In an era where there is a lack of ingredient transparency and the implications of harsh chemicals are still untested, many consumers are turning to natural laundry detergents to reduce their toxic load and environmental footprint. With so many options available, how do you choose the best one for your needs? I tested over 10 different brands of natural laundry detergent and ranked my top five to help you make an informed decision. Spoiler: Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder earned the top spot for its ingredient safety, superior cleaning power and affordability.

1. Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder

Pros:

• Ingredient Transparency: Out of all of the natural detergents that I tried, Molly’s Suds had the cleanest and most simple ingredients (only 4 plant-based ingredients). Their fragrances are only made with natural plant essences and essential oils - making it gentle on my sensitive skin.

• Effective Cleaning Power: The coffee stain on my white t-shirt came out with one wash and I swear my laundry machine is cleaner after using this detergent! Molly’s Suds by far exceeded the other laundry detergents in effective cleaning power - it’s no wonder it has over 10,000 five-star ★★★★★ reviews on Amazon.

• Price: After doing the math, Molly’s Suds was the least expensive laundry detergent that I tried. I picked it up at Target and one bag is 70 loads, on a price/load basis it rivals conventional brands.

Cons:

• Format: I was new to powder detergent, it does not get sudsy like liquid detergent but overall I liked knowing that powder is more eco-friendly and that I wasn't just paying for water. 

Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder earns the top spot with its exceptional cleaning power while being the cleanest product on the market. Its commitment to ingredient integrity and affordability makes it a standout choice.

2. Clean People 

Pros:

• Ultra-Convenient: Clean People Laundry Sheets were incredibly easy to use and eliminated the need for measuring or dealing with liquid or powder - just toss a sheet into the wash and voila! 

• Compact and Eco-Friendly: I liked that the sheets were lightweight, space-saving, and came in minimal, recyclable packaging, significantly reducing plastic waste.

• Free of Harsh Chemicals: Clean People is formulated without parabens, phosphates, or dyes, making it a top sheets choice.

Cons:

• Availability: Less widely available in physical stores, though it can be found online.

Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Clean People Laundry Sheets impress with their convenience, eco-friendly packaging, and effective cleaning, making them a strong contender for the second spot in our ranking.

3. Ecos Laundry Detergent

Pros:

• Plant-Powered: Uses a plant-based formula that is free from most harmful chemicals - however, it did not clean as well as others.

• Affordable: Generally tends to be priced lower than many other natural detergents.

• Climate Positive: I appreciate Ecos’ commitment to being climate positive, meaning that 100% of the carbon, water & energy used to make their products are restored back to the earth.

Cons:

• Endocrine Disrupting Fragrance: There is still a lack of transparency around their fragrances, their website notes that they use essential oils and “aromatic chemicals” to scent their products.

Overall Rating: 3.8/5

Ecos offers a budget-friendly, environmentally conscious option that’s great for everyday use, though it may not tackle all stains effectively.

4. Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent

Pros:

• Eco-Conscious Manufacturing: Some of their liquids can be found in 100% recycled paper for packaging and they are a Certified B Corp.

• Widely Available: You can find Seventh Generation in almost every store, making it easy to find if you live in a remote area.

• Effective Stain Removal: Handled most common stains well.

Cons:

• Carcinogen Ingredients: While better than conventional brands, Seventh Generation still uses ingredients (like Laureth-6) that are linked to known carcinogens. 

Overall Rating: 3.6/5

Seventh Generation combines eco-friendly practices with solid cleaning performance, but beware as it contains ingredients linked to cancer causing 1,4 Dioxane.

5. Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap

Pros:

• Multi-Purpose: Dr. Bronner’s claims to have 18-in-1 uses, making it a versatile household product for cleaning tasks beyond laundry. 

• Mission Driven: Dr Bronner’s focuses on making products with fair-trade organic ingredients that come from regenerative agriculture, helping to combat climate change.

• Highly Concentrated: Economical as a little goes a long way! 

Cons:

• Cleaning Performance: I found that Dr Bronner’s left soap residue on my clothes, leading me to have to re-rinse the load. Since it is not specifically formulated as a laundry detergent, I think the cleaning power was less effective.

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

Dr. Bronner’s is a multi-purpose product with strong ethical credentials, but its effectiveness as a dedicated laundry detergent is somewhat mixed.

Conclusion

Choosing a natural laundry detergent often comes down to personal preferences and specific needs. Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder leads with its ingredient integrity and exceptional cleaning power, while Clean People Laundry Sheets offer a highly convenient and eco-friendly alternative. Seventh Generation offers a strong alternative to conventional given its widespread availability. Ecos provides an affordable option for everyday laundry, and Dr. Bronner’s serves well if you’re looking for a detergent focused on mission driven practices.

Ultimately, any of these detergents represent a step towards a less toxic, more sustainable life. Consider your laundry needs, skin sensitivities, and environmental impact when making your choice, and you’ll be on your way to cleaner clothes and a cleaner planet.