Best Laundry Detergents Cheat Sheet

Transcription

1 Best Laundry Detergents Cheat Sheet A Hello Charlie Cheat Sheet

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction Ingredients Top Five Recommended Abode Front Loader Laundry Powder Lavender & Mint Abode Natural Laundry Liquid Sensitive Aware Eco Choice Laundry Powder Aware Sensitive Laundry Powder Baby Organics Laundry Liquid - Lavendula Biozet Attack Front and Top Laundry Powder Bosisto's Sensitive Laundry Liquid Bosisto's Sensitive Laundry Powder Bygum Eucalyptus Laundry Powder Charlie's Soap Laundry Liquid Charlie's Soap Laundry Powder Cold Power Regular Front & Top Laundry Powder Dirt Good Laundry Liquid Dominant Liquid Laundry Detergent Earth Choice Laundry Liquid Earth Choice Ultra Concentrate Laundry Powder - Top & Front Loader Earthwise Laundry Liquid - Fragrance Free Earthwise Laundry Powder - Orange & Eucalyptus Ecostore Laundry Liquid - Geranium & Orange Ecostore Top & Front Loader Laundry Powder - Lemon Ecologic Laundry Liquid - Citrus Fusion Ecover Laundry Liquid Zero

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Ecover Universal Washing Powder EnviroClean Front Load Laundry Liquid Euca Laundry Powder Green Potions No 13 Laundry Powder Herbon Laundry Liquid Herbon Laundry Washing Powder - Oil Of Eucalyptus KinKin Naturals Laundry Liquid - Eucalypt & Lemon Myrtle Little Innoscents Laundry Liquid - Cherry Coconut Lux Pure Soap Flakes Method 4x Concentrated Laundry Detergent - Ginger Mango Omo Sensitive Front & Top Loader Washing Powder Orange Power 3x Laundry Liquid Orange Power 3x Laundry Powder Organic Clean Laundry Liquid Planet Luxe Laundry Liquid Purity Sensitive Laundry Liquid Radiant Laundry Powder Sensitive Resparkle Baby Laundry Powder & Soaker Resparkle Laundry Powder Rockin Green Classic Rock Laundry Detergent Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent Packs Free & Clear Seventh Generation Laundry Liquid 2X Concentrate Blue Eucalyptus & Lavender Simply Clean Lemon Myrtle Laundry Powder Sonett NO1010 Laundry Powder

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS Surf Washing Powder Sunshine Lemons & Orange Blossom 2in1 That Red House Organic Soapberries Trinature Alpha Plus Laundry Liquid Trinature Alpha Plus Laundry Powder Disclaimer Further Reading

5 INTRODUCTION There s nothing like the smell of clean clothes, is there? But have you stopped to think about the effects that your choice of laundry detergent could be having on your family s health and the environment? Laundry powder can be incredibly irritating. I found that out the hard way when my lovely mother in law did a load of washing for me at her house years ago. I came out in rash, all over my body, that took weeks to clear up. It was horrendous, so itchy and uncomfortable. I finally managed to work out that it was the laundry powder, and haven t had a repeat episode (I always travel with my own washing powder now). I ve spoken to so many parents over the years who have children with eczema and skin irritations, and they just can t work out what the problem is. When they switch laundry powders, the skin issues clear up dramatically. I ve also spoken to parents who don t want to give up their usual laundry powder because they just love the fresh smell. But that fresh smell can come at a high cost. Laundry fragrances are designed to stay in your clothes, meaning that your skin and lungs are constantly exposed to them. It s the same with other toxic ingredients used in laundry detergents. They wouldn t be so bad if it was just a one time exposure, but some of these ingredients are designed to stick to your clothing, which means that you can t get away from them. Manufacturers aren t required to list the specific ingredients of their products, because they are deemed to be commercially sensitive. This makes it even harder for consumers who are trying to make informed decisions about the products they use for their families. 5

6 INGREDIENTS So what s the answer? Do you choose a sensitive formula? Unfortunately, that s no guarantee of a non toxic laundry detergent. You can t trust the big name brands with their claims of sensitive formulas. You have to get to the bottom of each and every ingredient. For example, although I m sensitive to fragrance, I can use ecostore s fragranced laundry powder with no issues at all, because it s from essential oils. But I can t use Aware s sensitive laundry powder, even though there is no fragrance (I assume it s the SLS in that one). And it s not just about our health. Laundry products end up in our waterways, so we have to think of the environment when we re choosing products, too. So many ingredients are toxic to aquatic life, not biodegradable (so they never break down and stay in our waterways and oceans), or cause algal buildup which kills fish and plants. That s why I ve spent months scouring the internet, ing manufacturers and scrolling through MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) trying to find the ingredients for each laundry product in this cheat sheet. I haven t managed to find all of them, but I ve certainly found enough to be able to recommend some truly non toxic laundry products that will get your clothes clean. So read on, and find out about which ingredients to look out for, my top picks, and and in depth look at 50 different laundry detergents! 6

