10 Best Natural Laundry Detergents Reviewed!

If you’re concerned about finding a suitable laundry detergent, I feel you. There is a lot to consider from miscellaneous chemicals and fragrances to sensitivity issues and other health concerns. But stubborn stains, stinky smells, and shifty ingredients are no match for these powerful natural laundry detergent brands.

Non-Toxic & Natural Laundry Detergent Brands That Work!

This list of trusted brands will make your search for better detergent easier. Some featured products use recyclable plastic containers, which are not ideal; however, they are more widely available and help more people access better detergent.

Also, check out the comprehensive guides at the bottom of this post that includes information on why choosing natural laundry detergents is better for us and the planet and what to look for when you shop for eco-friendly detergents.

1. EcoRoots

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A stand-out when it comes to zero-waste natural laundry has to be Eco Roots' easy-to-use laundry detergent sheets. They are so simple to use and will save you a ton of money too. Each sheet = 2 loads! Each package is enough for 64 loads! That's huge savings.

What's great about these is that you don't have to measure anything, there is zero mess, and they work in both hot and cold water. You can choose between the fresh scents and uncentred version. They also offer a bundle where you can buy both to try.

They are also free from nasties like parabens, synthetic fragrances, optical brighteners, dyes, and phosphates! Instead, they are made from super-natural cleaning ingredients that work like a charm at brightening your clothes and getting rid of pesky stains too!

The strips are packaged in a plastic-free compostable cardboard package.  

FYI, Laundry detergent sheets are typically made from PVA, Aka Polyvinyl Alcohol, a type of plastic.

About EcoRoots 

Get to Zero Waste hero status with EcoRoots range of over 50 environmentally friendly products. EcoRoots is one of my favorite online zero waste shops, they carry everything, and I mean EVERYTHING you need to make your life and home more sustainable! From natural dry shampoo to zero-waste deodorant and palm-oil-free shampoo!

Most of the products are made in the USA. They prioritize being environmentally friendly from beginning to end. Their products are mostly plastic-free, and the packaging and shipping materials are designed to be low-waste. 

EcoRoots is part of the 1% for the Planet initiative and contributes a portion of its sales to environmental organizations, including the Ocean Conservancy.

2. Elva's All-Natural Laundry Wash

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This natural laundry detergent makes it to the top of the list for good reason! It's one of the best I have used to wash my clothes. Elva's is killing it when it comes to natural cleaning products for the home. We've featured them in refillable cleaning, organic body wash, zero waste dish soap, and zero waste laundry detergent.

Their laundry wash is in liquid form and is formulated with plant-based ingredients that all work together in harmony to clean and brighten your clothes sans all the nasty chemicals. All the ingredients they source come from Canadian and organic biodynamic farms.

If you are looking to save money (who isn't) this is a perfect choice, it's highly concentrated, and you only need to use 2 teaspoons per average load—1 bottle = 50 loads. The brand is also cruelty-free, vegan, palm-oil-free, septic and grey water safe and works for HE machines.

It has a light, beautiful lavender scent that is great for sensitive skin. You can use this to wash all your clothes. It's my top pick for washing undies, bras, sheets, and pillows. They also offer a refill option which I love as it reduces the amount of plastic we bring into the home.

It's also free of sulfates, zeolite, added mineral phosphates, enzymes, sulfates, bleaching and brightening chemicals, fillers, synthetic fragrances, artificial colors, and animal ingredients.

Refill is very economical at just $0.393 per average load - making it cheaper than most laundry strips!

About Elva's

Elva’s is about positively impacting people's lives, health, and overall well-being through natural, plant-based ingredients.

They are dedicated to the belief that the products we use on our bodies and ultimately release into the environment through drain systems can have a significant impact. 

They take this responsibility seriously and strive to make a positive difference in people's lives, health, and overall well-being by using natural, plant-based ingredients.

3. Nellie’s

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Inspired by his mother and her commitment to honesty, simplicity, and green cleaning far before it was cool, James Roberts created Nellie’s and its eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and highly effective laundering products in her honor.

I especially love their Laundry Soda Tin. While it might be a bit pricier than other detergents, clothes are left perfectly clean and odor-free, with just one tablespoon of this concentrated formula fit for hot or cold water. You'll also get about 100 loads out of this!

