These days, we’re becoming much more mindful about our purchases. Whether you’re eyeing sustainable clothing brands or clean makeup, there are plenty of ways to improve the world.
So, cherry-picking products and formulations that have naturally derived ingredients extends to all-purpose cleaners and, in the same vein, natural laundry detergents. But, the golden question: what does natural really mean? Is it just marketing lingo?
“Many ingredients found in laundry detergents marketed as natural are the same as or very similar to ingredients in other laundry detergents,” Jessica Ek, senior director of digital communications at the American Cleaning Institute, told the New York Post. “The main difference is how they are sourced; Depending on availability, cost, and ease of formulation, the sourcing can affect the cost of the product. It can also affect the carbon footprint.”
Often, a claim of natural for a cleaning product will refer primarily to the surfactant, the product’s primary cleaning ingredient. “Surfactants can be made from petrochemicals (derived from crude oil or natural gas) or oleochemicals (derived from fats and oils),” Ek explained.
From Meliora to Purex, we rounded up the best natural laundry detergents in the biz. You’ll also want to check out our in-depth FAQ section to learn more about the criteria for what makes a laundry detergent truly “natural.”
In tandem with your washer-dryer combo, hauling your laundry basket from room to room has never looked better. Pro tip: Keeping your house cleaning products in one place is *chef’s kiss.*
Plus, we recommended checking out our reviews to the best mops and vacuums we have been continually testing. Even better, our expert-backed guides to the best hardwood floor cleaners and carpet cleaners will serve you well, too.
Pros:
- Excellent value for the price, given load size and price
- Recyclable packaging
- Gentle for sensitive skin, yet effective on tough stains and grime
Enter Branch Basics, a coveted brand in the natural laundry detergent space. Its trio of nontoxic and biodegradable formulations — including The Concentrate, Oxygen Boost and Laundry Bottle — is worth the investment. The Concentrate will keep your garments smelling fresh up to 192 loads, while its reusable and recyclable bottle is made from BPA-free plastic that washes 64 loads per bottle.
The Oxygen Boost is used for pre-treating stains, whitening and brightening and deodorizing laundry. More, its formula is gentle enough for the skin but effective enough to conquer dirt and grime. Branch Basics uses plant- and mineral-derived ingredients that are all fragrance-free and non-GMO, too.
Size: 33.8 ounces | Scent: Fragrance-free
Pros:
- Affordable
- Pleasing lavender scent
- “Clean” in every sense of the word: biodegradable, BPA-free, chlorine-free, cruelty-free, dye- and color additive-free, paraben- and phthalate-free and hypoallergenic
Cons:
- Some shoppers may prefer a fragrance-free, natural alternative
We can’t believe the Rosey by Thrive Market Lavender Laundry Detergent is just $10. Adorable label aside, the brand meets all the criteria we look for: gluten-free, vegan, biodegradable, BPA-free, chlorine-free, cruelty-free, dye- and color additive-free, paraben- and phthalate-free and hypoallergenic.
Plus, its lovely mix of lavender essential oils is *chef’s kiss*.
Size: 50 ounces | Scent: Lavender
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic, biodegradable, paraben- and cruelty-free
- Available in fragrance-free or truly lovely and unusual scents
- Perfect for sensitive skin
Cons:
- A little pricey, but so are most quality laundry detergents
- Only available at Brooklinen
When we first heard word that Brooklinen (aka, the brand whipping out some of the finest bed sheets we reviewed) launched a line of laundry detergents, we nearly called them on speed dial. After using the formulation, we can attest it’s worth the hype.
Aside from its fragrance-free option, the brand boasts an eco-friendly, cruelty-free and dermatologist-tested formulation. Not to mention, its packaging is aesthetically pleasing to present on your laundry shelf.
“I’m the type who appreciates quality in the little everyday things, and this laundry soap is a nice treat to use,” Erica Radol, Page Six commerce writer/reporter, shared. “It has an easy-to-use pump for precise measuring (no over-pouring), gets clothing clean [and] leaves a gentle scent but, best of all, doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin.”
Radol also loves that it’s eco-friendly, biodegradable and made without parabens, petroleum and other chemicals that she prefes not to have on her skin! Who does?