7 INGREDIENTS Phosphates Phosphates are a problem because they enhance algae growth and reduce the oxygen available for fish and plants in streams and lakes. Optical brighteners They re not biodegradable, so once they get into our waterways they don t go away. Studies investigating the harm that optical brighteners do to the environment haven t been conculsive. Optical brighteners have also been linked to contact dermatitis and skin irritations, but the research is not conclusive, either. Until we know exactly what optical brighteners do the environment and our skin, it s best to avoid them. Fragrance Synthetic fragrances are a problem because you don t know what s in it it could be any of 3,000 toxic chemicals. Fragrances can contain phthalates and skin irritants. Avoid! Dyes Completely unnecessary ingredient. No one needs blue laundry liquid, and it adds unknown chemicals to our waterways. Harsh surfactants Surfactants are the detergent part of the laundry detergent, and they re an essential part of the ingredients. However, there are harsh surfactants that can cause skin irritation, and are toxic to aquatic life. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES), and Sodium Methyl Ester Sulfonate (MES) are all examples of these. Preservatives Laundry liquids are mostly water, so you need preservatives to prevent it going off. And some of the preservatives that I found are highly toxic to both people and the environment. I found laundry products with Benzisothiazolinone (irritant and environmental concerns), Triethanolamine (TEA irritant and allergen), Methylchloroisothiazolinone (irritant and allergen) and Methylisothiazone (another irritant and allergen). We need preservatives, but choose safe ones! 7

8 TOP FIVE I get questions all the time about which products I actually use. So I thought I d share my top five all time favourites with you. Personally, I ve never been a fan of laundry liquids. I don t know why, maybe it s because powders are more concentrated and don t have preservatives. There are good ones out there, though. Anyway, here s my Top Five faves: Ecostore: I can t go past my lemon laundry powder. I ve been using it for years, it gets my clothes clean, and I ve never had any irritation issues with it. Abode: I love this Australian brand. I can t quite make the switch from ecostore (not to mention I m still working my way down a bulk 5kg pack of ecostore!), but there s no valid reason why I shouldn t. Soapberries: You can t go past these for eco friendliness. I tried them, and they got my clothes clean, but I d probably combine them with an oxygen bleach (like ecostore s or Ecover s) as a booster. Organic Clean: ACO certified organic laundry liquid? You just know this one was going to make my top five! Resparkle: the natural baby laundry powder and soaker is one of our bestselling laundry detergents at Hello Charlie, and it s awesome! 8

9 RECOMMENDED Out of the 50 laundry detergents that we ve reviewed, here s the ones that I actually recommend. I ve listed them in alphabetical order for you: Abode Front Loader Laundry Powder - Lavender and Mint Abode Natural Laundry Liquid Sensitive Baby Organics Laundry Liquid - Lavendula Ecostore Laundry Liquid - Geranium & Orange Ecostore Top & Front Loader Laundry Powder Lemon Ecologic Laundry Liquid Citrus Fusion Ecover Laundry Liquid Zero Ecover Universal Washing Powder Green Potions No 13 Laundry Powder Herbon Laundry Liquid KinKin Naturals Laundry Liquid - Eucalypt & Lemon Myrtle Little Innoscents Laundry Liquid - Cherry Coconut Organic Clean Laundry Liguid Planet Luxe Laundry Liquid Resparkle Baby Laundry Powder & Soaker Resparkle Laundry Powder Seventh Generation Laundry Detergents Packs Free & Clean Sonett NO1010 Laundry Powder That Red House Organic Soapberries 9

10 Abode Front Loader Laundry Powder - Lavender & Mint Ingredients: Soda Ash (Alkalinity Builder), Baking Soda (Food Grade), Sodium Citrate (Food Grade), Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (Derived From Coconut Oil), Sodium Coco Sulphate (Derived From Coconut Oil), Sodium Disilicate (Derived From Sand), Alkylpolyglucosides (Derived From Corn, Wheat And Coconut) And Pure Lavender And Mint Essential Oils. Cost: 1kg for $11.95 Comments: Nothing to be concerned about here. This is a good product. And the fragrance is from essential oils, too. 10

