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Best Non-Toxic Dryer Sheets in 2024
Updated:
Nov 18, 2024
Written by Camille May
Cofounder & Product Curator
+ 1 more
Medically reviewed by Olushola Awoyemi
PhD Environmental Toxicology
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Our use of affiliate links does not influence how we rate products. Learn more about our affiliate policy here.
What you should know when choosing non-toxic dryer sheets on Welpr:
- Only the cleanest products make it onto Welpr.
- We use a score called the Welpr Rating to rank each product.
- The Welpr Rating is based on math, not opinion, ensuring it's free from human bias.
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Find Non-Toxic Dryer Sheets
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
Wet Dryer Sheets, Fragrance Free - Grab Green
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$17.66
Product Details
- Contains 3 packs of 32 sheets each, totaling 96 sheets that can handle 192 loads.
- Naturally softens and reduces static cling with plant and mineral-based ingredients, without using wax or animal derivatives.
- Packaged wet for reuse, each sheet can be used twice.
- Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, ideal for individuals with sensitivities to scents and dyes.
- Compostable and can be used as dusting cloths after drying cycles.
- Free from phosphates, phthalates, chlorine, toxins, dyes, and masking agents.
- Cruelty-free, not tested on animals and made with responsibly-sourced ingredients.
- Proudly made in the USA by a female and mother owned and operated company.
- Transparent ingredient listing, clearly explaining the purpose of each component.
- Packaging features a resealable front closure and clear usage instructions.
- Products are Rainforest Alliance Certified, ensuring biodegradability and compostability in suitable facilities.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Biodegradable
- Unscented
- Eco-friendly
Cons Mentioned
- Misleading
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.
Ingredients: Deionized Water, Canola Ester Quaternary Amine, Propylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Benzisothiazolinone, Sodium Hydroxide
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
Laundry Wool Dryer Balls, Unscented - Kind
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$19.99
Product Details
- Speeds up drying time by 25% by creating air pockets between fabrics, allowing hot air to pass through more efficiently.
- Softens laundry without synthetic fabric softeners, reducing fabric stiffness and addressing static cling, thus keeping laundry wrinkle-free, lint-free, and pet hair-free.
- Long-lasting use with up to 1,000 loads of laundry possible per set; can be recharged by washing on a gentle warm cycle and then drying.
- Made from pure New Zealand wool without synthetic fillers, chemicals, or fragrances, ideal for delicate skin and compostable after degradation.
- Each pack contains three balls, suitable for regular to medium loads, compact and portable for travel.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Soft
- Durable
- Eco-friendly
Cons Mentioned
- Snagging
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.
Ingredients: 100% Pure New Zealand Wool
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets, Unscented - Molly's Suds
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$12.99
Product Details
- Composed of 97% plant-based materials, effective for softening fabric and reducing static.
- Designed for sensitive skin and eco-friendly use, free of waxes, dyes, harsh fragrances, and animal derivatives.
- Incorporates essential oils for a light, natural scent and a gentle feel on clothes.
- Certified Cruelty-Free by Leaping Bunny and manufactured in the USA.
- Convenience of use with compostable packaging, suitable for recycling post-use.
- Usability includes multiple applications from a single sheet, with variations in usage for different load sizes.
- Founded by a pediatric nurse aiming for safer, more transparent cleaning product ingredients.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Unscented
- Non-toxic
- Softening
Cons Mentioned
- Static
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.
Ingredients: C16-18 Glycerides, Di-(Palm Carboxyethyl) Hydroxyethyl Methylammonium, Methyl Sulfates, C16-18 Fatty Acids, Natural Fragrances* *Derived From Natural Plant Essences And Oils, Safer Choice And ISO-9235 Compliant, Free Of Petrochemicals, Solvents, Dyes, And Pesticides
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
Dryer Sheets, Lavender - Mrs. Meyer's
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$8.79
Product Details
- Reduce static and add freshness to clothes
- Soften fabrics with plant-derived fibers
- Features a garden-inspired Lavender scent with a clean floral fragrance
- Free from parabens and phthalates
- Cruelty-free formulas, certified by Leaping Bunny
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Fragrant
- Softening
- Non-toxic
Cons Mentioned
- Overpowering
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.
Ingredients: Dihydrogenated Palmoylethyl Hydroxyethylmonium Methosulfate, C16-18 And C18 Unsaturated Glycerides, C16-18 Fatty Acids, Fragrance, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Abies Alba (Fir) Leaf Oil, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Oil, Paper
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets, Fragrance Free - Clean People
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$14.95
Product Details
- Softens fabric and reduces static cling
- Vegan and cruelty-free product
- Formulated for sensitive skin
- Compatible with HE and all traditional washing machines
- Septic safe
- Product packaging made from post-consumer recycled plastic
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Softening
- Scent
Cons Mentioned
- Inconsistent
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.
