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I personally tested 9 natural and organic laundry detergents to ensure that they’re effective, easy to use, and not irritating.
I’ve always had sensitive skin — since I was a kid, regular laundry detergents made me feel itchy, dry, and overall uncomfortable. The only detergent I’ve ever used (up until now!) was a big brand Free & Clear formula, but as I’ve learned more about the ingredients in those big brands, I’ve wondered what nontoxic options were out there that would be better for my skin and my overall wellbeing.
I personally tried out these 9 natural, organic, nontoxic laundry detergents. And I’ll admit, I wondered whether they’d make my clothes truly feel clean and how the scented detergents would affect me as someone who’s only ever used unscented Free & Clear. But I am thrilled to share that each of these laundry detergents was genuinely great for both my clothes and my sensitive skin.
Why consider a natural laundry detergent?
Conventional laundry detergents often contain chemicals like VOCs (volatile organic compounds), SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), optical brighteners, and other toxic chemicals that are not only bad for us, but for the environment too. They also often contain dyes, artificial fragrances, surfactants (chemicals that help water penetrate the fabric), and even preservatives like formaldehyde that can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions. The nontoxic, natural, and organic laundry detergents on this list are free from these harsh chemicals and use natural (many of them mineral and plant-based) ingredients that get the job done, and done well.
Our criteria and methodology:
The Good Trade’s editors hand-selected the best natural laundry detergents on the market and I personally tested all of them, as pictured below. For each, I smudged peanut butter onto a white tea towel and washed it to see how well it came out. I washed them all on medium heat with the recommended amount of laundry detergent for each brand. The peanut butter smudge came out of the towels with all of the detergents, though some smelled more refreshing than others. I also washed my clothes with each of the detergents and wore them to see how they felt and smelled during wear.
We regularly update this list with emerging favorites that meet the following criteria.
- NATURAL & ORGANIC | Made with organic, nontoxic, and natural ingredients, these laundry detergents are great for us and our loved ones — and for the planet!
- EFFECTIVE | These laundry detergents not only are good for you, but they also are good at removing stains and odors from your laundry. All of the detergents were effective at completely removing stains from our trusty peanut butter smear test.
- PLEASANT SCENT | These nontoxic laundry detergents don’t sacrifice a fresh smell. They keep your clothes, towels, and sheets smelling — and feeling — fresh without any added irritation. Take it from me as someone with sensitive skin.
- FEEL | Whether it’s towels or clothes, these laundry detergents make the fabric feel soft, clean, and comfortable. I’ve made notes on my experience below.
If you’re looking to switch more than just your laundry to nontoxic options, check out our natural cleaning products guide as well!
Best Overall | Dropps, $29+
Best for Sensitive Skin | Puracy, $20
1. Dropps
Best For | Eco-friendly laundry detergent pods
Features | Works in all washers (including HE), removes odors, fights stains, works in all temperatures
Available At | Dropps.com; Wegmans
Price | $29+
Dropps are easy-to-use, USDA Certified Biobased laundry pods that are dye-free, phthalates-free, and come in recyclable FSC-certified packaging. They offer two scent options — Crisp Breeze and Lavender Meadow — as well as a Free & Clear detergent. The B Corp company is committed to sustainability, offers carbon-neutral shipping, and uses concentrated formulas that use minimal water.
For my test, I used the Crisp Breeze scent. A small load needs just one pod, which successfully washed out all the peanut butter from the tea towel, leaving behind no stains and a soft, crisp smell. It also felt clean and crisp to the touch. The shirt I washed with Dropps was comfortable to wear and smelled fresh but not overpowering. I loved how easy Dropps were to use and how fresh they made my laundry feel.
2. Puracy
Best For | Sensitive skin laundry detergent
Features | Allergen-friendly, high-efficiency formula, pump bottle, hypoallergenic, space-saving bottle
Available At | Puracy.com; Amazon; Select Walmart and Target stores
Price | $20 (Refill pouch $36)
Puracy’s natural laundry detergent is made from over 99% natural ingredients, including natural fragrances. The concentrated formula comes in a pump bottle — one pump for small loads, two for regular and large loads — and offers refill pouches to reduce single-use plastic. Because its formula is 10 times as concentrated as regular detergents, it’s also reducing packaging, water use, and energy waste. Puracy’s nontoxic natural laundry detergent was developed by doctors for people with sensitive skin and allergies, so it’s hypoallergenic and free from toxic chemicals like sulfates, phosphates, dyes, and optical brighteners. Puracy offers a Free & Clear option, as well as Fresh Linen, which is made from natural fragrances.