Safe for high efficiency (HE) and standard washing machines, it also comes in a handy tin, so there is no plastic container to worry about; perfect for a plastic-free cleaning kit.

Their formula is also biodegradable, vegan, and hypoallergenic, with no SLS, phosphates, fragrance, bleach, or other harmful ingredients to worry about either. With no fragrance, Nellie’s Laundry Soda Tin makes for one of the best natural detergents for sensitive skin.

There are some great benefits to using powder or liquid detergents.  Shipping liquid laundry detergents are more expensive due to the increased weight and volume of water. 

Liquid detergents contain a high amount of water, which adds weight to the shipment and takes up more space. Powdered detergents can be used for various fabric types, including whites, darks, and delicates.

Powder detergents are easy to store, making them ideal for people with limited storage options.

About Nellie's

They are proud to carry on the legacy of Nellie, a person with solid values and a dedication to honesty and simplicity.  Nellie was ahead in her commitment to going green, inspiring them to create a line of cleaning products in her honor. These values are at the heart of the Nellie brand, which continues to embody Nellie's beliefs and principles.

4. The Unscented Co.

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The Unscented Co.’s biodegradable concentrated laundry handles tough stains, while also being safe for colors. This detergent is suitable for HE and standard washing machines and is effective in cold water. 

Made with plant-based ingredients and packaged with 25% post-consumer plastic, this hypoallergenic formula is also cloth diaper friendly and free of fragrances, dyes, and phosphates.

You will get about 78 loads from this one bottle. Save even more with the refill options. 

The 4L Refill Box, with its convenient storage design, not only reduces plastic consumption but also takes two plastic bottles out of circulation, and you’ll get about 160 loads. 

The Unscented Co. also offers a powered laundry detergent in tablet form.  I was impressed by the performance of their natural laundry detergent pods which work well in High Efficiency (HE) washing machines and in cold water. 

These tabs/pods will keep all your clothes, including your favorite t-shirt, clean and fresh, making it a win in many aspects. This is one of the best natural laundry detergents for dry skin.

About The Unscented Co.

The Unscented Co. holds B Corp certification, demonstrating exceptional environmental practices and transparency.

They prioritize working with small, local, family-run businesses, fostering strong ties with suppliers to support the local community. Nearly 85% of their purchases come from privately-owned Canadian companies.

5. AspenClean

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AspenClean is a line of green cleaning products that mission is to keep us and our families safe from the unwanted chemicals commonly found in conventional cleaning products.

All their offerings, ingredients, and manufacturing processes are certified as sustainable by ECOCERT, vegan, and cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny, and rated as safe by EWG.

For laundering, their hypoallergenic, natural laundry detergent is made from plant-derived ingredients, perfect for anyone with allergies or sensitivities and babies too.

AspenClean uses organic essential oils like eucalyptus & rosemary or lavender & lemongrass for scent. No artificial fragrances in sight. They also make sure to offer a non-toxic laundry detergent that's unscented.

Suitable for all water temperatures and all washing machines, you can rest assured that AspenClean’s EWG laundry detergent will be free of irritants, carcinogens, or any other unwanted chemicals; while remaining effective.

This detergent will hold up against any conventional one you have used. The scented version smells terrific. It's delicate and not overpowering.

If you want to enhance the laundry detergent's performance on your white sheets, I recommend trying the Oxygen Bleach powder. Made with only plant- and mineral-derived ingredients.

The Oxygen Bleach Powder and Stain Remover (which comes in a cardboard package) is a safer alternative to chlorine bleach products. Non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and safe for sensitive skin, it's a more gentle bleaching agent that's also safe for septic tanks. It's also Ecocert-certified and EWG-Verified, so you can trust that it's safe and effective. 

The bottles are made from 100% post-consumer resin, so please place those in the recycling bin. This detergent will hold up against any conventional one you have used.

I've never had an issue with any of Aspen's cleaning products; in fact, it's the one I recommend the most to people looking to try natural for the first time. Thumbs up all around.

About Aspen Clean

AspenClean was created in a parent's quest for a safe and effective alternative to chemical-based cleaning products. This family-owned business is based in Canada and has won numerous awards for its effective range of cleaning products.

