Conventional laundry detergents often leave behind a cocktail of synthetic fragrances, optical brighteners, and preservatives that can irritate sensitive skin and linger in your fabrics. Switching to an all-natural alternative means you get a deep clean without the chemical residue, relying on plant-based enzymes, essential oils, and mineral-based cleaners instead. The challenge is finding a product that actually removes everyday grime, grass stains, and odors while staying true to its non-toxic label.
I’m Rikta — the co-founder and writer behind FitlyFast. I’ve spent many hours analyzing ingredient labels, EWG certifications, and customer feedback to identify which all-natural laundry detergents deliver on their promise of a clean wash without hidden synthetics.
This guide breaks down the top contenders for the best all-natural laundry detergent to help you choose a formula that aligns with your health and environmental priorities.
How To Choose The Best All-Natural Laundry Detergent
Selecting an all-natural laundry detergent goes beyond just reading “plant-based” on the bottle. You need to evaluate the ingredient list, the concentration level, and how the formula interacts with your water hardness and washing machine. Here are the key factors to weigh before adding a detergent to your cart.
Check for Third-Party Certifications
EWG Verified and EPA Safer Choice are the gold standards in this category. A detergent that carries the EWG Verified mark has undergone rigorous review to confirm it contains no ingredients linked to health concerns. EPA Safer Choice means the formula meets strict environmental and human health criteria. These certifications eliminate guesswork when scanning names like sodium lauryl sulfate or methylisothiazolinone.
Match the Format to Your Routine
Liquid detergents are the most familiar and work well for pre-treating stains. Powders are undiluted, often more concentrated per scoop, and excel at lifting ground-in dirt. Sheets are the newest option, offering zero mess and lightweight portability. All formats must be explicitly labeled HE compatible to work efficiently in high-efficiency washers, which use less water and require low-sudsing formulas.
Prioritize Fragrance and Skin Sensitivity
Many all-natural detergents use essential oils for scent, which can still trigger reactions in people with severe chemical sensitivities. If you have eczema, allergies, or are washing baby clothes, a fragrance-free and hypoallergenic formula is the safer choice. Look for detergents that explicitly say “fragrance free” — not just “unscented,” which can still contain masking fragrances.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATTITUDE Liquid | Liquid | Sensitive skin, EWG seekers | EWG Verified, 36 loads | Amazon |
| Biokleen Natural | Liquid Concentrate | Odor removal, long-lasting | 3x Concentrated, 128 loads | Amazon |
| 9 Elements Lavender | Liquid | Stain removal, EPA Safer Choice | Vinegar-powered, 92 fl oz | Amazon |
| Zum Powdered Soap | Powder | Eco-friendly, essential oil scent | Baking soda based, 64 loads | Amazon |
| It’s So Pure Powder | Powder | Budget-friendly, fragrance free | Plant & ion based, 100 loads | Amazon |
| Miss Mouth’s Sheets | Sheets | Baby clothes, travel | Hypoallergenic, 60 loads | Amazon |
| LAZY COCONUTS Sheets | Sheets | Travel, light daily wash | Carbon negative, 64 loads | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. ATTITUDE Liquid Laundry Detergent
ATTITUDE’s liquid detergent earns the top spot thanks to its EWG Verified badge, which guarantees no hidden synthetic irritants. Made with 98 percent naturally derived ingredients, it cleans effectively in both conventional and HE machines without relying on SLS, SLES, or formaldehyde. The Wildflowers scent delivers a pleasant floral note from essential oils without overwhelming your clothes.
Reviewers consistently note that this formula works well on baby clothes and sensitive skin, with no fading or irritation even after repeated washes. The liquid is slightly thicker than mainstream options, so a little goes a long way, and it rinses clean without leaving a soapy residue. It also performs reliably in cold water, which cuts down on energy usage.
The 60.8 fluid ounce bottle covers roughly 36 standard loads, making it a practical entry point for households wanting a certified-natural switch. If you want a single product that balances cleaning power, ingredient safety, and pleasant scent without guesswork, this is the pick.