I tried the Free & Clear laundry detergent for my test. I used one pump for the load, and it got the peanut butter stain out, leaving the towel feeling clean. In both the towel and the shirt I washed, it didn’t really smell like anything, which is what I’d hope for with a Free & Clear formula. I love how the pump bottle is easy to use and small, making it a great option for small spaces.
3. Dedcool
Best For | Sophisticated fragranced laundry detergent
Features | Gentle, recyclable aluminum packaging, genderless scent
Available At | Dedcool.com
Price | $35
Dedcool is a “functional fragrance brand” — the company creates signature fragrances that can be applied to different areas of your life, like laundry detergents. And the laundry detergents are made from nontoxic, biodegradable ingredients and come in scents like Milk (amber, bergamot, white musk), Taunt (bergamot, vanilla, amber), Spring (incense, moss, bergamot), and more. The detergents can be used in the washing machine or for hand-washing, and they come in adorable recyclable aluminum packaging with little doodles on it. Dedcool is carbon neutral through carbon offsets with Terrapass, and the brand donates a portion of its proceeds to 1% for the Planet.
For my test, I used the Milk scent, and poured about 1 oz. of detergent in the washer for a small load. (Note: There is no cap or cup to measure for this one, so I had to convert ounces to tablespoons and use that to measure it out.) The towel came out clean and smelled absolutely divine. The shirt I washed smelled like I spritzed perfume on it, the scent lasting throughout the day. While this one was a bit less user-friendly for measuring it out, it certainly was my favorite in terms of its fragrance.
4. Blueland
Best For | Plastic-free laundry detergent
Features | Space-saving refillable tin, tough on stains, dye-free, works in all washers (including HE), hypoallergenic
Available At | Blueland.com; Select grocery stores
Price | $25
Blueland offers laundry tablets that are plant and mineral-based, plastic-free, and come in compostable packaging. The Laundry Starter Set comes with an adorable “Forever Tin” that can be refilled and holds 60 tablets. It’s also three times smaller than an equal load-sized container, saving space — and water too! The tablets are made without VOCs and chlorine bleach, and they’re Cradle to Cradle Certified, which means they meet five categories of sustainability performance. The B Corp and Certified Climate Neutral company was founded by Sarah Paiji Yoo, who decided to start a company that made cleaning products that didn’t come in plastic packaging after becoming a mom and learning about the microplastics in our water supply.
For my test, I tried out the fragrance-free laundry tablets. I only needed to throw one in the load — incredibly easy and mess-free — and it washed the peanut butter right out, no stains left. It left both the towel and my clothes feeling clean and soft, but overall smelled neutral and fragrance-free, as promised.
5. Branch Basics
Best For | Multi-purpose laundry detergent
Features | Reusable glass bottle option, fragrance-free, plant and mineral-based ingredients, works in all washers (including HE)
Available At | Branchbasics.com
Price | $85 (starter kit, glass bottle)
The laundry detergent from Branch Basics is made from “The Concentrate” — their multi-purpose cleaning solution that can be mixed in various ways to make everything from laundry detergent to carpet cleaner. The plant and mineral-based formula is Made Safe, fragrance-free, biodegradable, and is made with organic chamomile and natural water softeners. Branch Basics was founded by three women who wanted to remove toxic chemicals from the home and go back to the basics.
For my test, I mixed the concentrate with water in the glass laundry bottle, which has lines that help you easily measure out the exact amount. Then, I poured half a capful in the load. It washed the peanut butter stains out, and mostly washed the smell out, though there was a faint peanut butter smell to it fresh out of the washer. After the towel came out of the dryer, though, it smelled fine, feeling and looking clean. My shirt smelled clean and overall neutral, and felt great on my sensitive skin!
6. Rosey by Thrive
Best For | Plant- and mineral-based laundry detergent
Features | Free from optical whiteners, high-efficiency formula, stain-fighting plant-based formula
Available At | Thrivemarket.com
Price | $10
Thrive Market’s home cleaning product brand Rosey has two laundry detergent options — Unscented and Lavender. The biodegradable mineral and plant-based formula is free from optical whiteners, three times concentrated, and free from synthetic fragrances. Rosey uses ingredients that are good for people and the planet — the brand avoids materials with harmful downstream effects and prioritizes ingredient transparency.