You can hire their cleaning service if you live in Calgary, Toronto, or Vancouver. I've been fortunate enough to try it, and it's A-MAY-ZING!

6. Dirty Labs

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Dirty Labs, where science and laundry meet for a match made in cleaning clothes heaven. 

The Phytolase® cleaning technology used by Dirty Labs is a powerhouse of natural enzymes that effectively removes stains and cleans clothes with a gentle touch, making it suitable even for sensitive skin.

The detergents are consciously crafted with biobased, non-toxic, readily biodegradable ingredients and free from dyes, sulfates, parabens, and all chemicals listed under California Prop. 65.

There are three scents to choose from, including an unscented version, which is septic-safe and compatible with traditional HE washers.

Let's start with the Bio Laundry Detergents. Each comes in a 256ML bottle, which will get you roughly 32 loads. The aluminum bottle comes with a cap made of recyclable PP and PE plastics. It makes measuring and pouring very simple. The bottles are sleek, easy to store, and can be recycled or reused.

The Bio Enzyme Laundry Booster is a fantastic choice for combating smelly, stained clothes. You add a scoop to the drum before you toss in your clothes. It's made up of some supernatural cleaning ingredients, one being sodium percarbonate.

Known as oxygen bleach. Sodium percarbonate removes stains, neutralizes odors, and brightens fabric. It is especially effective for pre-treating heavily soiled items.

The booster comes in a cardboard package which will give you 48 loads. Dirty Labs' products are 97% USDA Biobased Certified and recognized by the EPA as Safer Choice. 

About Diry Labs

Their lineup of all-natural laundry detergents is certified cruelty-free and vegan by PETA. Everything is sourced ethically via biosynthesis. Dr. Pete He, a seasoned chemist with two decades of experience and a track record of pioneering innovations in home and personal care products, co-founded dirty Labs.

7. Attitude Laundry Detergent

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ATTITUDE is a Canada-based company offering personal care and household products using natural, hypoallergenic, and EWG VERIFIED™ ingredients. They are also vegan, cruelty-free, PETA-certified, and ECOLOGO certified.

This third-party environmental certification program verifies that a product, service, or process meets specific environmental standards.

There is A LOT to choose from. Their laundry jugs come in various sizes. 1.05L will get yield 35 loads. 2L 80 loads. They also have refill options that will get you between 80 and 160 loads, depending on the size.

Their natural liquid laundry detergents are made of plant-derived ingredients, biodegradable, and septic-safe. Their scented versions include pink grapefruit, citrus zest, and lavender. There is an unscented version as well for those with allergies.

This ultra-concentrated transparent liquid soap is compatible with traditional and HE washing machines and functions effectively with hot or cold water.

I've used many of their products in my home, and like AspenClean, they are my go-to when recommending green products to newbies. They look and work the same way conventional products do, making them a very easy swap.

About Attitude

To do its part to create a healthier and more sustainable world, ATTITUDE is mindful of its plastic use and offers biodegradable packaging and bulk sizes.

You can even help remove some carbon from the atmosphere and have some trees planted on your behalf when you purchase a product with ATTITUDE. In partnership with Reforestation Projects and One Tree Planted, ATTITUDE commits to planting one tree for each product sold online or in a participating store.

8. Dropps

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Dropps prides itself on being the very first laundry detergent pods. With roots in the textile manufacturing industry, their detergent pods are designed to be tough on stains but gentle on clothes, using only the safest ingredients and no animal testing.

Pods offer several benefits compared to traditional liquid detergents. Firstly, using pods eliminates the need to measure and dispense detergent, ensuring that you always use the exact amount required.

You no longer have to worry about spills, drips, or leaving the bottle upside-down to extract the last bit of detergent for a load.

Manufactured in the United States, Dropps eco-friendly laundry detergent pods are available in several scents, with an unscented option. Including Lavender, Crisp & Clean, and Orange Blossom, specifically designed for sensitive skin and babies.

Best of all, their pods are shipped in recyclable, compostable, and repulpable boxes, so there are no pesky plastic bottles or pouches. You also won't find any chlorine, phosphates, NPE, or dyes. 

FYI, Laundry pods are typically made from PVA, Aka Polyvinyl Alcohol, a type of plastic.

