6 Natural Laundry Detergents Made With Nontoxic Ingredients
All-Natural Laundry Detergent
Have you (or perhaps your baby) ever worn newly washed clothes, only to have your skin break out in rashes or hives?
You’re not alone: This is an all-too-common problem, due to most commercial laundry detergents. Many detergents use surfactants (chemicals that help water penetrate fabric), phosphates, and even potential carcinogens, which can irritate our skin, make their way to our lungs, and even endanger our long-term health.
But with organic laundry detergents, you can look out for your health and the planet. Organic laundry detergents are made with natural ingredients that still do the hard work of removing tough stains. We’ve found options that are more than just natural/organic—they’re eco-friendly, too, with biodegradable formulas and recyclable packaging. And they all work with either front-loading or top-loading washers, so no matter what, you’re all set.
Who knows, it might just be the first time you enjoy doing laundry.
1. Dropps
Ethics | Natural, eco-friendly practices, cruelty-free, made in USA, baby- & pet-safe options, carbon-neutral shipping
Features | Plant-based formulas, recyclable packaging, HE-compatible, no dyes, chlorine, phosphates, parabens, or phthalates
Where to Buy | Online (Dropps), Thrive Market
Price | $26 for 64 pods; discounted subscriptions available
Dropps makes our lives easier and safer with plant-based laundry detergent pods. Made without dyes, phosphates, and chlorine, this third-party tested formula is powered by botanical ingredients and natural oils like patchouli and eucalyptus. It’s pre-packaged in a water-soluble casing so you don’t even need to measure it; simply drop one in to the wash, add your clothes, choose your cycle, and hit start! Dropps offers subscriptions so you never need to worry about restocking, sent to you in compostable packaging with carbon-neutral shipping. Ideal for pets, babies, and sensitive skin, Dropps has formulas for everyone. Check out our Dropps review for more!
Dropps’ Detergent Review | “We […] couldn't be happier to make the switch! We also love how eco-friendly and minimal the packaging is. We bought the biggest quantity available (as this will last our needs for at least a year) and it was well worth the money!” —Thomas B.
2. Blueland
Ethics | Certified B Corp, natural, eco-friendly, plastic-free, baby- & pet-safe, Leaping Bunny, Cradle to Cradle, & Climate Neutral Certified
Features | Hypoallergenic, compostable packaging, HE-compatible, no artificial dyes or fragrances, chlorine, phosphates, or parabens
Where to Buy | Online
Price | $14 for 40 tablets
On a mission to reduce plastic and waste, Blueland’s laundry detergent pods come in fully compostable packaging without the plastic film you may be used to. Free from allergens, chlorine, and petroleum, these are better for the planet and your body. They’re vetted, too, with certifications from Leaping Bunny, Cradle to Cradle, and USDA BioPreferred. (A tip: If you’re missing the typical “laundry smell” that comes with mainstream detergents, throw in some dryer balls with essential oils for a subtly lingering scent.)
Blueland’s Detergent Review | “I have two of the WORST smells to get out of clothes…I thought I would give these tablets a try. After all, less waste, no giant jugs to store, no residue left on my shelves all wins. After doing a load of husbands clothes and a load of soiled bedding I am hooked! The smell is GONE!” —Karen R.
3. Puracy
Ethics | Natural, nontoxic, cruelty-free, baby- & pet- safe, gives back, recyclable packaging, made in USA
Features | Plant-based enzyme formula, hypoallergenic, biodegradable, HE-compatible, no sulfates, phosphates, dyes, chlorine, artificial fragrances, or brighteners
Where to Buy | Online
Price | $11.99 for 16 fl. oz
Puracy developed the first stain remover in history to include all six plant-based enzymes—and its Natural Laundry Detergent has four of them. At 64 loads per 24 oz. bottle, it’s also one of the most concentrated laundry detergents (10x) ever sold. Developed by doctors for allergy sufferers and those with sensitive skin, Puracy’s 99.5 percent natural detergent also includes a mineral-based odor remover and has successfully been tested on silk, premium denim, wool, microfiber, and other fine fabrics. It’s safe on septic systems, has a no-drip pump top, and is fully produced in the USA.
Puracy’s Detergent Review | “I do at least 2 large loads of laundry every day and 2 of these containers last me over a month, so I definitely think they are a good value…I am really picky about detergent because it has to be really good at getting the stains out and these are.” —Kat
4. PUR Home
Ethics | Natural, eco-friendly practices, made in USA, Leaping Bunny certified, gives back
Features | Plant-based formulas, recyclable packaging, sulfate-free, HE-compatible, no dyes, synthetic fragrances, chlorine, phosphates, or parabens
Where to Buy | Online, select stockists
Price | $12.95 for 30 pacs (pods)
PUR Home co-founder Angela Richardson began her journey into eco-friendly living after making her first natural soaps; today, PUR Home is beloved by thousands, including the likes of Beyonce and features on Refinery29 and Marie Claire. Available in both liquid and pac (pod) styles, this natural brand turns to plant-based ingredients for a double-concentrated formula (so less packaging and water waste!). The team transparently lists ingredients online, and are Leaping Bunny certified. Color- and skin-safe, your clothing and the planet will thank you.
PUR Home’s Detergent Review | “I am a cancer survivor, so I am trying to use products that are non-toxic. I love that these products do not have artificial fragrances, no parabens, no dyes and are safe. I’m a proponent in supporting small businesses, especially female-owned.” —Jill L.
Ethics | Organic & natural ingredients, eco-friendly practices, made in USA, baby-safe
Features | Biodegradable formula, recyclable packaging, HE-compatible, no dyes, synthetic fragrances, chlorine, phosphates, or parabens
Where to Buy | Online
Price | $24 for 32 oz.
The Simply Co.’s Laundry Detergent is highly effective, especially since it only has three ingredients—yup, just three! Baking soda, washing soda, and organic vegan castile soap help remove stains with no problem at all for up to 60 loads. The Simply Co. wins extra points, too, thanks to its biodegradable formula, recyclable packaging, and bulk buying option to reduce single-use plastic waste. The formula is also safe for babies, children, and those with sensitive skin.
The Simply Co.’s Detergent Review | “I love this detergent! It does a fabulous job at cleaning my clothes and getting them smelling fresh. I also love the look of the container and the basic ingredients it's made from. A win win all around!” —Zoe M.
6. Biokleen
Ethics | Nontoxic, cruelty-free, baby- & pet-safe, made in USA
Features | Plant-based, biodegradable, recyclable packaging, HE-compatible, no phosphates, chlorine, petroleum, artificial dyes, fragrances, or brighteners
Where to Buy | Online
Price | $25.99 for 150 fl. oz
Founded in 1989, Biokleen has been delivering highly-concentrated nontoxic cleaners for over three decades. It was initially launched to make plant-based products for professional services and janitors, and has since shared its formulas with families across America. The 3x concentrated Laundry Liquid can clean 300 high-efficiency loads (or 150 standard ones). It’s safe for those with allergies or sensitivities, and has no negative effects on rivers, plants, or wildlife. And by manufacturing with cold water, Biokleen reduces its gas reliance and output.
Biokleen’s Detergent Review | “I am so happy to have found an inexpensive detergent alternative! Biokleen has an A rating from the EWG. I am just now reordering after my last bottle lasting almost 7 months for a family of 5!” —B. Sticks
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