Did you know most laundry detergents sold in grocery stores are full of toxic chemical compounds that are damaging to human health and the environment? Some of these harmful chemicals include bleach, brighteners, dioxane, fragrance, phenols, surfactants, and more. 

One of the problematic substances in laundry detergent is the ingredient “fragrance”. This seemingly simple ingredient is code word for chemicals in the product and is simply providing a perception of cleanness. The FDA allows companies not to list all the different chemicals used to make the fragrance as it considers it a “trade secret” and companies are not forced to disclose. (1) Up to 3,163 ingredients can be undisclosed under the “fragrance” ingredient! (2)

In an October 2016 study by Anne Steinemann, a fragrance chemical researcher, study participants reported health problems from the sent of laundry products that included mucosal symptoms (watery or red eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing), respiratory problems (difficulty breathing, coughing, shortness of breath), skin problems (rashes, hives, red skin, tingling skin, dermatitis), migraine headaches, gastrointestinal problems (nausea, bloating, cramping and diarrhea), asthma attacks and others. (3)

Fragrance

Let’s break down the word fragrance a bit more. Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are colorless and odorless liquids, often disguised as “fragrance”. These chemicals, sometimes also called plasticizers, are known to disrupt hormones in humans and are linked to a long list of health problems including reproductive problems, infertility, abnormal fetal development, epigenetic changes, insulin resistance and type II diabetes, overweight and obesity, allergy and asthma, and cancers. (4, 5, 6) 

Keep in mind that “natural fragrance” doesn’t always mean safe as these products are typically processed with the use of toxic solvents. “Unscented” detergents can present with the same health risks as products with fragrances because additional chemical are often used to mask the scent. 

All of this information can be overwhelming and it may be difficult to figure out where to start. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) website is a good place to look up the different ingredients in your laundry products and see how they rate on the toxicity scale. 

Products to Avoid

Avoid products that come with a warning, caution or danger on the label. Avoid products with instructions to wear gloves or a mask when using them.

Always check the ingredient list and avoid any products that say: 

• Fragrance, including natural fragrance (unless specific good quality essential oils are listed)

• Unscented or “free and clear” (unless the ingredient list is transparent and non-toxic)

• Any of the following listed on the label:

  • Polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene (PEG)

  • Ingredients ending in “eth” such ceteareth, laureth, myreth, oleth

  • Sodium laureth/laurel sulfate

  • Oxynol

The good news is that there are many more options available now compared to a few years ago that are better alternatives to the name brand conventional products typically found in the grocery store isles. Products that are better for human health and the environment. Start with EWG and also look online for non-toxic laundry products as well as options for non-toxic homemade recipes for laundry detergent. 

References: 

1. https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/fragrances-cosmetics#labeling

2. https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/3163-ingredients-hide-behind-word-fragrance

3. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11869-016-0442-z#Fn1

4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28800814/

5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27044004/

6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17017909/

7. https://www.ewg.org

Disclaimer: this post is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. Please do your own research and consult with your own personal licensed health care provider before making any treatment decisions.