What’s Really Inside Your Detergent?

🔥 2min read

👀 189,934 views

2 June 2025

A Closer Look at Hidden Ingredients

When it comes to doing laundry, most of us trust our detergent to get the job done. But have you ever checked the label — or wondered what’s actually in there? 

 

From synthetic fragrances to skin-sensitising surfactants and chemical brighteners, many traditional detergents contain ingredients that are hard to pronounce — and even harder on your skin, your health, and the environment. 

 

In this article, we unpack some of the most common “hidden” ingredients in mainstream laundry detergents and show how Erthhaus takes a cleaner, safer approach.

1. Optical Brighteners

These chemical additives make clothes appear whiter by coating fabrics with a fluorescent layer that reflects light — without actually cleaning better. 

 

The problem? Optical brighteners can cause skin irritation, don’t biodegrade easily, and often linger in waterways. They’re also designed to stick to your clothes… and then your skin. 

 

Erthhaus? We don’t use any optical brighteners. Our formula relies on plant-based cleaning agents that get clothes clean — no illusion required.

2. Sodium Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate (SDBS) and other petroleum-derived surfactants

Widely used in conventional powder and liquid detergents, SDBS is a petroleum-derived surfactant SDBS is a known skin irritant that can cause inflammation, dryness, and rashes — especially in children and those with sensitivities — and is slow to biodegrade, contributing to chemical build-up in household wastewater and soil over time.

 

Erthhaus uses Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) instead — a milder alternative derived from coconut oil. It’s also readily biodegradable (95% in 28 days) and has a low potential for bioaccumulation. 

3. Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Chloromethylisothiazolinone (CMIT)

These are powerful preservatives used to extend shelf life in liquid detergents and pods — especially those with water content.

 

Strong skin sensitizers linked to eczema, rashes, and even chemical burns in sensitive individuals. Though banned in leave-on cosmetics in the EU, they’re still common in liquid detergents — and their toxicity to beneficial microbes makes them unsuitable for greywater or compost systems.

 

Thanks to our dry-sheet format, Erthhaus requires no harsh preservatives at all. That means fewer irritants, less chemical interference in your home system, and a formula that’s gentler on both people and planet.

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4. Fragrances & Allergens

Most detergents use high concentrations of undisclosed fragrance chemicals, increasing the risk of skin irritation, allergies, and hormone disruption — with no requirement to say what’s inside. 

 

At Erthhaus, we took a safer, more transparent approach. Instead of essential oils (which can be unstable in detergent formulas and highly sensitising), we use a carefully crafted synthetic fragrance from IFF, formulated in very low concentrations for safety and stability. Prefer no scent at all? We also offer a completely Fragrance-Free option — perfect for sensitive skin.

IFRA-certified and backed by safety data

No ingredient is classified as persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic (PBT), or an endocrine disruptor

5. Phosphates & Phthalates

Phosphates are banned in many countries for their role in algae blooms and water pollution, but still appear in some detergents. Phthalates, on the other hand, are often hidden within “fragrance” and linked to hormone disruption. 

 

Erthhaus contains neither. Our full ingredient list is transparent — and free from endocrine disruptors, phthalates, or phosphates.

View Ingredients

what’s in your detergent?

Erthhaus eco-friendly detergent sheets

What other detergent brands add in

Optical Brighteners

Harsh Surfactants

Preservatives

Phosphates & Fillers

High concentration fragrance

Dyes & Colorants

Microplastic Film (Pods)

Ingredient Transparency

Plastic packaging

Greywater Safe

Try Erthhaus

here's what south african's have to say

buy more & pay less

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

From R3.49

R4 - R6

R6 - R9

R6 - R9

From R3.49

Detergent 

Powder

R4 - R6

Detergent 

Liquid

R6 - R9

Detergent 

Pods

R6 - R9

Try Erthhaus

what’s in your detergent?

Erthhaus eco-friendly detergent sheets

What other detergent brands add in

Optical Brighteners

Harsh Surfactants

Preservatives

Phosphates & Fillers

High concentration fragrance

Dyes & Colorants

Microplastic Film (Pods)

Ingredient Transparency

Plastic packaging

Greywater Safe

sa's #1 eco-friendly 
laundry detergent sheets

98% highly recommend 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

"A game-changer! They're super easy to use and effective at cleaning my clothes. I love that they're eco-friendly and help reduce plastic waste. The natural fragrance is a nice touch, and I feel great knowing I'm making a positive impact. Highly recommend!"

- Sarah M, Cape Town

Verified buyer

98% highly recommend 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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Estimate delivery between Aug 29 - Sep 01

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.

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.

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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