6 Best Eco-Conscious Laundry Detergents of 2025

We’re all trying to do our bit for the environment. Whether it’s cutting down on our plastic consumption, using less water, or swapping out regular laundry detergents for eco-conscious alternatives. Small changes can make a big difference. But what’s the difference between all of the so-called “green” options on the market? We’re here to break down some of the best eco-conscious laundry detergents, so you can reduce your carbon footprint and be confident you’re still getting a product that performs. 

1. Freddie Laundry Sheets

Freddie laundry detergent sheets are a reliable stain-removing option that also keeps your clothes smelling fresh and feeling good. They’re plastic jug-free laundry sheets that are designed to minimize the environmental impact, unlike many other traditional liquid detergents on the market. They’re compatible with all washing machines and offer a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee.

Pros

• They’re free from harmful chemicals like bleach, phosphates, brighteners, parabens, dyes, and 1,4-dioxane, making them suitable for sensitive skin types.
• They work great even in cold water washes, are compatible with all washing machines, and dissolve quickly.
• They’re highly concentrated, compact, and reduce the need for excessive plastic packaging, making them a convenient choice for consumers looking to cut down on plastic packaging.
• Laundry sheets are super convenient for those on the go and are perfect for travel, unlike other bulky liquid detergents.
• Freddie currently offers three scent options: Fragrance Free, Spring Blossom, or Frosty Mountain.

Cons

• Compared to other detergents on the market, Freddie detergent sheets may come at a higher per-load cost. However, they do offer a range of subscription options to help you save on costs.
• You might struggle to make the switch to a laundry sheet when you’re used to traditional liquid detergents. But, once you do, you’ll see that they can still get the job done, remove stains, and leave clothes smelling great. 

Conclusion

Freddie laundry detergent sheets offer a compact, low-waste option that’s free from dyes, bleach, and other harsh chemicals, making them suitable for sensitive skin. While they’re convenient and suitable for most washes, the higher per-load cost may be a drawback for some.

2. Seventh Generation Free and Clear Laundry Detergent

Seventh Generation Detergent is a long-standing brand that provides eco-conscious laundry alternatives suitable for use in both standard and High Efficiency (HE) washing machines, across all water temperatures. Most of their formulas are 97% biobased, meaning they come from plant-derived ingredients.

Pros

• It’s made from plant-based ingredients and free from harsh dyes, optical brighteners, and fragrances.
• The gentle formula makes it suitable for people with sensitive skin.
• Leaping Bunny Approved, USDA Biobased recognized, and EPA Safer Choice Certified.
• Their packaging is made from recycled plastics.

Cons

• Not as powerful at stain removal compared with other traditional liquid detergents.
• Packaging is not biodegradable, so it can take a long time for it to break down, causing more harm to the environment.
• Liquid detergents can sometimes leave residue behind, meaning your clothes might require extra rinsing, and you’ll end up wasting more water in the process.
• They can be more expensive than traditional laundry detergents.

Conclusion

Seventh Generation provides a trusted plant-based detergent with strong sustainability certifications and simple, gentle formulas. However, it may fall short on tougher stains and still relies on plastic packaging.

3. Molly’s Suds Laundry Detergent Powder

Molly’s Suds Laundry Detergent Powder is a great eco-conscious laundry option that’s free of harsh chemicals and complicated synthetic compounds. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, it’s mindful of both people and the environment. 

Pros

• Formulated using just 4-5 simple, clean, earth-derived ingredients.
• Suitable for use in standard, commercial, and High Efficiency (HE) washing machines.
• Molly’s Suds have been verified by Leaping Bunny as cruelty-free.
• Their clean, plant-derived ingredients make them suitable for those with sensitive skin.

Cons

• You may need to use more product for those tricky-to-remove stains, or a pre-stain treatment might be necessary.
• Molly’s Suds currently uses plastic packaging as opposed to a more environmentally friendly alternative.
• The powder formulation can be quite messy and makes it much less travel-friendly, unlike other alternatives—such as laundry detergent sheets—which are compact and travel-friendly.
• It needs to be pre-dissolved in cold water before use, making it more time-consuming than other options.

Conclusion

Molly’s Suds delivers a minimalist ingredient list and cruelty-free formula that appeals to ingredient-conscious consumers. That said, its powder format can be less convenient and may require extra steps for dissolving and stain pre-treatment.

