Updated August 26, 2022
Looking for the best eco-friendly laundry detergents with safe and non-toxic ingredients? You’re in luck! This is the ultimate guide to the top earth-friendly, natural laundry detergents that are great for even the most sensitive skin.
This is your guide to the best eco friendly laundry detergents that really work!
Oh, Laundry. We all have to do it and we all do not want to! Luckily, we have options to make this semi-annoying task Earth friendly and safe for our skin (and clothes!). Whether you are washing your delicate sustainable undies or extra dirty kids clothes, we got you covered. It may also surprise you how cost-efficient many of the eco friendly laundry detergents are nowadays as well – it’s a win-win!
Yes, for under $15-$20, we can ensure that our detergent sheets, pods, and liquids are completely free from the slew of harmful ingredients that can cause everything from skin irritations to full-blown allergic reactions. Also, the “health” and longevity of our beloved sustainable basics and our kids’ organic clothing are tightly connected to our laundry habits after all, right? We must treat our clothes with love and care – and a big step in this is choosing a great laundry detergent.
Of course, our zero waste eco-friendly laundry detergents promise not to let toxic chemicals creep into our wardrobes or our skin. Thanks to the many natural and plant-based ingredients, the earth-conscious options below will make laundry safer for our health, and the environment.
How can I make my laundry routine as sustainable as possible?
Great news! You can easily make your laundry routine more sustainable in just a few easy steps.
First and foremost, make sure to wash your clothes less often. Wait until you have full loads to minimize energy usage and reduce water consumption.
Did you know that up to 90% of the energy used to wash your clothes goes to heating water? So why not switch to cold water instead ?! There are only a few instances where hot water is needed – so keep that water cold!
Furthermore, you can also make sure that you use one of the best eco-friendly laundry detergents from our list to further reduce C02 emissions and ensure that no harmful chemicals are polluting your clothes or our waterways.
Last but not least, use your dryer only if you really have to (if you even own one). Hang your clothes to dry. Did you know you can even hang dry your clothes in the winter?! Drying on a line in winter is actually a form of freeze-drying thanks to sublimation – or ice evaporating from a solid state. Wet clothing may freeze, but the moisture evaporates into water vapor leaving behind dry clothing that just needs a little loosening.
What makes a detergent eco-friendly?
While most traditional detergents are made with chemical-packed brighteners, dyes, or artificial fragrances, that’s certainly not the case for any of the eco-friendly & natural laundry detergents on our list. Eco detergents are free of chemicals that harm the ecosystem and cause skin reactions.
On top of that, sustainable brands do their absolute best to offset their carbon emissions and pack everything in recycled/recyclable boxes and refillable containers to minimize waste. Additionally, unlike traditional detergents, safe, eco-friendly alternatives don’t release toxins and deplete oxygen in waterways while also contaminating our water supplies, rivers, and oceans.
What ingredients should I avoid in laundry detergent?
The list of harmful ingredients in laundry detergents is certainly long. SLS and SLES, Phosphates, Formaldehyde, Chlorine Bleach, Ammonium Sulfate, and Dioxane along with many Optical Brighteners and Fragrances are amongst the most toxic chemicals found in laundry detergents.
Now, let’s jump into our list of best eco-friendly laundry detergents!
The Best Eco Friendly Laundry Detergents
Are you on the hunt for eco-friendly laundry detergent sheets for sensitive skin? Eco Roots’ plant-based ingredients are not only perfectly safe but also powerful enough to fight off dirt and stains for up to two loads. You can even choose the scent of your biodegradable natural laundry detergent (either a Fresh Breeze Scent or completely Fragrance-Free). On top of that, you can also rip it into two strips which is perfect for smaller loads or traveling.
Price: $19.97
Ethics: Vegan, Cruelty-Free & Ethically Sourced Ingredients, Recyclable Box, Members Of 1% For The Planet
Main Ingredients: Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate, Biodegradable Polyvinyl Alcohol, Biodegradable Glycerol, Biodegradable Trisodium Citrate & More
Location: Sold from the US
Dropps’ eco-friendly laundry detergent comes in the form of pods that are equally as powerful as liquid detergents. Apart from the non-toxic, plant-based ingredients, these pods also have naturally-derived lavender, orange blossom, and eucalyptus scents along with the unscented version. The eco detergents work wonders on stains and stinky odors while helping colors stay bold and bright.
Price: 64 pods for $26
Ethics: Vegan, Cruelty- Free & Ethically Sourced Ingredients, Plastic-Free Packaging, Carbon Offsetting(Carbon-Neutral Shipping), Donations
Main Ingredients: Polyvinyl Alcohol, Ethoxylated, Glycerin, C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside & More
Location: Sold from the US
Staying true to their sustainability pledge, Kind Laundry’s eco laundry detergent sheets are formulated with only 5 superhero, plant-derived ingredients completely safe for sensitive skin. You can opt for the fragrance-free version or choose the ultra-fresh Ocean Breeze Scent. Dozens of magazines & zero-waste living pros have named them one of the best eco-friendly laundry detergent sheets for traveling with zero-mess guaranteed. Did we mention the 100% recyclable packaging?
