One of the questions I get asked the most is: What’s the best eco-friendly laundry detergent? Parents and sustainability enthusiasts alike want to ensure their laundry routines are safe for their families and the planet.
And to be honest, I understand the confusion—there are so many options on the market, each claiming to be greener than the next. To make it easier, we’ve put together a guide.
But here’s the truth: Nothing is perfect. Every product has its trade-offs, whether it’s in packaging, ingredients, certifications, or ownership ethics. It’s all about determining what’s most important to you—whether that’s avoiding harmful chemicals, minimizing plastic waste, or supporting independent brands. Sustainability is a journey, and often, the best choice lies in the nuances of what aligns with your values and priorities.
So, whether you’re considering a ready-made brand or contemplating making your own detergent, here’s everything you need to know to find the safest, most sustainable solution for your family.
By ranking popular options and explaining the pros, cons, and nuances of each, we hope to help you make informed choices for your home.
Our approach is rooted in our core values: transparency, sustainability, and practicality. With criteria like ingredients, packaging, certifications, manufacturing practices, and ownership ethics, this guide gives you a holistic view of your laundry detergent options.
So, whether you’re considering a ready-made brand or contemplating making your own detergent, here’s everything you need to know to find the safest, most sustainable solution for your family.
Criteria for Evaluation:
Ingredients: Plant-based, biodegradable, and free from harmful chemicals.
Packaging: Sustainable materials, recyclability, and waste reduction.
Manufacturing Process: Transparency, ethical sourcing, and location.
Certifications: Trustworthy third-party certifications (e.g., USDA Organic, EPA Safer Choice, Fair Trade).
Potential Risks: Health and environmental concerns, such as skin irritation or microplastics.
Ownership: Whether the brand is independently owned or part of a larger organization with questionable practices.
Top Store-Bought Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents
1. Tru Earth Laundry Strips (Rank #1)
Ingredients:Plant-derived surfactants, sodium carbonate, glycerin, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA).
Packaging:Plastic-free, compostable cardboard envelope.
Ultra-lightweight, reducing transportation emissions.
Manufacturing Process:Produced in Canada, adhering to high environmental standards.
Ethical labor practices verified by company statements.
Certifications:EcoLogo Certified, Leaping Bunny Certified (cruelty-free).
Ownership: Independently owned.
Potential Risks:PVA biodegradability depends on wastewater treatment quality.
Ingredients:Plant-derived surfactants, sodium carbonate, glycerin, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA).
Packaging:Plastic-free, compostable cardboard envelope.
Ultra-lightweight, reducing transportation emissions.
Manufacturing Process:Produced in Canada, adhering to high environmental standards.
Ethical labor practices verified by company statements.
Certifications:EcoLogo Certified, Leaping Bunny Certified (cruelty-free).
Ownership: Independently owned.
Potential Risks:PVA biodegradability depends on wastewater treatment quality.
2. Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Detergent Pods (Rank #2)
Ingredients:Plant-based surfactants, natural enzymes, PVA casing.
Packaging:Delivered in 100% recyclable, compostable cardboard.
No single-use plastic.
Manufacturing Process:Made in the USA at carbon-neutral facilities.
Ethical sourcing of ingredients.
Certifications:EPA Safer Choice, Leaping Bunny Certified.
Ownership: Independently owned.
Potential Risks:PVA concerns similar to Tru Earth.
Ingredients:Plant-based surfactants, natural enzymes, PVA casing.
Packaging:Delivered in 100% recyclable, compostable cardboard.
No single-use plastic.
Manufacturing Process:Made in the USA at carbon-neutral facilities.
Ethical sourcing of ingredients.
Certifications:EPA Safer Choice, Leaping Bunny Certified.
Ownership: Independently owned.
Potential Risks:PVA concerns similar to Tru Earth.
3.Ecos Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent (Rank #3)
Ingredients:Coconut-based surfactants, lavender essential oil (optional).
Packaging:Recycled and recyclable plastic bottles.
Efforts to reduce virgin plastic use.
Manufacturing Process:Produced in the USA in carbon-neutral facilities.
Runs on 100% renewable energy.
Certifications:EPA Safer Choice, USDA Biobased.
Ownership: Family-owned business (Earth Friendly Products).
Potential Risks:Essential oils may irritate sensitive skin.
Ingredients:Coconut-based surfactants, lavender essential oil (optional).
Packaging:Recycled and recyclable plastic bottles.
Efforts to reduce virgin plastic use.
Manufacturing Process:Produced in the USA in carbon-neutral facilities.
Runs on 100% renewable energy.
Certifications:EPA Safer Choice, USDA Biobased.
Ownership: Family-owned business (Earth Friendly Products).
Potential Risks:Essential oils may irritate sensitive skin.
4. Seventh Generation Free & Clear (Rank #4)
Ingredients:Plant-based surfactants, sodium citrate, enzymes.
Packaging:80% recycled plastic bottles; efforts to move toward zero waste.
Manufacturing Process:Manufactured in North America with a commitment to ethical practices.
Certifications:EPA Safer Choice, Leaping Bunny Certified.
Ownership: Owned by Unilever, a multinational company with mixed sustainability practices.
Potential Risks:Enzymes may cause mild irritation in rare cases.
Ingredients:Plant-based surfactants, sodium citrate, enzymes.
Packaging:80% recycled plastic bottles; efforts to move toward zero waste.
Manufacturing Process:Manufactured in North America with a commitment to ethical practices.
Certifications:EPA Safer Choice, Leaping Bunny Certified.
Ownership: Owned by Unilever, a multinational company with mixed sustainability practices.
Potential Risks:Enzymes may cause mild irritation in rare cases.
5. Biokleen Laundry Liquid (Rank #5)
Ingredients:Plant-based surfactants, grapefruit seed extract.
Packaging:Recyclable plastic bottles with some recycled content.
Manufacturing Process:Made in the USA; family-owned company with transparent practices.
Certifications:EPA Safer Choice.
Ownership: Acquired by Weiman Products, whose overall sustainability practices are not well-documented.
Potential Risks:Grapefruit extract may cause allergies for some users.
Ingredients:Plant-based surfactants, grapefruit seed extract.
Packaging:Recyclable plastic bottles with some recycled content.
Manufacturing Process:Made in the USA; family-owned company with transparent practices.
Certifications:EPA Safer Choice.
Ownership: Acquired by Weiman Products, whose overall sustainability practices are not well-documented.
Potential Risks:Grapefruit extract may cause allergies for some users.
6. DIY Laundry Detergent (Difficult to rank - depends on effectiveness and ingredients)
Ingredients: Bar soap (e.g., castile), washing soda, baking soda, optional essential oils.
Packaging: Can be entirely zero-waste if materials are sourced in bulk or plastic-free.
Manufacturing Process: Completely controlled by the user, ensuring ethical sourcing.
Certifications: None, but ingredients like castile soap often carry certifications (e.g., USDA Organic).
Ownership: Fully independent.
Potential Risks: Limited effectiveness on heavy stains; not ideal for HE machines unless diluted.
Ultimately, nothing is perfect. Each detergent option comes with trade-offs, so the best choice for you depends on your specific values and priorities. Whether you opt for a ready-made eco-friendly detergent or decide to make your own, every small change contributes to a more sustainable laundry routine.
