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

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 reading this post, you’re probably working on cleaning up your personal care and household products —especially the ones that touch your skin every single day. And 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. 

Since I have autoimmune issues (explained in my Function Health review) and had a recent cancer scare (explained in this Letter from TeriLyn), I have swapped as many products as possible to non-toxic options. But, like my skincare and makeup, even if it’s non-toxic, it still has to perform as well as conventional ones (as much as possible). I guess it’s lucky that I hate traditional laundry detergents, since I also loathe their smell. But, I have two young boys constantly playing in the mud, with markers and who knows what else. All this to say, finding the BEST non-toxic laundry detergent was very 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 – actually, even better– than conventional detergents.

All the Non-Toxic Detergents I tried before finding the ONE

The TLDR: The BEST Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent is 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, hands down, 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. And my PJs that have been stained by my self-tanning routine are even brighter!

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.

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, 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. And Seventh Generation didn’t make our clothes as soft or bright as Truly Free.

Force of Nature Laundry Sheets

I love Force of Nature multi-purpose cleaner (reviewed here)—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, but 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 non-toxic, and my clothes just didn’t feel or smell that clean afterward. But, like I mentioned the intro, it’s easy to find at Costco!

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. They have a pre-made powder detergent or the option to mix your own detergent using their concentrate, which is a win for reducing plastic waste. But both kinds 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.

So, all that to say, Truly Free is the one you want.

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 many “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 Truly Free detergent in their signature scent, made with essential oils, or the unscented laundry wash.

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