12 best natural laundry detergents of 2023, with expert tips

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These days, we’re becoming much more mindful about our purchases. Whether you’re eyeing sustainable clothing brands or clean makeup, the saying one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind is the MO.

So, cherry-picking products and formulations that have naturally derived ingredients extends to all-purpose cleaners and, in the same vein, natural laundry detergent. But, the golden question: what does natural really mean? Is it just marketing lingo?

“Many ingredients found in laundry detergents marketed as natural are the same as or very similar to ingredients in other laundry detergents,” Jessica Ek, senior director of digital communications at the American Cleaning Institute, told the New York Post. “The main difference is how they are sourced; Depending on availability, cost, and ease of formulation, the sourcing can affect the cost of the product. It can also affect the carbon footprint.”

Often, a claim of natural for a cleaning product will refer primarily to the surfactant, the product’s primary cleaning ingredient. “Surfactants can be made from petrochemicals (derived from crude oil or natural gas) or oleochemicals (derived from fats and oils),” Ek explains.

From Branch Basics to Meliora, we rounded up the best natural laundry detergents of 2023 in the biz. You’ll also want to check out our in-depth FAQ section to learn more about the criteria for what makes a laundry detergent truly “natural.”

In tandem with your washer dryer combo, hauling your laundry basket from room to room has never looked better.

Plus, we recommended checking out our reviews to the best mops and vacuums we have been continually testing. Even better, our expert-backed guides to the best hardwood floor cleaners and carpet cleaners will serve you well, too.

Enter Branch Basics, a coveted brand in the natural laundry detergent space. Its trio of nontoxic and biodegradable formulations — including The Concentrate, Oxygen Boost and Laundry Bottle — is worth the investment. The Concentrate will keep your garments smelling fresh up to 192 loads, while its reusable and recyclable bottle is made from BPA-free plastic that washes 64 loads per bottle.

The Oxygen Boost is used for pre-treating stains, whitening and brightening and deodorizing laundry. More, its formula is gentle enough for the skin but effective enough to conquer dirt and grime. Branch Basics uses plant-and mineral-derived ingredients that are all fragrance-free and non-GMO, too.

The Meliora Unscented Laundry Powder contains minimal ingredients (that are all transparently written on its label, BTW) and will withstand 64 standard loads.Its formulation is void of both dyes and fragrances and is 100% biodegradable.

Additionally, many reviewers say it’s a “natural laundry detergent that really works!”

Just shy of $10, the Purex Natural Elements Linen & Lilies Laundry Detergent is perfect for the budget-conscious consumer who wants to do better for the planet. Specifically, this liquid formulation will last up to 57 loads of laundry in its fresh-scented aroma.

This particular laundry detergent is applauded by nearly 15,000 users, thanks to its natural and plant-based ingredient blend. Rest assured that this laundry detergent is also hypoallergenic and dye-free.

We need to turn you on to Dirty Labs: the direct-to-consumer brand that makes naturally derived cleaning products readily accessible. Specifically, its Bio Enzyme Laundry Detergent is one of the more affordable options out there, boasting a divine scent blend of magnolia, bergamot and cedar.

Dirty Labs prides itself on formulating its cleaning products with nontoxic and bio-based ingredients that are safe for sensitive skin and all clothing types. The brand at large is cruelty free, vegan, hypoallergenic and safe for babies and pets. Additionally, the brand’s labs ensure vigorous testing has been completed before packaging it up for sale (in BPA-free and recyclable aluminum packaging). In short, it’s a lovely brand worth trying.

The Puracy Laundry Detergent is hypoallergenic, gentle on the skin and packed with stain-fighting enzymes — all while being a naturally based detergent. It isn’t formulated with overly aggressive chemicals like phosphates and sulfates and it’s applauded for its extreme freshness.

Plus, the brand claims this liquid laundry detergent’s 10X concentrated formula is “the most concentrated product on the market,” per Puracy’s product description. Even better, a single bottle of this high-efficiency formula will last up to 64 loads, helping to reduce plastic waste by more than 80%.

The Dropps Active Wash Laundry Detergent is a wonderful option for those who fancy laundry pods as opposed to liquid. The brand offers an unscented option along with Fresh Start (a bright, green fragrance blend) and Rose Energy (an outdoor rose garden blend with notes of juicy peach). Impressively, the brand’s formulation is dermatologist-approved — so, it’s safe to use on sensitive skin — but doesn’t compromise efficacy.

