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8 Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergents That Actually Work
Remove stains effectively while keeping your home free from harmful chemicals
Annie Bolter
Tuesday 17 June 2025 17:30 GMT
Along with liquid detergents, laundry sheets and capsules were put to the test
Our Top Picks
Most of us assume our laundry detergent is safe, after all, it’s just soap, right?
Unfortunately, many big-brand detergents contain a cocktail of chemicals that don’t simply rinse away in the wash.
These residues stay behind on clothes, towels, and bedding, meaning your skin is in near-constant contact with them, day and night.
Some of these ingredients are far from harmless.
Take 1,4-dioxane, for example, a suspected carcinogen linked to liver and kidney damage.
It’s a common by-product of manufacturing, yet it’s still legally allowed to be in detergent, as long as it stays within set ‘limits’.
But when you're exposed to small amounts daily, the risks add up.
Other common detergent chemicals include phthalates (hormone disruptors), optical brighteners (which coat clothes to make them look cleaner), and DEA, which is a known skin irritant and another possible carcinogen.
Because these substances build up on fabrics, you’re exposed around the clock through your clothes, bedsheets, and even towels.
Over time, this can lead to skin issues like eczema or breakouts, worsen allergies, strain your body’s detox systems, and may even impact your hormonal or reproductive health.
With so many detergents on the market promising strong stain removal and long-lasting scents, it can be easy to overlook what’s actually in the bottle.
The good news is that more non-toxic options that actually work are available, so you no longer have to choose between clean clothes and your long-term health.
This guide goes over the best 8 non-toxic laundry detergents, what we loved about them, what you can expect, and our team's favourite.
How we tested
We powered through the laundry piles, to bring you the best detergents on the market (Annie Bolter/ The Home Standard)
Over the course of two weeks, we put each laundry detergent to the test. With a busy household of two adults and two young children, our weekly laundry pile included everything from bedsheets and towels to school uniforms, dirty PE kits, work attire, and sportswear.
To create a consistent benchmark, we also carried out a control test: staining a plain white T-shirt with tomato sauce, then washing it once (with no stain remover or fabric softener) to assess each detergent’s cleaning power. We also repeated the test, but pre-treated the stain with each laundry detergent.
Throughout the process, we evaluated key factors including ingredient transparency, ease of use, stain removal performance, fragrance, eco-friendliness, and overall value for money.
After thorough testing, we narrowed down our top-performing formulas.
The Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergents for 2025 are:
Best overall – Dip Fresh Linen 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets, 30 Washes: £12, wearedip.co.uk
Best fragrance – Tallow & Ash, 24 Washes: £12.99, https://www.tallow-ash.com
Best value – Miniml Laundry Liquid Fresh Linen, 165 Washes: £21.45, https://minimlrefills.co.uk/
1
Dip Fresh Linen 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets
Format: Sheets
Laundry loads: 30
Price Per Wash: 30p (for bigger packs)
Type: Bio
Use: Drum
Scent: Fresh Linen
Why we love it
3-in-1: Detergent, Fabric Conditioner and Stain Remover
Best results at removing stubborn stains
Only use plant-derived or lower-impact ingredients
Delightful hormone-disruptor-free fragrance
Plastic-free packaging
Things to consider:
Only available on their website
Not the cheapest
1
Dip Fresh Linen 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets
Dip eco sheets make laundry effortless. No spills, no measuring, just tear and toss. We tested it on everything from mud to makeup, and it consistently outperformed the rest, lifting stains even on low-temperature washes. It’s the only 3-in-1 formula we tested, combining detergent, conditioner, and stain remover in one mess-free strip.
Its light Fresh Linen scent was a hit: clean and comforting without being overpowering. Uniquely, Dip is fragranced without known hormone disruptors, making it a standout for health-conscious homes. It’s also the only detergent in this roundup backed by health experts, so you can trust the formula is genuinely clean, not just clever marketing.
Beyond performance, it’s also one of the greenest options we tried: biodegradable, carbon-neutral, and came in plastic-free packaging. A powerful, planet-friendly choice that doesn’t compromise on clean.
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2
Tallow and Ash Laundry Shampoo & Conditioner
Format: Liquid
Laundry loads: 24
Price Per Wash: 54p (for laundry + conditioner)
Type: Non-bio
Use: Drum and Draw
Scent: Variety (our favourite was Aurora)
Why we love it
Incredible selection of scents
Good for sensitive skin
Can try different scents before choosing one
Vegan & Cruelty Free
Things to consider:
Fragrance ingredients aren’t disclosed on their website
Struggled with some stains
Plastic packaging
2
Tallow and Ash Laundry Shampoo & Conditioner
Tallow + Ash turns laundry into a genuinely luxurious ritual, with its elegant lineup of laundry shampoos and conditioners that leave clothes feeling fresh and beautifully scented. Aurora was a standout in our tests—a soft, floral blend that made each load smell like fresh spring air. Duvet Day, with its lavender and musk notes, became our go-to for bedding, offering that clean-sheet comfort long after the wash.
