Best Laundry Detergent Cheat Sheet

Best Laundry Detergents
Cheat Sheet
A H e l l o C h a r l i e C h e at S h e e t
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 5
Ingredients 6
Top Five 8
Recommended 9
Abode Front Loader Laundry Powder – Lavender & Mint 10
Abode Natural Laundry Liquid Sensitive 11
Aware Eco Choice Laundry Powder 12
Aware Sensitive Laundry Powder 13
Baby Organics Laundry Liquid - Lavendula 14
Biozet Attack Front and Top Laundry Powder 15
Bosisto's Sensitive Laundry Liquid 16
Bosisto's Sensitive Laundry Powder 17
Bygum Eucalyptus Laundry Powder 18
Charlie's Soap Laundry Liquid 19
Charlie's Soap Laundry Powder 20
Cold Power Regular Front & Top Laundry Powder 21
Dirt Good Laundry Liquid 22
Dominant Liquid Laundry Detergent 23
Earth Choice Laundry Liquid 24
Earth Choice Ultra Concentrate Laundry Powder - Top & Front Loader 25
Earthwise Laundry Liquid - Fragrance Free 26
Earthwise Laundry Powder - Orange & Eucalyptus 27
Ecostore Laundry Liquid - Geranium & Orange 28
Ecostore Top & Front Loader Laundry Powder - Lemon 29
Ecologic Laundry Liquid - Citrus Fusion 30
Ecover Laundry Liquid Zero 31
www.hellocharlie.com.au 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Ecover Universal Washing Powder 32

EnviroClean Front Load Laundry Liquid 33
Euca Laundry Powder 34
Green Potions No 13 Laundry Powder 35
Herbon Laundry Liquid 36
Herbon Laundry Washing Powder - Oil Of Eucalyptus 37
KinKin Naturals Laundry Liquid - Eucalypt & Lemon Myrtle 38
Little Innoscents Laundry Liquid - Cherry Coconut 39
Lux Pure Soap Flakes 40
Method 4x Concentrated Laundry Detergent - Ginger Mango 41
Omo Sensitive Front & Top Loader Washing Powder 42
Orange Power 3x Laundry Liquid 43
Orange Power 3x Laundry Powder 44
Organic Clean Laundry Liquid 45
Planet Luxe Laundry Liquid 46
Purity Sensitive Laundry Liquid 47
Radiant Laundry Powder Sensitive 48
Resparkle Baby Laundry Powder & Soaker 49
Resparkle Laundry Powder 50
Rockin Green Classic Rock Laundry Detergent 51
Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent Packs Free & Clear 52
Seventh Generation Laundry Liquid 2X Concentrate Blue Eucalyptus 53
& Lavender
Simply Clean Lemon Myrtle Laundry Powder 54
Sonett NO1010 Laundry Powder 55
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Surf Washing Powder Sunshine Lemons & Orange Blossom 2in1 56

That Red House Organic Soapberries 57
Trinature Alpha Plus Laundry Liquid 58
Trinature Alpha Plus Laundry Powder 59
Disclaimer 60
Further Reading 61
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.
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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, emailing 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!

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!

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!

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

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.
EWG Skin Deep Rating: not listed
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.

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.

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.

Aware Sensitive Laundry Powder
Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Disodium Citrate, Sodium

Disilicate, Carboxymethyl Cellulose, Alkyl Polyglucoside, Water (Aqua)
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.

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.
Comments: Nothing in this one to be concerned
about. A good choice.

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
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.

Bosisto's Sensitive Laundry Liquid
Ingredients: Ionic & Non-Ionic Surfactants Mixed,

Eucalyptus Oil, Ethanol, Water
Comments: I emailed 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.

Bosisto's Sensitive Laundry Powder
Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Metasilicate, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Citric

Acid Anhydrous , Eucalyptus Oil
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.

Bygum Eucalyptus Laundry Powder
Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Metasilicate, Food Grade Phosphate, Eucalyptus

Oil - 100% Pure Australian “Blue Mallee”
Comments: Sodium metasilicate can cause skin allergies and irritations, and the
phosphates are not good for the environment. Not one I’d choose.