Why it’s great
- EWG Verified for full ingredient transparency
- 98 percent naturally derived, vegan, and cruelty-free
- Subtle, long-lasting floral scent from essential oils
Good to know
- Concentrated thickness can be tricky to measure accurately
- Limited load count compared to some bulk powder options
2. Biokleen Natural Laundry Detergent
Biokleen’s 3x concentrated formula packs a serious punch in a small bottle. A single 64-ounce bottle yields 128 HE loads, which translates to months of laundry for most households. It is plant-based, contains no artificial fragrances or preservatives, and is particularly effective at eliminating musty and moldy odors that linger in towels and gym clothes.
Users report that just one to two tablespoons per load is enough for normal soil levels, and the low-sudsing design keeps HE machines running efficiently. The absence of synthetic scent means clothes come out truly neutral, which is ideal for those with chemical sensitivities or allergies. Several reviewers noted that it removes stubborn odors even after clothes have been dried and rewetted.
The bottle is compact and the concentrated formula reduces plastic waste over time. If your main concern is tackling persistent odors without masking them with fragrance, this detergent delivers exceptional value and performance.
Why it’s great
- Extremely concentrated — 128 HE loads per bottle
- Effectively removes musty and sweat odors
- No artificial fragrance, dyes, or preservatives
Good to know
- Requires careful measuring to avoid using too little
- No scent at all, which some may find unsatisfying
3. 9 Elements Liquid Laundry Detergent
9 Elements stands out by using vinegar as its primary active cleaning agent, which naturally breaks down stains and neutralizes odors without leaving a vinegar smell. It contains no more than nine ingredients, all plant-derived, and carries the EPA Safer Choice certification. The lavender scent comes from natural essential oils, giving a pleasant aroma without synthetic perfumes.
Feedback highlights its gentle performance on sensitive skin and its ability to soften fabrics without needing fabric softener. The low pH formula helps maintain white clothes without bleach, making it a solid choice for families dealing with both colored and white loads. Some users noted that heavily soiled items, like campfire-scented clothes, may require a second wash cycle.
The 92-ounce bottle offers a generous supply, though the packaging has received occasional complaints about cap leakage during shipping. If you want a vinegar-based detergent that combines stain-fighting power with a light lavender scent, this is a strong contender.
Why it’s great
- Vinegar-powered for effective stain and odor removal
- Only nine ingredients, all plant-derived
- EPA Safer Choice certified and hypoallergenic
Good to know
- May need extra wash for very heavy soil
- Some users reported minor packaging leaks
4. Zum Powdered Laundry Soap by Indigo Wild
Zum’s powdered soap blends baking soda, coconut oil, and essential oils to create a gentle but effective cleaner. The Frankincense & Myrrh scent is earthy and rich, and reviewers love that the fragrance lingers on clothes for months without being overwhelming. The powder comes in plastic-free packaging, aligning with a zero-waste household goal.
Users with eczema and sensitive skin report immediate relief after switching, noting that their skin no longer itches or flares up from laundry residue. The powder is highly concentrated — a single teaspoon does the job for a regular load, so the 32-ounce bag goes a long way. Some reviewers dissolved it in water for use as a floor cleaner, highlighting its versatility.
One important note is that the formulation does not come with a scoop, so you’ll need your own measuring spoon. The powder is not designed for heavy stain removal, so pre-treating may be necessary for grass or wine stains. For those seeking a luxurious, aromatic wash that is kind to sensitive skin, this is a standout choice.
Why it’s great
- Natural essential oil scent that lasts on fabrics
- Excellent for eczema-prone and sensitive skin
- Plastic-free, sustainable packaging
Good to know
- Not ideal for heavy stain removal
- No scoop included in the packaging
5. It’s So Pure All Natural Laundry Detergent Powder
It’s So Pure delivers a fragrance-free, plant-and-ion-based powder that works well for families on a budget. One bag provides up to 100 loads, making it one of the most cost-effective natural options available. The formula is free of phosphates, sulfates, bleach, and gluten, and it was even tested and approved by a cancer survivor, adding an extra layer of trust for health-conscious buyers.