About Dropps

With a commitment to offering eco-responsible products, they also partner with Clearloop to fund the construction of new solar projects in Jackson, TN, to reclaim 100% of the carbon emissions associated with the shipping of their products and the energy usage of all of their employees working from home in 2021.

9. Molly Suds

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Using plant-derived ingredients and only 5 of them, Molly Suds makes cleaning a little more pleasant by offering thoughtfully formulated products that smell great and remain tough on dirt and grime.

Their earth-friendly household cleaners include some of the best chemical-free laundry detergents. Sodium carbonate is sustainably sourced from the Green River Basin in Wyoming. You can choose a scented version infused with peppermint oil that smells divine or the unscented version!

It's Leaping Bunny certified and packed with hard-working enzymes that help remove stubborn stains and odors from your clothing! And they even help to reduce pilling on clothing! You gotta love that! You can opt for the liquid if laundry powder is not your thing. I love this powder for washing synthetic fabrics like yoga wear!

Molly Suds Baby Detergent is a best-seller with over 11,000 5-star reviews on Amazon. It's specially designed for newborns, babies, and toddlers, providing extra gentleness for their delicate skin. It is hypoallergenic and formulated with enzymes that effectively remove formula, poop, and spit-up stains.

It's safe for use on cloth diapers and all baby clothing and gear. Made with only 7-8 natural ingredients. A highly-concentrated formula can wash up to 120 loads and be used in standard, commercial, and high-efficiency (HE) washing machines.

All of their detergents and cleaning products are made with vegan ingredients. Their natural fragrances are derived from natural plant extracts and oils and comply with Safer Choice and ISO-9235 standards. They are also free from petrochemicals, solvents, dyes, and pesticides.

The products are free from hazardous fragrances, dyes, cancer-causing contaminants such as Formaldehyde and 1,4-Dioxane, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), optical brighteners, synthetic nonylphenol ethoxylates, petrochemicals, phosphates, chlorine, sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), phthalates, parabens, methylisothiazolinone, and cocamide DEA.

The pouches they source are made from recycled plastic and printed with non-toxic inks. The current pouch is a #7 plastic that can be recycled in specific regions and at TerraCycle Drop-Off locations.

About Molly Sud's

Molly's Suds is a brand that offers natural laundry care products. Its products are made with earth-derived ingredients and are free of harmful chemicals.

They are effective and gentle, suitable for people with sensitive skin and those seeking a safer alternative to conventional laundry care products. The brand is committed to sustainability and offers eco-friendly packaging options, such as biodegradable pouches, recyclable cardboard boxes, and refills to reduce waste.

10. Happi Earth

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Your laundry will never be Happier with this non-toxic laundry detergent. Happi offers an organic, all-natural, and environmentally friendly solution for your laundry needs. Each pouch of Happi is highly concentrated and contains enough liquid for up to 400 washes at a cost of just $0.25 per wash.

Happi is also Australia Certified Organic and USDA Organic and is perfect for people with sensitive skin. You can buy Happi Earth laundry detergent in a single pack, a starter pack, and a triple pack. We love the refill option the most. They make it super simple. All you have to do is order. They will deliver, then you return, refill, and repeat.

Let's talk about ingredients!

The soapberry extract used in Happi laundry detergent is highly concentrated and boasts exceptional cleaning power. It is hypoallergenic and has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine for treating skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

They also use organic bean glycerin as a fabric softener, which provides natural softness to fabrics and effectively removes dirt without leaving any residue.

Organic Coconut Vinegar has degreasing properties making it an effective stubborn stain buster for coffee and grass. According to Happi:

"When tested against Australia's leading laundry brand, Happi performed 61% better (on an average across eight independent lab tests)".

Happi's detergents are vegan and cruelty-free. For using Happi in a front-loading washing machine, place it in the dispenser. To use it in a top-loading machine, wait until it is full and dissolve Happi in a cup of water before adding it to your wash cycle.

They also plant one mango tree for every purchase. The Happi pouch is crafted from kraft paper with a BPA-free plastic inner lining to prevent spills. Although it cannot be recycled, it is designed to be reusable to reduce plastic waste. After using it for 400 washes, you can send it back to the company for sterilization and refilling.

Why choose a non-toxic laundry detergent?