11 Abode Natural Laundry Liquid Sensitive Ingredients: Water, Soda Ash, Sodium Citrate (Food Grade), Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose, Sodium Coco Sulphate, Baking Soda (Food Grade), Alkyl Polyglucosides And Sodium Lactate (Food Grade). Cost: 1 Litre for $11.95 Comments: Nothing to be concerned about here a good choice. And no fragrances, so perfect for sensitive skin. 11

12 Aware Eco Choice Laundry Powder Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Disodium Citrate, Sodium Disilicate, Carboxymethyl Cellulose, Alkyl Polyglucoside, Water (Aqua), Botanical Fragrance Mixture Cost: 1.5kg for $9.49 Comments: It s the Sodium Lauryl Sulphate that s an issue here. It s considered to be highly toxic to aquatic life, and it s an irritant. There s also fragrances in this one, which can be irritating. 12

13 Aware Sensitive Laundry Powder Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Disodium Citrate, Sodium Disilicate, Carboxymethyl Cellulose, Alkyl Polyglucoside, Water (Aqua) Cost: 1.5kg for $8.49 Comments: Again, it s the Sodium Lauryl Sulphate that I don t like in this one. It s toxic to aquatic life and is an irritant as well. 13

14 Baby Organics Laundry Liquid - Lavendula Ingredients: Water, Coco Glucoside, Organic Soapwort Herb, Coconut Extracts, Organic Olive Oil, Seaweed Extract, Sodium Chloride (Salt), Organic Herbal Blend Of Lavender Flowers, Horsetail Herb & Witch Hazel Bark; Guar Gum, Citrus Seed Extract, Lavender Essential Oil. Cost: 1 Litre for $12.99 Comments: Nothing in this one to be concerned about. A good choice. 14

15 Biozet Attack Front and Top Laundry Powder Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Aluminosilicate, Sodium Sulfate, Sodium Linear Alkybenzene Sulfonate, Alcohol Ethoxylate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Chloride, Bentonite, Sodium Silicate, Sodium Alkyl Sulfate, Sodium Fatty Acids, Polyethylene Glycol, Water, Sodium Sulfite, Fragrance, Silicone, C.I. Fluorescent Brightener, Disodium Distyrylbiphenyl Disulfonate, Enzymes, Dyes Cost: 1kg for $10.00 Comments: Lots to be wary of in this one. There s optical brighteners, fragrances, sodium polyacrylate, polyethylene glycol and silicone. None of these are kind to the environment, so I d avoid. 15

16 Bosisto's Sensitive Laundry Liquid Ingredients: Ionic & Non-Ionic Surfactants Mixed, Eucalyptus Oil, Ethanol, Water Cost: 1 Litre for $9.95 Comments: I ed Bosisto s but they wouldn t give me a full ingredients list. So it s hard to know whether their claims of biodegradability are correct, or even whether the surfactants are irritating or not. However, there aren t any synthetic fragrances or optical brighteners, so that s one plus. 16

17 Bosisto's Sensitive Laundry Powder Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Metasilicate, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Citric Acid Anhydrous, Eucalyptus Oil Cost: 1kg for $10.00 Comments: We did manage to find the ingredients for Bosisto s laundry powder, and I don t like the sodium metasilicate or the sodium tripolyphosphate. They advertise minimal phosphates, but it s the third ingredient in this list. Avoid. 17

18 Bygum Eucalyptus Laundry Powder Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Metasilicate, Food Grade Phosphate, Eucalyptus Oil - 100% Pure Australian Blue Mallee Cost: 1kg for $16.80 Comments: Sodium metasilicate can cause skin allergies and irritations, and the phosphates are not good for the environment. Not one I d choose. 18

19 Charlie's Soap Laundry Liquid Ingredients: Water, C12-15 Pareth-2 (Detergent), Sodium Carbonate (Washing Soda) EWG Skin Deep Rating: D Cost: 950ml for $21.82 Comments: This one scores a D from EWG s Healthy Cleaning Database, because of the C12-15 Pareth-2. Not recommended. 19

20 Charlie's Soap Laundry Powder Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate (Washing Soda), C12-15 Pareth-2 (Detergent), Sodium Metasilicate (Drying Agent) EWG Skin Deep Rating: A (Lowest Concern) Cost: 950ml for $21.82 Comments: This one scores an A in EWG s Healthy Cleaning Database, because the problem ingredients are further down the list, so there s less of them. Personally, I still have an issue with this, because although the sodium carbonate is a good ingredient, the other two are not. There are better choices (and better Australian made choices, too!) 20

