Laundry detergent is something we use every week - sometimes even daily - without thinking twice. But increasingly, more people are beginning to ask what's actually in it and, more importantly, whether it could be harmful.
Is Laundry Detergent Harmful to Humans?
A simple question with a complicated answer, for the simple reason that not all laundry detergents are created equal. While many products are designed to clean clothes, others contain chemical additives that can cause health issues.
Residues left on clothes after washing can come into contact with skin daily, making ingredient safety especially important. According to the Environmental Working Group, some common detergent ingredients have been associated with skin irritation, hormone disruption, and even potential carcinogenic effects during prolonged exposure.
But this doesn't mean every laundry product is toxic; it just means some are, and the emphasis on you, as the consumer, is to understand better what's safe, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies in the home.
Toxins Commonly Found in Laundry Detergent
Like many products in our rapidly developing world, some laundry detergents carry a dizzying number of potentially concerning ingredients, many of which sound completely alien to the average person. Here's a quick breakdown of the most common.
Phosphates
Once widely used to soften water and boost cleaning power, phosphates have been largely phased out in the U.S. due to environmental regulations. However, they may still be present in some formulas, especially outside the U.S.
Phosphates can contribute to algae overgrowth in waterways, harming marine life and ecosystems. In short, they aren’t a great ingredient to find on the back of a laundry detergent bottle.
1,4-Dioxane
1,4-dioxane isn't intentionally added to detergents, but it can be a byproduct of the manufacturing process, particularly during the creation of ethoxylated ingredients. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies it as a probable human carcinogen, and while levels may be low in most products, it’s enough to raise concern when used regularly.
Synthetic Fragrances
“Fragrance” on an ingredient list can represent a mix of dozens of chemicals, many of which are not disclosed and can be problematic for sensitive individuals. These can include phthalates—compounds linked to hormone disruption—and allergens that may cause headaches or skin sensitivity in sensitive individuals.
Optical Brighteners
These chemicals coat fabrics to reflect light and make clothes appear “brighter” or “whiter.” But the problem is, they don’t actually clean clothing, and some studies have shown they can irritate skin and are slow to biodegrade, making them an environmental concern.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Another one that sounds like you should keep it at a distance is SLES, which stands for sodium laureth sulfate. This chemical can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing, and while it’s good at lifting oils, it can also irritate the skin and eyes, particularly for those with sensitivity.
Dangers of Toxic Ingredients in Some Laundry Care Products
Skin Irritation
Many detergents contain harsh surfactants and synthetic additives that may lead to contact dermatitis or general irritation, especially in people with eczema, psoriasis, or fragrance sensitivities. Constant exposure through clothes, towels, and sheets makes this a daily concern.
Hormone Disruption
Certain fragrance compounds and preservatives, like phthalates and parabens, have been linked to endocrine disruption in animal studies. While more human research is needed, ongoing exposure has prompted some health experts to recommend choosing products free from these chemicals.
Environmental Impact
Chemical runoff from laundry products doesn’t disappear down the drain. It can end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans, damaging aquatic life and polluting water systems. Ingredients like phosphates and optical brighteners are particularly harmful in this context.
Air Quality Indoors
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can be released into the air when using scented detergents, even after the wash is complete. According to the University of Washington, some detergents emit VOCs linked to respiratory irritation and indoor air pollution - even when labeled “green.”
An Alternative to Traditional Laundry Detergent
OK, that's all the bad news out of the way. How about something more positive? The good news is that skin-considerate, more transparent options are freely available.
At Freddie, our laundry detergent sheets are designed to be the cleaner choice for your skin and the environment. Freddie’s formula is free of many chemicals such as phosphates, brighteners, parabens, dyes, and 1,4-dioxane, unlike lots of traditional detergents. It’s a mess-free, plastic jug-free alternative that includes a few simple ingredients to deliver strong everyday cleaning.
Even better, our sheets are dermatologically and clinically tested for skin irritation and are not associated with allergic contact dermatitis - a claim supported by recent testing, which means peace of mind for households with sensitive skin or anyone tired of skin discomfort from laundry products.
Still on the fence? Check out our in-depth comparison to see how our laundry detergent sheets compare to pods and even traditional liquid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Laundry Detergent Doesn’t Contain 1,4 Dioxane?
Look for brands explicitly stating they do not contain 1,4-dioxane or use manufacturing processes that avoid ethoxylation. Freddie’s detergent sheets are made without 1,4-dioxane and tested to ensure they’re free from this contaminant. You can also confirm safety by reviewing a product’s ingredient transparency - a lack of an open ingredient policy is often a warning sign.
Final Thoughts
We often hear, ‘My family used it all the time when I was young; surely it must be safe.’ The answer is, don't be so sure. Just because products and ingredients passed safety measures in the 1970s doesn’t necessarily mean they would meet today’s safety standards. What we consider acceptable has evolved—and continues to.
We’re learning about dangers from regularly used products almost daily, and when we do, it's about pivoting and finding a transparent and thoughtful alternative. While many traditional products include questionable ingredients like 1,4-dioxane, synthetic fragrances, and phosphates, skin-considerate alternatives exist. Freddie’s detergent sheets are an excellent example: lightweight, mess-free, clinically tested for skin irritation, formulated without dyes, parabens, and brighteners—common ingredients known to trigger sensitivity in some people. Whether you’re sensitive to detergents or just want a more transparent way to do laundry, switching to Freddie offers a low-fuss, ingredient-conscious way to handle laundry.
