Most people assume laundry detergent is harmless. After all, it touches the clothes on our skin every day - surely it must be safe.
But there’s one chemical lurking behind many big-brand laundry detergents that has raised serious health concerns:
1,4-dioxane
This substance isn’t listed on labels. It isn’t added on purpose. And yet, it keeps showing up in detergents across the U.S.
Here’s what you should know.
What Is 1,4-Dioxane?
1,4-dioxane is a chemical byproduct formed during the manufacturing of ethoxylated surfactants — the cleaning agents used to create foam, dissolve oils, and make detergents feel “silky.”
Because it’s a contaminant rather than a purposely added ingredient, it:
- Doesn’t appear on product labels
- Is difficult for consumers to identify
- Can remain in the final detergent unless additional purification steps are used
This is why many households use it without ever realizing it.
Why 1,4-Dioxane Is Concerning
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies 1,4-dioxane as a probable human carcinogen, meaning there is strong evidence linking it to cancer in animal studies and concerning patterns in human exposure.
The risks come from how easily the body can absorb it.
1. Absorbed Through the Skin
When detergent residue remains on clothing, sheets, towels, and pajamas, trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane can be absorbed through the skin — the largest organ of the body.
2. Inhaled During Laundry
Fumes released from washing machines, detergent bottles, and especially the drying process can carry airborne particles of the chemical, which then enter the lungs.
Over time, prolonged exposure — even in small amounts — is where concerns grow.
How Much Is Allowed in Laundry Detergent?
Some states have started regulating 1,4-dioxane due to mounting research.
New York State set some of the strictest limits:
- 1 part per million (ppm) for household cleaning products
- 2 ppm for personal care products
These limits reflect the state’s concerns about groundwater contamination, environmental toxicity, and long-term human exposure.
While many manufacturers have reduced levels in recent years, trace amounts are still found in numerous mainstream detergents.
What About Other Concerning Chemicals in Laundry Detergent?
1,4-dioxane isn’t the only problematic ingredient hiding in detergent formulas.
Formaldehyde
A known human carcinogen, formaldehyde can be released from certain preservatives used in detergents. It has been linked to respiratory irritation, skin reactions, and long-term cancer risk.
Fragrance Chemicals
“Fragrance” on a label can legally represent hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, including:
- Phthalates (hormone disruptors)
- Benzene derivatives (linked to cancer)
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
These fragrance chemicals are known contributors to headaches, allergies, endocrine disruption, and—depending on the formulation—potential cancer risk.
How Does This Affect the Average Person?
Even if individual exposures seem small, the combination of:
- daily skin contact
- inhalation
- long-term residue buildup
- undisclosed ingredients
…creates an exposure pattern that many health-conscious families choose to avoid.
And that’s where safer alternatives come in.
A Non-Toxic Laundry Solution That Passed the Tests
After reviewing detergent options and evaluating ingredient safety, one clear solution stood out:
Well🌱 Laundry Powder — Lavender or Unscented
Well brand avoids 1,4-dioxane–producing surfactants, petroleum-derived ingredients, synthetic fragrances, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, and other chemicals linked to irritation or long-term health concerns.
Instead, you get:
- mineral-based cleaning
- essential-oil scent (or unscented)
- zero questionable residues
- a formula that rinses clean — for real
It’s one of the simplest ways to reduce chemical exposure in your home.
👉 Learn more or try it here:
https://www.cleanwithwell.com/products/well-lavender-laundry-powder