The Best Natural Laundry Detergent: How to Choose and What to Look For
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Switching to a natural laundry detergent is one of the easiest ways to embrace low-tox living without overhauling your entire lifestyle.
But, why bother?
The two primary reasons to consider swapping out your conventional laundry detergent for a low-tox version is the ingredients in most laundry detergents contain irritants, carcinogens, and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which are common pollutants of indoor air.
You can enjoy cleaner clothes and a healthier home environment by making a simple swap in your laundry routine. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
How do you choose the best natural laundry detergent? And how can you avoid potential irritants or toxic ingredients?
Here, we’ll chat about what to look for in a natural laundry detergent, highlight common ingredients to avoid, and recommend some of the best options available in 2024, looking into 2025.
What to Look for in the Best Natural Laundry Detergent
When you’re making the switch to a natural detergent, here are a few important things to consider:
1. Plant-Based Ingredients
Look for detergents made with plant-derived ingredients. These are gentler on your skin, the environment, and your clothes. Ingredients like coconut oil, enzymes, baking soda, and citrus extracts are commonly found in natural detergents and work well to clean your laundry without the use of harsh chemicals.
2. Avoid Harmful Chemicals
Some chemicals in conventional detergents can irritate your skin or harm the environment. Look out for these common ingredients and avoid them:
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): A foaming agent that can cause dryness or irritation.
- Phthalates: Used in fragrances and linked to hormone disruption. The simplest way to ascertain if phalates are in your products is if the ingredient ends with “phthalate.”
- Optical Brighteners: These can irritate skin and build up in water systems. Common names include Disodium distyrylbiphenyl disulfonate (DDD), Fluorescent brightener, Fluorescent brightener #71, Fluorescent brightener 28 sodium salt, and Tinopal CBS-X.
- Synthetic Fragrances: These are often made from petroleum-based chemicals and can cause allergic reactions.
3. Hypoallergenic and Fragrance-Free Options
If you or your family members have sensitive skin, it’s a good idea to opt for hypoallergenic or fragrance-free detergents. Many natural detergents use essential oils for fragrance, but these can still cause irritation for people with sensitive skin. Always check the ingredient list if you’re concerned about skin reactions.
4. Certifications
Look for detergents that carry certifications like:
- Made Safe, EWG Verified, USDA Organic, and EcoCert are helpful certifications to look for when seeking out a low-toxic laundry detergent option.
- Cruelty-Free labels to ensure no animal testing was involved.
- Hypoallergenic or Dermatologist Tested labels, especially if you have skin sensitivities (though be wary, because these certifications DO NOT have any specific association with toxin-free options)
Top Natural Laundry Detergents to Try in 2025
Now that you know what to look for, here are some of the top-rated natural laundry detergents to try in 2025. Each product has been selected for being effective and using toxin-free ingredients. We’ll also point out any ingredients that may be irritants or harmful so you can make an informed decision.
1. Pronounce Laundry Detergent
Best for Simple, Natural Ingredients
Pronounce is a brand known for its transparency and commitment to using pure, simple ingredients. Their Laundry Detergent is made from just a handful of plant-based ingredients, so you can be sure you’re getting a gentle yet effective product. It contains coconut-based surfactants, baking soda, and castile soap—ingredients that are kind to your skin and tough on stains. It’s free from fragrances, dyes, and any artificial additives, making it ideal for those with sensitivities who would like to live a more holistic lifestyle.
- Potential Irritants: Essential oils (though they do carry an unscented version)
- Eco-Friendly: Yes (biodegradable, cruelty-free, eco-friendly packaging).
- Price Point: Approximately $30 for a 120 loads
2. Truly Free Laundry Detergent
Best for Non-Toxic, Eco-Conscious Living
Truly Free is a brand that prides itself on creating a truly non-toxic cleaning line, including their Laundry Detergent (they also happen to carry my favorite dishwasher detergent, but I digress). This detergent is made with plant-based ingredients and comes in a convenient, highly concentrated formula, so you only need a little per load. What sets Truly Free apart is that it carries a fragrance-free option as well as a scented option (powered by essential oils) and free from harmful chemicals like SLS, phthalates, and optical brighteners. It’s a great choice for people with sensitive skin or those who want to minimize their exposure to chemicals.
- Potential Irritants: None. Truly Free is formulated without fragrance, dyes, and other irritants.
- Eco-Friendly: Yes (cruelty-free, concentrated formula to reduce waste).
- Price Point: Less than $20 for 50 loads
3. Molly’s Suds All-Natural Laundry Powder
Best for Sensitive Skin & Tough Stains
Molly’s Suds All-Natural Laundry Powder is an excellent choice for those with skin sensitivities. This powder is made from all-natural ingredients like baking soda, sea salt, and coconut-derived surfactants, which effectively remove dirt and stains without harsh chemicals. It’s free from fragrances, dyes, and preservatives, making it a perfect option for families with eczema, allergies, or general skin sensitivities.
- Potential Irritants: Their scented versions utilize essential oils, though they have an unscented option.
- Eco-Friendly: Yes (biodegradable, cruelty-free, recyclable packaging).
- Price Point: Approximately $20 for 70 loads
5. Branch Basics Concentrate
Best for Multi-Purpose Cleaning
If you want to minimize the number of products you use, Branch Basics Concentrate is an excellent all-in-one cleaner. This concentrate can be used not only as a laundry detergent, but also for dishes, countertops, and even as a general household cleaner. It’s made with coconut-based surfactants and citrus extracts, so you can feel confident that it’s safe for your skin and the environment.
- Potential Irritants: None—Branch Basics uses simple, non-toxic ingredients.
- Eco-Friendly: Yes (recyclable packaging, concentrated formula reduces waste).
- Price Point: Approximately $55 for numerous loads (our family of 5 has used one bottle as our all-purpose cleaner and our primary laundry detergent at various points and repurchased approximately every 4 months)
How to Choose the Right Natural Laundry Detergent for You
Choosing the best natural laundry detergent comes down to your personal preferences and needs. Here are some quick tips for narrowing down your options:
- For Sensitive Skin: Look for a detergent with simple, hypoallergenic ingredients like Pronounce Laundry Detergent or Molly’s Suds.
- For a High-Performance Clean: If you want a detergent that’s both luxurious and effective, Truly Free is a top choice.
- For Limited Ingredient Low-Tox Living: Branch Basics and Pronounce offers a non-toxic, concentrated formula that’s easy on the wallet and gentle on your skin.
- For Multi-Purpose Use: If you’re looking to reduce your household cleaning products, Branch Basics Concentrate is a versatile option that can be used in several areas of your home.
Final Thoughts
Switching to a natural laundry detergent is an important step toward living a cleaner, more holistic lifestyle. Whether you prioritize fragrance-free formulas, highly concentrated products, or premium ingredients, there’s a natural detergent out there that works for you. By choosing one of the options listed above, you can feel good about the products you’re using while keeping your laundry fresh, clean, and free from harsh chemicals.
Happy washing!