We’ve tested and reviewed dozens of eco-friendly laundry detergents so you don’t have to – including laundry detergent powders, liquids and pods, as well as safe laundry detergent for babies and sensitive skin.
If you have a family, you already know the truth: the laundry never ends. Gym clothes, muddy kids, food stains, mystery smells — it all piles up fast.
The problem is that many conventional laundry detergents rely on harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances that aren’t great for our health or the environment — especially for babies and sensitive skin.
The good news? Eco-friendly laundry detergents have come a long way. Many now clean just as well as conventional brands — without the toxic ingredients.
After testing dozens of non-toxic detergents over the years, I’ve put together this guide to the eco-friendly laundry detergents that actually work. I’ll cover the best options for families and sensitive skin, how pods compare to liquids, and what to know before you buy — so you can wash with confidence and get back to everything else on your plate.
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Do Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents Actually Work?
Short answer: yes — many of them do. But they don’t all work the same way, and a lot depends on what you’re washing.
When eco-friendly laundry detergents first became popular, a lot of them struggled with tough stains and lingering odors. That’s where the “green detergents don’t work” reputation came from. The good news is that formulas have improved a lot over the years, and many non-toxic detergents now clean just as well as conventional brands for everyday laundry.
What “Works” Really Means for Laundry Detergent
For most families, a laundry detergent is doing its job if it:
- Removes everyday dirt and food stains
- Controls odors (especially sweaty or gym clothes)
- Rinses clean without leaving residue
- Performs well in cold or warm water
The best eco-friendly detergents can handle all of the above — especially for normal, day-to-day laundry.
How Eco-Friendly Detergents Perform in Real Life
From years of testing non-toxic detergents at home, I’ve found that most perform very well on:
- Regular family laundry
- Kids’ clothes and light stains
- Everyday odors
- Cold-water washes
They may struggle more with heavy grease, set-in stains, or strong odors that have built up over time. Let’s be clear – these are situations where any detergent benefits from a little extra help.
When You May Need to Pre-Treat or Adjust Your Routine
Just like conventional detergents, eco-friendly options aren’t one-size-fits-all. You may get better results if you:
- Pre-treat tough stains
- Use warm water for heavily soiled loads
- Avoid over- or under-dosing concentrated formulas
I often pair a non-toxic detergent with a stain remover for messes like grass stains, grease, or kid-related disasters — and that combination works really well. (I’ve tested
Bottom Line
Eco-friendly laundry detergents can absolutely work — especially for everyday family laundry — as long as you choose the right formula and use it correctly. Below are the eco-friendly laundry detergents that consistently performed the best in real-life testing, organized by type to make it easy to find what works for your household.
Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents (That Actually Clean)
Eco-friendly laundry detergents have come a long way — and you no longer have to choose between clean clothes and safer ingredients. The picks below are detergents I’ve personally tested and trust to clean effectively, tackle everyday stains, and skip the harsh chemicals found in many conventional brands.
Best Overall Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent
Truly Free Laundry Wash earned the top overall spot for its strong cleaning performance, gentle formula, and refillable design that helps cut down on plastic. It works well on our everyday family laundry, odors, and common stains without harsh chemicals.
Why Truly Free works well for most households:
- Effectively removes everyday stains and odors using a plant-based cleaning formula
- Available in both scented and unscented versions (the unscented option is especially good for sensitive skin)
- Gentle enough for regular use on family laundry
- Refill pouches reduce plastic waste and let you reuse the same bottle
- EWG rating: B
- Format: Liquid
Potential downsides:
- Only available online
- Ordering can feel a little confusing at first
Tip: Truly Free offers 30% off your first order with code MINDFULMOMMA30.
Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent for Tough Stains
Dropps Laundry Pods stand out for their strong stain-fighting performance in a convenient, low-waste format. They handled tougher messes like sweaty clothes, food stains, and activewear better than many non-toxic options.
Why Dropps works well for tough stains:
- Proven stain-removal performance, including third-party testing
- Concentrated, plant-based formula that cleans effectively without dyes, chlorine, phosphates, or NPEs
- Available in targeted formulas like Odor + Stain, Activewear, Free + Clear, and Sensitive Skin
- Packaged in a compostable cardboard box that reduces plastic compared to liquid detergents
- Offered as a subscription or one-time purchase
- EWG rating: A (unscented), B (scented)
- Format: Pods
Things to consider:
Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent for Cold Water
Biokleen Cold Water Laundry Liquid is formulated to clean effectively in cold washes, making it a great option if you want to save energy without sacrificing performance. It reliably removes everyday dirt, light stains, and odors without warm or hot water.