Customers praise its ability to clean tough stains like grass and blood, and many note that clothes come out soft without needing dryer sheets. The powder is low-sudsing by design, so it is safe for HE machines. A few users did mention that the powder may leave streaks on dark clothes if not fully dissolved, but this disappears after drying.
The main trade-off is that the scent is not entirely neutral — the plant-based ingredients produce a very mild, natural smell that most find pleasant. If you want a high-value, fragrance-free powder that handles heavy soil and large loads, this is a smart pick.
Why it’s great
- Excellent value at 100 loads per bag
- Fragrance free and safe for sensitive skin
- Effective on tough stains like grass and blood
Good to know
- Powder may leave streaks on dark clothes if not fully dissolved
- Requires measuring to avoid using too much
6. Miss Mouth’s Laundry Detergent Sheets
Miss Mouth’s detergent sheets offer a zero-mess, ultra-portable cleaning solution that dissolves quickly in both hot and cold water. These pre-measured sheets are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and dermatologist and pediatrician tested, making them a top choice for baby laundry and travel. The compact packaging fits easily into a suitcase or diaper bag without risk of spills.
Reviews highlight the convenience factor — no measuring, no sticky liquid, and no bulky plastic jugs. While they handle everyday stains well, tougher marks may require pre-treatment with a stain remover. Users also appreciate that the sheets leave no residue on clothes and work effectively in front-load and top-load machines.
The box contains 60 sheets, each serving one load. The unscented formula is ideal for those who are extremely sensitive to fragrance or who want a completely neutral wash. For families looking for a mess-free, non-toxic detergent that is safe for newborns and easy to pack, this is the best pick.
Why it’s great
- Mess-free, pre-measured sheets — no spills or measuring
- Pediatrician and dermatologist tested for baby-safe use
- Ultra-compact for travel and storage
Good to know
- May need pre-treatment for tough stains
- Unscented, which may not suit everyone
7. LAZY COCONUTS Laundry Detergent Sheets
LAZY COCONUTS takes sustainability beyond the formula by offsetting double the emissions generated per pack and packaging everything in recyclable cardboard. The sheets are made from 100 percent plant-based ingredients and are completely unscented, making them a solid pick for fragrance-free households. Each strip dissolves quickly and works in both machine and hand-wash scenarios.
Travelers love these sheets for their lightweight profile — they do not count toward liquid carry-on limits and take up virtually no space in a bag. The cleaning power is best suited for light to moderate daily loads; heavily soiled items may not come out as clean without pre-treating. Users on cruises and extended trips particularly appreciate the convenience of tossing a strip in the wash without measuring.
The 64-load box is compact, and the sheets are easy to store in a drawer or glove compartment. If your top priorities are carbon footprint reduction, plastic-free packaging, and a truly neutral detergent for light washes, this sheet option delivers.
Why it’s great
- Carbon negative with fully plastic-free packaging
- Unscented and ideal for sensitive skin
- Ultra-lightweight and TSA-friendly for travel
Good to know
- Stain-lifting power is limited for heavy soils
- Not suitable for heavy-duty stain removal
FAQ
How do I know if a detergent labeled “natural” is truly chemical-free?
Can all-natural laundry detergents damage my high-efficiency washer?
Why do some all-natural detergents leave a residue on dark clothes?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best all-natural laundry detergent is the ATTITUDE Liquid Laundry Detergent because it combines EWG Verified safety with reliable cleaning power and a pleasant natural scent. If you want a concentrated formula that destroys odors without any fragrance, the Biokleen Natural Laundry Detergent is unbeatable. And for those who need a portable, mess-free option for babies or travel, the Miss Mouth’s Laundry Detergent Sheets offer the best balance of convenience and skin safety.