Can conventional laundry detergents harm our health and the planet? Is there a better, more sustainable option?
When we think about making our laundry routine eco-friendly, energy-efficient washers and dryers might be the first things that come to mind.
While those upgrades help, the biggest impact often comes from the products we use daily—especially laundry detergent.
Switching to an eco-friendly laundry detergent isn’t just about cleaner clothes. It’s about reducing water pollution, avoiding harsh chemicals, and supporting brands that prioritize sustainability.
But with so many options, how do you choose?
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what makes a laundry detergent truly eco-friendly, the harmful ingredients to avoid, and simple laundry habits that can lower your environmental impact.
And instead of reviewing individual products, I’ll highlight the best eco-friendly laundry detergent brands that are leading the way in sustainability and clean ingredients.
10 Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent Brands
1. Blueland: Redefining Sustainable Cleaning
Blueland has built its reputation around eliminating plastic waste in household cleaning products. The brand’s refillable system minimizes single-use plastics, and its eco-friendly laundry detergent comes in a unique tablet form—designed for pre-measured, waste-free use.
Blueland’s commitment to sustainability extends to its packaging, which is designed for recyclability and reusability. Instead of bulky plastic jugs, the brand provides recyclable pouches and a reusable metal tin for convenient storage. By prioritizing concentrated formulas that reduce water weight in shipping, Blueland actively cuts down on carbon emissions.
Beyond its product innovation, Blueland is also Certified B Corp, ensuring ethical sourcing and responsible production. With a growing range of cleaning products, the brand continues to prove that sustainability and convenience can go hand in hand.
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2. Tru Earth: Pioneering Waste-Free Laundry Solutions
Tru Earth has made a name for itself with its ultra-light eco-friendly laundry detergent sheets.
These dissolvable sheets weigh significantly less than traditional liquid detergents, leading to lower transportation emissions and a reduced carbon footprint.
The brand takes packaging waste seriously—each detergent sheet comes in a plastic-free, compostable cardboard envelope, eliminating the need for bulky plastic containers. The convenience of pre-measured sheets also prevents overuse, promoting both sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
Tru Earth is deeply invested in corporate social responsibility. Through its #TruEarthMovement, the company donates detergent strips to communities in need, reinforcing its mission to make eco-friendly living accessible to all.
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3. Earth Breeze: Zero-Waste Laundry Innovation
Earth Breeze takes an aggressive stance on sustainability by offering completely biodegradable laundry detergent sheets. Unlike traditional detergents that rely on plastic packaging, Earth Breeze ensures that its materials are compostable, reducing landfill waste.
What sets this brand apart is its Buy One, Give Ten initiative, where for every pack purchased, the company donates 10 loads of detergent to charities, shelters, and developing communities. This not only makes sustainable living easier for consumers but also helps those in need.
Additionally, Earth Breeze follows a cruelty-free and vegan-friendly philosophy, ensuring that none of its products or ingredients are tested on animals. This brand is a great choice for consumers who want to minimize both environmental and ethical harm in their laundry routine.
4. Seventh Generation: Setting the Standard for Plant-Based Detergents
Seventh Generation has been at the forefront of eco-friendly cleaning for decades, with a mission rooted in reducing the environmental impact of everyday household products. Its eco-friendly laundry detergent is USDA Certified Biobased, meaning 96% of its ingredients are plant-derived, making it safer for both people and the planet.
Beyond its product formulations, Seventh Generation actively advocates for corporate environmental responsibility. The company has taken strong stances on climate change policies, sustainable supply chains, and reducing plastic waste in packaging. However, some products still come in plastic containers, though these are made from recycled materials.
By continuously innovating within the green cleaning space, Seventh Generation remains a trusted brand for consumers looking for an ethical and sustainable way to do laundry.
5. Dropps: Minimal Waste, Maximum Impact
Dropps has become a go-to brand for those seeking zero-waste laundry solutions. Its detergent pods are plant-based, free from synthetic dyes and fragrances, and packaged in 100% recyclable cardboard. Unlike traditional pods, which often contain microplastics, Dropps’ formula is fully dissolvable and environmentally safe.
A key differentiator is its direct-to-consumer model, which minimizes transportation-related carbon emissions by cutting out retail middlemen. This business model allows the brand to invest more in sustainable manufacturing while keeping costs reasonable for eco-conscious shoppers.
Dropps is also Leaping Bunny Certified, meaning no animal testing occurs at any stage of production. For those looking for a vegan, cruelty-free alternative in sustainable laundry care, Dropps is a standout choice.
6. Molly’s Suds: Natural Ingredients for a Cleaner Planet
Molly’s Suds takes a simplistic and effective approach to natural laundry care, offering alternatives to traditional chemical-laden detergents. The brand’s Natural Oxygen Whitener serves as a chlorine-free bleach alternative, ideal for those looking for non-toxic, biodegradable stain removal.
