Is Your Detergent Making You Sick? It’s time to go Low-Tox
When it comes to reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals, your laundry room may not be the first place you look—but it should be. Laundry detergents are used on the clothes, sheets, and towels that touch your skin all day, every day. Not only is it a topical exposure, but we are breathing it in day in and day out. This is arguably the biggest exposure many of us have!
What many people don’t realize is that conventional laundry detergents are a major source of exposure in the home. Making the switch to a low-tox detergent is one of the simplest, most impactful swaps you can make for your health and the health of your family.
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Most commercial laundry detergents are packed with synthetic chemicals designed to clean, whiten, and fragrance your clothes. While these may leave laundry smelling “fresh,” the cocktail of chemicals they contain can tell a different story.
Fragrance Chemicals
The term “fragrance” on an ingredient label can hide dozens of undisclosed chemicals, including:
Phthalates: Hormone disruptors linked to fertility issues and developmental disorders.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Known to contribute to respiratory irritation and indoor air pollution.
These synthetic scents are designed to stick to your clothes, meaning you're exposed through inhalation and skin contact all day long. Gross.
Optical Brighteners
These chemicals make clothes appear whiter or brighter by reflecting light. But they don't actually clean—they coat fabric with residues that can irritate the skin and may cause allergic reactions or rashes, especially in children or those with sensitive skin.
Surfactants and Preservatives
Ingredients like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or Methylisothiazolinone are common irritants. Some have been linked to:
Skin inflammation
Eye irritation
Asthma symptoms when inhaled
Neurotoxicity (especially concerning in developing children)
1,4-Dioxane Contamination*
*A probable human carcinogen, 1,4-dioxane is a byproduct of certain chemical processes and often found in laundry detergents—even those labeled “eco-friendly.” It’s not listed on the label but has been detected in many name-brand detergents.
Hormone Disruption: Many laundry detergent ingredients act as endocrine disruptors, affecting fertility, menstruation, thyroid function, and even fetal development during pregnancy.
Respiratory Issues: Scented detergents release VOCs that can trigger asthma attacks and chronic respiratory symptoms, especially in children.
Skin Problems: Eczema, hives, and rashes are common reactions to detergent residues left in clothing.
Toxic Load on Infants and Children: Babies and young children are especially vulnerable because their skin is thinner, and they often mouth clothing and blankets, leading to ingestion of residues.
For my family, it’s a non negotiable to use a low tox detergent. Here’s what I look for;
Fragrance-free or scented with organic essential oils
Free from SLS, optical brighteners, and artificial dyes
Tested for 1,4-dioxane
Certified by third-party organizations like EWG, MADE SAFE®, or ECOCERT (these can be pay to play, so don’t rely solely on them!)
Your skin is your largest organ—and what goes on it, goes in it. Swapping out your laundry detergent is a proactive step to reduce your daily exposure to harmful chemicals. In the long run, it can support healthier hormone balance, reduce allergy symptoms, and lighten your family’s toxic load.