21 Cold Power Regular Front & Top Laundry Powder Ingredients: Sodium Sulphate, Sodium Carbonate, Pentasodium, Triphosphate, Sodium Silicate, Sodium Tridecyl Benzene Sulfonate (Linear), Sodium Carbonate Peroxide, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Sodium Hydroxide Cost: 1kg for $5.00 Comments: Another one I d avoid. There s phosphates, and sodium tridecyl benzene sulfonate, which is toxic to aquatic life. There s also tetrasodium pyrophosphate which is toxic to aquatic life and causes skin irritations; and sodium hydroxide, which can also cause skin irritations and allergies. 21

22 Dirt Good Laundry Liquid Ingredients: Nonionic Surfactants, Anionic Surfactants, Alkaline Salts, Organic Enzymes, Natural Fragrance, Preservatives Cost: 500ml for $16.95 Comments: Here s another one that wouldn t give us the list of ingredients. So who can tell what those nonionic and anionic surfactants really are? Pretty packaging, but that s all I can tell you about this one. 22

23 Dominant Liquid Laundry Detergent Ingredients: Alcohol Ethoxylates, Alkyl Polyglucoside, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate, Potassium Hydroxide, Triethanolamine Cost: 900ml for $14.50 Comments: We couldn t find a full ingredients list for this. There s definitely fragrance, as their website lists a pleasant floral fragrance, but I don t know what else is missing. I do know that I m not keen on the ingredients that have been declared. Potassium hydroxide is a skin irritant; triethanolamine, sulphates and alcohol ethoxylates are all skin irritants and cause damage to aquatic life. So that s a no thanks from me. 23

24 Earth Choice Laundry Liquid Ingredients: Water, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Citrate, Oleic Acid, Sodium Bicarbonate, Ethanol, Citric Acid, Fragrance, Benzisothiazolinone, Ci Cost: 1 Litre for $2.39 Comments: There are synthetic fragrances and dyes, and benzisothiazolinone which causes skin irritation and damage to aquatic life. Not my choice! 24

25 Earth Choice Ultra Concentrate Laundry Powder - Top & Front Loader Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Sulfate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Methyl Ester Sulfonate, Sodium Aluminosilicate, Sodium Oleate, Bentonite, Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose, Fragrance Cost: 1 kg for $6.99 Comments: The sodium methyl ester sulfonate is highly toxic to aquatic life, and there are synthetic fragrances. Not one I d choose. 25

26 Earthwise Laundry Liquid - Fragrance Free Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (Plant Derived Surfactant), Sodium Chloride (Sea Salt), Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Plant Derived Surfactants), Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate (Preservative), Sodium Metasilicate (Mineral Salt). Cost: 1 Litre for $16.95 Comments: The SLES and sodium metasilicate can cause skin irritation and allergies, and is toxic to aquatic life; Cocamidopropyl Betaine is toxic to aquatic life; Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate has contamination concerns (formaldehyde) and the product is also quite high in salt (third ingredient on the list). All in all, not one that I ll be switching to. 26

27 Earthwise Laundry Powder - Orange & Eucalyptus Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate (Washing Soda), Sodium Carboante Peroxide (Oxygen Whitener And Brightener, Sodium Sulphate, Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda), Sodium Citrate (From Citrus), Sodium Silicate (Mineral Salts), Aqua (Water), Sodium Coco Sulfate (Plant Based Surfactant), Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside (Plant Based Surfactant), Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil, Orange Fragrance (Parfum) Cost: 1kg for $12.95 Comments: The powder version of this is much better. I don t like the synthetic fragrance but everything else is okay. 27

28 Ecostore Laundry Liquid - Geranium & Orange Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Coco Sulphate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Polyaspartate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Oleic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol. Fragrance Ingredients: Citrus Medica Limonum Peel Oil, Cinnamomum Camphora, Juniperus Virginiana Cost: 1 Litre for $14.95 Comments: Nothing to be concerned about here. A good choice! Note: I don t recommend phenoxyethanol in skincare products, but it s fine in a wash off laundry liquid. 28

29 Ecostore Top & Front Loader Laundry Powder - Lemon Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Sulphate, Sodium Coco Sulphate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Silicoaluminate, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Silicate, Helianthus annuus Oil, Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose, Sodium Polyaspartate. Fragrance Ingredients: Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil (fraction) Cost: 1kg for $13.95 Comments: Nothing to be concerned about here. I ve used this for years and love it. 29

