On a detergent label, “free & clear” usually means no added fragrance and no added dye. It is not a regulated definition, and it does not tell you what else is in the bottle.
What we found reading four listings
- Two of the four listed an isothiazolinone preservative in their ingredients. “Free & clear” does not mean preservative-free.
- One said it was free of dyes, perfumes and preservatives, and its ingredient list showed no preservative.
- One listed ingredients only by function category, such as “cleaning agents” and “stabilizers”.
- Only some named the certification behind a “safer” claim, and not every claim matched the EPA Safer Choice list.
How to read the label
- Find the ingredient list on the listing (Important Information) and read it, not just the front label.
- Look for preservatives if you want to avoid them, and for any ingredient you have reacted to before.
- Look up certification claims, for example in the EPA Safer Choice list, by the exact product name.
- Compare cost per load, not bottle price: loads per container ranged from 53 to 105 in our guide.
If laundry products bother your skin, ask a clinician which ingredients to avoid. General information, not medical advice. See the fragrance-free detergent guide for the products we compared.