A Lack of Synthetic Chemicals
Many of the chemicals used in regular detergents are bad for the environment and toxic to humans. Many of them also aggravate conditions like eczema and allergies. The laundry detergent ECOS and Seventh Generation produce (among others) contain very few synthetic ingredients.Seventh Generation claims they have products formulated to have no detectable 1,4-Dioxane.Seventh generation free & clear laundry detergent packs are made for sensitive skin. They have passed clinical tests and are formulated without fragrance ingredients.
Does Seventh Generation laundry detergent have enzymes : With a formula boosted by 6 enzymes and surfactants, you can get the upper hand on everyday stains and tough laundry tasks.
Is Seventh Generation safe to use
The Safer Choice label signifies that the product's formula, as Seventh Generation, Inc has represented it to the EPA, contains ingredients with more positive human health and environmental characteristics than conventional products of the same type.
What is the Seventh Generation controversy : The case, which was settled before it went to trial at courts in California and New York, stemmed in part from the fact that Seventh Generation admitted in a document on its website that it used synthetic ingredients in several products. Those substances include glycerin, sodium citrate and sodium hydroxide.
Consumer Reports said two detergents, All Stainlifters Free & Clear and Seventh Generation Free & Clear Sensitive Skin, not only lacked the harmful chemicals they tested for but also provided a list of all ingredients.
1,4-dioxane is a contaminant in ethoxylated ingredients, so these should be avoided, They include: Alcohol ethoxylates and ethoxylated alcohols, recognizable by the -eth ending: C12-14 Pareth-11, Ceteareth, Deceth-6, Ppg-10-laureth-7, Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
What is the safest detergent
No matter which detergent you choose, follow those handy laundry symbols on your clothing labels.
- Safest laundry detergent overall: Molly's Suds Unscented Detergent Powder.
- Best powder: Charlie's Soap Laundry Powder.
- Best detergent pods: Dropps Detergent Pods.
- Best detergent sheets: Grove Co.
As certified by the USDA BioPreferred Program, we're proud that all our laundry and dish products are biobased 95% or higher.Compare
| Products | Product Links |
|---|---|
| Best Eco-Friendly: Seventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Detergent | $12 at Amazon |
| Best Pods: Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Detergent | $16 at Amazon |
| Best Powder: Molly's Suds Laundry Detergent Powder | $15 at Amazon |
| Best Liquid: Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Lavender Laundry Detergent | $18 at Amazon |
Dishwashing Liquid: For hand dishes, Seventh Generation performed just fine. I would purchase it again, which is more than I say about Biokleen's dishwashing liquid. I tested the free & clear version, so nothing to report about scent. Dishwashing detergent: The powder worked acceptably.
Why is 7th generation controversial : Seventh Generation's competitors have challenged the veracity of its products' safety for years. In 2010, the consumer packaged goods (CPG) giant Procter & Gamble accused the company of making false claims that its products lacked any harmful ingredients and were completely natural.
Is the Seventh Generation worth it : We use a number of Seventh Generation products and are never disappointed. This detergent cleans very well and as promised – leaves no cloying scent on one's clothes. If you prefer fragrance-free – this is an excellent choice. This detergent is very good for sensitive skin.
Does the Seventh Generation use chemicals
With no dyes, optical brighteners or fragrances, Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent gives you great results in HE and standard machines, and works in all water temperatures. This Laundry Detergent, made with plant-based ingredients, is a USDA Certified Biobased Product 97%.
The chemical byproduct, 1,4-Dioxane, is present in many popular laundry detergents. In recent tests, Arm & Hammer Clean Burst, Tide Original, Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear, and Gain Original + Aroma Boost all contained more than 3 PPM of 1,4-Dioxane, over the NY State limit.Samples of Tide Original, Persil, Tide Simply Oxi, Gain Original and Dreft Stage 1 Newborn analyzed last month had less than 1 part per million of 1,4-dioxane, according to Adrienne Esposito, executive director of the Citizens Campaign for the Environment.
Can 1,4-dioxane be absorbed through the skin : Studies have found that some 1,4-dioxane can pass through skin when applied with certain preparations such as lotions, but much of it will evaporate before it can be absorbed. Once in your body, 1,4-dioxane is broken down into other chemicals. These other chemicals rapidly leave your body in the urine.