30 Ecologic Laundry Liquid - Citrus Fusion Ingredients: Purified Water, Coco Glucoside, Organic Soapwort Herb Extract, Organic Saponified Coconut Oil, Organic Saponified Olive Oil, Seaweed Extract, Sodium Chloride (Sea Salt), Organic Extracts Of Lavender Flowers, Horsetail Herb & Witch Hazel Bark, Guar Gum, Citrus Seed Extract, Orange, Mandarin And Tangelo Essential Oils Cost: 1 Litre for $8.95 Comments: Nothing to be concerned about here. Another good choice! 30

31 Ecover Laundry Liquid Zero Ingredients: Water, Non-ionic surfactants, Anionic surfactants, Sodium citrate, Soap, Alcohol, Itaconic acid, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Ethanolamine Cost: 1.5 Litres for $20.95 Comments: Ecover always used to disclose their ingredients, so I m not sure why they ve changed. And although we don t know exactly which surfactants they re using, their website says they do use SLS and SLES. But, Ecover is a certified B Corp; their products are certified by EcoCert; and all ingredients are biodegradable. The ethanolamine is an irritant, but it s the very last ingredient so there s very little of it. EWG aren t concerned about this ingredient unless it s in high concentration, and have given the old version of this an A rating. The ingredients are very similar, so I don t think there s anything to be concerned about. 31

32 Ecover Universal Washing Powder Ingredients: 15-30% Oxygen-based bleaching agent, Zeolite, 5-15% Anionic sufactants, <5% Nonionic surfactants, Soap, Perfume (contains Limonene, may produce an allergic reaction, Linalool), Sodium Sulfate, Sodium Carbonate, Polypeptide, Bleach activator, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Disilicate, Water, Sodium Carboxmethyl Starch, Cellulose Gum. EWG Skin Deep Rating: B (Low Concern) Cost: 750g for $8.95 Comments: Ecover have recently changed their fragrances, and they re now including some synthetics, however they are biodegradable and have minimal impact on aquatic life. And although we don t know exactly which surfactants they re using, their website says they do use SLS and SLES. But, Ecover is a certified B Corp; their products are certified by EcoCert; and all ingredients are biodegradable. EWG thinks that this is of low concern, and gives it a B. 32

33 EnviroClean Front Load Laundry Liquid Ingredients: Purified Water, Plant-Based Non- Ionic Surfactants, Plant-Based Anionic Surfactants, Plant-Based Emulsifier Cost: 1 Litre for $9.95 Comments: Another one that isn t an ingredients list at all, so I can t tell if it s any good or not. They use biodegradable plant based ingredients, and they don t use phosphates. They say no SLES, but no mention of SLS. All in all, this looks okay, but if there s no ingredients actually listed, you re just guessing. 33

34 Euca Laundry Powder Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Surfactant Nonoxynol-9, Eucalyptus Oil, Citric Acid, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Disodium Trioxosilicate, Soap Powder Cost: 1kg for $9.99 Comments: Euca are happy to tell you that their products are eco friendly, but they re using phosphates. And that they re irritant free, but disodium trioxosilicate is an irritant (although it s a long way down the list, so there s not a lot of it). I wouldn t use it because of the phosphates. 34

35 Green Potions No 13 Laundry Powder Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Bi-Carboante, Saponified Coconut And Olive Oil, Blend Of Rosemary And Basil Pure Essential Oils, Sea Salt Cost: 1kg for $17.00 Comments: Nothing wrong with this. Another good choice! 35

36 Herbon Laundry Liquid Ingredients: Purified Water, Sodium Cocoate, Coco Betaine (From Coconut Oil), Coconut Ethanolamine (From Coconut Oil & Sugar Cane), Eucalyptus Oil, Methyl Glycinate (Preservative Made From Sugar Cane And Citrus Fruits). Cost: 1.25 Liters for $13.99 Comments: Nothing wrong with this, either. Another reasonable one. 36

37 Herbon Laundry Washing Powder - Oil Of Eucalyptus Ingredients: Soda Ash (Mineral), Sodium Bicarbonate (Mineral), Zeolite (Mineral), Phosphate (Mineral), Coconut Ethanolamine, Hydrogen Peroxide (A Bleach), Eucalyptus Oil, Purified Water. Cost: 1kg for $11.79 Comments: Phosphates cause environmental issues, but otherwise this is okay. Zeolites are often used instead of phosphates as they re not harmful to the environment, but they can cause skin irritations. 37

