Why Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent Matters (+ my favorite one)

The following content may contain affiliate links. When you click and shop the links, we receive a commission.

I switched to a non-toxic skincare routine and mostly non-toxic makeup routine years ago, but finding a good non-toxic laundry detergent has been a harder switch— I’ve been on the hunt for literally YEARS. I’ve been using ECOS detergent for a few years since I get it at Costco, and it’s fine. It cleans well enough, and I don’t hate the scent. But I knew I could do better.

Why Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent Matters

If you’re like me, you’ve probably started questioning what’s actually in your household products—especially the ones that touch your skin every single day. Laundry detergent is a big one. Traditional formulas are often packed with harsh chemicals like phosphates, chlorine, optical brighteners, and synthetic fragrances, which can cause skin irritation, disrupt hormones, and leave behind residues that stick to your clothes and bedding. 

And since I have autoimmune issues (explained in my Function Health review) and had a cancer scare (explained in this Letter from TeriLyn), I am swapping as many products as possible to non-toxic options. But, like my favorite skincare and makeup, even though it’s non-toxic, it still has to perform as well as conventional ones (as much as possible). And I guess it’s lucky for me that I hate traditional laundry detergents, since I also loathe their smell. All this to say, finding the BEST non-toxic laundry detergent has become hugely important to me. 

Not only is a non-toxic laundry detergent better for your health, but it’s also better for sensitive skin (especially kids’), your clothes, and the environment. Plus, now that I’ve found the right formula, I can also say it works just as well – if not better– than conventional detergents.

Here are alllll the Non-Toxic Detergents I tried before finding the ONE

Truly Free

Before I dive into every brand I’ve tried, let’s get straight to the best one: Truly Free. Truly Free Laundry Detergent is the best non-toxic laundry detergent I’ve ever used, and I’m annoyed that no one told me about it sooner, so I’m telling you! I was shocked by how soft and noticeably cleaner they were after one use. Even my 4-year-old commented on how soft his bath towel was, and my husband’s old, nasty white golf shirts (which he won’t throw away) are now presentable–at least for a bit longer.

There are a few different ways to buy Truly Free detergent, but I recommend ordering directly from the Truly Free website since you can set up your order on a subscription (and they often run generous promos). The code TERILYN30 will also give you 30% off your order. You can get this detergent in their signature scent, made with essential oils, or the unscented version. Shockingly, I prefer the scented version, and I usually hate detergent with any scent at all.

Seventh Generation Liquid Detergent

While I prefer Truly Free above all others, I do like Seventh Generation’s Liquid Detergent (and their detergent sheets). It’s easy to find, gets the job done, and doesn’t irritate our skin. But I wanted something refillable and lower waste.

Force of Nature

I love their multi-purpose cleaner—it’s a staple in my home. But the Force of Nature laundry sheets are a different story. They left my clothes smelling weird—not fresh, just off. Not a repeat buy for me.

ECOS Free & Clear

ECOS Free and Clear is widely available (even on Amazon) and super affordable. But I wasn’t confident it was truly clean, and my clothes just didn’t feel or smell that clean afterward.

Molly’s Suds

The Molly’s Suds powder detergent is very popular for a reason. It’s super clean ingredient-wise—no parabens, phosphates, or artificial scents. But it didn’t work for me. My clothes felt stiff, didn’t smell clean, and the powder left a residue behind.

Branch Basics

Branch Basics laundry detergent is another great option with transparency about ingredients and EPA Safer Choice certification (I use Branch Basics for other household cleaners). It uses enzymes for stain-fighting power, and you mix your own concentrate, which is a win for reducing plastic waste. But it made my clothes feel stiff, and I didn’t love the scent. It just didn’t work well enough for me to stick with it.

What to Look for in a Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent

• Ingredients: Skip anything with synthetic fragrances, dyes, optical brighteners, or chlorine. Look for plant-based surfactants and enzymes.
• Certifications: EPA Safer Choice, MADE SAFE, or USDA Biobased are helpful markers.
• Form: Liquid, powder, pods—choose what works for your routine. I prefer liquid concentrates to avoid pods (which kids can mistake for candy).
• Residue-Free: It should rinse clean, especially if anyone in your home has sensitive skin.
• Sustainability: Refillable packaging, biodegradable formulas, and plastic-free options earn bonus points.

Final Thoughts

If you’re trying to detox your laundry room, start with detergent. It makes a bigger impact than you think. While there are a lot of “clean” options out there, not all of them are truly effective—or truly non-toxic. For me, Truly Free is the best non-toxic laundry detergent that actually works, especially if you’re washing for a whole family and care about performance and ingredients. Your skin, your clothes, and your conscience will thank you. The code TERILYN30 will also give you 30% off your Truly Free order. You can get this detergent in their signature scent, made with essential oils, or the unscented version.

Shop The Post