Sodium laureth sulfate is a widely used surfactant, which is an ingredient that helps lift dirt from fabrics. Risk assessments of the ingredient family it belongs to, alcohol ethoxysulfates, conclude that their use in household detergents does not raise concern for consumers or the environment at current use levels.² They also note, however, that these ingredients irritate the skin and eyes when concentrated, and that the risk of irritation increases with concentration.²

Sodium laureth sulfate is also an ethoxylated ingredient, which means it can contain very small amounts of 1,4-dioxane, a manufacturing by-product discussed below.³

Our laundry detergents do not contain sodium laureth sulfate. They are instead formulated with plant-based surfactants.

Colourants are used only to give the detergent a tint, and they therefore have no cleaning role. Because they are among the ingredients that can cause a skin reaction in some people,¹ we have chosen to do without them.

Our laundry detergents do not contain synthetic colourants.

Like colourants, optical brighteners do not clean. They are fluorescent whitening agents that deposit on fibres during washing to make fabrics look whiter.⁴

Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada assessed two optical brighteners used in laundry detergents. They concluded that these substances pose a low risk to human health and to the environment.⁵

We have still chosen not to add any to our detergents, since their role is purely visual and residue can remain on fabrics after washing.⁴

Bleach, also called chlorine bleach, contains sodium hypochlorite.⁶ It is commonly used to whiten and disinfect. Used on its own, however, household bleach can irritate or burn the skin, eyes or lungs if it is not handled properly.⁷ Health Canada also reminds us never to mix it with other cleaning products, because it reacts with ammonia and with acids, including vinegar, which can release toxic gases.⁷

Does laundry detergent have bleach?

Not necessarily. Bleach is commonly sold as a separate product that you add to the wash. Some detergents instead contain an oxygen-based bleaching agent, such as sodium percarbonate.⁸

Our laundry detergents do not contain any chlorine bleach.

Choosing a laundry detergent for sensitive skin

If you have ruled out these ingredients and your skin still reacts, you may simply be more sensitive to fragrances. Contact allergy to fragrances affects about 3.5% of the general population.¹

Our unscented laundry detergent and our baby laundry detergent come in regular sizes and in eco-refills. The XL 4 L refill of the fragrance-free laundry detergent makes up to 160 loads, and eco-refills reduce the amount of single-use plastic.

For the rest of your routine, our collection for sensitive skin includes products designed for delicate or reactive skin.

With these pointers in hand, reading the ingredient list of a laundry detergent becomes simpler. If you keep getting patches or itching, we recommend consulting a health care professional.