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:
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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Elisabeth Southgate says
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.
Teresa says
Thanks for stopping by!
Hillary Gruener says
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.
Teresa says
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.
jennifer says
My Dr. has been asking that I move more in this direction. I will have to give a few a try. Thanks@
Teresa says
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!
Gabby says
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!
Teresa says
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!
Michelle says
Great post, we all really need to spread awareness as to the dangers of mainstream laundry detergents. We use Seventh Generation.
Teresa says
Thanks! Glad to hear you’re using a less toxic detergent.
Brandy says
Great information! So glad to see my usual detergent made your list (we use the Planet 2x Liquid Laundry detergent) 🙂
Teresa says
Thanks Brandy! Glad to hear you’ve been minimizing toxins in your laundry!
candy says
I read this list of laundry detergents with interests. We like to use all natural ingredients for all areas of our lives.
Teresa says
Thanks for stopping by!
Katrina says
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
Teresa says
Thanks for mentioning those. I’ve heard of them, but haven’t tried them yet. Sounds like another good option.