Is Your Laundry Detergent Safe for Babies and Sensitive Skin?

🔥 3min read

👀 408,743 views

6 June 2025

The Hidden Irritants in Conventional Detergents

If you or your little one have ever experienced:

Mystery rashes

Eczema flare-ups

Itchy skin or red marks after wearing clean clothes…

…it might not be the clothes. It could be your laundry detergent. 

 

Most traditional powders, liquids, and pods are made with harsh surfactants, synthetic fragrance blends, preservatives, dyes, and optical brighteners — many of which are known skin irritants, even in small doses. 

 

Worse? Most brands don’t disclose these ingredients on the label.

What We Leave Out (and Why It Matters)

At Erthhaus, we set out to make one of the gentlest, safest laundry detergents in the world — especially for sensitive skin and baby clothes.

We don’t use:

Dyes

Optical brighteners

Harsh preservatives (like MIT/CMIT)

Phthalates or parabens

Plastic pods or films

High-concentration synthetic fragrance blends

Instead, Erthhaus contains only essential, low-tox ingredients — and is independently lab-tested for biodegradability and safety.

why erthhaus works so well for sensitive skin

1. Gentle, Minimal Ingredients

Our formula uses mild cleansing agents (like Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate derived from coconut oil) — chosen for low irritation potential and high performance.

2. No Dyes, No Brighteners, No Fillers

These common additives often coat clothes in residue that lingers on skin. We don’t use them — ever.

3. Ultra-Low Fragrance Concentration

While many detergents use high doses of synthetic scent, our fragranced options are formulated at ultra-low concentrations and screened for safety under IFRA standards. And for those who are extra sensitive, we offer a completely Fragrance-Free sheet.

4. Greywater-Safe & Biodegradable

Because if it’s safe enough for reuse systems, it’s safe enough for baby skin.

Real Feedback from Parents & Sensitive Skin Users

“My baby has extremely sensitive skin, and everything else made her rashy. Erthhaus is the only thing I trust.”

- Megan D.
Title

“I’ve struggled with eczema my whole life. This is the only detergent that hasn't triggered my skin.”

- Melanie N.
Title

“Love that I finally found something I can use for my newborn and myself. It’s so gentle but actually cleans well.”

- Thando M.

The Problem With “Baby-Safe” Marketing

Many mainstream “baby” or “gentle” detergents still contain:

Synthetic fragrances

Optical brighteners

Artificial colorants

Known irritants like Methylisothiazolinone (MIT)

They’re often marketed as gentle, but contain the same ingredients as standard formulas — just in pastel packaging. At Erthhaus, our formulation decisions are led by safety, not marketing.

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here's what south african's have to say

ready to try the cleanest clean for your family?

Popular

98% highly recommend erthhaus
Erthhaus Eco-friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets

1-Pack
R 329.00

Save 0%

Up to 80 washes

From R4.11 per wash

R75 Shipping
Choose Fragrance

30-day money-back guarantee

Best Seller

98% highly recommend erthhaus
Laundry Detergent Sheets 3 Pack

3-Pack
R 888.30

R 897.00

Save 10%

Up to 240 washes

From R3.70 per wash

R75 Shipping
Choose Fragrance

Build Bundle

30-day money-back guarantee

Best Value

98% highly recommend erthhaus
Laundry Detergent Sheets 6 Pack

6-Pack
R 1,677.90

R 1,794.00

Save 15%

Up to 480 washes

From R3.49 per wash

Free delivery
Choose Fragrance

Build Bundle

30-day money-back guarantee

A Detergent Price Comparison

Average Cost Per Wash

Detergent 

Powder

Detergent 

Liquid

Detergent 

Pods

Average Cost Per Wash

R3.49 - R8

R4 - R6

R6 - R9

R6 - R9

From R3.49

Detergent 

Powder

R4 - R6

Detergent 

Liquid

R6 - R9

Detergent 

Pods

R6 - R9

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what the science says

For decades, laundry detergents have promised bright whites and fresh scent — but few talk about what’s really inside. Independent studies are sounding the alarm: many traditional laundry powders, pods, and liquids are made with harsh chemicals that harm human health, pollute our environment, and add to the plastic crisis.

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Laundry detergents and detergent residue after rinsing directly disrupt tight junction barrier integrity in human bronchial epithelial cells

Wang et al. (2019)

What it found: Researchers revealed that harsh chemicals like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS) can leave behind trace residues on clothes after rinsing — and even these small amounts have been shown to irritate and damage the delicate cells lining the lungs, particularly in sensitive individuals.

Why Erthhaus is different: Our ultra-mild, biodegradable formula is made without harsh surfactants or residue-heavy additives — and many customers with sensitivities tell us they finally found a detergent they can use.

Read Study

Health hazards associated with laundry detergent pods

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2012)

What it found: Laundry pods pose health risks mainly due to their highly concentrated chemical formulas, bright candy-like appearance, and easily burstable plastic film. These factors have led to accidental ingestions by children, resulting in vomiting, respiratory distress, eye injuries, and in severe cases, hospitalization.

Why Erthhaus is different: Erthhaus does not use pods, plastic film packaging, or highly concentrated chemical cocktails. The sheets are flat, dry, and much safer for households with children.

Read Study

Laundry detergents and surfactants-induced eosinophilic airway inflammation

Saito et al. (2023)

What it found: The study found that common detergent surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate triggered airway inflammation in mice by increasing IL-33 levels and activating immune cells linked to asthma and allergic reactions.

