Original Laundry Detergent

Name: Original Laundry Detergent
Brand: Tide

PFR Grade

Poor — significant plastic content, use with caution

Tide contains synthetic fragrances (potential phthalate carriers), optical brighteners, and petroleum-derived surfactants. Residues remain on clothing after washing and are in direct contact with skin all day.

PFR Avoid

Petroleum-derived laundry detergent with synthetic fragrance. The most popular laundry detergent in the US.

Score Breakdown

How scores are calculated

Materials (40%): How plastic-free the product is — raw materials, construction, and coatings.

Packaging (20%): Is the product packaged in plastic? Is it recyclable?

Transparency (20%): Does the brand disclose ingredients, sourcing, and manufacturing?

Durability (20%): How long does it last? Longer-lasting products reduce plastic waste over time.

Materials

Packaging

Transparency

Durability

$22See Safer Alternatives in Cleaning

This is a rating of this specific product only — not the company. Other products from this brand may score differently.

Last updated: April 5, 2026

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High Exposure Risk — Why This Product Category Matters

Cleaning products are among the most chemically complex household items. Many contain synthetic fragrances (which can contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals), surfactants, preservatives, and plastic packaging that leaches into the product. Inhalation during use adds a respiratory exposure route.

Synthetic Plastic Content

synthetic plastic by weight

Why We Rated It This Way

Tide is the most popular laundry detergent but leaves synthetic fragrance residues on clothing that are in direct contact with skin all day. Optical brighteners and petroleum-derived surfactants add to the chemical burden. Plant-based, fragrance-free alternatives are readily available.

Chemical & Health Analysis

Each chemical of concern is broken down below — what it is, where it comes from in this product, what it does to the body, and who is most at risk.

Contains:Virgin plastic jug

Phthalates

Source

Synthetic fragrance residues on clothing

Health Risk

All-day dermal exposure to phthalate-containing fragrance residues on clothing

Who Is Most At RiskEveryone who wears clothes washed with synthetic fragrance detergents

Peer-Reviewed Sources

All health claims are based on published, peer-reviewed research from the NIH, WHO, IARC, and peer-reviewed journals. This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.