Ingredients: Vegetable Glycerin, Starch, Pva, Potassium Sorbate, Light Mineral Oil, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Glyceryl Cocoate, Lauryl Glucoside, Residual Water
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
Dryer Sheets, Lavender Grapefruit - Better Life
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$8.63
Product Details
- Natural dryer sheets soften stubborn threads and reduce static.
- Infused with a lavender grapefruit scent for a pleasant aroma.
- Designed safe for sensitive skin.
- Safe around kids, pets, and environmentally friendly.
- Non-toxic and biodegradable formulation.
- Never tested on animals, ensuring ethical product development.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Natural
- Softening
- Compostable
Cons Mentioned
- Static
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.
Ingredients: Unbleached Paper, Dihydrogenated Palmoylethyl Hydroxyethylmonium Methosulfate (Plant Derived Softening Agents)
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
Reusable Dryer Sheets, Fresh - PurEcosheet
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$14.95
Product Details
- Made of 99% polyester and 1% nylon, manufactured in North America.
- Hypoallergenic, free of chemicals, perfumes, and dyes, ensuring safety and comfort for sensitive skin and eczema or allergy sufferers.
- Reusable for hundreds of loads, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional dryer sheets.
- Does not leave chemical residues on clothes, maintaining the fabric's softness and freshness.
- Compatible with all fabric types, including delicate and technical fabrics, and does not stain or damage clothing.
- Safe for use with children’s sleepwear and cloth diapers, retaining flame resistance and absorbency.
- Vegan-friendly product that supports eco-friendly practices by reducing energy costs and keeping dryers clean and efficient.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Durable
- Eco-friendly
Cons Mentioned
- Static
Our Product Rating System
First, Camille (co-creator of Welpr) hand picks cleaner product options from a variety of sources.
Next, we collect information about each product's safety, consumer satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing.
Finally, we run all this information through an algorithm that calculates the Welpr Rating.
Welpr Rating:
5.0/5
Part 1: Product safety
We evaluate safety information from 3rd party organizations (e.g. EWG, Made Safe, etc.). Instead of relying solely on any one of these companies for safety information, we assess all of them.
Part 2: Consumer satisfaction
We scour the web for consumer ratings and reviews to verify products are not only cleaner options, but also effective. Products can either be Above Average, Average, or Below average for their respective category (e.g. cleaning products).
Part 3: Ethics & Environment
When you buy a product, you’re supporting that company with your dollars. We believe it’s important to support ethical companies, so we pool together certifications that verify a company's ethics and environmental impact.
Common Harmful Chemicals in Dryer Sheets
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
Dipalmitoylethyl hydroxyethylmonium methosulfate
Dipalmitoylethyl hydroxyethylmonium Methosulfate has been linked to respiratory effects, developmental, endocrine, and reproductive issues, as well as acute aquatic toxicity. A compound with a similar structure is recognized as an asthmagen, leading to sensitization. Data from the European Union Ecolabel program indicates that this substance possesses high acute toxicity to aquatic organisms. The presence of quaternary ammonium compounds in human blood has been correlated with heightened inflammation, diminished mitochondrial function, and cholesterol disruption. Furthermore, this chemical, commonly found in dryer sheets, is known to cause allergic reactions, elevate the risk of asthma, and negatively impact reproductive health.
Sources:
Benzyl Alcohol
Benzyl alcohol can occasionally lead to allergic contact dermatitis or occupational contact urticaria. It can irritate the skin and eyes, and inhalation at high quantities can result in central nervous system effects. Rats exposed to high concentrations showed no deaths, however, it has caused fatalities in premature infants when given in IV solutions at doses over 4.5mg/kg a day. The substance is quickly metabolized to hippuric acid and is noted as a known contact allergen in humans.
Ethyl Acetate
Ethyl acetate is a volatile substance, recognized by the U.N. International Drug Control Programme for its potential to cause narcosis when inhaled. It is also listed as an irritant to the eyes and respiratory tract. Furthermore, when subjected to high concentrations, ethyl acetate can cause adverse effects on the Central Nervous System (CNS).