Despite it costing a wee bit more than your standard detergent at the grocery store, it is an impressive value, given its 32-ounce size. Plus, its pump container makes it great for precise hand-washing of delicate garments.
Size: 32 ounces | Scent: Dream Clean (other scents available)
Pros:
- Doesn’t have an overpowering scent
- Easy-toss pod design
- Compatible with HE washing machines
Cons:
- Doesn’t make your clothes incredibly soft when used on its own, though not a dealbreaker
After deep-diving into the world of the best natural laundry detergents, resorting to the convenience-striking pod design is a no-brainer. All you have to do is toss in a pod, then your hamper’s worth of clothes and let your laundry detergent do all the work for you.
After testing these out for about three months, I’ve been pleased with how my clothes are fresh and clean once the wash cycle has ended. The laundry detergent pods, are clad with mineral-based and plant-derived cleaning agents, water softeners, enzymes and a clean scent that you’ll want to use on the regular.
While my clothes weren’t supremely soft once dried, that’s not a dealbreaker for me. This natural laundry detergent’s convenience, fresh scent and ability to keep on hand for 42 washes make this pouch of pods worth picking up.
Size: 42 pods | Scent: Clean
Pros:
- Easy to use, compact design with a sensitive skin-friendly formulation
- Great value, as it’s less than $15 and lasts for 66 washes
- Helps remove any built-in odor
Cons:
- May not be equipped for tougher dirt
“I’ve been using this detergent ever since my brother recommended it to us a few years back and it’s honestly just a hack for apartment living as well as sensitive skin,” Michelle Moezam, senior commerce social media marketing manager, shared. “My husband has eczema and we always struggled with finding something scent free and ‘clean’ that actually gets rid of odor and makes our clothing and linens feel really fresh.”
Plus, the convenience of it being in a smaller bottle is an added bonus for space-saving in her “tiny railroad apartment,” per Moezam.
Size: 23.1 ounces | Scent: Free & Clear
Pros:
- Safe on HE-compatible washing machines
- Short and brief ingredient list
- Unscented, so safe on sensitive skin
Cons:
- Price point may be unreachable for some
The Meliora Unscented Laundry Powder contains minimal ingredients (that are all transparently written on its label, BTW) and will withstand 64 standard loads. Its formulation is void of both dyes and fragrances and is 100% biodegradable.
Additionally, many reviewers say it’s a “natural laundry detergent that really works!”
Size: 35 ounces | Scent: Unscented
Pros:
- Safe on HE-compatible washing machines
- EWG-verified
- Made with naturally sourced surfactants to be gentle on baby
Cons:
- The price point may be unreachable for some
Looking for a suitable laundry detergent for your baby that’s naturally derived? We recommend the ATTITUDE Baby Laundry Detergent. The formulation is well-received by more than 2,000 happy purchasers on Amazon and, impressively, comes in a wealth of scent notes — including a fragrance-free option.
Void of dyes, irritating enzymes and known allergens, this hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested laundry detergent is the real deal — hands down.
Size: 35.5 ounces | Scent: Soothing Chamomile
Pros:
- Budget-friendly price point
- Mess-free
- Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, so excellent on sensitive skin
Cons:
- May not be equipped for tougher dirt
The Nature Clean Laundry Detergent Strips (32-Count) is the easiest way to tackle laundry day. With a strip — yes, a strip — you can wash your entire hamper’s worth in a hypoallergenic, biodegradable way.
With only one strip per load, it couldn’t be easier to incorporate your detergent. Void of plastic and equipped for HE washing machines, Nature Clean is only $10 and will last you for 32 loads of laundry.
Additionally, this product is one of the best for travel. Simply pack it into your duffle bag or luggage and voilà — no worrying about liquids spilling or pods taking up too much room. They dissolve quickly, too, and is even efficient for hand-washing. For a new natural laundry detergent brand, try Nature Clean, the mainstay box on your laundry shelf.
Size: 32 strips | Scent: Fragrance-free
Pros:
- Contains four plant-powered enzymes eliminate the most stubborn stains and odors on any type of fabric
- Scent-free, which is especially great for sensitive skin
- Editor-tested brand for stains, specifically
With the selection of natural laundry detergents, thinking about one that’ll really tend to deep, set-in stains is often overlooked. Trust me, while I haven’t used the Puracy Laundry Detergent, this brand works. Its Stain Remover ($12) is sent from above and has completely eradicated spilled olive oil on my upholstered bar stools and even pen marks from my bed sheets.
