Clean People Laundry Detergent | Are Their Ingredients Actually Clean?

In the world of eco-friendly laundry solutions, Clean People Laundry Sheets have gained popularity. But how clean are their ingredients? Let’s dive into what makes up these laundry sheets and compare them to a truly natural alternative.

The Challenge of Finding Ingredient Information

One of the first hurdles in assessing Clean People’s products is the lack of readily available ingredient information. While they do have an ingredients page, it’s not easily accessible from their main website. The ingredient list is notably absent from their FAQ section, main navigation, and footer – areas where consumers typically expect to find such crucial information.

This lack of transparency is concerning, especially for a company that markets itself as having “clean” ingredients. A truly clean and eco-conscious brand should have no hesitation in making their ingredient list prominently visible and easily accessible to all potential customers.

Even more troubling is that when you do find the ingredient list, it’s filled with complex chemical names that most everyday consumers would struggle to understand. Terms like “polyvinyl alcohol, ” Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate,” and “Cocamidopropyl Betaine” don’t mean much to the average person. This leaves customers in the dark about:

1. What these ingredients actually are
2. Where they’re derived from (natural or synthetic sources)
3. How they might affect overall health and the environment

This lack of clarity and education around their ingredients raises questions about the company’s commitment to true transparency and consumer education.

What We Know About Clean People’s Ingredients

Despite the difficulty in finding and understanding the ingredient list, we were able to gather information on all the ingredients. However, let’s focus on the ones that raise significant concerns:

1. PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol): This synthetic polymer warrants closer examination:
   
   • It’s a water-soluble synthetic polymer commonly used in laundry detergents and sheets.
   • PVA is derived from petroleum, though it can be produced from renewable, bio-based sources.
   • Environmental Concern: While PVA dissolves in water, some studies suggest it doesn’t always fully biodegrade and can persist in the environment as microplastics.
   • Why it can be marketed as a “non Micro-Plastic”
     • PVA can be marketed as a non-microplastic due to its high-water solubility and the fact that, under ideal conditions, it can be biodegraded into harmless substances. While studies show it doesn’t always fully break down, the emphasis is on its ability to dissolve and its intended fate in wastewater treatment, where it is designed to be broken down by microorganisms throughout treatment.
   • Important Note: Only fully degradable under ideal conditions which depending on geographics and the individuals home water systems it would be difficult to create an “ideal condition”
   • Health and Environmental Impact: Its intended fate for being fully degradable is for wastewater systems where the microorganisms in those facilities help break down the rest of the PVA that didn’t fully dissolve making it not 100% environmentally beneficial for aquatic ecosystems.. The overuse of plastics in everyday products, including those marketed as eco-friendly, raises concerns about overall health, wellness, and environmental sustainability.
     
     
2. AOS (Alpha Olefin Sulfonate) and CAPB (Cocamidopropyl Betaine): These surfactants, while common in cleaning products, have potential environmental and health impacts:
   
   • They can be harmful to aquatic life if released into water systems in large quantities.
   • Their biodegradability can vary, potentially contributing to water pollution.
   • Skin Irritation Concern: Both AOS and CAPB have been known to cause skin irritation in some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin, eczema, or dermatitis. CAPB, in particular, has been identified as a potential allergen and irritant in some studies.
   • Source: AOS is typically derived from petroleum-based alpha-olefins, while CAPB is often derived from coconut oil but undergoes significant chemical processing.
     
     
3. Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside and Lauryl Glucoside:
   • While marketed as plant-derived and biodegradable, there’s a lack of transparency about their sourcing.
   • Important Question: Are these ingredients truly derived from non-wheat sources as claimed? The ambiguity raises concerns for those with gluten sensitivities or those seeking truly gluten-free products.
   • Skin Sensitivity: Although generally considered mild, these ingredients can potentially cause irritation in individuals with very sensitive skin or those prone to eczema flare-ups.
   • Source: These glucosides are typically derived from fatty alcohols (often from coconut or palm kernel oil) and glucose (which can come from various sources including corn, wheat, or potatoes). The exact source can vary depending on the manufacturer.
     
     
4. Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate:
   • This ingredient has raised aquatic concerns.
   • While it’s often marketed as a renewable resource, its environmental impact, particularly on aquatic ecosystems, is not well understood.
   • Skin Irritation Potential: In some individuals, especially those with compromised skin barriers (like in eczema or dermatitis), this ingredient might cause mild irritation or contribute to dryness.
   • Source: This compound is typically synthesized from propylene glycol (which can be derived from petroleum or plant sources) and caprylic/capric fatty acids (often derived from coconut or palm kernel oil).
     
     
5. Potassium Sorbate:
   
   • While generally recognized as safe for food use, its widespread presence in cleaning products raises questions.
   • Environmental Concern: Potassium sorbate, when released into the environment, can have significant impacts:
     • It’s known to be toxic to aquatic organisms, particularly in high concentrations.
     • Studies have shown it can inhibit the growth of certain algae and aquatic plants, potentially disrupting ecosystems.
     • Its biodegradability is relatively slow, meaning it can persist in the environment for extended periods.
     • In wastewater treatment plants, high levels of potassium sorbate can interfere with the biological processes used to clean water.
       
