the planet.
Ingredients to Avoid in Laundry Detergents
Many traditional detergents contain harsh chemicals that leave behind toxic laundry residues. These ingredients can cause skin irritation, damage fabrics, and even pollute waterways. Here are some of the worst offenders:
Synthetic Fragrances
Often labeled as just “fragrance,” these contain undisclosed chemicals linked to allergies, hormone disruption, and respiratory issues.
Sulfates (SLS, SLES)
Used for cleaning power, but can strip natural oils, causing irritation and dryness.
Optical Brighteners
Designed to make clothes appear whiter, these chemicals don’t actually clean – they just coat fabrics with a residue that can trigger skin irritation.
Phosphates & Chlorine Bleach
Harmful to both health and the environmental impact, these chemicals contribute to water pollution and can irritate the skin.
What to Look for in the Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergents
A healthy laundry detergent should be free from toxic laundry residues while still offering strong stain removal and cleaning power. Here’s what makes a chemical free laundry detergent truly safe:
Plant-Based Ingredients
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Fragrance Free or Naturally Scented
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Dermatologist-Tested & Hypoallergenic
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With so many options available, finding the cleanest laundry detergent can feel like a challenge. That’s why I’ve put together a list of the best non-toxic laundry detergents that check all these boxes. Each one is available on Amazon, making it easy to make the switch today.
Let’s get into the top 10 best non-toxic laundry detergents and find the perfect one for your home.
10 Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergents
1. Best for Freshness
ECOS Laundry Detergent Liquid, Lavender
If you love fresh-smelling laundry but don’t want a detergent loaded with synthetic fragrances, ECOS Lavender Laundry Detergent is a great option. It’s plant-based, gentle on skin, and has a light lavender scent from essential oils instead of overpowering perfumes.
Why Moms Love It:
2. Best for Sensitive Skin
Molly’s Suds Original Laundry Detergent Powder
If your family deals with sensitive skin, eczema, or allergies, finding a non toxic detergent that doesn’t cause skin irritation can be a struggle. Molly’s Suds is made with just five simple ingredients, so it cleans clothes without leaving behind harsh chemicals that can trigger breakouts or itching.
Why Moms Love It:
3. Best Smelling Natural Laundry Detergent
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Liquid Laundry Detergent
If you love freshly scented laundry but don’t want to deal with synthetic fragrances, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day is the perfect balance of amazing scent and non toxic ingredients. It uses essential oils instead of overpowering perfumes, so your clothes smell fresh without any fake, headache-inducing scents. With multiple scent options like Lavender, Lemon Verbena, and Basil, you can find the perfect natural fragrance for your home.
Why Moms Love It:
4. Best Budget-Friendly
Biokleen Natural Laundry Detergent Liquid
Switching to a non toxic detergent doesn’t have to be expensive. Biokleen gives you a plant-based, biodegradable formula that’s budget-friendly and highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way. It’s fragrance free, eco-friendly, and tough on dirt without any harsh chemicals.
Why Moms Love It:
5. Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent
Seventh Generation Concentrated Laundry Detergent
If you’re trying to cut down on harsh chemicals while still getting clean, fresh-smelling laundry, Seventh Generation is a solid pick. It’s made with plant-based ingredients, has zero synthetic fragrances, and actually works – because let’s be real, a non toxic detergent isn’t helpful if it doesn’t get the job done.
Why Moms Love It:
6. Best for Tough Stains
Tide Purclean Plant-Based Liquid Laundry Detergent
Let’s be honest – kids (and husbands) are stain-making experts. Whether it’s spaghetti sauce, grass stains, or who-knows-what on their clothes, you need a non toxic detergent that actually works. Tide Purclean is Tide’s first plant-based detergent, and it packs the same stain removal power you’d expect, minus the harsh chemicals.
Why Moms Love It:
7. Best for Fragrance-Free Lovers
Charlie’s Soap Laundry Powder
If you want clean clothes without any scent left behind, Charlie’s Soap is a fragrance free option that actually works. A lot of “free & clear” detergents still sneak in harsh chemicals, but this one is truly non toxic, making it great for sensitive skin and families who prefer their laundry smelling like nothing at all.
Why Moms Love It:
8. Best for Delicate Fabrics
The Laundress Signature Detergent
Some clothes need extra care – whether it’s silk, cashmere, or baby clothes that you want to keep soft and fresh. The Laundress Signature Detergent is a non toxic detergent designed for delicate fabrics, giving you a chemical free laundry detergent that’s gentle yet effective.
Why Moms Love It:
9. Best Laundry Detergent Sheets
Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets
If you’re looking to reduce plastic waste without compromising on cleaning power, Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets are a fantastic choice. These eco-friendly laundry detergent sheets are non-toxic, biodegradable, and come in plastic-free packaging, making them a safer choice for your family and the planet.
Why Moms Love It:
10. Best Powder Option
Nellie’s All-Natural Laundry Soda
If you prefer powder over liquid, Nellie’s All-Natural Laundry Soda is a great non toxic detergent that cleans deeply without leaving toxic laundry residues. It’s made with just four simple ingredients, making it a chemical free laundry detergent that’s safe for your family and the environment.
Why Moms Love It:
Finding a non-toxic detergent that truly works can feel overwhelming, but it shouldn’t be this hard. You shouldn’t have to trade cleaning power for safer ingredients. Thankfully, there are plenty of laundry soap options that get the job done without harsh chemicals.
Whether you need something fragrance free for sensitive skin or an eco friendly laundry detergent, you have choices. You deserve a detergent that works without leaving behind toxic residues.
Now that you have a list of safe options, picking the right one is easy. A healthier home starts with small changes, and this is a great place to start!
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