4. Dropps Laundry Pods

Dropps Laundry Pods are a plant-based alternative to regular laundry pods. They’re a trusted B-Corp company that’s doing its bit to reduce environmental impact. The pods are carbon-neutral, cruelty-free, and vegan. 

Pros

• Dropps offers carbon-neutral shipping options for buyers.
• Their detergent formulation is specifically made to be suitable for septic systems. They break down easily and protect the longevity of your plumbing. 
• Packaging is made with recyclable paperboard.
• A plant-based alternative to challenge traditional laundry pods, while still being an effective stain remover. 

Cons

• Users could potentially have issues when using the pods in cooler washes, such as the residual film not fully dissolving during the wash cycle.
• Pods come with an increased risk of bursting or leaking during shipping or transportation.
• Because of their risk of leaking, pods are not particularly travel-friendly.
• Dropp pods tend to be more expensive than other competitors.

Conclusion

Dropps combines plant-based pods with recyclable packaging and carbon-neutral shipping, making them a solid low-waste choice. The main downsides are occasional dissolving issues in cooler washes and a higher price point compared with competitors.

5. All Free and Clear Pure Liquid Detergent

All Free and Clear is the #1 recommended laundry detergent by dermatologists, allergists, and pediatricians, for sensitive skin. A well-respected brand, this detergent is also recognized by the EPA's Safer Choice program, making it a great eco-conscious option. 

Pros

• 100% free of perfumes and dyes, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin.
• Hypoallergenic, it removes 99% of everyday allergens like cat, dog, and dust-mite dander, as well as grass and tree pollen.
• A concentrated formula—a little goes a long way! 
• Recognized by the EPA Safer Choice program.

Cons

• The spout bottle design can be messy and cause spills.
• Comes in plastic packaging.
• They’re not completely plant-based.
• Because it’s gentle, it might not be as strong at removing tough stains. A pre-wash treatment may be needed to fully remove stubborn stains.

Conclusion

All Free and Clear is dermatologist-recommended, fragrance-free, and widely recognized for being suitable for sensitive skin. Its reliance on plastic packaging and less powerful stain-fighting ability may be limiting factors.

6. ECOS Laundry Detergent

The ECOS laundry detergent is a good choice for many reasons, one of them being that it’s a proudly woman-owned business and is a WBENC-Certified Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE). People love ECOS detergents because not only do they refrain from using harsh chemicals, but they’re also a mindful brand, with more than 100% of the carbon, water and energy used to make their products being restored back to the Earth.

Pros

• Made with a 100% vegan formula, containing no animal-derived ingredients or by-products.
• Their products are sustainably produced in the US, using 100% renewable energy and with globally sourced ingredients.
• The ECOS detergent is hypoallergenic, making it a perfect option for anyone with sensitive skin or allergies.
• They don’t test on animals and are Leaping Bunny Certified.
• Three scent options available: Fragrance Free, Lavender, and Magnolia & Lily.

Cons

• If you’re tackling heavier, set-in stains, you might need to use a pre-treatment to effectively remove the stains.
• Different size options are available, but they tend to be more expensive than other non-eco laundry detergents on the market.

Conclusion

ECOS stands out with renewable-energy manufacturing and vegan, cruelty-free formulas that support conscious consumer choices. Still, it may require pre-treating stubborn stains and comes at a higher price than conventional detergents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Most Environmentally Friendly Way to Wash Clothes?

The first step you can take is to wash your clothes in cold water. Washing in cold water is still very effective at removing stains and uses less energy. It’s also very important to use eco-conscious products like Freddie to reduce waste and minimize plastic use. Always run a full load and air-dry clothes where possible.

What Ingredients Should I Avoid in Laundry Detergent?

When choosing a laundry detergent, opt for one that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin or cause damage to the environment. Try to avoid phosphates, optical brighteners, parabens, dyes, and 1,4-dioxane. BuyFreddie Detergent Sheets are free of these and offer recyclable cardboard packaging. 

Ready to Switch to Freddie’s Detergent Sheets?

Choosing the right eco-conscious laundry detergent in a saturated market can feel overwhelming. With the help of our list, we hope we’ve made the decision-making process that little bit easier. Many eco-conscious detergents are suitable for those with sensitive skin; however, only some come in low-waste packaging and are committed to mindful practices. 

Thoughtful laundry detergent doesn’t mean you need to compromise on clean, fresh clothes. If you want a detergent you can rely on, Freddie has got you covered. With a wide range of products and value packs to choose from, you can be sure you’re using an ingredient-conscious detergent that works to remove even tough stains while minimizing environmental impact.