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.

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)
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!)

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.

Dirt Good Laundry Liquid
Ingredients: Nonionic Surfactants, Anionic Surfactants, Alkaline Salts, Organic

Enzymes, Natural Fragrance, Preservatives
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.

Dominant Liquid Laundry Detergent
Ingredients: Alcohol Ethoxylates, Alkyl

Polyglucoside, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate,
Potassium Hydroxide, Triethanolamine
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.

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 61585
Comments: There are synthetic fragrances
and dyes, and benzisothiazolinone which
causes skin irritation and damage to aquatic
life. Not my choice!

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.

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).
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.

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)
Comments: The powder version of this is much better. I don’t like the synthetic
fragrance but everything else is okay.

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
here. A good choice!
Note: I don’t recommend phenoxyethanol in
skincare products, but it’s fine in a wash off
laundry liquid.

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)
Comments: Nothing to be concerned about here. I’ve used this for years and love it.

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
here. Another good choice!

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.

Ecover Universal Washing Powder
Ingredients: 15-30% Oxygen-based bleaching agent, Zeolite, 5-15% Anionic sufactants, <5% Non-
ionic 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.
EnviroClean Front Load Laundry Liquid
Ingredients: Purified Water, Plant-Based Non-

Ionic Surfactants, Plant-Based Anionic
Surfactants, Plant-Based Emulsifier
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.

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.

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
Comments: Nothing wrong with this. Another good choice!

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.

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.
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.

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.

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).
here – a good choice!

Lux Pure Soap Flakes
Ingredients: Sodium Soap Of Tallow And Coconut Oil, Moisture, Glycerine, Fragrance,
Sodium Chloride, Etidronic Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA
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.

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.

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!

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
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.

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.

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
here. Great ingredients list and an ACO
certified organic product.

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.

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!

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
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.

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.

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.

Rockin Green Classic Rock
Laundry Detergent
Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium

Percarbonate, Salt Cake, Biodegradable
Surfactant (Coconut derived), Natural
Fragrance
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.

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.

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.

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
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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.
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.

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

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.

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? Email us at info@hellocharlie.com.au

Or call us on 1300 725 876

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Ecover Universal Washing Powder 32

Surf Washing Powder Sunshine Lemons & Orange Blossom 2in1 56

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Personally, I’ve never been a fan of laundry liquids. I don’t

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•Abode Front Loader Laundry Powder - Lavender and Mint

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Ingredients: Soda Ash (Alkalinity Builder), Baking

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Ingredients: Water, Soda Ash, Sodium Citrate

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Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Disodium Citrate, Sodium

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Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Disodium Citrate, Sodium

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Ingredients: Water, Coco Glucoside, Organic

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Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Aluminosilicate, Sodium Sulfate, Sodium

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Ingredients: Ionic & Non-Ionic Surfactants Mixed,

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Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Metasilicate, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Citric

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Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Metasilicate, Food Grade Phosphate, Eucalyptus

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Ingredients: Water, C12-15 Pareth-2

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Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate (Washing Soda), C12-15 Pareth-2 (Detergent), Sodium

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Ingredients: Sodium Sulphate, Sodium Carbonate, Pentasodium, Triphosphate,

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Ingredients: Nonionic Surfactants, Anionic Surfactants, Alkaline Salts, Organic

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Ingredients: Alcohol Ethoxylates, Alkyl

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Ingredients: Water, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium

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Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Sulfate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Bicarbonate,

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Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Sodium Lauryl

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Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate (Washing Soda), Sodium Carboante Peroxide (Oxygen

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Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium

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Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Sulphate, Sodium Coco

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Ingredients: Purified Water, Coco Glucoside,

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Ingredients: Water, Non-ionic surfactants, Anionic

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Ingredients: Purified Water, Plant-Based Non-

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Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Surfactant Nonoxynol-9, Eucalyptus Oil, Citric Acid,

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Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Bi-Carboante, Saponified Coconut And Olive Oil,

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Ingredients: Purified Water, Sodium Cocoate,

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Ingredients: Soda Ash (Mineral), Sodium Bicarbonate (Mineral), Zeolite (Mineral),