Price: 60 earth-friendly laundry detergent sheets for $19.95
Ethics: Vegan, Cruelty-Free & Ethically Sourced Ingredients, Recyclable Packaging
Main Ingredients: Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate, Fatty Alcohol, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Tea Seed Oil, Deionized Water
Location: Sold from Canada, ships to the US
Granted, Dr. Bronner might not be selling traditional eco-friendly laundry detergents, but with the certified B Corp Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner soap, you can treat everything from floors to cars, dishes, and furniture to clothes. Infused with pure fir & spruce essential oils to offer a delightful scent, think of it as one of the best natural laundry detergents for sensitive skin produced ethically with renewable organic agriculture practices and zero chemicals.
Price: $16.99
Ethics: Vegan, Cruelty-Free & Ethically Sourced Ingredients, Fair Trade, Recycled Plastic Packaging, Natural Regenerative Organic Certified, USDA Certified, Leaping Bunny Certified, Kosher Certified, and Non-GMO Project Verified
Main Ingredients: Water, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Coco-Betaine, Decyl. Glucoside, Abies Siberica (Siberian Fir) Needle Oil, Picea Glauca & More
Location: Sold from the US
Eco-friendly washing detergents made with wild-harvested berries and Aloe vera? We’ll take it! Nature First’s zero waste natural laundry detergent was developed with our sensitive skin in mind. The powerful stain-removing-fabric-softening abilities combined with the no-residue promise and the effective yet economic formula make these pods the real eco cleaning MVP’s. Of course, the anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal pods contain no toxic chemicals and skin-irritating agents.
Price: $11.99
Ethics: Sustainably Sourced Ingredients, Fair Wages, Local Community Empowerment, Recyclable Packaging
Main Ingredients: Wild-Harvested Berry Concentrate, Sodium Carbonate , Sodium Percarbonate, Aloe vera & More
Location: Sold from the US
Don’t let the millennial pink packaging fool you. Zero Co’s formulas are lauded as the best eco-friendly laundry detergents for sensitive skin. Not only is the 2L bottle made from ocean, beach & landfill waste, but also carries the sensational scent of Lemon Myrtle & Australian Grey Gum. You can freely refill your bottle with the “ridonkulously effective”, vegan, cruelty-free, plant-based liquid once you run out. Thus far, the brand has removed almost 6,000kg of plastic rubbish from the ocean.
Price: $38 AUD for 4L
Ethics: Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Plant-Based Materials, Recycled Packaging, Donations
Main Ingredients: Water, Citric Acid, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Coco Sulfate & More
Location: Australia
While we already know that earth-friendly laundry detergents help us save a ton of money in the long run, Happi Earth breaks down the exact amount for us. Formulated with 100% organic, all-natural ingredients, like soapberry extract, this zero-waste eco laundry detergent offers 400 washes at just $0.25 per wash. They use organic bean glycerine as a natural softener and powerful organic Coconut Vinegar for tough stain removal. Additionally, the packaging is made from kraft paper.
Price: $99.98 AUD for 400 washes
Ethics: 100% Organic, All-Natural & Sustainable Ingredients, Recyclable Packaging, Forest Regeneration, Carbon Offsetting
Main Ingredients: Soapberry Nut, Organic Vegan Glycerine, Organic Coconut Vinegar, Organic Essential Oils
Location: Australia
Grove Collaborative carries some of the most powerful laundry sheets, pods, and laundry detergent power for sensitive skin eco-conscious folks buy on-repeat. Biodegradable and cruelty-free, the brand’s range of eco-friendly laundry detergents carries 100% natural fragrance (an unscented version is also available). On top of that, their Laundry Powder harvests the power of four plant-derived enzymes to easily fight off stains and odor.
Price: $12.99-$15.99
Ethics: Cruelty-Free Ingredients, Recyclable Box, Ethically Made In China, Certified B Corporation, Carbon-Neutral Shipment
Main Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Sulfate, Laureth-6, Protease & More
Location: Sold from the US
Biokleen’s line is known as one of the best eco-friendly laundry detergents in powder form for sensitive skin with a delightful citrus smell (also unscented available). The non-toxic, plant-based powder offers 100 loads and an impressive stain-fighting power thanks to Oxygen Bleach. Plus, your new favorite Mineral-based environmentally friendly laundry detergent carries no artificial fragrances!
