5 Hidden Toxins Lurking in Your Current Laundry Detergent And Why Clean Laundry Detergent™ Keeps Them Out—for Good
You might think your laundry detergent is “clean” just because it smells fresh. But fresh scents can be deceiving—and behind many popular detergent brands are hidden chemicals that can irritate your skin, harm your health, and pollute the environment.
At Clean Laundry Detergent™, manufactured by Prime Nova Partners, we believe in full transparency and powerful, non-toxic cleaning. Let’s break down five of the most common harmful ingredients found in conventional laundry detergents—and explain why you’ll never find them in our formula.
1. Fragrance (a.k.a. A Cocktail of Unlisted Chemicals)
That “fresh linen” or “spring breeze” scent? It’s usually made up of dozens—or even hundreds—of undisclosed synthetic chemicals. The word “fragrance” on a label is often a legal loophole, allowing companies to hide hormone disruptors, allergens, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) without listing them individually.
What’s the risk?
Skin irritation and allergies
Endocrine disruption
Headaches and respiratory issues
What we do instead
Clean Laundry Detergent™ is completely fragrance-free or naturally scented using only safe, plant-derived essential oils—so you get
freshness without hidden risks.
2. Optical Brighteners
These are chemical additives that make fabrics appear brighter by
absorbing UV light and re-emitting it as blue light. Sounds cool? Not when you realize they don’t actually clean your clothes—and they can coat your fabrics in chemicals that linger long after the rinse cycle.
What’s the risk?
Can cause skin sensitivity, especially when in contact with sweaty or damp clothing
Non-biodegradable and toxic to aquatic life
May cause long-term environmental harm
Our choice:
We skip the gimmicks. Clean Laundry Detergent™ delivers real cleanliness, not optical illusions.
3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
SLS is a foaming agent commonly used in detergents and personal care products. While it helps create those satisfying suds, it’s also a known skin irritant—especially for people with eczema, psoriasis, or allergies.
What’s the risk?
Skin and eye irritation
Can trigger flare-ups in sensitive skin conditions
Often contaminated with trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane (see below)
What we do
Clean Laundry Detergent™ is 100% SLS-free, using safer, plant-based surfactants that clean effectively without harming your skin.
4. 1,4-Dioxane (A Likely Carcinogen)
You won’t see this one on any ingredient list—because it’s not added intentionally. 1,4-Dioxane is a byproduct of a chemical process called ethoxylation, used to make harsh detergents milder. Unfortunately, this chemical is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA.
What’s the risk?
Linked to cancer in animal studies
Persistent in the environment and water supply
Difficult to remove through standard water filtration
Our promise:
Clean Laundry Detergent™ is 1,4-dioxane-free by design. We use non-ethoxylated, biodegradable ingredients that are safe for you and your water system.
5. Phosphates
Used in many laundry detergents to soften water and improve cleaning, phosphates are known for wreaking havoc once they enter lakes and rivers. They promote excessive algae growth—choking out fish and disrupting aquatic ecosystems.
What’s the risk?
Environmental pollution
Harmful algal blooms
Long-term ecosystem damage
Our solution:
Clean Laundry Detergent™ contains zero phosphates. We clean responsibly—powerfully removing dirt and grime without damaging the planet.
It’s Time to Rethink “Clean”
If your current detergent contains even one of the chemicals above, it may be time for a change. With Clean Laundry Detergent™, you get a product that works as hard as you do—without compromising your health or
the health of the planet.
No toxins. No tricks. Just seriously clean clothes.
Ready to Ditch the Toxins?
Try Clean Laundry Detergent™—clean you can trust. Now available online and through select retailers.