Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent
Which laundry detergent brands are the most ethical and sustainable? For the answer, see our Ethical Laundry Detergent Ratings Table to compare brands’ ethical scores.
Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent
Why is it important to buy eco-friendly laundry detergent?
The Good Shopping Guide has been independently researching and rating brands on ethical and sustainability criteria since 2001. With over 98% of British households owning a washing machine, the collective environmental impact of laundry detergent choices is enormous. Our Ethical Laundry Detergent Ratings Table gives consumers a clear, independently researched way to compare brands and choose more responsibly.
The latest data from Statista shows that over 98% of British households own a washing machine. (You can find out more about ethical brands of washing machines in our related article.) Even if you don’t own a washing machine, you will probably use laundry detergent, washing powder or liquid at a laundrette. However, did you know that choosing an unethical detergent can have a harmful impact on the Environment, Animals, and People? Find out more about the ethical issues behind your laundry products and how you can improve your impact by choosing an eco-friendly laundry detergent. Check with our Ethical Laundry Detergents Ratings Table to see the most ethical companies to buy eco-friendly laundry detergent from. All you have to do is look for the brands in the green section of the table!
Which type of eco-friendly laundry detergent is best?
Can we all just admit that the world of eco laundry liquid, eco washing powder and detergent is a little confusing… There are so many different options! Is it better to opt for powder, pods, or tablets? What is the difference between bio and non-bio? Are all supposedly ‘eco-friendly’ laundry detergents really ‘green’? Greenwashing is a genuine concern in this sector — brands that make vague or unsubstantiated environmental claims without independent verification should be treated with caution. Our Ethical Laundry Detergent Ratings Table cuts through these claims with independently researched scores.
Laundry pods, laundry tablets and plastic waste
Laundry pods are typically encased in PVA, which is a type of plastic. Although they may appear to break down in your machine, a study from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that over 8,000 tonnes of PVA from washing machines enter the environment every year! This leftover PVA risks polluting our waters with toxic chemicals and microplastics, so it is best to avoid laundry pods. The Marine Conservation Society has highlighted the damage that microplastics cause to marine ecosystems — choosing plastic-free laundry detergent in cardboard packaging is one of the simplest steps consumers can take.
Similarly, many laundry tablets are wrapped in single-use plastic, generating significantly more plastic waste than laundry powder packaged in a single cardboard box. Therefore, the best laundry detergent for its environmental impact is powder, though make sure you are choosing an eco washing powder! An emerging alternative to both pods and powder is laundry detergent sheets — thin, lightweight strips that dissolve fully in the wash and come in minimal cardboard packaging. However, many sheets also contain PVA, so it is worth checking the ingredients before purchasing.
Are there toxic chemicals in laundry detergent?
Some laundry detergents contain harmful chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin. Not only that, but these toxic chemicals risk polluting our water systems and damaging marine life when the washing machine water runs down the drain. To reduce your environmental impact, it is therefore crucial to use an eco washing powder that does not contain toxic chemicals. WRAP has highlighted the importance of responsible packaging and ingredient transparency across the cleaning products sector — look for brands that publicly disclose their full ingredient lists.
Additionally, the production of laundry detergent can have a negative impact on animal welfare. Many laundry detergents are not vegan-friendly, as they contain animal-derived ingredients such as caprylic acid, tallow, and lecithin. Some laundry detergents are even tested on animals, an unnecessary cruelty when there are more ethical alternatives available. Check with the Ethical Laundry Detergents Ratings Table to see which brands test on animals and contain toxic chemicals.
Dirty laundry: Brands to avoid in your search for eco-friendly laundry detergent
Our latest research into laundry detergents has revealed some ongoing ethical issues amongst many laundry detergent brands. If you want to buy eco-friendly laundry detergent from an ethical company, you may want to avoid some of the brands mentioned here…
We were disappointed to see the lack of vegan or vegetarian products amongst the brands in our list. Just under half of the brands researched received a top ethical rating under our Vegetarian/Vegan assessment, which means that these are the only brands in our list offering at least one certified vegetarian or vegan laundry detergent.
If you want to buy eco washing powder that is free from animal cruelty, look at brands that received a top ethical rating under this category or find products that display either The Vegan Society, The Vegetarian Society, or V-Label logos.
Solutions: How to find eco washing powder from ethical and sustainable brands
If you are looking for an eco-friendly laundry detergent or eco washing powder, there are some great brands to choose from in our table that won’t require you to compromise your ethical values.