Price: 100 loads for $26.99
Ethics: Cruelty-Free, Plant-Based Ingredients, Osha’s Hazard Communication Standard-Compliant, Manufactured In The United States
Main Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Sulfate, Laureth 7 (plant-based surfactant), Sodium Silicate, Zeolite & more
Location: Sold from the US
With impressive recycling and carbon-offset programs, Cleancult’s eco-friendly laundry detergents are definitely a guilt-free purchase. The Refillable Glass Bottles contain 32 oz which tackles 64 loads of laundry! Rest assured that your inherently cool Laundry Refill will not only fight stains and remove odors but also take your clothes from funky to fresh. Hypoallergenic and sensitive skin safe, you can choose between the Sea Spray Aloe or Juniper & Sandalwood scent or go completely fragrance-free.
Price: $12.49-$14.99
Ethics: 100% Recyclable Refill Cartons, Carbon Offsetting, Recycling Program
Main Ingredients: Lauramine Oxide, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Glycerin, Sodium Citrate & More
Location: Sold from the US
Looking for the best eco-friendly laundry detergents with only 5 ingredients and a vintage flair to them? Yes, it’s possible! The Simply Co’s natural and vegan formula will clean up to 60 loads and get rid of stains easily and effectively. Choose between the Lavender options or stick with the unscented version depending on your preferences. To top it all off, the Glass Jar packaging is recyclable. They also have an amazing zero waste skincare line!
Price: $24.00
Ethics: Zero-Waste, Natural Ingredients, Made In The US
Main Ingredients: Baking Soda, Washing Soda, Organic Castile Soap, Water, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Gluconate
Location: Sold from the US
With a pledge to be completely plastic-free and only use non-toxic, natural scents from Certified Organic essential oils, it’s no surprise that Meliora’s line of eco-friendly washing detergents is so well-loved. Their vegan, cruelty-free, and MADE SAFE Certified formulas easily remove stains and odor from 64 Standard Washer loads. Furthermore, the B-Corporation ships everything in 100% Recyclable packaging.
Price: $17.99
Ethics: Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Plant-Based Ingredients, Made In The Us, Plastic-Free Packaging, MADE SAFE & Leaping Bunny Certified, B-Corporation, 1% For The Planet
Main Ingredients: Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Carbonate, Vegetable Soap, Glycerin, Organic Cocos Nucifera
Location: Sold from the US
Tru Earth’s is well known in the best eco-friendly laundry detergents listicles for their amazing laundry sheets. Safe for the most sensitive skin and completely non-toxic and free from all chemicals. As they mention, the strips “dislodge dirt molecules and stains, keeping them in suspension until they are rinsed away for 32 loads.” The formula is certified by dermatologists and manufactured in Canada with no added dyes. Plus, you can choose OECD 310D-certified biodegradable papers with linen scent or go fragrance-free. Either way, you will love these hypoallergenic, earth-friendly laundry detergent sheets.
Price: $19.95
Ethics: Vegan ingredients, Dermatologist-certified, Plastic-free Packaging
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Glycerin, Starch, PVA, Potassium Sorbate & More
Location: Sold from Canada, worldwide shipping available
Your active clothes need active ingredients, that’s why Dirty Labs’ best zero-waste and eco-friendly laundry detergents use Phytolase cleaning technology to target stains and odors effectively. USDA Certified and Dermatologist tested, their formulas are hypoallergenic and free of dyes, sulfates, and parabens. As an extra perk, this natural laundry detergent for sensitive skin will clean 32 standard loads for only $13.
Price: $13
Ethics: Vegan And Cruelty-Free Ingredients, USDA Certified and Dermatologist tested, Recycle Aluminum Bottles And Paperboard Packaging
Main Ingredients: Water, C12-16 Pareth-7 (Plant-Derived), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (Plant-Derived), Cocamidopropyl Betaine & More
Location: Sold from the US
We bet you’ve never seen a zero waste laundry detergent in a compostable paper bag. Yes, Bestowed Essentials’ 4-ingredient formula promises to clean your clothes without fading your favorite fabrics with harsh chemicals. You will receive 64 loads worth of Vegan and Certified Cruelty-Free by PETA powder with a surprisingly affordable price tag. Also, it’s hypoallergenic which makes it the perfect natural laundry detergent for sensitive skin. The reviews are amazing for this budget friendly eco choice!
Price: 62 loads for $15.99
Ethics: Vegan Certified And Natural Ingredients, Zero-Waste Packaging, Made In The Us, Ships In Recyclable Boxes
Main Ingredients: Washing Soda, Baking Soda, Epsom Salt, Pacific Sea Salt
Location: Sold from the US
This post was all about the best eco friendly laundry detergents
Whether you are a parent, worried about your kid’s skin irritations, or an eco-fashionista who loves to preserve the quality of their clothes and the environment, the environmentally friendly options above are definitely worth it! Sure, the best eco-friendly laundry detergents are a much-needed sustainable upgrade to the harmful, chemical-packed formulas. But on top of that, they are also a great way to give back to companies who are fighting for a better future as well as investing in the best washing options to take care of our beloved clothes.
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