Linalool
Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in many flowers and spice plants, consisting of two enantiomers. It is widely used in commercial products for its pleasant floral and spicy scent, serving as a key ingredient in soaps, fragrances, food flavors, household products, and insecticides. In plants, linalool functions as a metabolite, volatile oil component, antimicrobial agent, and aroma compound. Acute exposure to linalool can lead to central depressive effects with symptoms such as ataxia, reduced motor activity, and respiratory disturbances. Additionally, inhalation, oral intake, or skin absorption can result in irritation, pain, and allergic reactions.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas with a pungent smell that's naturally produced in small quantities in human bodies and is also known as methanal amongst other names. It's used in the production of various items such as fertilizers, paper, plywood, and urea-formaldehyde resins as well as in some foods and household products like antiseptics, medicines, and cosmetics. Exposure to formaldehyde, which can occur through breathing contaminated indoor air, tobacco smoke, or ambient urban air can lead to respiratory symptoms, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat and has been linked to lung and nasopharyngeal cancer as well as leukemia. The EPA considers formaldehyde a probable human carcinogen (Group B1) and inhaling it can cause bronchospasm and pulmonary edema. Commercially, it's sold as formalin in solutions of 37%, 44%, or 50% and long-term exposure can cause first-degree burns, skin sensitization, squamous cell nasal cancer, and chronic pulmonary obstruction.
Sources:
Formaldehyde and Cancer Risk, Cleaning Products & Indoor Air Quality, No More Toxic Tub, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Preservatives, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Formaldehyde And Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives, Formaldehyde may be found in cosmetic products even when unlabelled, Formaldehyde Found in Popular American Beauty Products, Hair Salons - Formaldehyde in Your Products, Formaldehyde in cosmetic products
Benzisothiazolinone
Isothiazolinones are preservatives known to cause allergic contact dermatitis, primarily in workers involved in manufacturing industries like paint, paper, rubber, and air fresheners. Additionally, there's a reported case of occupational asthma from exposure to this chemical among workers.
Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Butylphenyl methylpropional, also known as lilial, is a chemical compound commonly used in cosmetics and laundry powders. It is found naturally in crow-dipper and tomato plants and is also produced synthetically in large quantities. In May 2019, the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) deemed its use in cosmetics as unsafe. Following animal studies indicating reproductive toxicity, the EU banned its use in cosmetics by March 2022. Moreover, butylphenyl methylpropional can sometimes serve as an allergen, potentially leading to contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals.
Sources:
Fragranced consumer products: exposures and effects from emissions, 10 reasons to avoid synthetic fragrances in cleaning products, Synthetic chemical in consumer products linked to early death, study finds, Review of the Styrene Assessment in the National Toxicology Program 12th Report on Carcinogens, Expert Panel Confirms that Fragrance Ingredient Can Cause Cancer, Fragrances, Beyond the Label: Health Impacts of Harmful Ingredients in Cleaning Products
Methylchloroisothiazolinone
5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (CMI) is a compound frequently used as a preservative in cosmetics, hygiene products, and other industrial applications such as hydraulic fracturing fluids. It can also be deployed as a pesticide in the U.S, pending regulatory approval. CMI, which is often used in combination with 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (MI), can cause contact dermatitis in humans. Various animal studies have shown that a high exposure to a CMIT/MIT mixture can cause alterations in rats' liver function. The production and use of CMI in a range of products mean it can be release into the environment, with some susceptibility to degradation through photolysis in sunlight. Its mobility in soil is high but volatilization from soil or water surfaces is not expected to be significant. Occupational and general exposure to CMI can occur especially through inhalation and dermal contact with CMI-containing products.
Sources:
Antimicrobial agents, triclosan, chloroxylenol, methylisothiazolinone and borax, used in cleaning had genotoxic and histopathologic effects on rainbow trout, Methylisothiazolinone toxicity and inhibition of wound healing and regeneration in planaria, Methylchloroisothiazolinone and/or methylisothiazolinone in cosmetic products, Isothiazolinone Biocides: Chemistry, Biological, and Toxicity Profiles, Methylisothiazolinone and isothiazolinone allergy, Analysis of isothiazolinones in environmental waters by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, Methylisothiazolinone induces apoptotic cell death via matrix metalloproteinase activation in human bronchial epithelial cells, EU REGULATIONS , Methylisothiazolinone contact allergy: a review, Effects of methylisothiazolinone and octylisothiazolinone on development and thyroid endocrine system in zebrafish larvae, Two Cases of Chloromethylisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone-associated Toxic Lung Injury, An update of the risk assessment for methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) with focus on rinse-off products, Effects of a mixture of chloromethylisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone on peripheral airway dysfunction in children, Isothiazolinone preservative: cause of a continuing epidemic of cosmetic dermatitis, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone
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