When it comes to household products, laundry detergent is one of the biggest culprits for hidden toxins. Many popular brands are packed with harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin, disrupt hormones, and even harm the environment. If you’ve ever noticed itchy skin, mysterious allergies, or a lingering chemical smell on your clothes, your detergent might be to blame.
To protect your health (and the planet), here are five toxic ingredients to avoid in your laundry detergent—and what you should be using instead.
1. Phthalates
Phthalates are commonly used to make fragrances last longer. The problem? These chemicals are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with your hormones. Studies have linked phthalates to reproductive issues, developmental problems in children, and even an increased risk of asthma.
✅ What to look for instead: Opt for fragrance-free or naturally scented detergents made with essential oils.
2. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
These foaming agents are added to detergents to create that rich lather we associate with cleaning power. However, they can be harsh on the skin, stripping it of natural oils and causing irritation. Even worse, SLES is often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen.
✅ What to look for instead: Choose plant-based surfactants that clean effectively without harming your skin or the environment.
3. Optical Brighteners
Optical brighteners don’t actually clean your clothes—they just coat fabrics with chemicals that reflect light to make clothes appear brighter. These synthetic chemicals can stick to your skin, leading to irritation and allergic reactions. They’re also toxic to aquatic life when washed down the drain.
✅ What to look for instead: Go for a detergent that cleans without artificial brighteners—your clothes will be just as fresh without the hidden chemicals.
4. Chlorine Bleach
Bleach is a strong disinfectant often found in laundry detergents and stain removers. While it’s effective at whitening, chlorine bleach releases toxic fumes that can irritate the lungs and skin. Long-term exposure has been linked to respiratory issues and even organ damage.
✅ What to look for instead: Try oxygen-based bleach or natural stain removers like baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
5. Formaldehyde
Yes, you read that right—the same chemical used for embalming is sometimes lurking in your laundry detergent. Formaldehyde is used as a preservative but is classified as a known human carcinogen. It can also trigger allergies, asthma, and skin irritation.
✅ What to look for instead: Choose a detergent with naturally derived preservatives or no preservatives at all.
A Cleaner, Safer Alternative to Traditional Laundry Detergents
If you’ve been on the hunt for a truly clean alternative, meet the laundry detergent that’s taking the internet by storm—Truly Free. With hundreds of thousands of 5-star reviews and an army of loyal fans, this detergent is shaking up the industry in the best way possible.
People swear by Truly Free for its incredible cleaning power without any of the nasty chemicals found in traditional brands. It’s gentle on sensitive skin, smells amazing with natural essential oils, and won’t leave behind any irritating residues. Plus, its eco-friendly refillable packaging means you’re cutting down on plastic waste every time you do a load of laundry.
Customers can’t stop raving about how fresh and clean their clothes feel after switching to Truly Free. Many say it’s the best decision they’ve made for their family’s health—and once you try it, you’ll understand why
RIGHT NOW THEY’RE EVEN OFFERING 100 FREE LOADS IF YOU BUY IN THE NEXT 24 HOURS!
🚀 Join the thousands making the switch to a safer, more effective clean. Your skin, your clothes, and the planet will thank you.