For my test, I used the unscented laundry detergent. This would be a great option for someone who is new to nontoxic, natural laundry detergents because the packaging is similar to the big brands — there’s a cap for you to measure and that classic laundry detergent look. It also washed out the peanut butter, and left both the towel and my clothes feeling great and smelling clean.
7. Earth Breeze
Best For | Laundry detergent sheets
Features | Tackles stains, fights odors, protects colors, space-saving, ultra-concentrated
Available At | Earthbreeze.com, Walmart
Price | $28
Earth Breeze laundry sheets are ultra-concentrated, premeasured, easily dissolvable sheets that come in lightweight, eco-friendly packaging. For every package sold, the B Corporation funds ocean cleanups and donates 10 loads of laundry detergent to shelters and nonprofits. They partner with over 800 organizations across the U.S., and customers get to choose which cause they’d like to support: Homeless shelters, women’s shelters, animal shelters, disaster relief, or veterans.
Earth Breeze sheets come in two options: Fresh Scent or Fragrance Free. I used the Fresh Scent laundry sheets for my test — I loved how easy they were to throw into the wash and how thin and space-saving the pack was. It washed out all the peanut butter stains and left the towel, and my t-shirt, smelling pleasant and clean.
8. Biokleen
Best For | Liquid, sheet, or powder laundry detergent
Features | Concentrated formula, plant-derived cleaning agents, hypoallergenic
Available At | Biokleenhome.com; Target; Walmart; Select grocery stores
Price | $33
Biokleen offers several types of natural, nontoxic laundry detergent — liquid, sheets, powder — and is available at many stores in-person, as well as online. Its convenience is matched by various scent options like Free & Clear, Lavender, and Sport, making it an easy choice for picky families. I tried the Free & Clear formula, which is hypoallergenic, free from artificial fragrances and dyes, and 3 times concentrated to reduce packaging, waste, and energy. The 1.2-gallon bottle gets you 300 HE loads (150 regular loads). Biokleen was founded in the 1980s by Jim Rimer, who was a sales executive at a chemical supply company. He didn’t like the harmful side effects he was seeing, so he set out to create nontoxic alternatives.
For the peanut butter test, I used half a cap of the Free & Clear laundry detergent, as directed. It not only washed out the peanut butter smell and stains, but left the towel (and my clothes) feeling thoroughly washed. My shirt felt soft and comfortable after washing with Biokleen, with a neutral, not noticeable smell.
9. Cleancult
Best For | Long lasting, fresh scented laundry detergent
Features | Refill system, hypoallergenic, fights stains, removes odors, softens clothes
Available At | Cleancult.com; Select grocery stores and drugstores
Price | $13
Cleancult is a natural cleaning brand that sells all-purpose cleaners, hand soap, dishwasher tablets, and, of course, laundry detergent. The brand offers refillable glass containers and refills that come in paper-based, 100% recyclable packaging. Cleancult has three options for laundry detergent: Fragrance Free, Juniper Sandalwood, and Wild Lavender. The naturally derived, biodegradable laundry detergents are all dye-free and hypoallergenic. Cleancult is certified Plastic Neutral, which means they fund and support sustainable projects that remove as much plastic waste from the environment as they use in their packaging.
I tested the Juniper Sandalwood laundry detergent for my test. I measured straight from the package, which was admittedly a little messy. Cleancult’s laundry detergent both washed out the peanut butter stains and made the towel and my clothes smell great. The scent was strong, so if you like a laundry detergent that smells throughout the day, this is a perfect choice.
Brianna Schubert is a Contributing Editor at The Good Trade and the Digital Editor at Milwaukee Magazine. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Since 2023, Brianna has combined her expertise and investigative skills to deliver thoughtful reviews of sustainable products and home goods, helping readers make informed, eco-conscious choices. Brianna is also the writer behind The Mood Board, a Substack newsletter for creativity and inspiration. When she’s not writing, you can find her cooking up a new recipe, reading and recommending books, cuddling with her cat, or finding hidden gems at vintage and thrift stores. Say hi on Instagram!