Why Biokleen works well in cold water:
- Formulated to activate and clean effectively in cold-water cycles
- Strong enough for everyday family laundry while remaining gentle on fabrics
- Concentrated liquid formula that rinses clean without heavy residue
- Fragrance-free and well-suited for sensitive skin
- EWG rating: A
- Format: Liquid
Things to consider:
- Not refillable
- May need pre-treatment for heavy grease or set-in stains
Best Plastic-Free Laundry Detergent Tablets
Blueland Laundry Detergent Tablets are a standout plastic-free option, especially if reducing packaging waste is a top priority. In testing, they’ve been effective on common tough stains like grass, food, coffee, and makeup — all without using a PVA plastic film.
Why Blueland works well as a plastic-free option:
- Tablet format eliminates liquid detergent bottles and plastic pods
- Proven to lift common stains like grass, food, coffee, and makeup
- No PVA plastic film used
- Available in Fragrance-Free and Spring Bloom (a light floral-citrus scent)
- Comes with a reusable “Forever Tin” that holds 60 tablets
- EWG rating: EWG VERIFIED®
- Format: Tablet
Things to consider:
- Tablets don’t always dissolve completely, especially in cold water
- While previously online-only, Blueland is now also available at Target
Best Non-Toxic Laundry Powder
Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder is a great option if you want an ultra-simple ingredient list paired with reliable cleaning performance. It works well for everyday family laundry and is especially appealing if you prefer a traditional powder detergent without added fillers or synthetic fragrances.
Why Molly’s Suds works well as a laundry powder:
- Made with just five earth-derived ingredients
- Uses sustainably sourced sodium carbonate from the Green River Basin in Wyoming
- Available scented with organic peppermint oil or completely unscented
- Women-owned small business (I’ve met the founder — she’s wonderful)
- EWG rating: A
- Leaping Bunny Certified
- Format: Powder, with liquid, pod and sheet options also available
Things to consider:
- Not as widely available as major brands, though it’s now carried at Target
- Costs more than conventional detergents like Tide
Take 10% off your first order with code MINDFULMOMMA at checkout.
Get my TOP Non-Toxic Laundry Products in Every Category
Best Affordable Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent
Rosey Laundry Detergent is one of the most budget-friendly eco-friendly options I’ve found — without cutting corners on ingredient safety or cleaning performance. It’s a solid pick if you want a non-toxic detergent that works well for everyday laundry at a lower cost per load.
Why Rosey works well if you’re on a budget:
- Made with just seven eco-friendly ingredients
- Uses natural enzymes to help break down everyday stains
- One of the most affordable eco-friendly options available (as low as about $0.10–$0.13 per load)
- Available in lavender, peppermint, or unscented
- B Corporation certified
- EWG rating: A
- Format: Powder, liquid, or packs
Things to consider:
- Only available through a Thrive Market Membership (Get 30% off + a FREE gift on your first Thrive Market order)
- Wish it came in a larger package
Best Refillable Laundry Detergent
ATTITUDE Laundry Detergent is an EWG VERIFIED™ choice that helps reduce single-use plastic with low-waste refill boxes, without sacrificing effective, non-toxic cleaning. Its plant-based, enzyme-free formula works well in cold water and is gentle on sensitive skin.
Why ATTITUDE is a great, refillable laundry detergent:
- Biodegradable, plant-based formula with no irritating enzymes
- Formulated with advanced deodorizing properties for cold water wash
- Purchase a refillable aluminum bottle and refill from low-waste refill box
- Certifications: ECOLOGO Certified, PETA Certified, EWG-Verified
- EWG rating: EWG VERIFIED™
- Format: Liquid
Things to consider:
Get 15% off with code MINDFULMOMMA15 when you order direct.
Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent for Families
Healthybaby Our Laundry Detergent is a strong option for families who want one detergent that’s gentle enough for babies but still handles everyday family laundry.
Why HealthyBaby laundry detergent works well for families:
- MADE SAFE® certified and formulated with plant- and mineral-based ingredients that are gentle enough for babies while still handling everyday family laundry.
- Free from fragrance, sulfates, parabens, PEGs, and other common irritants — a good fit for sensitive skin and eczema-prone households.
- Highly concentrated liquid formula comes in a glass bottle, with a refill concentrate available, so you use fewer pumps per load and reduce packaging waste.
- EWG rating: EWG VERIFIED™
- Format: Liquid
Things to consider:
- Only available online
- A bit expensive (but worth it for baby!)
Looking for more non-toxic cleaning brands? I’ve got you covered!
More Popular Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents
Here are a few more good laundry detergents to choose from. They aren’t the ones I grab for first, but they might be a good fit for you.
- Meliora Laundry Powder offers an ultra-concentrated, people- and planet-friendly laundry detergent that delivers powerful cleaning in a truly plastic-free formula and packaging.
