Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent in 2024

Sodium laureth sulfate, derived from ethoxylated lauryl alcohol, is a surfactant used in sudsy products like toothpaste, detergents, and shampoos. While it acts as a cleansing and emulsifying agent, it can sometimes contain toxic impurities such as 1,4-dioxane. This chemical has raised health concerns due to its potential to cause skin, lung, and eye irritation, organ toxicity, and, primarily because of contamination by 1,4 dioxane, cancer.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is recognised as a skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant according to ICSC. It may cause allergic reactions and eye irritation as stated by the HSDB. Exposure may even result in eye burns, as per CAMEO. Depending on its form - which may range from a solid (90-98% purity), to a paste (30-41%), or an aqueous solution (28-50%) - it can significantly irritate skin and eyes, with adverse effects escalating with increased concentration. Despite these hazards, it is not a skin sensitizer according to CHEMINFO, while eChemPortal: ERMA and MSDSonline endorse its classification as an irritant.

Nonylphenol ethoxylate, commonly found in cleaning products, has been linked to allergic contact dermatitis among workers. It is a strong eye irritant, causing mild to severe eye irritation, possible corneal injury, and mild skin irritation. Inhalation can be harmful. It has been shown to cause changes in liver functions and have demonstrated effects on the liver, kidney, and fetus at doses that are toxic to mothers (maternally toxic) in non-mammalian species. Despite these effects, there is no reported teratogenicity, carcinogenicity, or skin sensitization associated with nonylphenol ethoxylate in experimental animals and human studies.

Benzene is a colorless, sweet-smelling, highly flammable liquid that evaporates quickly into the air and slightly dissolves in water. It's a byproduct of both natural processes and human activities, used extensively in the U.S production of other chemicals for plastics, resins, nylon, rubbers, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. Present in crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke, benzene is also released into the air from burning coal, oil, gasoline stations, and vehicle exhaust. Short-term exposure may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and irritation, while long-term exposure leads to blood disorders, reproductive effects, and even leukemia. Benzene has been classified by EPA as a known human carcinogen, and regulations apply to various industry sectors with potentially high exposure risks.

DMDM hydantoin is a substance used in cosmetics that has the potential to cause allergic contact dermatitis, although rinse-off products generally have a low risk. According to various reports, skin sensitization patch testing has yielded positive results.

Imidurea is a compound used in cosmetics known to potentially cause allergic contact dermatitis. However, the risk of this condition is generally low with rinse off products. Although there have been reports of contact dermatitis caused by its use in cosmetics, some studies have not observed any contact sensitivity. It is identified as an irritant based on Aldrich Material Safety Data Sheet.

Quaternium-15 is a preservative commonly used in cosmetics which is known to significantly contribute to allergic contact dermatitis in users. This condition has been reported in various professions, including hairdressers, machine maintenance engineers at a chicken processing plant, and photocopy workers. Notably, Quaternium-15, as a formaldehyde releaser, increases dermatitis risk. However, rinse-off products typically pose a lower risk of resulting in allergic contact dermatitis.

Diethanolamine is a chemical found in various consumer products like shampoos, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Acute exposure in humans can result in irritation of the nose, throat, and skin. However, no detailed data is available on its chronic, reproductive, developmental or carcinogenic effects on humans. Studies on animals reveal that acute oral exposure can influence the liver, blood, kidney, and central nervous system, while dermal exposure has been connected with an increased incidence of liver and kidney tumors in mice. Production of first-degree burns, skin irritation, occupational asthma, kidney, and liver injury risk, and potential skin sensitization are some other adverse effects associated with diethanolamine.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released by many cleaning products, as revealed by a study in Chemosphere which analyzed 30 such items. Of the 530 distinct VOCs identified, 193 were considered hazardous, linked to health issues like respiratory system damage and cancer. Indoor air contamination from VOCs is significantly higher than outdoor, with up to 10 times more pollutants. However, products labeled as green, particularly those without fragrances, exhibited fewer hazardous VOC emissions. Exposure to VOCs has critical health implications, especially for cleaning industry workers and children, and these compounds also contribute to outdoor air pollution.

Monoalkyl phenols are primarily para substituted technical mixtures that have isomeric branched-alkyl radicals as side chains. This compound is corrosive to skin and can cause first-degree burns with short-term exposure. High inhalation can result in respiratory tract irritation, potentially leading to corrosive injuries to the upper respiratory tract and lungs. Moreover, it is harmful upon ingestion.

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.

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.

Stearyl Alcohol is not significantly toxic in industrial settings, although it can cause liver injury, somnolence, and respiratory depression in experimental animals. It can also induce somnolence in lethal-dose feeding studies on rats. Despite extensive research, no effects of short-term or long-term exposure to these substances have been identified in humans. However, higher alcohols can be irritants.

