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You are here: Home / Natural Living / Top 12 Best Laundry Detergents for Health Conscious Shoppers

Updated on September 17, 2019 By Teresa | This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy here.

Top 12 Best Laundry Detergents for Health Conscious Shoppers

Which laundry detergent makes our clothes the whitest? Which detergent gets out the toughest stains? These are the questions that Consumers Reports asks when performing tests for the best laundry detergent. For years Tide has won their recommendation. Needless to say, Consumers Reports is overlooking one of the most important questions when it comes to laundry detergent – how many chemicals are in it? If that was the case, Tide and the other brands it recommends wouldn’t have made their list. Read on to learn what is the best natural laundry detergent and why.

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Do You Know What’s In Your Laundry Detergent?

Unfortunately, when it comes to laundry detergent ingredients, it’s anyone’s guess. Laundry product manufacturers are not required to list all of their ingredients on their package and the U.S. government doesn’t review the safety of products. It is up to each manufacturer to decide if they want to disclose their product ingredients.

With the potentially harmful chemicals and known carcinogens in your laundry detergent, it is best to go with more natural laundry detergent alternatives. Ones that are safe for your body and the environment.

EWG Laundry Detergent

Fortunately, there are some product manufacturers who list their ingredients on either their product label or website. Also, there are organizations such as the Environmental Working Group which rate products according to their health safety.

The EWG is a great resource! They provide safety ratings for over 2,500 cleaning products. The “EWG’s staff scientists compare the ingredients listed on cleaning product labels, websites and worker safety documents with the information available in the top government, industry and academic toxicity databases and the scientific literature on health and environmental problems tied to cleaning products.” They use that information to compile their hazard ratings for cleaning and laundry products.

There are also other organizations which give product rankings and certify everyday household products which are safe. Some of the organizations are:

  • MADE SAFE
  • EPA Safer Choice
  • GoodGuide

Is Your Laundry Detergent Safe or is it Causing Your Health Symptoms?

As someone with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, I have tried many natural laundry detergents over the years. Even though a detergent might be rated as safe by the EWG, everyone has a different tolerance level when it comes to scents and what they can tolerate.

Personally, whenever I look for laundry detergent, I try to find one that works for sensitive skin and doesn’t have a fragrance. Some natural laundry detergents might even mention that they are good for those with chemical sensitivities. In addition, I might look for a detergent which is recommended for babies as it might not have as many ingredients.

If you are someone who is extremely sensitive, or would rather make your own laundry detergent instead of purchasing natural laundry detergent, I recommend trying to make it yourself. There are many DIY recipes for both liquid and powder laundry detergents that work well and will not harm your health.

The Best Natural Laundry Detergent

Without further ado, here are my top 12 recommendations (in alphabetical order) for the best natural laundry detergent. As a disclaimer, I have tried some of these detergents, but I haven’t tried them all. All of these (except for the Pure brand which is certified through MADE SAFE) have an ‘A’ rating with the Environmental Working Group.

Be sure to take a look at the product rating on the EWG website as you can look at each of the individual ingredients in the detergent. Most of these detergents only have a few ingredients, but some have more. I might have included them because they are more easily accessible. All of these detergents can be ordered online if you can’t find them in a store.




Best Detergent for Health Conscious Shoppers

Top 12 Best Laundry Detergents for Health Conscious Shoppers 1Top 12 Best Laundry Detergents for Health Conscious Shoppers 2

Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda Detergent Booster & Household Cleaner

Where to Buy: Amazon, Walmart

EWG Rating: A

This is a natural detergent booster and freshener. It is 100% fragrance and phosphate-free.


 

Top 12 Best Laundry Detergents for Health Conscious Shoppers 3

Attitude Natural Laundry Detergent, Fragrance Free

Where to Buy: Amazon, Walmart

EWG Rating: A

Dermatologist tested and certified by the National Eczema Association. Hypoallergenic. Free of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), enzymes, optical brighteners, ethoxylated surfactants contaminated with cancer-causing chemicals (1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide), such as SLES/SLS, and also free of irritants.