- Seventh Generation EasyDose Free & Clear is an ultra-concentrated, easy-to-dose laundry detergent that delivers a powerful clean without dyes or synthetic fragrances, making it gentle on sensitive skin.
- AspenClean Natural Laundry Detergent is an EWG-verified, plant-based formula that delivers a powerful clean while staying non-toxic, biodegradable, and eco-friendly.
- Root & Splendor Concentrated Laundry Detergent is a 100% plant-based, ultra-concentrated laundry detergent that you can choose with essential oil–based fragrances or in an EWG-Verified Free & Clear option for sensitive skin.
- Branch Basics is a good choice if you want one non-toxic product that can handle laundry and most household cleaning tasks. It’s fragrance-free, thoughtfully formulated, and especially appealing if minimizing products and simplifying your cleaning routine matters to you.
Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents for Babies & Sensitive Skin
Doing laundry for babies or anyone with sensitive skin means choosing detergents that are gentle, non-toxic, and free from harsh chemicals. The right eco-friendly options keep clothes clean while protecting delicate skin and the environment.
What to Look for in a Baby-Safe Laundry Detergent
Choosing the right laundry detergent for baby clothes — or for sensitive, eczema‑prone skin — means prioritizinggentleness and simplicity. Here are key features to look for in a detergent formulated for sensitive skin:
- No fragrance or essential oils — Fragrances and many essential oils are among the most common irritants for sensitive skin, even at low concentrations.
- No enzymes or optical brighteners — These additives can leave residues that irritate delicate skin and are unnecessary for everyday baby laundry.
- Minimal, plant‑based ingredients — Shorter, plant‑derived ingredient lists generally signal fewer potential allergens and environmental toxins.
Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergents for Babies
Careful! Not all laundry detergents marketed toward babies are actually safe. In fact, Dreft Newborn Baby Laundry Liquid rates a D on the EWG’s cleaning database due to artificial fragrance and a slew of other questionable ingredients.
Here are some truly safe options:
- HealthyBaby Laundry Detergent is an EWG‑verified, highly concentrated baby laundry refill made from plant, mineral, and water‑based ingredients that’s gentle on sensitive skin yet tough on dirt and designed to reduce waste with recyclable, non‑plastic packaging.
- ATTITUDE Baby Laundry Detergent is a plant‑ and mineral‑based, EWG‑verified baby laundry detergent that gently cleans clothes in both standard and HE machines while being hypoallergenic, vegan, and formulated without harsh chemicals.
- Molly’s Suds Baby Laundry Detergent Powder – Excellent minimal‑ingredient powder with a strong eco profile.
Best Laundry Detergents for Sensitive Skin & Eczema
If your skin is sensitive or prone to eczema, baby detergents can help, but adults often need something a little gentler and dermatologist‑tested.
Key features to prioritize:
- Hypoallergenic and dermatologist‑tested — reassurance that the formula is less likely to trigger reactions.
- Fragrance & dye‑free — avoids common skin allergens.
- Biodegradable, plant‑based ingredients — better for sensitive skin and the environment.
Top picks for sensitive skin:
- Attitude Laundry Liquid Unscented — plant‑based, fragrance‑free gentle choice for sensitive skin.
- Seventh Generation Free & Clear — available in liquid, powder, or packs — highly rated for sensitive and eczema‑prone skin.
Popular “Eco” Laundry Detergents I Skip (and Why)
You might notice that I’ve left a few very popular “eco” laundry detergent brands off this list — including Mrs. Meyer’s and Method.
While these brands are often marketed as greener options, they rely heavily on strong fragrances, which can be irritating for babies and sensitive skin. They also don’t score as well as other options in the EWG database compared to the detergents I recommend above.
I’ve also left soap nuts off this list. I know they’re appealing from a low-waste standpoint, and I’ve personally tested them, but in real-life family laundry they didn’t clean as effectively as other non-toxic detergents. I also found them messy and inconvenient to use, especially with frequent loads.
For families dealing with muddy clothes, food stains, and everyday odors, I’ve found the detergents recommended in this guide to be more reliable — without relying on harsh chemicals or overpowering scents.
Worried about stinky laundry? I’ve got some non toxic laundry scent boosters for you!
Pros & Cons of Laundry Pods, Powder, Liquid & Sheets
If you’ve shopped for laundry detergent recently, you’ve probably noticed there are more formats than ever — liquids, powders, pods, tablets, and even laundry sheets. Each has pros and cons, and the “best” choice often depends on how you wash, what you’re washing, and what matters most to your family.
Liquid laundry detergent
Liquid detergents tend to dissolve easily, even in cold water, which makes them a reliable choice for everyday family laundry. They’re widely available and work well on odors and light-to-moderate stains. The main downside is that it’s easy to over-pour and use more than you actually need. Best for grease stains and pre-treating when you use cold water.