Molly’s Suds stands out by avoiding synthetic chemicals entirely, instead relying on mineral-based ingredients and essential oils. However, its commitment to sustainability could be improved by shifting to plastic-free packaging, as some products still come in recyclable but non-compostable plastic pouches.
Despite this, the brand remains a strong choice for those who want a non-toxic, skin-safe solution for brightening whites while keeping chemicals out of the environment.
7. EcoRoots: Zero-Waste Cleaning with a Fresh Scent
EcoRoots combines plastic-free packaging with eco-friendly laundry detergent sheets, making it one of the most waste-conscious brands in the industry. Unlike other detergent sheets, EcoRoots offers a natural linen scent for consumers who prefer a subtle fragrance in their clean clothes.
A major selling point for EcoRoots is its commitment to zero waste—every part of its packaging is fully recyclable or compostable, helping to reduce plastic pollution. The brand also offers bulk purchase options, making sustainable choices more budget-friendly in the long run.
However, for those dealing with tough stains, the detergent sheets may require an additional pre-treatment product. Despite this, EcoRoots remains a top-tier brand for low-impact laundry solutions.
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8. ECOS: Leading the Way in Sustainable Manufacturing
ECOS goes beyond just eco-friendly detergent formulas—it stands out for its sustainable production practices. The company has achieved TRUE Platinum Zero Waste certification, meaning it operates as a carbon-neutral, water-neutral brand powered by 100% renewable energy.
The brand’s detergent is vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated with plant-based ingredients, making it one of the most environmentally responsible options available. However, plastic packaging remains a challenge, though ECOS ensures that all its bottles are made from recycled materials.
For those who value sustainable manufacturing as much as product performance, ECOS is a clear leader in green laundry care.
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9. Tide Purclean: A Legacy Brand Making Greener Strides
Tide may be a household name in traditional laundry care, but with Tide Purclean, the brand has stepped into the eco-friendly market with a plant-based, EPA-approved formula. Unlike many independent green brands, Tide has the ability to scale sustainability efforts on a massive level.
The reduced-plastic packaging and use of 100% renewable energy in manufacturing mark significant progress for a brand historically associated with synthetic detergents. While not entirely zero waste, Tide Purclean provides a stepping stone for mainstream consumers looking to transition to greener options.
This initiative demonstrates that even legacy brands can shift towards more sustainable business practices, setting an example for industry-wide change.
10. Charlie’s Soap: Eco-Friendly Cleaning for Tough Stains
Charlie’s Soap is a no-nonsense, effective option in the eco-friendly laundry detergent space. Unlike liquid alternatives, its powder formula reduces packaging waste while delivering powerful cleaning performance.
What makes Charlie’s Soap unique is its efficacy on tough stains, making it a preferred choice for families, athletes, and those dealing with heavily soiled clothes. Its hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formula is also a safe choice for sensitive skin.
While it comes at a slightly higher price point, the brand’s commitment to biodegradable, non-toxic ingredients ensures that customers get quality over quantity.
What Makes A Laundry Detergent Eco-Friendly?
You may already be thinking about the environmental impact of your washing machine. But there’s more to it.
Choosing eco-friendly laundry detergents is equally vital.
The Ingredients Matter
When examining detergent labels, look beyond misleading ads. Often, you’ll find ingredients harmful to both the environment and your skin.
First, check for phosphates; these aren’t found in biodegradable detergents. Chlorine bleach and brighteners should also be absent, as they introduce harmful chemicals into ecosystems.
These problematic ingredients often end up in our waterways. Unfortunately, many water treatment plants don’t filter them out effectively.
Consider Concentrated Forms
Another aspect is choosing concentrated or powder detergents. These options have a smaller carbon footprint due to their lower weight-to-dosage ratio.
Consequently, less carbon is associated with their transportation.
Packaging Insights
Let’s talk about packaging.
If liquid detergents are your preference, opt for plastic-free, compostable bottles. These eco-friendlier options are increasingly available. Alternatively, ensure that the plastic bottles are fully recyclable to avoid landfill contribution.
For powder detergents, plastic-free packaging is key. It should be fully recyclable or compostable, avoiding landfill waste.
In essence, avoid products where packaging parts might end up in landfills or don’t use recycled materials.
Beware Of Greenwashing
Greenwashing is an increasingly prevalent issue.
Many companies make misleading eco-friendly claims. Some products are labeled ‘eco-friendly’ for having minor recycled content. However, their detergents may still contain harmful chemicals.
Furthermore, the ‘recycled’ packaging might not be recyclable.