With five active enzymes as part of its formulation, Dropps cleans every type of stain, from blood to grass to mud. Even better, it’s formulation is void of dyes, phosphates, phthalates, parabens and optical brighteners (and was never tested on animals).

With Dropps, you can make a one-time purchase on Amazon or Dropps’ direct-to-consumer site, or you can opt for its subscription model to ensure you never run out.

Of course, Mrs. Meyer’s made the cut. The brand’s Laundry Detergent Pods are less than $20 and a great option for those who value lovely scents that won’t break the bank. Specifically, this aromatherapeutic blend taps into notes of refreshing lemons, is fully plant-based, contains stain-fighting enzymes and is biodegradable.

We can’t believe the Rosey by Thrive Market Lavender Laundry Detergent is just $10. Adorable label aside, the brand meets all the criteria we look for: gluten-free, vegan, biodegradable, BPA-free, chlorine-free, cruelty free, dye- and color additive-free, paraben- and phtalate-free and hypoallergenic.

Plus, its lovely mix of lavender essential oils is *chef’s kiss*.

When we first heard word that Brooklinen (aka, the brand whipping out some of the finest bed sheets we reviewed) launched a line of laundry detergents, we nearly called them on speed dial. After using the formulation, we can attest it’s worth the hype.

Aside from its fragrance-free option, the brand boasts an eco-friendly, cruelty free and dermatologist-tested formulation. Not to mention, its packaging is aesthetically pleasing to present on your laundry shelf.

OK, we’ll admit it — we’re completely drawn to Blueland’s Laundry Starter Set. For less than $25, you’ll receive a steel forever tin and 60 fragrance-free laundry tablets. Blueland is free from dyes, bleach and chemicals, along with being effective; the formulation has been independently tested for impressive performance.

Aside from its natural design, Blueland is making sustainable waves (and not just in the washer machine). Its design ditches the plastic-wrapped laundry pods for a fresh, powerful clean you’ll feel good about.

Looking for a suitable laundry detergent for your baby that’s naturally derived? We recommend the ATTITUDE Baby Laundry Detergent. The formulation is well-received by more than 2,000 happy purchasers on Amazon and, impressively, comes in a wealth of scent notes — including a fragrance-free option.

Void of dyes, irritating enzymes and known allergens, this hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested laundry detergent is the real deal — hands down.

What’s great about Zum Clean’s Laundry Soap is its varieties. Try its divine sweet orange blend to transform your laundry room into a citrus oasis, or opt for its frankincense, patchouli or sea salt blend. Whichever you add to your cart, you’ll appreciate how the brand’s formulation was made with essential oils, coconut oil, baking soda and vegetable glycerin.

Ahead, Ek gives us the 411 on what truly constitutes a laundry detergent to be “natural” — including certifications and some notes to keep in mind while shopping.

According to Ek, the best advice is to avoid making assumptions based solely on a designation of natural. “There has been a rise in usage of the term, yet the Federal Trade Commission does not currently have guidance on what it means,” she explains.

In fact, the FTC is currently accepting public comments as it attempts to update its Green Guides for the Use of Environmental Claims. “This could be very important in how many of these types of claims are governed going forward,” she pinpoints.

The USDA defines natural as “a product containing no artificial ingredient or added color and is only minimally processed,” yet very few chemicals extracted from plants or the earth are used without further processing to obtain ingredients that perform a cleaning function, per Ek.

“There are certifications that cleaning products can get if they meet certain criteria, which can be a good way for consumers to choose a product that fits their needs,” she adds. “Some of them have their own definition of natural. You can learn more with the handy “how to read cleaning labels and product certifications” guide on the American Cleaning Institute’s website.

“The efficacy of a laundry detergent is going to depend more on the formulation than the source of the ingredients,” Ek says. The best way to shop for a natural laundry detergent is to look for a brand you trust. Sometimes, this may take thorough research — which is what we underwent in our process to naming the 12 best brands above.

“Laundry detergents on store shelves have been tested for safety and efficacy, so whether you choose one labelled as natural or not, follow the directions to clean your clothes with confidence,” Ek highlights. “Just remember that no matter how ‘natural’ a detergent is, it should be stored up and out of reach of children.”

Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.