Top 12 Best Laundry Detergents for Health Conscious Shoppers 4

Better Life Natural, Plant Based 4X Concentrated Laundry Detergent, Unscented

Where to Buy: Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, CVS, Earth Fare, Fresh Thyme,  Target, Thrive Market, Whole Foods Market

EWG Rating: A

Natural and plant-derived ingredients. Non-toxic and biodegradable. Free of sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates, petroleum solvent, bleach, ethoxylates, synthetic fragrances, chlorine, phosphates, dyes, and optical brighteners. Featured on Shark Tank and Oprah.


Top 12 Best Laundry Detergents for Health Conscious Shoppers 5

Charlie’s Soap – Fragrance Free Laundry Powder

Where to Buy: Amazon, Earth Fare, The Fresh Market, Vitamin Shoppe, Whole Foods Market

EWG Rating: A; Good Guide Rating: 8

Hypoallergenic. Non-toxic. Zero brighteners, zero fragrances, zero dyes, zero fillers. Uses biodegradable ingredients and natural mineral ingredients.


Top 12 Best Laundry Detergents for Health Conscious Shoppers 6Top 12 Best Laundry Detergents for Health Conscious Shoppers 7

Grab Green Natural 3-in-1 Laundry Detergent Powder, Fragrance Free

Where to Buy: Amazon, Earth Fare, The Fresh Market, Target

EWG Rating: A

Non-toxic formula. Free of phosphates, chlorine and dyes. Fragrance Free – hypoallergenic, no masking agents. Naturally-derived, plant and mineral based detergent.


Top 12 Best Laundry Detergents for Health Conscious Shoppers 8

Green Shield Organic Free and Clear Detergent

Where to Buy: Amazon, Earth Fare, Thrive Market, Walmart, Whole Foods Market

EWG Rating: A

Made with USDA Certified Organic ingredients. Free of phosphates and petrochemicals. Non-Volatile. Zero GMOs, Zero synthetic preservatives. Zero harsh chemicals used when producing their products.


Top 12 Best Laundry Detergents for Health Conscious Shoppers 9

Meliora Laundry Powder, Unscented

Where to Buy: Amazon

EWG Rating: A

Free of fragrances, dyes, preservatives, and brighteners. All of their ingredients receive an A rating at the EWG.


Top 12 Best Laundry Detergents for Health Conscious Shoppers 10Top 12 Best Laundry Detergents for Health Conscious Shoppers 11

Molly’s Suds All Natural Unscented Laundry Powder

Where to Buy: Amazon, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Target, Thrive Market, Walmart

EWG Rating: A

Only four earth-derived ingredients. No harsh chemicals, toxins, fillers, carcinogens, preservatives, optical brighteners, phosphates, SLS /SLES, or GMO ingredients.


Top 12 Best Laundry Detergents for Health Conscious Shoppers 12

Planet 2X Liquid Laundry (HE), Free & Clear

Where to Buy: Amazon, Thrive Market, Walmart

EWG Rating: A; Good Guide Rating: 8

No added fragrances, artificial brighteners, enzymes, dyes or synthetic preservatives. Certified 100% biodegradable. Ingredients are from plant-based sources.


Top 12 Best Laundry Detergents for Health Conscious Shoppers 13

Pure Natural Laundry Detergent

Where to Buy: Amazon, Bed, Bath & Beyond

EWG Rating: N/A

Certified by MADE SAFE. Made with non-GMO, plant based ingredients. Made with organic soap berries and aloe vera.


Top 12 Best Laundry Detergents for Health Conscious Shoppers 14Top 12 Best Laundry Detergents for Health Conscious Shoppers 15

Seventh Generation Natural Laundry Detergent Powder, Free & Clear

Where to Buy: Amazon, Buy Buy Baby, CVS, Meijer, Kroger, Target, The Fresh Market, Thrive Market, Walmart, Whole Foods Market

EWG Rating: A; Good Guide Rating: 10

Non-toxic. Biodegradable. Plant-based solution. No optical brighteners, dyes or fragrances. No petroleum based ingredients.


