Laundry detergents are designed to clean your clothes, but some popular brands contain harmful ingredients that could do more harm than good.
From triggering allergies to containing chemicals linked to cancer, many detergents on the market today raise serious health concerns.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) reviewed 434 general-purpose laundry detergents and found alarming results:
- 65% scored a D or worse.
- 37.6% received an F rating.
These scores were based on the presence of toxic ingredients, environmental impact, and transparency in labeling.
Here’s what you need to know about the worst offenders and the ingredients to watch out for.
The Problem with Conventional Laundry Detergents
Many popular laundry detergents contain harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances that can:
- Trigger skin and respiratory allergies.
- Disrupt hormones.
- Cause long-term health issues, including cancer.
Even detergents marketed as “safe” or “gentle” may include harmful ingredients, making it crucial to examine product labels and EWG scores.
Worst Laundry Detergent Brands
1. Tide Original
- EWG Grade: F
- Why It’s Problematic:
- Contains sodium borate, which can disrupt hormones.
- Includes artificial fragrances, a common cause of skin and respiratory allergies.
2. Gain Liquid Detergent
- EWG Grade: F
- Why It’s Problematic:
- Contains methylisothiazolinone, a preservative linked to skin allergies and potential neurotoxicity.
- Heavy use of synthetic fragrances.
3. Arm & Hammer Clean Burst
- EWG Grade: F
- Why It’s Problematic:
- Contains sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a harsh surfactant that can irritate the skin.
- Uses optical brighteners that are not biodegradable and can cause allergic reactions.
4. All Free Clear
- EWG Grade: D
- Why It’s Problematic:
- Marketed for sensitive skin but contains benzisothiazolinone, which can cause skin and eye irritation.
- Includes surfactants that are harmful to aquatic life.
5. Persil ProClean
- EWG Grade: D
- Why It’s Problematic:
- Contains formaldehyde releasers, which are linked to cancer.
- Heavy artificial fragrance load.
6. Cheer BrightClean
- EWG Grade: F
- Why It’s Problematic:
- Includes quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), which can trigger asthma and skin irritation.
- Contains potentially toxic optical brighteners.
7. Dreft Stage 1: Newborn
- EWG Grade: F
- Why It’s Problematic:
- Marketed as safe for babies but contains synthetic fragrances and harsh cleaning agents.
- Can irritate sensitive skin and respiratory systems.
8. Fab Ultra
- EWG Grade: F
- Why It’s Problematic:
- Contains 1,4-dioxane, a probable carcinogen.
- Includes synthetic dyes that can irritate the skin.
Harmful Ingredients to Watch For
Here are some common ingredients found in the worst laundry detergents:
- 1,4-Dioxane: A probable human carcinogen found in many detergents as a byproduct of manufacturing.
- Formaldehyde Releasers: Preservatives that release formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.
- Synthetic Fragrances: Often made from undisclosed chemicals, they can trigger allergies and disrupt hormones.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): A surfactant that can irritate the skin and eyes.
- Optical Brighteners: Chemicals used to make clothes look whiter but can cause skin sensitivity and harm the environment.
- Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats): Linked to asthma and skin irritation.
What to Look for in a Safer Laundry Detergent
- Fragrance-Free: Avoid detergents with synthetic fragrances.
- EWG Rating: Choose products with an A or B rating from the Environmental Working Group.
- Plant-Based Ingredients: Opt for detergents made from natural, biodegradable components.
- Hypoallergenic: Ensure the product is free from dyes and harsh chemicals.
Safe Alternatives
Consider switching to one of these safer brands:
- Seventh Generation Free & Clear (EWG Grade: A)
- Biokleen Laundry Liquid (EWG Grade: A)
- ECOS Free & Clear (EWG Grade: A)
- Better Life Natural Laundry Detergent (EWG Grade: A)
These brands prioritize transparency, use plant-based ingredients, and avoid harmful chemicals.
While laundry detergents are essential for keeping our clothes clean, many popular brands come with hidden health risks.
By understanding the harmful ingredients and opting for safer alternatives, you can protect yourself and your family from potential allergies, hormone disruption, and even cancer-causing chemicals.
Share this article with others to help spread awareness about the dangers of certain laundry detergents and encourage healthier choices!