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Harmful Ingredients In Your Laundry Detergents
I’ve gathered a list of some ingredients that are very common in a traditional detergent. Unfortunately, common also means harmful to the environment, and these are things that you don’t want to find on an eco laundry detergent label.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
First of all, this difficult-to-pronounce chemical compound can be harmful to the skin and is often the main reason people with sensitive skin react to certain laundry detergents. But did you also know that it’s a common organic herbicide?
So, when your laundry detergent ends up in nature it can actually kill off vegetation.
Phosphates
Phosphates are very common in laundry detergent products, and they generally don’t get filtered out in water treatment plants. When they enter natural waterways, they cause eutrophication which is a form of poisoning that kills marine animals.
Optical Brighteners
These are generally quite irritating and not just to people with sensitive skin. There’s a reason detergents with these ingredients say that you have to keep it away from your eyes. But those optical brighteners also have a direct toxic impact on marine life.
Chlorine Bleach
Chlorine is toxic even in small amounts. And you just have to spend some time in a chlorinated swimming pool without goggles to understand this effect. But that bleaching effect can also impact marine vegetation.
Artificial Fragrance-Free
Synthetic fragrances are another common reason for allergic reactions, even in people who don’t have sensitive skin. There’s a lack of studies on their effect in nature, but if it irritates human skin, then it’s not really meant for exposure to living things.
Start by looking for a hypoallergenic laundry detergent to reduce this impact.
1,4-Dioxane
This has become less commonly used in detergents, but other cleaning products still have small amounts. It’s a known carcinogen to humans and really has no place in a laundry detergent.
Dichlorobenzene
And the final chemical to avoid is another one that has a highly toxic effect on marine life and is almost impossible to remove once it has made it into water. While it’s not that common anymore in most laundry detergents, you still need to look out for it.
Pick up These Eco-Friendly Laundry Habits
Here are five laundry tips that will make washing clothes a lot more eco-friendly. And they are so simple to follow.
1. Wash Less Frequently
If you keep track of how often you load up the washer, then you’ll probably find that you have four loads per person each week. That is so much energy, water, and laundry detergent use.
In reality, most clothes that you put in the wash are likely not dirty or smelly. Yes, your underwear and socks should go in after one wear, but most other things can easily be worn 3 or 4 times.
There’s nothing unhygienic about it, and in many ways, we’ve probably become too cautious about micro dirt and germs. So, keeping track of your clothes and wash frequency can really save up a lot of laundry detergent.
2. Don’t Use A Dryer
This is probably one of the biggest wastes of energy for any household. Even with the most energy-efficient models out there, you’ll end up using tons of energy.
In the summer months, it’s easy to hang out clothes and let them naturally dry within a few hours. But even dry and windy days in winter could take care of most of the drying.
And when you do have a load of washing that you need to dry quickly, then ditch those dryer and laundry detergent sheets.
3. Install A Water Softener
One thing you should do is have your water tested to see how much lime it contains. The more lime, the harder the water and the less effective it will be at mixing with powdered laundry detergent.
But even if you look at the label on a liquid detergent, you’ll see that in hard water, you need to add a lot more laundry detergent.
Not only will a central water softener mean that you use less detergent, but it will make your appliances last a lot longer. And it’s much better for sensitive skin when you shower and wash your hair.
4. Use Cool Wash Functions
Most modern washing machines will have cool wash functions that will be suitable for the majority of your clothes. Unless you regularly fill the machine with heavily stained and dirty clothes, a cool wash at about 85 degrees will give you enough cleaning power.
Many eco-friendly laundry detergent products often work better at lower temperatures, and that will significantly lower the carbon footprint of your laundry routine.
5. Reduce Synthetic Clothing
And finally, even when you use an eco-friendly laundry detergent, you could end up flushing plastic fibers down the drain. This is very common with synthetic fabrics like nylon, acrylic, and polyester.
Yes, these are cheap, but regular washing will release some of the fibers. And it shouldn’t be a surprise what plastic accumulation is doing to wildlife.
Why Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents Matter
Choosing an eco-friendly laundry detergent isn’t just about clean clothes—it’s about protecting the planet, our health, and future generations. Conventional detergents contain harsh chemicals that pollute waterways, harm aquatic life, and expose our skin to potential toxins. Many also come in single-use plastic packaging, contributing to the growing problem of plastic waste.
By switching to sustainable brands, you’re supporting companies that prioritize biodegradable ingredients, zero-waste packaging, and ethical manufacturing. These brands are proving that you don’t have to compromise on performance to make a positive impact.
Every small change in our daily habits adds up. Opting for a plant-based, cruelty-free, and low-waste detergent helps reduce pollution, lower carbon emissions, and minimize exposure to harmful substances. When enough people make this shift, we push the industry toward a greener, cleaner future—one wash at a time.
