- Dec 13, 2020
- 4 min read

Norwex Liquid Laundry Detergent: EWG Rating of Ingredients

Updated: May 31, 2021

Recently, I decided to try Norwex's Liquid Laundry Detergent. I usually refer to the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) website to verify the safety of a product. Unfortunately, Norwex is not listed in EWG's database though. So I decided to research each individual ingredient and created a list that shows the rating of each individual ingredient.

About EWG's Ratings

EWG rates ingredients from A to F with A being the safest to F being the most hazardous. As you will see below there is a mix of ratings for Norwex's Liquid Laundry Detergent: 5 - A's, 8 - B's, 6 - C's, and 1 - D ratings. There were also a couple of ingredients I was not able to locate in EWG's database.

It may be concerning that the detergent contains some lower-rated ingredients. However, it is important to note that we do not know the amount of the lower-rated ingredient used to make the product. Even some of the best products in the EWG database include some lower-rated ingredients. However, when the amount used is considered along with the other ingredients, their algorithm may or may not rate the product high overall. To learn more about how EWG rates ingredients, please click here.

Norwex's Mission and 360 Product Safety Review

Overall, I trust Norwex and love their products. They review every ingredient to ensure that there are never any CMR substances – substances that are known Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction, or are endocrine disrupters (EDCs). They also have an extensive no-no list with ingredients that they will not include in their products. This list goes far beyond just no sulfates and no parabens. Read more about their 360 Product Safety Review here. For 25 years, Norwex has been on a mission to reduce chemicals and create healthier havens. I can stand behind that!

Features and Benefits of Norwex's Liquid Laundry Detergent

It is free from phosphates, sulfates, chlorine, dyes, fragrances, fillers, optical brighteners, phthalates, ammonia, bleach, and SLS, SLES.
Ultra-concentrated: A small bottle goes a long ways! I have an HE Washer and use 1 to 2 squirts per load. It is advertised to wash up to 215 loads in an HE machine.
Enzyme-based innovation
Biodegradable: almost 100% within 30 days
USDA certified 97% biobased content: from plants and other renewable sources—one of the highest ratings on the market

Ingredient Ratings

Below are the individual ratings of each ingredient in the Norwx Liquid Laundry Detergent. If the rating fell below A, I included the main factor(s) for that rating as well as a link to the source which will allow you to read more about the concerns.

Purified Water

A Rating

Disodium Oleoyl Glutamate (Plant-based) (Surfactant)

Rating not found

Glycerin (Plant-based) (Humectant)

A Rating

Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate (Plant-based) (Surfactant)

B Rating

Main Concern: Eye Irritation

Source

Decyl Glucoside (Plant-based) (Surfactant)

B Rating

Main Concern: Skin Allergies & Irritation

Source

Sodium Citrate (Plant-based) (Water softener)

A Rating

Propanediol (Plant-based) (Preservative booster)

C Rating

Main Concerns: Skin Allergies & Irritation and

Developmental & Reproductive Toxicity

Source

Protease (Enzyme) (Breaks down protein-based soil)

B Rating