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  • 9 Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents UK 2023 | Seventh Generation, Method and More 1
  • 9 Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents UK 2023 | Seventh Generation, Method and More 2
  • 9 Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents UK 2023 | Seventh Generation, Method and More 3
  • 9 Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents UK 2023 | Seventh Generation, Method and More 4
  • 9 Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents UK 2023 | Seventh Generation, Method and More 5

9 Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents UK 2023 | Seventh Generation, Method and More

An eco-friendly laundry detergent allows you to give your clothes and bedding the refreshing wash they need, while also making sure you’re respectful to the environment. Whether you prefer liquids or powder detergent, many of the top brands offer greener options which help you skip chemicals and use natural, organic ingredients which are gentler on the planet (and on sensitive skin!), with some even offering plastic-free packaging.

Companies like Ecover, Method and Faith in Nature all create effective detergents which smell fresh and are affordable too. You may even fancy a zero-waste laundry ball which cleans clothes and remains a friend of the Earth. Check out our guide explaining how to pick the best planet-friendly laundry detergent, and browse our ranking of the best options you can buy online from Amazon, eBay and more.
Last updated 14/07/2023
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Table of Contents

How to Choose an Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent – Buying Guide

There are all sorts of excellent laundry detergents available to choose from online nowadays, but which ones really help you do your bit for the environment? Take a look at our handy tips for selecting a product that meets your needs and protects the planet.

1

Decide Between Liquid and Powder Detergents or Laundry Balls

Though most of us have a preference when it comes to the formula of laundry detergent we use, there are a couple of points worth considering when it comes to how eco-friendly they are. Aside from liquids and powders, there's also a third type to consider: laundry balls. Here's what to weigh up for each type. 

If Choosing a Liquid or Powder, Pick Concentrated Formulas Washable on Low Temperatures

If Choosing a Liquid or Powder, Pick Concentrated Formulas Washable on Low Temperatures
Whether you'd prefer a liquid or powder, picking detergents which are highly concentrated will reduce their environmental impact, as they only require a small amount per wash and last much longer per container. 

While ultra-concentrated formulas are usually in liquid form, you can check the number of washes for a powder to see how much you'll get out of them. Also, a big draw of powders is that they can be packaged in cardboard rather than plastic. 


Concentrated formulas will be able to perform just as well on colder, shorter washing cycles, which means lower carbon emissions overall. Even if a detergent does not mention whether its formula is concentrated, it's still worth checking whether it can efficiently wash your clothes on low-temperature cycles of 30 degrees.

Try an Eco-Friendly Laundry Ball or Egg to Skip Chemicals Completely

Try an Eco-Friendly Laundry Ball or Egg to Skip Chemicals Completely
By picking a laundry ball instead of liquid or powder detergent, you instantly reduce your plastic and packaging consumption, as these clever little balls last for as much as a year or more. Laundry balls often contain detergent pellets, made with all-natural ingredients with no harsh chemicals.

They can be used without any other product, relying largely on water (which can actually break through urine and even blood), the movement of the washing machine, and the friction from the ball itself. If you'd like your clothes or bedding to smell nice, you can always add a few drops of essential oil to the drum. 

2

Look for Natural, Biodegradable Ingredients Which Will do Less Damage to the Earth and Seas

Look for Natural, Biodegradable Ingredients Which Will do Less Damage to the Earth and Seas
When choosing an eco-friendly laundry detergent, it’s vital to look for ingredients which will be kind to the environment. That means opting for natural rather than man-made ingredients; plant-based where possible and grown organically. Products made with this type of ingredient should biodegrade easily and won’t contaminate the ground or sea where they end up.


Ingredients to avoid include palm oil, which is responsible for the destruction of huge sections of rainforest and the natural habitat of countless animal and insect species.


Toxic ingredients such as chlorine bleach, synthetic fragrances, dyes, optical brighteners, phosphates, sodium laureth sulphate (SLS) and parabens are also no-nos, as they can all be potentially contaminating, both to your skin and to the planet as they enter the water supply.

3

Pick Certified Cruelty-Free and Vegan Products Not Tested on Animals

Pick Certified Cruelty-Free and Vegan Products Not Tested on Animals
If you care about the planet and those you share it with, your priority should be picking cruelty-free, vegan products; and this applies to your laundry detergent too.


As well as checking out the label (or the brand's website, if you wish), keep an eye out for the following logos:


  • The PETA-approved bunny logo which guarantees no animal testing was used in the making of a product. 
  • Similarly, the rabbit with a pink heart representing its ears. This is used in the USA but may apply to some products available in the UK. 
  • The leaping bunny, which represents the gold standard in cruelty-free cosmetics and household cleaning products. 
  • The vegan flower symbol, which is proof that a product is certified vegan by the Vegan Society and contains no animal products.
4

Use Eco-Friendly Certifications as a Guide to Avoid ‘Green-Washed’ Products

Use Eco-Friendly Certifications as a Guide to Avoid ‘Green-Washed’ Products
Alongside the aforementioned cruelty-free and vegan seals of approval, another logo worth looking for is the carbon neutral stamp. 

