Your Skin Drinks Too: Why Your Laundry Detergent Matters More Than You Think
We all want clean clothes that smell fresh — but have you ever stopped to think about what’s actually on your clothes after they come out of the wash?
Our skin is the largest organ of the body, covering about 20 square feet and making up roughly 16% of our body weight. It’s also highly permeable — meaning what touches it doesn’t just stay on the surface. The products we use on our skin, including what’s left behind on our clothes, sheets, and towels, can be absorbed into our bloodstream. Yet, it’s one of the most overlooked ways we expose ourselves to toxins.
What’s Really in Laundry Detergent?
Conventional laundry detergents often contain a mix of synthetic chemicals that help lift stains and odors — but many of those same ingredients have been shown to cause irritation, hormone disruption, and even long-term health effects.
Here are a few common offenders to look out for:
Fragrance (or “parfum”) – This single word can hide hundreds of synthetic chemicals, many derived from petroleum. Studies have shown artificial fragrances can trigger asthma, allergies, headaches, and even disrupt hormones.
Optical Brighteners – These make fabrics “look” cleaner by coating them with fluorescent compounds that reflect blue light — but they can irritate skin and linger in waterways, harming aquatic life.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) – Used to create foam and break down grease, but they can also strip the skin’s protective barrier and cause dryness or eczema.
Phosphates – These soften water but can cause environmental harm when washed into rivers and lakes, leading to algae overgrowth.
Dyes – Added purely for aesthetics, synthetic dyes are unnecessary and can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives – Found in some detergents to extend shelf life, these compounds release formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.
A 2011 study from the University of Washington found that scented laundry products emitted over 25 different volatile organic compounds (VOCs), some classified as toxic or hazardous under federal law — none of which were listed on the label.
Why It Matters
When we wear clothes washed in these detergents, sleep on sheets washed in them, or dry off with towels coated in residue, our skin is in constant contact with these chemicals. The longer the exposure, the more opportunity they have to enter the body through pores and hair follicles.
This exposure may not cause an immediate rash — but over time, the body’s detox pathways become overwhelmed, contributing to inflammation, hormone imbalance, or even chronic fatigue.
And if you have little ones? Children’s skin is thinner and more absorbent than adults’, making them even more vulnerable to harmful residues.
A Better Way
The good news? There are plenty of clean, effective alternatives — and you can even make your own at home.
When choosing a detergent, look for labels that say:
“Fragrance-free” (not just “unscented”)
“Phosphate-free”
“Dye-free”
Contain plant-based surfactants rather than petroleum-based ones
Have EWG (Environmental Working Group) verification or USDA Certified Biobased labeling
DIY Natural Laundry Detergent
Here’s a simple recipe that’s gentle on skin, tough on dirt, and kind to the planet:
Ingredients:
1 cup washing soda (sodium carbonate)
1 cup baking soda
1 bar castile soap, finely grated
20 drops dōTERRA Lemon or Purify essential oil for natural cleansing power
Instructions:
Combine the washing soda, baking soda, and grated soap in a large bowl.
Add essential oils and mix thoroughly.
Store in an airtight container.
Use 2 tablespoons per load.
For extra softness, add ¼ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle — it helps break down residue and leaves clothes fresh.
The Bottom Line
The clothes you wear are like a second skin. By switching to cleaner laundry products, you’re not just protecting your garments — you’re protecting your body’s largest organ and supporting your long-term wellness.
Whether you buy a non-toxic brand or make your own, small swaps like this create a ripple effect of health throughout your home. And adding a few drops of dōTERRA essential oils gives you a natural boost of cleansing and freshness — minus the synthetic chemicals. Your skin — and your future self — will thank you.