Why Erthhaus is different: Erthhaus does not contain SLS, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, or similar irritant surfactants, and uses low-irritation, plant-based alternatives. Its formula is designed to leave minimal residue, reducing the risk of airborne or skin-related sensitivities.

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Assessment of Non-Occupational 1,4-Dioxane Exposure Pathways from Drinking Water and Product Use

Dawson et al. (2022)

What it found: Toxic by-products are hiding in traditional detergents. A hidden chemical by-product called 1,4-dioxane — found in many conventional detergents — is a probable human carcinogen and water pollutant that’s hard to remove through filtration.

Why Erthhaus is different: Erthhaus laundry sheets are free from ethoxylated surfactants—the main source of 1,4-dioxane contamination—and are made with safe, biodegradable ingredients that don’t create toxic by-products, making them a cleaner, safer choice for your home.

Read Study

sa's #1 eco-friendly 
laundry detergent sheets

98% of parents love Erthhaus 👶
Erthhaus Eco-friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets
Erthhaus Eco-friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets
Erthhaus Eco-friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets
Erthhaus Eco-friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets
Erthhaus Eco-friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets
Erthhaus Eco-friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets
Erthhaus Eco-friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets
Erthhaus Eco-friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets
Erthhaus Eco-friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets
Erthhaus Eco-friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets
Erthhaus Eco-friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets

Gentle on 

sensitive skin

Powerful cleaning

Vegan & cruelty-free

Quick dissolution

Biodegradable & plastic free

Plant-based ingredients

Works with all washers

Pre-measured sheets

Handwashing friendly

98% of parents love Erthhaus 👶

sa's #1 eco-friendly laundry detergent sheets

Compact, potent, easy-to-use, and eco-friendly giving you up to 80 washes per box. Just toss a sheet for a powerful clean and gentle fabric care. With biodegradable ingredients, it's effective and kind to the planet. Experience lasting freshness wherever you go.

Gentle on sensitive skin

Powerful cleaning

Vegan & cruelty-free

Quick dissolution

Biodegradable & plastic free

Plant-based ingredients

Works with all washers

Pre-measured sheets

Endocrine disrupter free

Handwashing friendly

Pick your pack

FREE shipping on orders over R1000 🎁
10, 10, 15,
default, percentage, percentage,
1, 3, 6,
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{ "Orchard Breeze":{"id":"44320538460329"} , "Forest Breeze":{"id":"44320538427561"} , "Fragrance Free":{"id":"44320538493097"} }
Estimate delivery between Sep 18 - Sep 21

Why South African's Love Us

South Africans are embracing Erthhaus Laundry Detergent Sheets for their unmatched convenience, eco-friendly design, and exceptional cleaning power. Perfect for busy households, these compact sheets take the guesswork out of laundry by eliminating the need for measuring or storing bulky detergents. Made with biodegradable, plant-based ingredients, erthhaus supports South Africa’s growing eco-conscious movement, delivering powerful cleaning while protecting the environment. Plus, their quick-dissolving formula makes them perfect for conserving water.

Clean Ingredients

✅ Free From These Nasty Ingredients: Parabens, phthalates, optical brighteners, synthetic dyes, phosphates, formaldehyde, chlorine bleach, ammonia, 1,4-dioxane, sodium hypochlorite, quaternary ammonium compounds ingredients.

 

🌎 Biodegradability That’s Proven: OECD 301B test: Over 98% biodegradation within 28 days. PVOH base: Fully water-soluble and inherently biodegradable in soil, marine environments, and wastewater systems.

 

🧪 Hypoallergenic + Cruelty-Free: No ingredients flagged as endocrine disruptors or carcinogens. No animal testing. Plant-based and safe for sensitive skin. 

View All Ingrdients

Scent Guide

Orchard Breeze 

- Top: Citrus, Bergamot, fruit, berries, blackcurrant, apple

- Middle: Flowers, roses, jasmine

- Base: wood, sandalwood, balsam

 

Forest Breeze

- Top: Apple, peach, blackcurrant, plum, citrus, melon

- Middle: Rose, lily of the valley, lotus, osmanthus

- Base: wood, musk, amber 

 

Fragrance Free 

No fragrance.

Delivery Information

Where are orders shipped from? All orders are shipped from our warehouse facility in Cape Town.

 

What is the delivery timeframe? Your order will arrive within 1-5 business days. Longer delivery times may occur if your delivery address is in an outlying area. See Shipping Policy for more info.

 

Are there any shipping costs or extra fees? We offer free shipping on all orders over R1000. For orders below R1000, a standard shipping fee applies. There are no extra courier fees, duties, or charges. 

 

Which couriers do you use? For reliable and fast nationwide delivery, we partner with multiple courier service providers.

 

Do you offer nationwide delivery? Yes, we offer door-to-door delivery throughout South Africa.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Try Erthhaus risk-free for 30 days. If you're not satisfied, we offer a 100% refund with no questions asked.

erthhaus vs. traditional detergents

Erthhaus eco-friendly detergent sheets

What other detergent brands add in

Packaging

FSC-certified paper

Plastic bottles/tubs

Measuring

Pre-measured

Manual 

(overuse common)

Travel-friendliness

Slim, lightweight & spill-free

Bulky & spill-prone

Skin Safety

Gentle on skin

Includes harsh chemicals, dyes and preservatives

Greywater Suitable

Greywater-safe

Often not suitable

Cost Per Wash

R3.49 – R8.00

R4.10 – R8.00

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