38 KinKin Naturals Laundry Liquid - Eucalypt & Lemon Myrtle Ingredients: Coconut-Based Anionic And Nonionic Surfactants (No Alcohol Ethoxylate, Las Or Sls), Rain Water, Potassium Coconut Soap, Potassium Citrate, Enzymes, Organic Eucalypt Essential Oil, Organic Lemon Myrtle Essential Oil, Tangerine Essential Oil. Cost: 1050ml for $14.95 Comments: Kin Kin are another one that aren t disclosing a full ingredients list. However, they re fully biodegradable, with no phosphates, sulphates or palm oil, and they re low in salt, too. I like them. 38

39 Little Innoscents Laundry Liquid - Cherry Coconut Ingredients: Aqua, Decyl Glucoside, Potassium Cocoate (Non-Ionic Plant Based Surfactant), Sodium Coco Sulphate (Anionic Plant Based Surfactant), Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Meta Silicate, Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil, Cherry Coconut Extract, Aloe Vera Callus Extract, Sodium Phytate And Aqua And Alcohol (Preservative). Cost: 1 Litre for $14.95 Comments: Nothing to be concerned about here a good choice! 39

40 Lux Pure Soap Flakes Ingredients: Sodium Soap Of Tallow And Coconut Oil, Moisture, Glycerine, Fragrance, Sodium Chloride, Etidronic Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA Cost: 700g for $7.15 Comments: There s fragrance in this, and quite a bit of salt. The etidronic acid doesn t biodegrade and is persistent in the environment. It s not terrible, but I wouldn't use it. 40

41 Method 4x Concentrated Laundry Detergent - Ginger Mango Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Propanediol, Monoisopropylanolamine, Glycerin, Sodium Citrate, Soy Methyl Ester Ethoxylate, Lauryl Ethoxylate, Peg 600 Decyl Ether, Potassium Cocoate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Lactic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Polyester, Fragrance (Parfum), Calcium Chloride, Carboxymethylinulin, Methylisothiazolinone, Benzisothiazolinone, Protease, Amylase, Mannanase, Distyrylbiphenolsulfonate EWG Skin Deep Rating: D (High Concern) Cost: 1.58L for $20.99 Comments: The ethoxylates are highly toxic to aquatic life, there s SLS, phenoxyethanol, the methylisothiazolinone and benzisothiazolinone are highly toxic to aquatic life, as well as being skin irritants; there s synthetic fragrance; and finally, there s polyester. Yes, plastics in your laundry liquid. Don t believe the hype on this one there are much better choices out there. 41

42 Omo Sensitive Front & Top Loader Washing Powder Ingredients: Sodium Sulfate, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate, Sodium Silicate, Zeolite, Sodium Acrylic Acid/Ma Copolymer, C12-15 Pareth-7, Disodium Anilinomorpholinotriazinylaminostilbenesulfonate, Disodium Distyrylbiphenyl Disulfonate, Cellulose Gum, Calcium Sodium, Edtmp, Phenylpropyl Ethyl Methicone, Water. Cost: 1Kg for $10.00 Comments: Sodium Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate is highly toxic to aquatic life; Sodium Acrylic Acid/Ma Copolymer and Disodium Distyrylbiphenyl Disulfonate aren tbiodegradable and arepersistent in the environment; C12-15 Pareth-2 (alcohol ethoxylates) are highly toxic to aquatic life; and there are contamination concerns (1,4 dioxane and ethylene oxide); and the Disodium Anilinomorpholinotriazinylaminostilbenesulfonate is an optical brightener. That would be a no for me, then! 42

43 Orange Power 3x Laundry Liquid Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Potassium Oleate, Non Ionic Surfactants, Anionic Surfactants, Fragrance, Enzymes, Orange Oil, Sodium Sesquicarbonate, Aminopolycarboxylate, Alcohol, Triethanolamine, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone. EWG Skin deep Rating: not listed Cost: 800ml for $6.00 Comments: We don t know what the non ionic and anionic surfactants are, so it s hard to make a call. However, I don t like the fragrance or the triethanolamine, and I definitely don t like the choice of skin irritating preservatives: methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazone. It s another no for me. 43

44 Orange Power 3x Laundry Powder Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Potassium Oleate, Non Ionic Surfactants, Anionic Surfactants, Fragrance, Enzymes, Orange Oil, Sodium Sesquicarbonate, Aminopolycarboxylate, Alcohol, Triethanolamine, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone. EWG Skin deep Rating: not listed Cost: 1kg for $6.00 Comments: We don t know what the non ionic and anionic surfactants are, so it s hard to make a call. However, I don t like the fragrance or the triethanolamine, and I definitely don t like the choice of skin irritating preservatives: methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazone. It s another no for me. 44