   • The cumulative effect of thousands of households using products containing this preservative could lead to elevated levels in waterways, potentially harming aquatic life and altering ecosystem balances.
   • Skin Sensitivity: Although rare, some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to potassium sorbate, particularly those with pre-existing skin conditions like eczema.
   • Source: Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid. It can be produced synthetically or derived from berries of the mountain ash tree. In commercial production, it’s typically synthesized from crotonaldehyde and ketene.
     

These ingredients, while serving specific purposes in the product, raise important questions about long-term environmental impact and potential health effects, especially for individuals with sensitive skin conditions. The lack of clear, easily accessible information about these ingredients and their sources further complicates consumers’ ability to make truly informed choices, particularly for those managing skin sensitivities or allergies.

The Importance of Transparency

The difficulty in finding and understanding a complete ingredient list for Clean People Laundry Sheets raises questions about transparency. As consumers become more conscious about the products they use, clear, accessible, and understandable ingredient information is crucial. This lack of openness and education makes it challenging for customers to make fully informed decisions about the products they bring into their homes.

A Truly Natural Alternative: The G Spot Detergent

In contrast to the ambiguity surrounding Clean People’s ingredients, The G Spot Detergent offers a refreshingly transparent and natural alternative. This innovative product is made with limited, whole natural ingredients, is fully biodegradable, and suitable for both laundry and dishwasher use.

The G Spot Detergent Ingredients Breakdown

1. Sodium Carbonate (Washing Soda): A natural mineral that softens water and helps remove tough stains. It’s biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
   • sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), also known as soda ash, naturally occurs in mineral deposits, especially in arid regions and in certain bodies of water. It can also be extracted from the ashes of plants grown in sodium-rich soils.
   • Safe in possible scenarios where run off enters aquatic ecosystems in small amounts. Its naturally found in the ground.
     
     
2. Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda): An effective natural cleaner and deodorizer. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is typically derived from nahcolite, a naturally occurring mineral. While it’s a powerful cleaning agent, the mining process for nahcolite can have significant environmental impacts:
   
   
   • Habitat Disruption: Nahcolite mining often involves large-scale operations that can disrupt local ecosystems and wildlife habitats. Water Usage: The extraction process can require substantial amounts of water, potentially straining local water resources. Energy Consumption: The mining and processing of nahcolite are energy-intensive, contributing to carbon emissions. Land Alteration: Open-pit mining, often used for nahcolite extraction, can lead to long-term changes in landscape and soil composition.
   
   Given these concerns, The G Spot Detergent is actively researching alternatives to balance effectiveness with environmental responsibility. Read more below under “Addressing the Baking Soda Concern”.
   
   
3. Sodium Chloride (Salt):
   • In low quantities, coarse Kosher salt isn’t harmful to aquatic ecosystems. It can be harmful if introduced in large quantities, just like any other type of salt.
   • Concentration of 230 ppm in freshwater for a few days, or 860 ppm or higher for a few hours, is considered toxic to aquatic life. Kosher salt, which is primarily sodium chloride, can reach these toxic levels when runoff from roads or other sources containing salt enters waterways.
   • Dishwashers use approximately 4 gallons of water per cycle and one scoop (1 tablespoon) of The G Spot Detergent houses about 0.33 TBSP of salt (without baking soda as an ingredient and no alternative used) this equates to about 47 ppm per wash cycle.
   • Laundry machines use approximately 30-40 gallons of water (calculations based on an average of 35 gallons for one cycle). Medium loads (2 scoops per load) would use about .66 TBSP of salt and large loads (3 scoops per load) will use approximately 1 TBSP of salt making the overall PPM for medium loads about 11 ppm and large loads at about 16 ppm for salt content per cycle or load.
     
     
4. Citric Acid: Derived from citrus fruits, it helps remove soap scum and hard water deposits while providing a natural fresh scent.
   • is generally considered to have low toxicity to aquatic ecosystems and is readily biodegradable. While it can be toxic to certain aquatic organisms in high concentrations due to its acidity, it’s not a significant environmental hazard in typical usage scenarios.
   • is primarily produced through microbial fermentation, specifically using the fungus Aspergillus niger. This involves feeding the fungus a sugar source, like molasses or starch, which it then metabolizes to produce citric acid. The crude citric acid is then recovered and refined using methods like lime/sulfuric acid, solvent extraction, or ion exchange.
     

While baking soda is a highly effective and natural cleaning agent, our recent research has highlighted concerns about its mining process. The extraction of nahcolite, the mineral from which baking soda is derived, can have significant environmental impacts, including habitat disruption, water resource strain, and energy-intensive processing. In light of this information, The G Spot Detergent is taking proactive steps:

1. Research and Alternative Ingredients: During our research for this blog and learning about the environmental impacts of mining to create baking soda, The G Spot Detergent will be moving away from the use of baking soda and will look into either removing the ingredient all together or finding an alternative that is interchangeable.
   