Denatonium Benzoate causes somnolence, tremor, and ataxia in rabbits and rats according to oral lethal-dose studies and is harmful by ingestion. It is one of the most bitterly known substances, with a 1980 case report linking it to urticaria and asthma. The European Union classifies it as highly toxic by inhalation and a potential cause of serious eye injury. Lastly, it is a strong eye irritant and skin irritant according to the Sigma-Aldrich Material Safety Data Sheet.

Disodium Distyrylbiphenyl Disulfonate does not cause skin irritation but can cause serious eye irritation in rabbits, as classified by the EC. It does not trigger skin sensitization in guinea pigs, yet it can lead to somnolence and dyspnea when inhaled in high concentrations by rats. While certain sources note it may cause transient eye irritation without any skin irritation or sensitization, it is confirmed that a 29-31% aqueous solution of the same is indeed an eye irritant.

Dimethyldioctadecylammonium chloride is a skin irritant and can cause serious eye injury. It's typically not available as an isolated compound but primarily found in dihydrogenated tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride (DHTDMAC). DHTDMAC is a substance containing variable proportions of similar compounds having carbon chains ranging from C12 to C20. It can be commercially obtained in different forms like a paste-like substance, powder, or aqueous emulsion, with varying percentages of dimethyldioctadecylammonium chloride. Studies on rabbits demonstrated that technical grade DODMAC, which has 77% dimethyldioctadecylammonium chloride, was corrosive to skin and the pure compound could cause moderate skin irritation along with severe eye damage.

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.

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.

Laureth-7, a surfactant derived from lauryl alcohol sourced from coconut or palm oil, is commonly used in personal care and household products, especially laundry detergents. In detergents, it functions by reducing surface tension between water and soil, aiding in the removal of dirt, stains, and oils from fabrics. This ingredient belongs to the Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs) family, which is found in various consumer goods. Despite past contamination concerns, modern manufacturing processes have addressed and eliminated these issues. Although PEGs are not used in certain personal care products, their inclusion in machine detergents is deemed acceptable since they don't directly touch the skin.

d-Limonene is a liquid with a lemon-like smell, often used as a solvent to substitute for more volatile and toxic organic solvents. When it comes into contact with air, it can oxidize, and this oxidized form is a known skin sensitizer, capable of irritating skin and eyes. The combination of d-limonene and l-limonene is known as limonene or dipentene. The estimated lethal dose for humans is between 0.5 to 5 g/kg, and studies have shown that it can cause diarrhea and liver effects when ingested in high doses.

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.

Methylisothiazolinone can reportedly cause allergic contact dermatitis in workers who interact with products containing it. This substance is recognized as a contact allergen for consumers using cosmetics that include it. It can cause skin burns and sensitization, and inhaling it may lead to corrosive injuries in the upper respiratory tract and lungs. Ingesting this substance is harmful, and inhalation is toxic. This preservative is linked to the category of isothiazolinones.

2-Aminoethanol is a colorless, viscous liquid that, despite not being registered for pesticide use in the U.S, holds vast potential in a variety of applications. It can be used in cutting fluids, production of soaps, surfactants, salts, corrosion control inhibitors, pharmaceuticals, and even in protective topical solutions against chemical warfare agents. Used as a pharmaceutical adjuvant, 2-Aminoethanol is effective as a solvent for fats and oils and in creating emulsion formulas like lotions and creams. However, it poses health risks, as a 5.9% concentration can irritate human skin and inhalation may cause allergic reactions, liver damage, and liver symptoms.

Benzene is a colorless, highly flammable liquid with a sweet smell. It is used in a variety of products, including motor fuels, solvents, pharmaceuticals, and detergents. It's also present in substances such as crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke, and is one of the top 20 most produced chemicals in the U.S. However, benzene is also known to be a human carcinogen, with both acute and chronic exposure causing numerous health concerns, including drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, and irritation in the short-term and blood disorders, reproductive effects, anemia, and an increased risk of leukemia in the long-term. Various measures have been taken to limit benzene exposure, including the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration setting standards for occupational exposure and the European Union reducing the maximum allowed benzene content in gasoline from 5% to 1% by volume in 2000.

Permitted as an inert ingredient in non-food pesticide products, Polydimethylsiloxane is classified as an irritant. According to Scientific Polymer Products MSDS, it may form a siloxane polymer upon contact with skin, eyes, or lungs. This suggests the chemical can potentially cause irritation when users come into direct contact with it during use, emphasizing the importance of protective measures.