45 Organic Clean Laundry Liquid Ingredients: Sapindus Mukorossi Fruit Extract*, Potassium Oleate, Potassium Cocoate, Glycerine, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Carbonate, Xanthan Gum, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil*, Melaeuca Ericifolia (Rosalina) Oil, Eucalyptus Polybracetea Oil. *Certified Organic Ingredients Cost: 1.25L for $15.95 Comments: Nothing to be concerned about here. Great ingredients list and an ACO certified organic product. 45

46 Planet Luxe Laundry Liquid Ingredients: Purified Water, Organic Soapwort Extract, Guar Gum, Kakadu Plum Extract, Citric Acid, Lemon Myrtle Essential Oil, Lavender Essential Oil, Organic Lavender Extract, Organic Witch Hazel Extract, Organic Coconut Oil, Potassium Sorbate. Cost: 1000mL for $23.00 Comments: Good ingredients list with nothing to be concerned about. 46

47 Purity Sensitive Laundry Liquid Ingredients: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Citrate, Triethanolamine Lauryl Sulfate, Coconut Diethanolamide, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Perfume, Biphenyl Distyryl Derivative, 1,2- Benzisothiazolin-3-One Cost: 1.25L for $3.80 Comments: There s SLS and SLES; synthetic fragrance; the triethanolamine is highly toxic to aquatic life, is a skin irritant and is suspected of being contaminated with nitrosamines; and the 1,2-Benzisothiazolin- 3-One (benzisothiazolinone) is also highly toxic to aquatic life, as well as a skin irritant. No thanks! 47

48 Radiant Laundry Powder Sensitive Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Sulphate, Sodium Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulfonate, Sodium Silicate, Zeolite, C12-15 Pareth-8, Sodium Diethylenetriamine Pentamethylene Phosphonate, Cellulose Gum, Water, Fragrance, Polyvinyl Pyridine, Protease, Cellulase, Lipase, Amylase, Silicone Emulsion Cost: 500g for $5.99 Comments: The LAS is highly toxic to aquatic life, as is the c12-15 Pareth-8; phosphonates aren t very biodegradable and there s synthetic fragrance. I didn t think I was going to like this, and I don t. 48

49 Resparkle Baby Laundry Powder & Soaker Ingredients: Soya Bean Extracts, Pure Soap Powder, Sodium Carbonate Peroxyhdrate (Hydrogen Peroxide), Green Tea Extracts, Grapefruit Extracts, Citric Acid Cost: 500g for $14.95 Comments: Good choice. Nothing to be concerned about. 49

50 Resparkle Laundry Powder Ingredients: Soya Bean Extracts, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Percarbonate (Hydrogen Peroxide), Green Tea Extracts, Grapefruit Extracts, Citric Acid, Lemon Extracts Cost: 500g for $13.95 Comments: Another good choice with nothing to be concerned about. 50

51 Rockin Green Classic Rock Laundry Detergent Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Percarbonate, Salt Cake, Biodegradable Surfactant (Coconut derived), Natural Fragrance Cost: 1.3kg for $23.95 Comments: Again, we don t have a full ingredients list, but there s none of the usual nasties, although there is salt. The fragrance is apparently natural, too. All in all, not a bad choice. 51

52 Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent Packs Free & Clear Ingredients: Sodium Citrate, Sodium Carbonate, Laureth-6, Hydrated Silica, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Protease, Amylase, Mannanase, Cellulase EWG Skin Deep Rating: A (Lowest Concern) Cost: 900g for $29.94 Comments: Nothing to be concerned about here. A good choice. 52

53 Seventh Generation Laundry Liquid 2X Concentrate Blue Eucalyptus and Lavender Ingredients: Water, Laureth-6, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Citrate, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Oleic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Calcium Chloride, Citric Acid, Protease, Amylase, And Mannanase, and Benzisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, Eucalyptus Dives, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Lavandula Hybrida (Lavandin) Oil, Pinus Sylvestris (Pine). EWG Skin Deep Rating: C (Moderate Concern) Cost: 1.47L for $19.95 Comments: There s a few problems with this one. There s SLS; salt is quite high up the list; the sodium hydroxide is a skin irritant; and the methylisothiazolinone and benzisothiazolinone are highly toxic to aquatic life, as well as being skin irritants. So not one I would use or recommend. 53

