In a world where every detergent bottle claims to be eco-friendly, it’s hard to know who’s truly walking the talk. That’s why brands like ECOS deserve a deeper look — not just at what they sell, but how they operate.
At GreenCitizen, we’ve spent years evaluating green products and sustainable brands to help conscious consumers cut through the noise. So when it comes to ECOS Laundry Detergent, we’re not just asking Does it clean? — We’re asking, Is it safe for the planet? Is it manufactured responsibly? Does the brand uphold sustainability at every level?
In this review, we’ll explore ECOS as a brand — their environmental mission, ethical sourcing, and how their plant-powered detergent supports a non-toxic, zero-waste lifestyle.
If you’re searching for a green cleaning product or eco-friendly laundry detergents that align with your values, this deep dive into ECOS Laundry Detergent might just help you make an informed switch.
Who Makes ECOS Laundry Detergent?
ECOS isn’t just a name slapped on a bottle of plant-based laundry soap — it’s the face of one of the most pioneering eco-conscious brands in the green cleaning industry.
Founded over 50 years ago, ECOS is a majority women-owned, family-run company that has stayed committed to sustainability long before it became a buzzword.
They produce their line of ECOS Laundry Detergent and other non-toxic cleaners at four U.S.-based facilities — all of which are carbon neutral, powered by 100% renewable energy, and certified Zero Waste. This makes these products environmentally friendly.
What makes ECOS stand out isn’t just their commitment to using plant-derived ingredients, but their integrated approach to sustainable detergent manufacturing.
From ethically sourcing raw materials to formulating pH-balanced, biodegradable formulas reviewed by in-house chemists, every step is grounded in science, responsibility, and transparency.
Their ECOS Laundry Detergent is more than just a green product — it’s a reflection of their broader mission: to make safer, climate-positive cleaning accessible to all households. Whether you’re tackling daily laundry or building a non-toxic home, ECOS brings decades of innovation to the fight against chemical-laden cleaning products.
ECOS Laundry Detergent: Do the Brand’s Claims Hold Up?
According to ECOS, their laundry detergent is plant-powered, pH-balanced, biodegradable, and free from harsh chemicals like parabens, phosphates, and phthalates. They also highlight that it’s hypoallergenic, vegan, cruelty-free, and includes a built-in fabric softener — all packed in a formula that works in both hot and cold water.
On paper, that’s the gold standard for green cleaning. But how does it compare to what consumers actually expect from an ideal eco-friendly laundry detergent?
Let’s break it down:
- Hypoallergenic & Skin-Safe: The detergent’s gentle formulation is a must-have for anyone with sensitive skin. Most conventional brands still use synthetic fragrances and preservatives. ECOS’s choice to keep the formula dermatologist-tested and non-irritating earns full points here.
- Biodegradable Formula: A biodegradable detergent is essential in today’s environmentally-conscious market — especially for users living off-grid or using greywater systems. ECOS gets this right, and it shows a real alignment with zero-waste values.
- No Harsh Chemicals: The exclusion of parabens, phosphates, and phthalates isn’t just for marketing — it’s part of a growing demand for non-toxic laundry solutions that don’t pollute waterways or trigger allergies.
- Fabric Softener Included: The dual-purpose formula simplifies laundry routines and cuts down packaging waste — a bonus for both sustainability and convenience.
- Performance Across Temperatures: A detergent that works in cold water saves energy. ECOS checks this box too, aligning with broader eco-efficiency goals.
Overall, the claims behind ECOS Laundry Detergent aren’t just fluffy buzzwords. They reflect real, science-backed standards for green cleaning — and in most categories, ECOS delivers.
Where ECOS Laundry Detergent Falls Short
While ECOS Laundry Detergent checks a lot of sustainability boxes, it’s not without its drawbacks — especially when held up against what consumers expect from a high-performing, eco-friendly detergent.
Low Concentration Requires More Product
Let’s start with concentration. Although the brand markets ECOS as an efficient liquid detergent, many users report that the recommended amount often underperforms — especially on heavily soiled clothes or dense fabrics.
Compared to more concentrated competitors like Seventh Generation, ECOS may require larger doses per load, reducing cost-efficiency and increasing plastic usage over time.
Rough Texture on Towels and Sheets
Another issue lies in softness performance. Despite including a built-in fabric softener, ECOS struggles with items like bath towels and bed linens. Users have noted a noticeable roughness — towels that feel scratchy and sheets that lose their cozy texture.
This may be due to the formulation’s lack of cationic softening agents, which traditional softeners use (albeit with a heavier environmental cost).
Less Value for the Price
Then there’s the price-to-performance ratio. While the product is biodegradable and vegan, it comes at a relatively premium price point.
If users have to double up the dose or pre-treat tougher stains separately, it raises questions about its long-term value — especially for budget-conscious, sustainability-driven households.
Ultimately, ECOS Laundry Detergent is designed for everyday laundry loads with light-to-moderate soil. But if you’re looking for something that tackles stubborn stains or leaves towels hotel-soft, ECOS might not be your best match.
Things To Consider Before Buying An Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent
When you’re buying an eco-friendly detergent product, there are certain criteria you should look for in the brand:
Concentration
Most laundry soaps (even the “earth friendly” stuff) are super watered down. Truly eco-conscious detergents will be made at a high concentration, producing less waste and allowing you to get more bang for your buck.
The Puracy Natural Detergent is a good example of this — it’s 10 times concentrated, so a small amount goes a long way and saves you money.
Recyclable Packaging
Manufacturers should be practising what they preach, and this applies to their packaging too. Ideally, the product bottles should be made from recycled plastic and the bottles themselves should be recyclable.
ECOS bottles are made from 100% recycled plastic and they are also indeed recyclable.
Optical Brighteners
Some products contain chemicals called “stilbenes” which help to make garments look brighter. You’ll often find these in mainstream detergents, but the stilbenes are non-biodegradable and toxic to fish, so eco-friendly detergents like ECOS do not contain them.
ECOS Laundry Detergent: A Sustainable Win or Just Hype?
In a market saturated with greenwashing, ECOS Laundry Detergent stands out as one of the few products backed by decades of environmental stewardship and sustainable manufacturing. From their carbon-neutral, zero-waste facilities to their plant-powered, biodegradable formula, ECOS is not just selling laundry soap — they’re promoting a more ethical, climate-conscious way of living.
That said, no product is perfect. While ECOS Laundry Detergent excels in skin safety, ingredient transparency, and eco-certifications, it may fall short for those who need high-concentration performance or ultra-soft laundry results.
Still, for everyday washing and households prioritizing non-toxic, planet-friendly cleaning solutions, ECOS delivers what many conventional brands cannot: trust.
If you’re looking to align your laundry routine with your values — supporting a women-owned, USA-based company that walks the talk on sustainability — ECOS Laundry Detergent deserves a spot in your green home arsenal.
