The Short Answer
We do not recommend Mrs. Meyer's laundry detergent. While the brand markets itself as "rooted in goodness" and "plant-derived," the actual formula tells a completely different story.
Mrs. Meyer's scores a D rating from the EWG because it relies on highly irritating synthetic preservatives and massive doses of synthetic fragrance. If you struggle with eczema, contact dermatitis, or general itchiness, this detergent is likely making your skin worse. Detergent Skin Irritation
Why This Matters
Mrs. Meyer's is the ultimate example of modern greenwashing. With its rustic typography, essential oil claims, and "cruelty-free" leaping bunny logo, it looks perfectly safe for a health-conscious home. But the brand was actually purchased by conventional cleaning giant SC Johnson (makers of Windex and Raid) back in 2008.
The real danger is how they manipulate the label. They boast about being free of parabens and phthalates, but they quietly swap them for equally problematic synthetic chemicals. This creates a false sense of security for parents trying to avoid Chemicals To Avoid.
Worse, they don't offer a single fragrance-free option. Every bottle contains a synthetic scent cocktail, making it impossible for sensitive consumers to use the brand safely. Best Fragrance Free Detergent
What's Actually In Mrs. Meyer's
- Methylisothiazolinone (MI) — This synthetic preservative won "Contact Allergen of the Year" in 2013. It causes an epidemic of severe skin reactions, eczema, and blistering, yet Mrs. Meyer's uses it in almost every formula.
- Benzisothiazolinone (BIT) — An immune system toxicant and known skin sensitizer. Paired with MI, this creates a double-dose of harsh, synthetic preservation.
- Fragrance — A legal loophole that hides hundreds of chemicals. While they use some essential oils, they mix them with "safe synthetic ingredients" that routinely trigger asthma and allergies. What Is Fragrance
- Laureth-7 — An ethoxylated ingredient. This plant-derived surfactant goes through a chemical process that can contaminate the final product with 1,4-dioxane, a known human carcinogen. 1 4 Dioxane Detergent
What to Look For
Green Flags:
- Fully disclosed ingredient lists — Brands that list every single component of their scent profile.
- EWG A-Ratings or EWG Verified status — Third-party proof that the formula is truly non-toxic. Cleanest Laundry Detergent
Red Flags:
- "Isothiazolinone" preservatives — Any ingredient ending in this word is a severe skin sensitizer.
- Broad "Fragrance" or "Parfum" labels — If they don't explicitly state what makes the scent, they are hiding cheap synthetics. Fragrance Detergent Safety
The Best Options
If you bought Mrs. Meyer's looking for a safer clean, you need to switch to brands that actually deliver on that promise.
| Brand | Product | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Molly's Suds | Laundry Wash | ✅ | Zero synthetic preservatives or fragrances. Mollys Suds Review |
| Branch Basics | Concentrate | ✅ | EWG-verified and completely hypoallergenic. Branch Basics Review |
| Mrs. Meyer's | Clean Day Detergent | 🚫 | D-rated formula full of severe skin allergens. |
The Bottom Line
1. Stop paying premium prices for greenwashing. Mrs. Meyer's is essentially a conventional detergent hiding behind rustic packaging. Detergent Marketing Scam
2. Check your labels for MI and BIT. These two preservatives are the hidden culprits behind thousands of unexplained skin rashes.
3. Switch to a truly transparent brand. Look for companies that achieve an A-rating from the EWG and disclose 100% of their ingredients. Safest Laundry Detergent
FAQ
Is Mrs. Meyer's good for eczema or sensitive skin?
Absolutely not. It contains Methylisothiazolinone, which is a notorious skin sensitizer and contact allergen. If you have sensitive skin, you need a true hypoallergenic option. Best Detergent Eczema
Does Mrs. Meyer's use real essential oils?
Yes, but they mix them with synthetic chemicals. Their "garden-inspired" scents are a blend of real oils and undisclosed synthetic fragrances, meaning you are still being exposed to laboratory-made allergens.
Are Mrs. Meyer's products actually natural?
No, they are "naturally derived." This is a clever marketing term meaning they start with plants (like coconut), but aggressively process them with synthetic chemicals to create ingredients like Laureth-7 and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. Natural Detergents Work