Top 12 Best Laundry Detergents for Health Conscious Shoppers 16Top 12 Best Laundry Detergents for Health Conscious Shoppers 17

Sun & Earth Natural Laundry Detergent, Unscented-Free & Clear

Where to Buy: Amazon

EWG Rating: A

Hypoallergenic formula that doesn’t have pesky dyes, synthetic fragrances, perfumes, or chemical preservatives.

 

Happy washing!


Read Next: Are You Using Toxic Laundry Detergent?


 

Living Natural Today Wants to Know:

  • What laundry detergent do you use?

 

Additional Posts You Might Like:

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Article by Teresa / Filed Under: Natural Living 16 Comments

About Teresa

It was after overcoming personal health challenges resulting from toxins, stress and an unhealthy diet that my career changed from positions in corporate America to that of a fierce advocate for health-and-wellness and living naturally. I am currently the owner of Living Natural Today and a previous radio show host on VoiceAmerica's Health & Wellness Channel. I share resources about creating a healthier, more natural home and lifestyle. Click here to download my free healthy home guide.

Comments

  1. Elisabeth Southgate says

    September 30, 2019 at 10:40 am

    I found it interesting when you said that there is a Environmental Working Group that rates items for health safety. I should look into this and see how my laundry soap rates. Thank you for sharing this information about finding the best laundry detergent that is good for you and the environment.

    Reply
    • Teresa says

      September 30, 2019 at 3:14 pm

      Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  2. Hillary Gruener says

    April 6, 2018 at 5:22 am

    Great post! You did your research and there is great info on here. I have a hard time switching to natural ones because I love the way my clothes smell when I use Perwoll.

    Reply
    • Teresa says

      April 6, 2018 at 10:54 am

      Thanks Hillary! I strongly encourage you to use a more natural laundry detergent. I don’t recognize the one you mention, but I would recommend researching it some. Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply
  3. jennifer says

    April 5, 2018 at 9:30 pm

    My Dr. has been asking that I move more in this direction. I will have to give a few a try. Thanks@

    Reply
    • Teresa says

      April 6, 2018 at 10:49 am

      Sounds like you have a smart doctor! Any of the ones on this list would be better than the chemical ladened conventional brands. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  4. Gabby says

    April 5, 2018 at 3:19 pm

    Most of these I haven’t heard of, but I have heard about and seen Seventh Generation in stores around me. I’ll have to give it a try!

    Reply
    • Teresa says

      April 5, 2018 at 7:05 pm

      Yes, Seventh Generation is pretty common in stores now. Make sure it’s the one I listed, or check the EWG website if you’re looking at another one. Not all of the Seventh Generation items have an ‘A’ rating. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  5. Michelle says

    April 5, 2018 at 2:19 pm

    Great post, we all really need to spread awareness as to the dangers of mainstream laundry detergents. We use Seventh Generation.

    Reply
    • Teresa says

      April 5, 2018 at 7:01 pm

      Thanks! Glad to hear you’re using a less toxic detergent.

      Reply
  6. Brandy says

    April 5, 2018 at 12:44 pm

    Great information! So glad to see my usual detergent made your list (we use the Planet 2x Liquid Laundry detergent) 🙂

    Reply
    • Teresa says

      April 5, 2018 at 12:50 pm

      Thanks Brandy! Glad to hear you’ve been minimizing toxins in your laundry!

      Reply
  7. candy says

    April 5, 2018 at 10:31 am

    I read this list of laundry detergents with interests. We like to use all natural ingredients for all areas of our lives.

    Reply
    • Teresa says

      April 5, 2018 at 12:48 pm

      Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  8. Katrina says

    January 22, 2018 at 3:48 pm

    Teresa, have you ever considered using a ball with ceramic balls inside to clean your clothes? I have used one for over a year and love it! http://amzn.to/2Dr7bJX

    Reply
    • Teresa says

      January 22, 2018 at 6:15 pm

      Thanks for mentioning those. I’ve heard of them, but haven’t tried them yet. Sounds like another good option.

      Reply

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