Polyoxyethylene is a potent detergent with capabilities in washing, emulsifying, dispersing, wetting, and solubilizing. When humans consumed polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate, it typically showed no toxic effects, but there were isolated allergic reactions. Industrially, this chemical is integral in producing various household cleaning items, including laundry detergents and spot removers, as well as personal care products like creams and lotions.

Sodium borate, a toxic white powder, is used in various products ranging from cleaning agents and personal care items to children's toys for pH adjustment. Commonly known as borax, it's found in cleaners, detergents, air fresheners, diaper creams, and some toys like playdough. Although often considered a "green" component, sodium borate can lead to organ system toxicity, fertility issues, harm to an unborn child, endocrine disruption, skin allergies, eye and respiratory irritation, and damage to the male reproductive system. Canada has imposed restrictions on its use in cosmetics.

Sodium Cumenesulfonate is a mild eye irritants that can be significantly absorbed upon ingestion but not after skin application. It has not shown skin sensitization in animal tests but have caused acute toxicity symptoms such as decreased activity, prostration, increased saliva production, diarrhea, and liver congestion. Furthermore, sodium cumenesulfonate has not demonstrated carcinogenic effects in dermal exposure studies.

Sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda or lye, is an odorless white crystalline solid that absorbs moisture from the air. It generates significant heat when dissolved in water or neutralized with acid which may ignite combustible materials. It is highly corrosive and is typically used as a solid or in a 50% solution. Sodium hydroxide is used to manufacture a variety of products including soaps, rayon, paper, explosives, dyestuffs, and petroleum products. Exposure to this substance may cause severe burns, necrosis, and pulmonary edema, depending on the concentration and exposure method.

Sodium metasilicate is a type of compound that includes varying amounts of sodium oxide (Na2-O) and silica (Si2-O), and its aqueous solutions are heavily alkaline and corrosive, typically containing weight ratios of silica to sodium oxide between 1.6 to 3.8. It is a strong irritant for skin and eyes and can be toxic if ingested in high doses. In its aerosol form, it can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. The compound, tested at specific molar ratios, has shown corrosive effects on rabbit skin but hasn't shown any sensitizing effects in a local lymph node assay study on mice. Both hydrous and anhydrous forms, including Sodium metasilicate pentahydrate, Sodium metasilicate nonahydrate, Sodium silicate, and Potassium silicate, share similar uses and adverse effects, mainly due to their corrosive effects on metal and tissue resulting from their alkalinity.

Sodium triphosphate is identified as a moderate irritant to the skin and mucous membranes. It can manifest as a mild skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant, particularly in aerosol form. It may cause discomfort in the eyes, nose, and throat. High-dose ingestion in animal studies has also indicated potential for kidney damage. Various sources, including Merck Index, ICSC, CAMEO, CHEMINFO, and MSDSonline indicate its potential as an irritant.

Sulfuric acid, a clear and highly corrosive liquid, is employed in the creation of fertilizers, other acids, and glue, and is used in petroleum purification, metal pickling, and lead-acid batteries. It can cause severe burns, is a potential human carcinogen, can trigger pulmonary edema, and may erode tooth enamel.

Triethanolamine appears to cause occupational asthma and allergic contact dermatitis in machinists and photographers, as well as liver and kidney damage in animals with high-dose feeding. It's noted to be an irritant to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, with potential to cause skin sensitization, though the rate of skin sensitization in humans is low. Triethanolamine has low acute toxicity, with median oral LD50 values of 4,190-11,260 mg/kg in rats and 5,300-8,000 mg/kg in guinea pigs, and a median dermal LD50 greater than 2,000 mg/kg in rabbits. Triethanolamine is not carcinogenic, developmental toxicant, or toxic to the reproductive system. However, chronic exposure may lead to liver and kidney damage.

Potassium hydroxide 30-70% is a liquid that is highly corrosive to skin, causing second or third-degree burns even after brief contact. It is a hazardous substance that can also induce pulmonary edema, a condition characterized by excessive fluid in the lungs. The effects and properties of this chemical can be compared to those of Sodium hydroxide.

1,4-Dioxane is a clear, water-soluble liquid that is primarily used as a solvent in chemical manufacturing and laboratory reagents. Other uses leverage its solvent properties, including cosmetics, detergents, and shampoos. However, manufacturers generally reduce 1,4-Dioxane to low levels in these products due to its potential health risks. Acute exposure can result in symptoms such as vertigo, drowsiness, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Chronic exposure may lead to liver and kidney damage, and the substance is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA. Notably, severe kidney and liver damage, CNS effects, and even death have been recorded after heavy or prolonged exposure.