   
2. Dedication to Sustainability: We are dedicated to sustainability for both the land and sea ecosystems and preservation.
   
   
3. Ingredient Safety: Our brand vision is wanting to make sure that not only every ingredient that is used is non-toxic and not harmful to the environment via possible run off. We also don’t want to utilize any ingredient where obtaining said ingredient is harmful to the overall environment, natural habitats, or acquatic ecosystems.
   
   
4. New Testing Phase: The G Spot Detergent will be starting a new phase of testing for both the loss of baking soda as a whole and for an alternative ingredient.

This commitment to continuous improvement and environmental responsibility sets The G Spot Detergent apart in the market. By staying informed about the full lifecycle of our ingredients and being willing to adapt our formula, we demonstrate a genuine dedication to creating truly sustainable cleaning solutions.

The Advantage of Multi-Use Products

Unlike Clean People Laundry Sheets, which are designed solely for laundry, The G Spot Detergent offers the versatility of being used for both laundry and dishes. This multi-use capability not only simplifies household cleaning routines but also reduces the need for multiple products, ultimately decreasing packaging waste and environmental impact.

Making an Informed Choice

When choosing laundry detergents, it’s essential to look beyond marketing claims and dig deeper into the actual ingredients. While Clean People Laundry Sheets may offer some benefits over traditional liquid detergents, the lack of clear, easily accessible ingredient information and the use of complex, synthetic ingredients raise questions about their true eco-friendliness and health impacts.

On the other hand, products like The G Spot Detergent, with its natural, biodegradable ingredients and multi-use capabilities, represent a step forward in truly sustainable cleaning solutions. Our transparency about ingredients, willingness to evolve our formula based on new environmental information, and commitment to ongoing research and improvement demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability and consumer education.

In conclusion, while Clean People Laundry Sheets may be a step in the right direction compared to conventional detergents, there’s still room for improvement in terms of ingredient transparency, accessibility of information, and truly natural formulations. As we move towards more sustainable living, it’s crucial to support brands like The G Spot Detergent that prioritize both effectiveness and environmental responsibility, offering clear, understandable information about their ingredients and their impact on our planet and health.

References:

• PVA
  • https://www.sourcegreen.co/materials/polyvinyl-alcohol-pva-pvoh/#:~:text=What%20is%20PVA?,/pvoh/%20PVA/%20PVOH%20Beads
  • https://www.heysunday.com/blog/is-pva-bad
  • https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/blog/2022/11/18/pva-plastic-what-you-need-to-know
    
    
• AOS (Alpha Olefin Sulfonate) and CAPB (Cocamidopropyl Betaine)
  • https://stppgroup.com/products/detergent-chemicals/alpha-olefin-sulphonate/
  • https://stppgroup.com/understanding-sodium-lauryl-sulfate-sls-and-alpha-olefin-sulfonate-aos-in-personal-care-products-a-comparative-analysis/#:~:text=Similarly%2C%20while%20AOS%20is%20generally,help%20mitigate%20any%20adverse%20effects.
  • https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/700294-ALPHA_OLEFIN_SULFONATE/
  • https://www.betterbasics.co/blogs/news/what-is-cocamidopropyl-betaine-and-why-we-removed-it-from-our-products#:~:text=Cocamidopropyl%20Betaine%2C%20commonly%20abbreviated%20as,and%20even%20household%20cleaning%20agents.
  • https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/701520-COCAMIDOPROPYL_BETAINE/
  • https://dermnetnz.org/topics/contact-allergy-to-cocamidopropyl-betaine#:~:text=What%20are%20the%20clinical%20features,Vesicles/blisters.
  • https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cocamidopropyl-betaine
    
    
• Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside and Lauryl Glucoside
  • https://www.tichemindustry.com/post/2018/03/05/what-is-decyl-glucoside-coco-glucoside-and-lauryl-glucosidewhat-s-their-difference-when-u
  • https://www.ewg.org/cleaners/substances/991-CAPRYLYLCAPRYLGLUCOSIDE/
  • https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0190962222007885#:~:text=Introduction,are%20derived%20from%20renewable%20sources.
  • https://dermnetnz.org/topics/contact-allergy-to-lauryl-glucoside#:~:text=Localised%20redness%2C%20itching%2C%20swelling%2C,contact%20dermatitis%20and%20contact%20urticaria.
    
    
• Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
  • https://www.skintherapyletter.com/allergic-contact-dermatitis/propylene-glycol/
  • https://www.skintherapyletter.com/allergic-contact-dermatitis/propylene-glycol/
  • https://www.ewg.org/cleaners/substances/13449-PROPYLENEGLYCOLDICAPRYLATEDICAPRATE/
  • https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/705320-PROPYLENE_GLYCOL_DICAPRYLATE/
    
    
• Potassium Sorbate
  • https://www.ewg.org/cleaners/substances/4803-POTASSIUMSORBATE/
  • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22570031/
  • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20036729/
  • https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0924224418300050#:~:text=enzymes%20in%20vitro.-,Abstract,tissues%2C%20cells%20and%20biological%20macromolecules.