The formulas are non-bio, making them a great choice for sensitive skin, and there’s an impressive variety of fragrances to suit every mood—from warm and woody to sweet and airy. We also loved the option to try before committing, thanks to the Discovery Sample Bundle.
While the brand leans into “clean chemistry,” it doesn’t currently list full fragrance ingredients, which would give greater reassurance for those avoiding endocrine disruptors. Stain removal was mild compared to some other detergents, so it’s best suited to lighter, everyday loads. And although refills are available, the packaging is still plastic, recyclable, but not zero waste.
That said, for anyone who enjoys scent-led self-care moments, Tallow + Ash offers a truly elevated take on laundry.
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3
Greenscent Laundry Liquid
Format: Liquid
Laundry loads: 25
Price Per Wash: 31p
Type: Non-bio
Use: Drum and Draw
Scent: Citrus, Lavender, Minty
Why we love it
94% organic
Great cleaning performance
Fantastic credentials
Things to consider:
Big refills come in plastic jugs
May need more for hardwater areas
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Greenscent Laundry Liquid
Greenscents is one of the cleanest laundry liquids we tested—94% organic, cruelty-free, palm oil-free, and packaged in elegant glass bottles that feel as premium as they look. With scents like lavender and citrus, each wash carried a natural, calming freshness that made doing laundry feel just a bit more joyful.
Backed by top marks from Ethical Consumer and certifications from the Soil Association and Leaping Bunny, Greenscents stands out as a brand that truly walks the talk when it comes to ethical and sustainable values. It handled everything from everyday wear to messy kids’ uniforms with ease, leaving whites bright and colours fresh.
While the refill options help reduce waste, the large jugs do come in plastic—which is understandable for practicality, but still worth noting. The measuring instructions could be a touch clearer, and in hard water areas, you may need to adjust the dose for best results.
Still, if you’re after a genuinely clean formula in planet-friendly packaging from a brand that’s as transparent as it is effective, Greenscents is a top-tier pick.
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4
Minml Fresh Linen Laundry Liquid
Format: Liquid
Laundry loads: 165
Price Per Wash: 13p
Type: Non-bio
Use: Drum and Draw
Scent: Fresh Linen, Tropical Coconut and Dragonfruit and Orchid
Why we love it
Gentle ingredients
Great cleaning performance
Thoughtful recycling system
Things to consider:
Refills still come in plastic & you have to return them
The post wash fragranace is on the lighter side
4
Minml Fresh Linen Laundry Liquid
Miniml impressed us with its simple, effective plant-based formula that kept clothes fresh without the need for harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrance. It’s especially great for those with sensitive skin—or sensitive noses—thanks to its ultra-light scent and hypoallergenic ingredients.
It handled everything from sweaty gym gear to delicate fabrics with ease, leaving laundry clean, soft, and odour-free. One of the most affordable options we tested, it delivers excellent performance without compromising on eco values.`
The refillable packaging system is a major plus—Miniml operates a closed-loop model with returnable containers to help eliminate plastic waste. That said, it does rely on customers remembering to send empties back, which may not always happen.
Still, for those looking to reduce their footprint without overcomplicating their routine, Miniml is a low-waste, low-fuss standout that gets the job done.
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5
Kit and Kin Fragrance Free Laundry Liquid
Format: Liquid
Laundry loads: 25
Price Per Wash: 28p
Type: Non-bio
Use: Drum and Draw
Scent: Fragrance Free
Why we love it
Gentle ingredients
Good cleaning performance
Free packaging return system
Things to consider:
Refills still come in plastic & you have to return them
Only fragrance free option
5
Kit and Kin Fragrance Free Laundry Liquid
Co-founded by Spice Girl Emma Bunton, Kit & Kin’s laundry liquid carries the brand’s signature focus on gentle, planet-conscious care. It’s fragrance-free and Allergy UK approved, making it a standout choice for families with sensitive skin or little ones in the house.
We found it effective on everyday loads, especially when it came to general dirt and grime. As expected from a fragrance-free formula, it didn’t mask strong odours as well as some scented options—sportswear, in particular, held onto a bit of a musty note post-wash.
The flexible pouch packaging helps cut down on waste, and the brand offers a free return scheme to clean and reuse empties, which is a brilliant initiative—though it does rely on users actually sending the pouches back. And while the eco design earns points, the floppy shape made it tricky to store neatly in our laundry cupboard.
Still, if you’re seeking a certified gentle option that aligns with high environmental standards, Kit & Kin is a solid and trustworthy pick.