Laundry detergent powder
Powder detergents are often the most budget-friendly option and work especially well on ground-in dirt and mud. They’re commonly sold in large, low-waste boxes that avoid plastic packaging. The tradeoff is that some powders may not dissolve as completely in cold water if you use too much. Best for removing dirt when you use hot water.
Laundry pods or tablets
Pods and tablets are pre-measured, which takes the guesswork out of dosing and helps prevent overuse. They’re convenient and mess-free, but typically cost more per load. Pods and tablets should always be placed directly in the drum of the washer — not the detergent dispenser — to dissolve properly. Best for convenience overall.
Laundry strips or laundry sheets
Laundry sheets are popular for their slim, plastic-free packaging, but I haven’t found any that meet my criteria for both ingredient safety and performance. I’ll update this guide if that changes. Best for eco-conscious cleaning.
A note on pods, strips, and sheets:
Most laundry pods, strips, and sheets are made with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a synthetic plastic polymer that dissolves in water. While PVA is often marketed as eco-friendly because it’s water-soluble, research suggests it doesn’t fully break down in real-world conditions and can persist in waterways and soil. Because of this, I personally prefer laundry liquids, powders, or plastic-free tablets that don’t rely on dissolvable plastic films.
Don’t forget the stain removers – find out how 6 eco-friendly stain removers performed in my test!
Are Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents More Expensive?
Eco-friendly laundry detergents can cost a bit more than conventional brands, but the price difference isn’t always as big as you might expect — especially when you look at cost per load instead of the price on the bottle.
In general, eco-friendly detergents tend to range from about $0.10 to $0.50 per load for a standard HE load, depending on the format and brand. Powder detergents are usually the most affordable option, while pods and tablets are typically the most expensive due to their convenience and pre-measured dosing.
Liquid detergents often fall somewhere in the middle, and highly concentrated formulas can stretch further than you’d expect if you follow the recommended amount. Pods can still be a good choice if ease and consistency matter to you — just expect to pay a little more per load.
The key takeaway: the “best” value isn’t always the cheapest detergent upfront, but the one that cleans effectively, works for your family’s needs, and fits your budget over time.
Ingredients to Avoid in Laundry Detergent (Even “Green” Ones)
Even detergents labeled “natural” or “eco-friendly” can contain ingredients that aren’t ideal for babies, sensitive skin, or the environment. You don’t need to decode every label — just watch for these common red flags:
- Fragrance (synthetic): Can irritate sensitive or eczema-prone skin, especially for babies. Even essential oils bother some people. Unscented is usually the safest choice.
- Optical brighteners: Make clothes look whiter without actually cleaning them and can remain on fabric after washing.
- Enzymes (for sensitive skin): Helpful for stains, but they can trigger irritation for some people, particularly infants.
- Harsh surfactants (including sulfates): Can strip skin and are tough on waterways.
- Unclear preservatives or fillers: Long ingredient lists with vague or unnecessary additives are worth a closer look.
For a deeper breakdown of what these ingredients do and why they’re used, see my full guide: Toxins in Laundry Detergent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do eco-friendly laundry detergents actually clean as well as regular detergents?
Yes — many eco-friendly laundry detergents clean just as well as conventional brands, especially for everyday family laundry. The biggest difference is formulation: instead of harsh surfactants and synthetic fragrance, effective non-toxic detergents rely on plant-based cleaners, oxygen boosters, and proper dosing. Performance varies by brand, which is why testing matters.
What’s the best laundry detergent for babies and sensitive skin?
The best detergents for babies and sensitive skin are fragrance-free, free of optical brighteners, and made without harsh surfactants or unnecessary additives. Look for products that are EWG VERIFIED™ or MADE SAFE® certified, and avoid scented formulas — even those made with essential oils — if irritation is a concern. (see section above for brand suggestions)
Are laundry pods safe and eco-friendly?
Both can work well, but they serve slightly different needs. Liquid detergents dissolve easily in cold water and are convenient for everyday use, while powder detergents are often the most affordable option and perform especially well on dirt and mud. The best choice depends on your washing habits, water temperature, and budget.
Are eco-friendly laundry detergents more expensive?
Not always. When you look at cost per load, many eco-friendly detergents fall in a similar range to conventional brands. Powder detergents are usually the cheapest, while pods and tablets tend to be the most expensive due to convenience. Concentrated formulas can also help keep costs down over time.
Should families avoid fragrance in laundry detergent?
For many families, yes. Synthetic fragrance is a common trigger for skin irritation, headaches, and sensitivity — especially for babies and people with eczema. Fragrance-free or unscented detergents are generally the safest choice and still clean effectively without leaving residues on clothing. But if a light essential oil fragrance doesn’t bother anyone in your family, then keep using it!
What is your favorite natural, non toxic laundry detergent? Let us know in the comments!