Similar to clean beauty and blue beauty products (or any of the many concoctions we rely on every day), finding non-toxic laundry detergent boils down to making the right choice for our health and for the environment.

Human health concerns

And just like everything else, conventional detergents tend to feature harmful chemicals like you wouldn’t believe. Things like fragrances (and their undisclosed chemical contents), synthetic dyes, surfactants, bleach, phosphates, and even harmful bi-products like 1, 4-Dioxane.

Though we know these ingredients to be harmful to humans, they are okay in products that come into contact with our skin and ecosystems and remain on the shelves at our local supermarkets.

Take a surfactant like petroleum distillate, for example, also referred to as naphthas. They’ve been found to damage the mucous membranes and lungs and cause inflammation, asthma, and maybe even cancer. But you wouldn’t know it, considering they are still widely used in conventional laundry detergents.

Some of these harmful chemicals do not even need to be disclosed. Take 1, 4-Dioxane. Since it is not an ingredient but the chemical bi-product of a process used during the manufacturing process (ethoxylation: inexpensive shortcut companies use to produce softer, sudsier detergent), manufacturers are not required to list it on product labels. Even though it is likely to be carcinogenic and the outcome of decision-making on the part of conventional brands.

The hundreds of chemicals in the fragrances designed to perfume our fresh laundry do not have to be disclosed, as they are treated as trade secrets.

Ecological concerns

The slew of chemicals in conventional detergents also threatens aquatic life when they enter our waterways. Phosphate, commonly found in laundry detergents, can lead to eutrophication in excess; completely destabilizing aquatic ecosystems and in some cases rendering them lifeless and putrid.

Conventional detergents can also come with a hefty footprint during manufacturing, where their production is unsustainable. Powered by fossil fuels, from petroleum-derived chemicals to plastic packaging and the fossil fuel-based energy sources used to power operations, conventional products leave much to desire. Not to mention the inefficient and irresponsible use of precious resources like water.

Choosing brands that produce and offer ethical products is our best bet.

From all-natural bleach alternatives and zero waste cleaning to eco-friendly refillable cleaning products and plant-based laundry detergent, better products are now way more accessible. And you’ll see just what I mean when you get into some of the best natural laundry detergent brands featured in this article.

How we choose the best organic laundry detergent

Here too, we must be mindful to avoid brands that are greenwashing their products and doing nothing to make our lives any greener.

So when searching for laundry detergent, look for phosphate-free, dye-free, biodegradable detergents made of all-natural or naturally-derived ingredients. We want to avoid the laundry list of harmful chemicals in conventional products.

I make sure to choose formulas that work in cold water, too, because using cold water helps to reduce the energy consumption and carbon footprint associated with using washing machines, just by switching to cold water when we wash our clothes. Concentrated formulas are also best since they require less packaging.

Avoiding plastic packaging and reaching for biodegradable options instead is best too. Shopping with your reusable container at your local natural food store remains ideal. They will likely carry some of the best natural non-toxic detergents, including a fragrance-free option.

It’s also best to shop for brands that manufacture products near us. I always try to reach for cruelty-free, vegan-friendly products made of organic ingredients.

Palm oil is a big no-no because of sourcing issues, where responsible sourcing is a priority. So brands that avoid using palm oil and ensure to source their ingredients and other materials as best as possible are also highly favored.

Helpful certifications to look out for include ECOCERT, which verifies social and environmental claims, and the EWG (Environmental Working Group) certification, which focuses on avoiding harmful chemicals.

Other certifications to be on the lookout for include: EPA Safer Choice, USDA Organic, Regenerative Organic Certified, MADE SAFE certified, Cradle to Cradle, and USDA BioPreferred.

Final thoughts on The Best Natural Laundry Detergent

I hope this list has shown you that there is no absence of ethical products to choose from for healthier laundering. And that we don’t have to settle for the generic and unethical conventional products that still stock our shelves, with their toxic chemicals and irresponsible manufacturing practices.

If you are particularly interested in finding the best natural laundry detergent sheets, check out our top picks for zero waste laundry detergent.

When transitioning to safer products, finishing leftovers if they have not expired is perfectly fine; unless you are very concerned and deem it best not to. Make sure to figure out how to dispose of them safely and responsibly.

If you found this post helpful, please help someone by sharing this article – sharing is caring 🙂!

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