Its efficacy boils down to the four plant-powered enzymes that are part of its design. Together, they eliminate the most stubborn stains and odors on any type of fabric. I’m unsurprised that more than 1,000 shoppers have flocked to the laundry solution in the past month as its tagline is “tough on stains, gentle on skin.”
Besides its stain-fighting power, this Puracy natural laundry detergent features an unscented finish, yet void of natural fragrance. It’s giving hotel cotton, but with a good-for-you feel.
While this is a refill only, you can purchase a standard laundry detergent dispenser bottle on Amazon for fairly cheap. Hey, it’s good to have on hand as well.
Size: 48 ounces | Scent: Free & Clear
Pros:
- Affordable
- Fresh linen and lilies scent
- Well-respected brand
Cons:
- Doesn’t last as long, based on wash load, compared to some other options
Just shy of $10, the Purex Natural Elements Linen & Lilies Laundry Detergent is perfect for the budget-conscious consumer who wants to do better for the planet. Specifically, this liquid formulation will last up to 57 loads of laundry in its fresh-scented aroma.
This particular laundry detergent is applauded by nearly 8,000 users, thanks to its natural and plant-based ingredient blend. Rest assured that this laundry detergent is also hypoallergenic and dye-free.
Size: 75 ounces | Scent: Linen & Lilies
Pros:
- Unique and lovely magnolia, bergamot and cedar scent
- Budget-friendly
- Scientifically backed and formulated
Cons:
- Not as wonderful of a value for the price, compared to some others, given its 32-load bundle
We need to turn you on to Dirty Labs: the direct-to-consumer brand that makes naturally derived cleaning products readily accessible. Specifically, its Bio Enzyme Laundry Detergent is one of the more affordable options out there, boasting a divine scent blend of magnolia, bergamot and cedar.
Dirty Labs prides itself on formulating its cleaning products with nontoxic and bio-based ingredients that are safe for sensitive skin and all clothing types. The brand at large is cruelty-free, vegan, hypoallergenic and safe for babies and pets. Additionally, the brand’s labs ensure vigorous testing has been completed before packaging it up for sale (in BPA-free and recyclable aluminum packaging). In short, it’s a lovely brand worth trying.
Size: 8.6 ounces | Scent: Magnolia, Bergamot, Cedar
An FAQ on Natural Laundry Detergents
Ahead, Ek gives us the 411 on what truly constitutes a laundry detergent to be “natural” — including certifications and some notes to keep in mind while shopping.
What makes a laundry detergent “natural”?
According to Ek, the best advice is to avoid making assumptions based solely on a designation of natural. “There has been a rise in usage of the term, yet the Federal Trade Commission does not currently have guidance on what it means,” she explained.
In fact, the FTC is currently accepting public comments as it attempts to update its Green Guides for the Use of Environmental Claims. “This could be very important in how many of these types of claims are governed going forward,” she pinpointed.
The USDA defines natural as “a product containing no artificial ingredient or added color and is only minimally processed,” yet very few chemicals extracted from plants or the earth are used without further processing to obtain ingredients that perform a cleaning function, per Ek.
“There are certifications that cleaning products can get if they meet certain criteria, which can be a good way for consumers to choose a product that fits their needs,” she added. “Some of them have their own definition of natural. You can learn more with the handy “how to read cleaning labels and product certifications” guide on the American Cleaning Institute’s website.
Do natural laundry detergents really work?
“The efficacy of a laundry detergent is going to depend more on the formulation than the source of the ingredients,” Ek said. The best way to shop for a natural laundry detergent is to look for a brand you trust. Sometimes, this may take thorough research — which is what we underwent in our process to naming the 12 best brands above.
“Laundry detergents on store shelves have been tested for safety and efficacy, so whether you choose one labeled as natural or not, follow the directions to clean your clothes with confidence,” Ek highlighted. “Just remember that no matter how ‘natural’ a detergent is, it should be stored up and out of reach of children.”
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