For an eco-friendly laundry detergent that is not only vegan but also organic, invest in products from Living Naturally. Living Naturally is an ethical health and beauty brand which offers sustainable and cruelty-free products. Due to its ethical policies and practices, Living Naturally has attained our Ethical Accreditation, which confirms its status as an ethical brand. Another accredited brand is Greenscents, which offers a fantastic range of soap and cleaning products for your household. For a broader comparison of ethical cleaning products, see our Ethical Cleaning Products Ratings Table.
Extra tips for eco-friendly laundry!
We also have some tips for you on how to do your laundry more sustainably. Firstly, only wash your clothes when they really need it! (Check out our article on washing machines to know how often to wash a pair of jeans.) Don’t get us wrong, we’re not promoting poor hygiene! But so many of us wash clothing that could easily be worn several more times. If you only wore something for a couple of hours, perhaps it can be worn again before you put it in your washing basket.
Moreover, you may be using more washing powder than you truly need. Try to be conservative about your use of washing powder and fabric conditioner, so you can not only reduce waste but also save yourself some money. Ideal!
Washing at lower temperatures is one of the most effective energy-saving steps you can take. Most modern eco washing powders and laundry detergents are formulated to work effectively at 30°C — the Energy Saving Trust estimates that washing at 30°C instead of 40°C can reduce energy use by around 40%. Many of the top-rated brands in our Ethical Laundry Detergent Ratings Table specifically formulate their products to perform well at lower temperatures, making this an easy ethical win.
Ethical cleaning: the bigger picture
If you are thinking carefully about the ethics of your laundry products, it is worth applying the same scrutiny to your other household cleaning choices. The Good Shopping Guide has been independently rating cleaning and household brands since 2001. Our Ethical Cleaning Products Ratings Table and Ethical Washing Machines Ratings Table apply the same independent research methodology to related product categories. For businesses in the cleaning sector that want their ethical credentials independently recognised, find out more about The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Accreditation.
See our Ethical Laundry Detergent Ratings Table to compare brands’ ethical scores.
Our team of independent researchers has investigated every brand that appears on our tables. We have written detailed and in-depth articles on this analysis of company’s ethics and sustainability policies and practices. Click on any brand name to read more information.
Living Naturally, Bio D, ECOS, Ecozone, Greenscents, Eco-Max, Faith in Nature, Smol, Wilton London, Astonish, Fabulosa, Ecoleaf (Suma), nimble, Surcare, The Pink Stuff, Ecover, Method, Ariel, Bold, Daz, Dreft, Fairy, Woolite, Persil and Surf.
Why is it important to choose an eco-friendly laundry detergent?
With over 98% of British households owning a washing machine, the laundry detergent we choose has a meaningful collective impact. Conventional detergents can contain toxic chemicals that irritate sensitive skin and pollute waterways, causing harm to marine ecosystems. Selecting an eco-friendly laundry detergent is therefore a practical and impactful way to reduce your household’s environmental footprint while also protecting personal health.
Are laundry pods and tablets bad for the environment?
Laundry pods are typically encased in PVA plastic which, despite appearing to dissolve, can release thousands of tonnes of microplastics and toxic chemicals into waterways each year. Many laundry tablets are also packaged in single-use plastic, generating considerably more waste than powder in cardboard. Eco washing powder remains the most environmentally responsible format, provided you choose a brand with strong ethical credentials.
Do laundry detergents contain harmful chemicals?
Many conventional laundry detergents contain chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin and, once washed down the drain, contaminate water systems and harm marine life. Choosing an eco washing powder with a strong Toxic Chemicals Policy is important for both personal wellbeing and environmental protection. The Good Shopping Guide’s Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table allows you to compare brands across this and other ethical criteria.
Are laundry detergents tested on animals?
Animal welfare is a genuine concern within the laundry detergents industry. Many products contain animal-derived ingredients such as caprylic acid, tallow, and lecithin, while some brands continue to test on animals. Fewer than half of the brands assessed by The Good Shopping Guide received a top rating for their Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, making it important to check a brand’s rating if animal welfare is a priority.
Which laundry detergent brands have received Ethical Accreditation?
Among the brands assessed by The Good Shopping Guide, Greenscents and Living Naturally have both received Ethical Accreditation, reflecting their verified commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices. Both brands offer products that are free from toxic chemicals and hold strong environmental and animal welfare credentials. The Ethical Laundry Detergents Ratings Table provides a full comparison of all assessed brands for those seeking further guidance.