54 Simply Clean Lemon Myrtle Laundry Powder Ingredients: Pure Australian Eucalyptus Oil, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Percarbonate, Sodium Citrate & Polyacrylic Acid, Sodium Metasilicate, Sodium Salt Of Alkylbenzenesulphonic Acid, Optical Brightener Cost: 1kg for $10.90 Comments: Polyacrylic acid is persistent in the environment; sodium metasilicate is a skin irritant and allergen, and is toxic to aquatic life; and the sodium salt of alkylbenzenesulphonic acid is another name for LAS, which is highly toxic to aquatic life; and finally, there are optical brighteners. So another one that I wouldn t choose to use. 54

55 Sonett NO1010 Laundry Powder Ingredients: Soap Made From Palm, Rape Seed And Coconut Oils,* Clay Minerals And Silicates, Sodium Carbonate, Zeolites, Coconut Oil Alcohol Sulphate, Balsamic Additives*. *Certified Organically Grown, Collection From Wild Grown Plants. Cost: 1.2Kg for $23.95 Comments: This is a soap based washing powder, and actually it s pretty good. No go if you re trying to avoid palm oil, though. 55

56 Surf Washing Powder Sunshine Lemons & Orange Blossom 2in1 Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Sulfate, Sodium Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate, Sodium Silicate, Zeolite, Sodium Stearate, Sodium Palmate, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Sodium Acrylic Acid/Ma Copolymer, Perfume, Phenylpropyl Ethyl Methicone, Disodium Distyrylbiphenyl Disulfonate, Disodium Anilinomorpholinotriazinylaminostilbenesulfonate, Cellulose Gum, Water, Dyes. Cost: 2kg for $8.50 Comments: The Sodium Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate is highly toxic to aquatic life; the Sodium Acrylic Acid/Ma Copolymer and Disodium Distyrylbiphenyl Disulfonate are persistent in the environment, and not very biodegradable; there s synthetic fragrance and dyes; and the Disodium Anilinomorpholinotriazinylaminostilbenesulfonate (no, I can t pronounce it either!) is an optical brightener. 56

57 That Red House Organic Soapberries Ingredients: Soapberries Cost: 1kg for $40.95 Comments: The only ingredient in this is organic soapberries. So as far as ingredients and impact on the environment go, it s awesome! 57

58 Trinature Alpha Plus Laundry Liquid Ingredients: Water, Potassium Cocoate, Potassium Olivate, Cocodimethylamine Oxide, Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates, Optical Brightener, Essential Oil Based Fragrance. Cost: 2L for $34.95 Comments: We ve got optical brighteners; and fatty alcohol ethoxylates which are highly toxic to aquatic life and impurity concerns with 1,4 dioxane and ethylene oxide. There are better choices. 58

59 TriNature Alpha Plus Laundry Powder Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Silicate, Sodium Citrate, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Sodium Gluconate, Optical Brightener, Sodium Polyacrylate, Carboxymethyl Cellulose, Soapwort Extract, Mint Balm Extract, Essential Oil Based Fragrance. Cost: 1kg for $19.95 Comments: This one has optical brighteners which are bad for the environment; and sodium polyacrylate which doesn t biodegrade and can cause skin irritations. There are better choices, I think. 59

60 Disclaimer: I started Hello Charlie because I was concerned about some of the products that I was using on myself and my children. I m no chemist, I m just a mum who does plenty of research on products before I use them and before I ll stock them at Hello Charlie. Lots of customers and friends ask me about products that I d recommend, and what they should be looking for when buying for their own families. These guides are the results of my research and reading. I d love to hear from you if you ve read differently, or have opinions or great products that you d like to share. Teaching yourself about better choices for our families and our environment is a journey, and I d love for you to join me on it! If you d like to share this information with other parents, please feel free to do so. However, please bear in mind the time that it takes for me to do this research, and do the right thing by attributing this article back to me here at Hello Charlie. Thanks! Vanessa xx? Have we missed your favourite laundry detergent? Comments or questions? Drop us a line and let us know at info@hellocharlie.com.au 60

61 FURTHER READING Interested in finding out more? We ve got lots more articles and cheat sheets on the blog. Other articles on baby wipes: Shopping Guide: What To Look For In Natural Laundry Powders Laundry Powder Smackdown Eco vs Mainstream Problems with Optical Brighteners Detox Your Home: The Laundry Ecover Natural Cleaning Products: The Eco Friendly Way To Clean Why You Shouldn t Clean with Bleach How To Wash Soiled Baby Clothes And don t forget to check out the rest of our Cheat Sheets! You ll find them all right here on the blog. 61

62 Thanks for reading! If you re keen to grab some safer laundry detergent for your family, why not check out our fantastic range of non toxic laundry products over on Hello Charlie? Questions? us at Or call us on