2026 Guide to EWG‑Verified Color‑Safe Stain Removers for Sensitive Skin
We’ve all been there, taking off our favourite sweater and noticing a set-in stain that will be a struggle to remove. Straight away, we look online for the best way to get stains out and get overwhelmed by the amount of toxic synthetic chemicals used to clean our clothes. In 2026, it doesn’t have to be complicated; the safest route for you and your family is an EWG-verified® oxygen bleach, a color-safe stain remover that uses sodium carbonate instead of chlorine, dyes, or synthetic fragrances.
In our 2026 guide for stain removers, we’ll explain precisely what EWG Verification® means, why it's essential, how natural oxygen bleach is eco-friendly and effective, and why it's the ideal choice for you and your family.
What is EWG Verification?
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment. For more than 20 years, EWG has been a trusted source for chemical safety advice. Millions of consumers rely on EWG's tips for avoiding dangerous chemical exposures.
Products must be formulated to reduce potential harm to people and the environment, and fully disclose every intentionally added ingredient, including fragrance allergens and any nanomaterials. EWG-verified® companies must also ensure that their products meet strict air-quality requirements and pass EWG’s thorough testing on shelf-life stability over the specified time periods. Did you know AspenClean was the first cleaning company to become EWG Verified?

Toxic Chemicals to Avoid, and Why They Matter:
Chemical Category |
Examples |
Why is it Restricted |
Potential Concerns |
Sulfates |
SLS, SLES |
Can be harsh surfactants |
Skin and eye irritation |
Synthetic dyes |
Azo dyes, optical brighteners |
Unnecessary additives |
Allergic reactions, aquatic toxicity |
Fragrance (undisclosed) |
“Parfum,” generic fragrance |
Hidden allergens & phthalates |
Sensitization, headaches |
Phthalates |
DEP, DBP |
Plasticizers are often in fragrance |
Endocrine disruption |
Formaldehyde releasers |
DMDM hydantoin, quaternium‑15 |
Preservatives that release formaldehyde |
Skin sensitization |
Parabens |
Methyl-, propylparaben |
Preservatives |
Endocrine disruption |
Heavy metals |
Lead, cadmium (contaminants) |
Impurities in dyes/pigments |
Neurotoxicity |
Chlorine bleach |
Sodium hypochlorite |
Corrosive oxidizer |
Fumes, respiratory irritation |
What Makes Oxygen Bleach Safe and Effective for Sensitive Skin?
Oxygen Bleach relies on sodium carbonate to break down tough stains into water, oxygen, and soda ash. It is made with natural ingredients, without using toxic chlorine, ammonia, formaldehyde, or artificial fragrances, making it ideal for people with allergies and skin sensitivities. Naturally formulated products stand out from the traditional cleaners crowd as they're gentler on colors while still having the cleaning power to lift tough stains. They don’t release harsh fumes or the corrosive effects associated with chlorine bleach.
To learn more about the ingredients we use in our natural cleaning products, click here.
Using safer ingredients in your laundry products, whether laundry detergent or oxygen bleach, also makes them suitable for baby clothes, pet bedding, and allergy-prone users. Check out our blog on how oxygen bleach works.
How to Choose the Best Stain Remover For Your Clothes and Health
- Use the EWG Guide for Healthy Cleaning; it shows which brands are verified and the exact ingredients they use.
- Adjust your choices to avoid sulfates, parabens, unexplained ‘fragrance’, and formaldehyde.
- Match your potential products to your lifestyle needs: Babies, pets, and people with allergies would benefit from hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products.
- Check the packaging and company ethics: double-check that the company reduces its environmental footprint with biodegradable formulas and plastic-free packaging. Also, have a look at whether they’re Leaping Bunny Cruelty Free certified.
Limit your environmental footprint without compromising on your lifestyle or health by choosing eco-friendly products. Non-toxic, biodegradable products reduce the industry's reliance on hazardous byproducts and support brands advocating for safer standards.
If you’re interested in buying an EWG Verified® color-safe stain remover, check out our Natural Oxygen Bleach Powder today.