How can I make my laundry routine more sustainable?
Beyond choosing an eco washing powder, there are simple steps to reduce your laundry’s environmental impact. Washing clothes only when truly necessary and being conservative with the amount of detergent and fabric conditioner used can significantly cut both waste and cost. Combined with choosing an ethically rated brand from The Good Shopping Guide’s Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table, these small changes can make a meaningful difference.
Is Greenscents an ethical Laundry Detergents brand?
Greenscents sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table, earning top ratings across all assessed categories, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. Its Ethical Accreditation demonstrates a genuine and verified commitment to sustainable and responsible business practices. Greenscents also holds Ethical Innovator Status, reflecting its proactive role in driving ethical standards within the laundry detergents sector.
Is Living Naturally an ethical Laundry Detergents brand?
Living Naturally sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table, performing strongly across all assessed areas, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. Holding Ethical Accreditation reflects the brand’s clear dedication to operating ethically and sustainably. Living Naturally also holds Ethical Innovator Status, recognising its forward-thinking approach within the laundry detergents industry.
Is Bio D an ethical Laundry Detergents brand?
Bio D sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table, performing well across all assessed areas, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. While the brand does not currently hold Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide a recognised way to formally demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. Bio D also holds Ethical Innovator Status.
Is Ecoleaf (Suma) an ethical Laundry Detergents brand?
Ecoleaf (Suma) sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table, achieving strong ratings across all assessed categories, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, pursuing it would offer a valuable opportunity to formally validate its dedication to responsible and sustainable business. Ecoleaf (Suma) also holds Ethical Innovator Status.
Is Miniml an ethical Laundry Detergents brand?
Miniml sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table, earning top ratings in all assessed areas, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. Without Ethical Accreditation, obtaining it would allow Miniml to formally recognise its commitment to ethical and sustainable business conduct. The brand also holds Ethical Innovator Status, acknowledging its responsible approach to laundry detergents.
Is Wilton London an ethical Laundry Detergents brand?
Wilton London sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table, receiving excellent ratings across all assessed criteria, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it would provide a recognised way to further validate its ethical and sustainable commitments. Wilton London also holds Ethical Innovator Status.
Is Faith in Nature an ethical Laundry Detergents brand?
Faith in Nature sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Environmental Report, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, though it falls short in its Toxic Chemicals Policy. Without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could further strengthen the brand’s standing as a responsible choice. Faith in Nature also holds Ethical Innovator Status.
Is Smol an ethical Laundry Detergents brand?
Smol sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table, achieving positive ratings in areas such as its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, and Animal Welfare, though it falls short in its Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could serve as formal recognition of Smol’s commitment to sustainable and responsible practices. Smol also holds Ethical Innovator Status.
Is Ecozone an ethical Laundry Detergents brand?
Ecozone sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Fossil Fuels, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, though it falls short in its Environmental Report and Animal Welfare. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it would allow Ecozone to more formally demonstrate its commitment to responsible practices. The brand also holds Ethical Innovator Status.
Is Astonish an ethical Laundry Detergents brand?
Astonish sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table, performing well across several areas, including its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, though it falls short in its Environmental Report. As a brand that does not currently hold Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could serve as a meaningful step in formally demonstrating Astonish’s commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Fabulosa an ethical Laundry Detergents brand?
Fabulosa falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in areas such as its Toxic Chemicals Policy and Animal Welfare, though it falls short in its Environmental Report and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. Consumers seeking brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can explore The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Surcare an ethical Laundry Detergents brand?
Surcare falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in areas such as its Environmental Report and Animal Welfare, though it falls short in its Toxic Chemicals Policy and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. Consumers looking for laundry detergent brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult the Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible options.
Is Splosh an ethical Laundry Detergents brand?
Splosh falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in its Environmental Report and Fossil Fuels credentials, though it falls short in its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. Those seeking laundry detergent brands that reach the ethical benchmark are encouraged to explore the Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table for better-rated alternatives.
Is nimble an ethical Laundry Detergents brand?
nimble falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs adequately in its Fossil Fuels and Animal Welfare credentials, though it falls short in its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, and Environmental Report. Consumers wishing to find laundry detergent brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can refer to the Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table for higher-rated alternatives.
Is The Pink Stuff an ethical Laundry Detergents brand?
