What to check on laundry detergent and fabric softener labels: ingredients and dosing

How is a detergent label set out?

EU detergent legislation, and the aligned regulation in Türkiye, require certain groups of ingredients to be shown on detergent packaging as percentage ranges. On the label you will see statements such as “5–15% anionic surfactants, less than 5% non-ionic surfactants, soap, phosphonates, enzymes, optical brighteners, perfumes”.

In addition, enzymes, preservatives, optical brighteners and perfume must be declared regardless of the amount. Fragrance allergens above a certain threshold are also listed by name. The full ingredient list is usually published on the manufacturer's website, and the address is given on the packaging.

Cleansers: surfactants

The real cleaning power of detergents comes from surfactants. Anionic surfactants, in particular linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS), are effective at dissolving dirt and grease stains. SLES and soap are also common in liquid detergents, while non-ionic surfactants help especially with greasy stains and low-temperature washes.

In concentrated form these ingredients can irritate the eyes and skin; but when used at the right dose and rinsed well, the amount left on clothes is very low. Some products use milder, plant-derived surfactants such as coco-glucoside.

Nonylphenol ethoxylates, found in older formulas, have been largely restricted in detergents in the EU because they break down into substances with hormone-like effects in the environment. In our app they are rated in a high risk range.

Enzymes, brighteners and phosphates

• Enzymes (protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase): These break down protein, starch and grease stains at low temperatures, making an effective wash at 30–40 degrees possible. Because enzymes can cause respiratory sensitisation when inhaled, this risk matters especially for factory workers; for consumers, encapsulated enzymes greatly reduce the risk. Still, it is a good habit to avoid breathing in the dust when pouring powder detergent.
• Optical brighteners: These do not actually clean fabric; they convert UV light into blue light so that whites look brighter. Because they are designed to stay on the fabric, reactions have occasionally been reported on sensitive skin. They are not needed for coloured and dark laundry, and colour detergents usually do not contain them.
• Sodium percarbonate: An oxygen bleach that releases oxygen in water. It is gentler on coloured fabrics than chlorine bleach.
• Phosphates: They soften water and improve the detergent's effectiveness, but they cause excessive algae growth (eutrophication) in lakes and rivers. This is why the use of phosphates in household laundry and dishwasher detergents is strictly limited in the EU. They have been replaced by zeolites, citrates and polycarboxylates.

Fabric softeners: esterquats and fragrance

The main ingredients in fabric softeners are cationic surfactants; today the most common of these are esterquats. These substances cling to fabric fibres, giving a soft feel and reducing static and creasing. Compared with older cationics, esterquats break down more easily in the environment and are considered of low to moderate concern.

The most debated aspect of fabric softener is usually the amount of fragrance. Products promising long-lasting scent leave fragrance ingredients on fabric that touch the skin all day. For people with sensitive or eczema-prone skin, using less softener or a fragrance-free option can help.

Fabric softeners can reduce the absorbency of towels and impair the moisture-wicking properties of technical fabrics in sportswear. It is generally recommended to use little or no softener on these items. Some people prefer to put a little vinegar or citric acid in the rinse compartment instead of softener; but never use vinegar in the same wash as bleach.

Preservatives and fragrance allergens

Liquid detergents and fabric softeners contain water, so they need preservatives. The preservatives often used in these products are isothiazolinone derivatives such as methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and benzisothiazolinone (BIT). Because these are strong contact allergens, people with an MIT allergy should check the labels of cleaning products too. Wearing gloves and rinsing well greatly reduce exposure.

When fragrance allergens are present above a certain threshold, they are listed separately by names such as linalool and limonene. Powder detergents usually do not need preservatives, so they can be an option for people sensitive to MIT or BIT. For more on fragrance ingredients, see our fragrance allergens guide.

Dose: the most overlooked information on the label

Detergent packs include a recommended dosing table based on water hardness and how dirty the laundry is. Using more detergent does not make laundry cleaner; on the contrary, product can remain in the fabric, build up in the machine and increase the risk of skin irritation. It also means unnecessary chemicals end up in waste water.

In areas where hard water is common, a little more detergent may be needed; in soft water, the lower end of the recommended dose is usually enough. Concentrated products need a smaller dose; using the right line on the measuring cap is important.

• Follow the recommended dosing table and take your water hardness into account.
• Use the extra rinse programme for sensitive skin.
• You may prefer fragrance-free products for baby clothes and sensitive skin.
• Keep detergent pods out of children's reach; their colourful, squishy appearance can lead to swallowing accidents.
• Keep detergent in its original packaging and do not decant it into other containers.

If detergent or a pod is swallowed or gets into the eyes, rinse with plenty of water and contact your local poison control centre (in Türkiye: the National Poison Information Centre, UZEM, on 114). For more safety information, see our bleach and hydrochloric acid safety guide.