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6
Faith in Nature Aloe Vera and Rosemary Laundry Liquid
Format: Liquid
Laundry loads: 150
Price Per Wash: 15p
Type: Non-bio
Use: Drum and Draw
Scent: Aloe Vera and Rosemary
Why we love it
Clean ingredients
Handled most stains well
Lovely scent (one of our favourites)
Things to consider:
Refills still come in plastic
The 20L refill is bulky and can be messy to pour into smaller bottles
Struggled with some stains like grass and mud
6
Faith in Nature Aloe Vera and Rosemary Laundry Liquid
Faith in Nature is a staple in the natural cleaning world, and their laundry liquid didn’t disappoint. The aloe vera and rosemary scent was a standout—fresh, herbal, and one of the most pleasant natural fragrances we tested, without being overpowering.
It tackled everyday messes like baby food, coffee, and even red wine with ease, leaving clothes clean and refreshed. Heavier stains like mud and grass needed a bit of extra help, but for typical loads, it performed well.
The brand’s bulk refill system is a big plus for eco-conscious households—affordable and designed to cut down on plastic waste over time. That said, the 20L container is bulky and not the easiest to pour, which made refilling smaller bottles a bit of a juggling act.
While it’s not completely plastic-free, Faith in Nature offers a solid middle ground for those seeking a reliable natural detergent with greener packaging and a beautifully clean scent.
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7
Smol Pods
Format: Pods
Laundry loads: 27
Price Per Wash: 26p
Type: Non-bio
Use: Drum
Scent: Fragrance & Fragrance Free
Why we love it
Eco ingredients
Good cleaning performance
Plastic-free packaging
Things to consider:
Only subscription option (can be restrictive)
Clothes experienced some fading over time
7
Smol Pods
Smol is a favourite among eco-minded shoppers thanks to its compact, plastic-free design and convenient subscription model. It delivered strong results in our testing, removing everyday stains like coffee, foundation, and baby food with ease—whites stayed bright, even after multiple washes.
We were also impressed by Smol’s stain gel, which gave a helpful boost on stubborn spots like sauces and blood. However, the detergent did struggle slightly with tea stains, and we noticed some gradual fading on coloured fabrics over time.
The subscription setup is perfect if you like hassle-free deliveries, though it might feel limiting for those who prefer to buy as needed or in bulk. Still, with its sleek packaging, solid performance, and low-waste approach, Smol remains a smart, sustainable option for modern laundry routines.
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8
Ecover
Format: Pods
Laundry loads: 40
Price Per Wash: 20p
Type: Non-bio
Use: Drum or Draw
Scent: Lavender and Sandalwood, Honeysuckle & Jasmine, Waterlily & Honeydew, Apple Blossom & Freesia & Fragrance Free
Why we love it
Great for colour retention
Good value for money
Widely available
Things to consider:
Not the cleanest ingredients on this list
Plastic packaging
Annoying bottle design
8
Ecover
Ecover has long been a go-to in the eco-cleaning space, and its Bio Laundry Liquid lived up to the reputation. It delivered strong all-round cleaning power, lifting nearly 90% of stains in our tests—particularly effective on tough spots like baby food and body oil.
One of its standout strengths was colour care. Clothes stayed vibrant after multiple washes, with minimal fading, and whites remained bright, making it a great option for those wanting to preserve the look and feel of their wardrobe.
Tea stains were more of a challenge and sometimes needed a bit of pre-treatment. We also found the plastic bottle design a little awkward—there’s no handle, and while the packaging is recyclable, it still contributes to plastic waste.
That said, Ecover remains a solid, reliable choice for anyone seeking effective cleaning with a greener footprint, especially if colour retention is high on your priority list.
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The Verdict: Why We Choose Dip Fresh Linen 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets As Our Top Pick
Dip stood out as the clear winner among all the detergents we tested, combining powerful performance, unmatched convenience, and a genuinely non-toxic, planet-friendly formula.
As the only sheet-based detergent on our list, it offered a mess-free, pre-measured format that made laundry effortless. Its 3-in-1 formula, combining detergent, fabric softener, and stain remover, was unique among all contenders, eliminating the need for extra products or pre-treatment.
Despite being liquid-free, Dip delivered some of the best stain removal results we saw, thanks to its ultra-concentrated formula packed with over 80% active ingredients. It even lifted tough makeup and mud stains with just a small piece and a splash of water.
Health-wise, Dip was also the cleanest on our list—free from phthalates, parabens, optical brighteners, and all known hormone disruptors, with full fragrance transparency and a fragrance-free option available.
On the sustainability front, it was the only detergent to offer both compostable and plastic-free packaging; no bottles, no waste. And with flexible subscriptions and competitive pricing, it’s one of the most cost-effective choices, too.
With excellent results, zero mess, clean ingredients, and truly eco-conscious packaging, Dip offered everything we were looking for and more.