The Pink Stuff falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in its Fossil Fuels credentials, though it falls short across several areas, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. Consumers seeking brands that do meet the ethical benchmark can use the Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table as a guide to more sustainable alternatives.
Is Ecover an ethical Laundry Detergents brand?
Ecover falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table. The brand shows acceptable performance in its Environmental Report and Toxic Chemicals Policy, though it falls short in Animal Welfare and Political Donations, and has attracted Public Record Criticisms. Consumers looking for brands that do meet the ethical benchmark can explore the Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table for better-rated options.
Is Method an ethical Laundry Detergents brand?
Method falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs acceptably in its Environmental Report and Toxic Chemicals Policy, but falls short in Animal Welfare, Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, and Political Donations, and has attracted Public Record Criticisms. The Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table offers useful guidance for consumers seeking brands that do meet the ethical benchmark.
Is Woolite an ethical Laundry Detergents brand?
Woolite falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table. While it performs well in its Environmental Report and Fossil Fuels credentials, the brand falls short in areas including its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, and has attracted Public Record Criticisms. The Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table can help consumers identify more responsible and ethical alternatives.
Is Persil an ethical Laundry Detergents brand?
Persil falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in its Environmental Report and Fossil Fuels credentials, though it falls short across key areas including its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, and Political Donations, and has attracted Public Record Criticisms. The Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table can guide consumers toward more responsible alternatives.
Is Surf an ethical Laundry Detergents brand?
Surf falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in its Environmental Report and Fossil Fuels credentials, though it falls short across several key areas, including its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, and Political Donations, and has attracted Public Record Criticisms. Consumers can use the Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table to find more responsible options.
Is Ariel an ethical Laundry Detergents brand?
Ariel falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table. While performing well in its Environmental Report, the brand falls short across numerous areas, including its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Fossil Fuels credentials, Animal Welfare, Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, and Political Donations, with Public Record Criticisms also noted. The Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table is a helpful resource for consumers seeking more ethical alternatives.
Is Bold an ethical Laundry Detergents brand?
Bold falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table. While it performs well in its Environmental Report, the brand falls short across several areas, including its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Fossil Fuels credentials, Animal Welfare, Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, and Political Donations, and has attracted Public Record Criticisms. The Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table can help consumers identify more responsible and sustainable alternatives.
Is Daz an ethical Laundry Detergents brand?
Daz falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in its Environmental Report, though it falls short in several key areas, including its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Fossil Fuels credentials, Animal Welfare, Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, and Political Donations, and has attracted Public Record Criticisms. Consumers seeking more ethical options can consult the Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table.
Is Dreft an ethical Laundry Detergents brand?
Dreft falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table. While it performs well in its Environmental Report, the brand falls short across multiple areas, including its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Fossil Fuels credentials, Animal Welfare, Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, and Political Donations, and has attracted Public Record Criticisms. The Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table provides a guide to more ethically responsible choices.
Is Fairy an ethical Laundry Detergents brand?
Fairy falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table. While the brand performs well in its Environmental Report, it falls short across numerous areas, including its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Fossil Fuels credentials, Animal Welfare, Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, and Political Donations, with Public Record Criticisms also noted. The Laundry Detergents Ethical Ratings Table is a useful resource for consumers seeking more responsible alternatives.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation complement other accreditations?
The GOOD Shopping Guide doesn’t replace existing certifications, it ensures your ethical credentials are clearly recognised so they are trusted by consumers. By appearing in our comparison tables, your brand reaches an audience that is actively seeking genuinely ethical options, while also being referenced by Google and AI search tools to enhance credibility and discoverability.
How is The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation different from other accreditations?
Unlike many accreditations that focus mainly on compliance or internal audits, The GOOD Shopping Guide provides scored, research-led assessments across environment, people and animals. Our tables are consumer-facing and freely accessible, making it easy for shoppers and AI tools to compare brands based on verified performance, not just promises.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide choose who is eligible for accreditation?
The GOOD Shopping Guide audits brands for their ethical impact across a variety of criteria in the human, animal and environment categories. We research the records of brands and their parent companies, and rate them across those criteria. If they are found to be above our benchmark, they are eligible to apply for Ethical Accreditation.
How can I apply for Ethical Accreditation?
You can apply for Ethical Accreditation if your brand is assessed as above our benchmark. Click on this link to fill out our online form, and our researchers will assess your brand’s viability for Ethical Accreditation.