Where there's water, there's life. That's lovely in a pond. Less lovely in a jug of soap.
Quick answer: liquid detergents are mostly water, which microbes like, so they usually need preservatives. Dry formats like sheets hold much less water, so they can often use fewer or none.†
Why liquids use them
- Water helps microbes grow.†
- Bottles get opened over and over for months.
- Preservatives keep the product stable until the last load.
What dry formats change
| Format | Water content | Preservative need |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid | High | Usually needed |
| Powder | Very low | Often low |
| Sheet | Low | Often low† |
Our list
Just 7's seven ingredients don't include an added preservative.† stability data before publishing this line.
Fewer ingredients, fewer jobs to do. Even for the microbes.
FAQ
Why do detergents have preservatives? To stop microbes growing in water-based formulas.
Do laundry sheets need preservatives? Often fewer, because they're drier.†
Does Just 7 have preservatives? None are on our list.†
How should I store sheets? Dry and sealed (read it).
Seven ingredients. Zero compromise.
Pre-order now. Orders ship Jan 11th. 7% of every sale goes to animal sanctuaries and nonprofits.†
Keep reading
What's in Laundry Detergent Sheets? A Plain-English Ingredient Guide
Pillar page: every common ingredient by job, and which ones we skip
Decyl Glucoside in Laundry Detergent: What It Is and Why We Use It
The sugar-based cleaner explained
Lauryl Glucoside vs Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: Same Name, Different Cleaner
Clears up the name confusion