The surprising truth about what’s inside your everyday detergent.
Everyday household products often contain far more chemicals than most of us realize.
In fact, research shows the average American is exposed to more than 160 different chemicals daily, many of which come from common cleaners, body care products, and yes – even laundry detergent.
While detergent is designed to clean clothes, some formulas bring hidden risks. Certain chemicals have been linked to skin irritation, respiratory issues, hormone disruption, and even long-term health concerns.
Based on ingredient research and consumer safety data, here are some of the key ingredients worth avoiding in laundry detergents:
1,4-Dioxane – Classified by the EPA as a likely human carcinogen.
Ethoxylated Alcohols – Often contaminated with trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane.
Optical Brighteners – Chemicals that make clothes look whiter, but may act as hormone disruptors.
SLS/SLES – Surfactants derived from petroleum that can irritate skin, eyes, and lungs.
Methylisothiazolinone & Formaldehyde – Harsh preservatives with concerning health profiles.
Synthetic Dyes – Add no cleaning benefit and are best avoided altogether.
The good news is that safer alternatives are widely available. Below, we’ve highlighted five laundry detergents that steer clear of these problematic ingredients—giving you a clean wash without the hidden chemical load.
Mom’s NEW Favorite: Truly Free Laundry Wash takes the #1 Spot with a formula free from 1,4-dioxane, SLS/SLES, phosphates, dyes, and other harsh chemicals. Plus, its refillable jug system cuts down on plastic waste—safe for your family and the planet.
Truly Free stood out as our top choice, earning a full 5 stars ★★★★★ rating for both performance and safety. In our testing, it handled everything from sweaty gym gear to kids’ stained clothes, leaving laundry fresh, clean, and odor-free.
What makes Truly Free different is its commitment to non-toxic ingredients. It avoids the usual suspects like 1,4-dioxane, optical brighteners, sulfates, phosphates, parabens, chlorine, and synthetic dyes – making it a safer option for sensitive skin and family use.
We also appreciate its eco-friendly packaging. Instead of wasteful plastic jugs, Truly Free offers a reusable “Forever Jug” with refill packs, cutting down on single-use plastic.
Another highlight: the brand offers both Fragrance-Free and naturally scented options, giving families flexibility without exposing them to harsh artificial fragrances.
With effective cleaning power, clean ingredients, and sustainable packaging, it’s easy to see why Truly Free earned the #1 spot on our list.
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Molly’s Suds earned our #2 spot for its simple, clean ingredient list and solid cleaning performance. Like our #1 pick, Truly Free, it avoids many of the harsh chemicals found in conventional detergents, making it a safer choice for families.
The main difference comes down to format. While Truly Free uses a convenient liquid concentrate with refill packs, Molly’s Suds comes as a powdered detergent. You scoop it into your washer before adding clothes – a method that works well but can get a little messy compared to the cleaner refill system of Truly Free.
On the packaging side, Molly’s Suds still comes in plastic bags. While it’s lighter and uses less plastic than bulky liquid jugs, it doesn’t quite match the eco-friendly “Forever Jug” system that Truly Free offers.
Still, with good cleaning power, safer ingredients, and less plastic than traditional detergents, Molly’s Suds earns a strong runner-up spot on our list.
Seventh Generation’s Free & Clear landed in our #3 spot thanks to its solid cleaning performance and fragrance-free formula. It did a good job at removing odors and left laundry feeling fresh. The brand also promotes hypoallergenic benefits, making it a better option than many mainstream detergents.
That said, we did find some concerns with the ingredient list. The formula contains SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), which can irritate skin and cause rashes for sensitive users. It also includes preservatives like methylisothiazolinone and benzisothiazolinone, both linked to allergic reactions in certain people.
On the sustainability side, we appreciate that Seventh Generation bottles are made mostly from recycled plastic. However, like most plastic jugs, they often still end up in landfills.
Overall, Seventh Generation offers strong cleaning power, but the inclusion of SLS, questionable preservatives, and reliance on plastic packaging dropped it behind our top two picks.
All Free & Clear came in at #4, delivering the strong cleaning power the brand is known for. Clothes came out fresh and odor-free, and its popularity is reflected in the thousands of positive reviews it has earned online.
However, the ingredient list kept it from ranking higher. The formula contains C12-15 Pareth-9, which can create trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, along with parabens, phosphates, optical brighteners, and other synthetic additives we prefer to avoid.
From an environmental perspective, All Free & Clear also falls short. Packaged in heavy plastic jugs, it not only contributes to plastic waste but also increases CO2 emissions during transport. Like many liquid detergents, it can be tricky to measure the right amount, which often leads to overuse, wasted product, and wasted money.
While we appreciate it’s familiar cleaning power and scent, the chemical load and environmental drawbacks kept All Free & Clear lower on our list.
Clean People Laundry Sheets took our #5 spot. The sheet format is convenient, lightweight, and plastic-free, which is a big step up from traditional liquid detergents. They’re easy to toss into the washer with no measuring or mess, and they offer decent cleaning power for everyday laundry.
That said, when compared to our #1 pick, Truly Free, Clean People doesn’t stack up as well. While Truly Free delivers stronger cleaning results and a more comprehensive non-toxic formula, Clean People’s ingredient list is more limited. For heavily soiled or sweaty loads, the sheets struggled to perform at the same level.
We do like the eco-friendly sheet design, but the overall effectiveness and ingredient profile keep Clean People behind Truly Free and the other top contenders on our list.
Drumroll… Our #1 Laundry Detergent Winner: Truly Free Laundry Wash
Here’s why it earned the top spot—and why over 500,000 families have already made the switch:
- Effective, Non-Toxic Clean: Truly Free delivers powerful, plant-based stain removal that’s gentle on skin, fabrics, and septic systems—without harsh chemicals like 1,4-dioxane, phosphates, or artificial dyes.
- Zero-Waste, Refillable Design: With the refillable “Forever Jug,” you cut down single-use plastic and save money, while still getting effective cleaning—an eco-friendly win.
- Loved by Real Families: Over 500,000 households have already “made the switch” to Truly Free, trusting it for safer, cleaner home laundry.
- Unbeatable Offer - Try it Risk-Free: Right now, you can get your first refillable container free—no subscription required. Plus, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can switch worry-free.
Final Word: Why Truly Free Stands Above the Rest
Truly Free doesn’t just clean clothes – it cleans up your laundry routine. It combines deep-cleaning power with a truly non-toxic, eco-conscious formula and packaging that families (and the planet) appreciate. And with hundreds of thousands already onboard, plus an irresistible free-load offer, there’s never been a better time to take the leap.
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