8 Top Vegan and Cruelty-Free Laundry Detergents for Every Need

There are so many vegan laundry detergents, and most brands today don’t test on animals. But with all these options, how do you know which is best for your needs? Let us take the load off your shoulders. Whether you’re looking for a powerful stain remover, a fresh scent that eliminates odors, or an eco-friendly cleaning solution, we’ve done the research to rank the top contenders for vegan and cruelty-free laundry detergents.

Try These Cruelty-Free Laundry Detergents:

For an Ultra-Fresh Scent: Method Laundry Detergent

Method Laundry Detergent is a top choice for scent, offering a variety of long-lasting fragrances, including Fresh Air, Ginger Mango, Beach Sage, Coconut + Cactus Water, and Nectarine Blossom. You can also coordinate your detergent with the brand’s other laundry essentials, including fabric softener, dryer sheets, and fragrance boosters.

The Powerful Stain-Remover: Puracy Laundry Detergent

This highly concentrated, sulfate-free detergent combines powerful plant-based enzymes and natural minerals that tackle the toughest stains while being gentle on the skin. The distilled formula lets you get 64 loads of laundry from just one 16-oz bottle.

For Sensitive Skin: Biokleen Free & Clear Laundry Liquid

Biokleen’s Free & Clear Laundry Liquid is hypoallergenic and Safer Choice certified. The formula uses plant-derived ingredients and contains no brighteners, artificial colors, fragrances, or dyes, making it the perfect, gentle option for sensitive skin.

Natural Ingredients: AspenClean Laundry Pods

AspenClean makes its Laundry Pods with natural and biodegradable ingredients that fight stains and odors while being baby-safe, pet-safe, and hypoallergenic. These environmentally friendly pods are available in Lavender and Eucalyptus—both infused with organic essential oils—and an unscented option.

The Planet-Friendly Pick: Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Eco Sheets

You’ll never cry over spilled detergent with these lightweight, compact sheets! Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Eco Sheets come in a sustainable cardboard package, eliminating single-use plastic waste. These bleach, dye, paraben, and phosphate-free sheets dissolve quickly in hot and cold water, work in all washing machines, and even let you hand-wash clothes. Plus, the company gives back: Every purchase of eco sheets donates 10 loads to those in need!

Bang for Your Buck: Trader Joe’s Liquid Laundry Detergent

At $10.99 per 100 washes, Trader Joe’s Liquid Laundry Detergent—which comes in Lavender and Free & Clear—stands out as a cost-effective option. Plus, it features essential oils, coconut surfactants, and powerful stain-fighting enzymes that aren’t harsh on the skin.

The Most Versatile: Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap

Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soap can clean just about anything. Crafted from organic ingredients, this multi-purpose soap can wash clothes, dishes, and surfaces around the house. You can even use it as a face and body wash! Pro tip: Following this dilution cheat sheet will make your bottle last longer.

The Honorable Mention: Seventh Generation Liquid Laundry Detergent

Seventh Generation Liquid Laundry Detergent is a reliable option that has it all: stain and odor-fighting power, skin-sensitive ingredients, and eco-conscious materials.

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Are All Laundry Detergents Cruelty-Free?

Dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits, mice, and other individuals are not test subjects. Every one of these animals is someone with a will to live free from harm. Even though advanced, human-relevant testing methods are readily available and widely used, some companies still pay to poison and kill animals.

Avoid these laundry detergents—they are NOT cruelty-free:

• All
• Arm & Hammer
• Gain
• Tide

Are All Laundry Detergents Vegan?

A few companies also use animal-derived ingredients like tallow, fat stolen from an animal’s body. When you buy non-vegan detergent, you’re funding the exploitation of living, feeling individuals.

How Do I Know If a Laundry Detergent Is Cruelty-Free and Vegan?

It’s simple! Just check PETA’s Ultimate Cruelty-Free List, which allows you to search a company’s animal testing status. You can also see which brands only sell vegan products. Don’t just stop at vegan detergent—pledge to live cruelty-free today:

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