This proves a company has taken measures to remove as much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as it puts out during the production process. Products made in North America may be USDA certified, meaning the United States Department of Agriculture approves of the methods of production used.

5

Choose Detergents With Recyclable or Biodegradable Packaging

Choose Detergents With Recyclable or Biodegradable Packaging
Just as the ingredients in a detergent that’s safe for the environment should be gentle and natural, its packaging should also be eco-friendly where possible. 

To win extra eco-points, look out for laundry liquids and powders which come in plastic-free packaging. Failing that, make sure the bottle or carton is easily recyclable, and if possible, made from recycled materials itself. 

6

Select a Detergent Made in the UK for a Far Smaller Carbon Footprint

Select a Detergent Made in the UK for a Far Smaller Carbon Footprint
An eco-friendly laundry detergent is kind to the planet with more than just its ingredients and packaging. Travelling long air or lorry miles from producer to consumer means a huge CO2 output, which cancels out the benefits of organic, natural ingredients.


A detergent made in the UK is a better option, keeping the carbon footprint of your purchase to a minimum. Of course, the more locally you can shop, the better!

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Select a Detergent Made in the UK for a Far Smaller Carbon Footprint

Here are the best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents, ranked according to the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 16-01-2023). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Popularity
Products
Image
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Key features
1

Bio-D

1. Bio D Concentrated Non-Bio Washing Powder｜2 kg

Bio-D 1. Bio D Concentrated Non-Bio Washing Powder 1枚目

Live Your Greenest Life

2

EcoEgg

2. EcoEgg Multi-Use Laundry Egg in Fresh Linen

EcoEgg 2. EcoEgg Multi-Use Laundry Egg in Fresh Linen 1枚目

Refillable Laundry Ball Perfect for Sensitive Skin

3

Faith in Nature

4. Faith in Nature Super Concentrated Laundry Liquid｜5 litres

Faith in Nature 4. Faith in Nature Super Concentrated Laundry Liquid 1枚目

Ultra-Concentrated Bulk Buy With a Dreamy Herbal Scent

4

Ecover

9. Wilton Jasmine Eco Laundry Liquid｜1.5 litres

Ecover 9. Wilton Jasmine Eco Laundry Liquid 1枚目

Beautifully-Scented Liquid Made in a Zero-Waste Factory

5

Ecover

5. Ecover Non-Bio Washing Powder｜3 kg

Ecover 5. Ecover Non-Bio Washing Powder 1枚目

Tackle Stains Even at 30 Degrees

6

Method

6. Earth Friendly Products Ecos Lavender Laundry Detergent｜1.56 litres

Method 6. Earth Friendly Products Ecos Lavender Laundry Detergent 1枚目

Best Pick for Sweet-Smelling Laundry

7

Super Washing Machine

8. Super Washing Machine Eco-Friendly Laundry Ball

Super Washing Machine 8. Super Washing Machine Eco-Friendly Laundry Ball 1枚目

Forget Detergent for Good

8

Seventh Generation

7. Seventh Generation Natural Concentrated Laundry Detergent｜1.47 litres

Seventh Generation 7. Seventh Generation Natural Concentrated Laundry Detergent 1枚目

Skip the Plastic Bottle for Compostable Cardboard

9

Ecos

10. Mrs Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Detergent｜3 litres

Ecos 10. Mrs Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Detergent 1枚目

Lavender-Scented Liquid With Carbon Neutral Approval

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Bio-D1. Bio D Concentrated Non-Bio Washing Powder ｜ 2 kg

1. Bio D Concentrated Non-Bio Washing Powder Image 1
Source：amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£10.92
    • Reference price
    £10.92

    Live Your Greenest Life

    This washing powder provides an exceptional clean, leaves clothes smelling fresh and guarantees a minimal impact on the environment. Ethically above board too, this Bio-D detergent powder is made from safe, natural ingredients that won’t harm Mother Earth.

    The paper bag is ideal if you’re aiming to go plastic-free and the leaping bunny and Vegan Society symbols let you know the product is made entirely without animal cruelty. Enough to last you 33 washes, and probably more as it’s powerful stuff, you’re getting great value and can rest safe knowing you’ve done your bit for the planet.
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    No.2

    EcoEgg 2. EcoEgg Multi-Use Laundry Egg in Fresh Linen

    2. EcoEgg Multi-Use Laundry Egg in Fresh Linen Image 1
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    2. EcoEgg Multi-Use Laundry Egg in Fresh Linen Image 2
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    Reference price
    £12.99
    • Reference price
    £12.99

    Refillable Laundry Ball Perfect for Sensitive Skin

    However sceptical you may be about laundry balls (and eggs), the fact remains that water can break down dirt as tough as blood and urine! Add to this the all-natural cleaning pellets contained inside the eco-egg and you’ve got three years of effective washing costing just 3 pence per wash.  

    A great pick for anyone whose sensitive skin is irritated by detergents, you can choose from four essential oil-scented fragrances, as well as three different sizes which promise 54, 210 or 720 washes. After this, refill pellets are available online, and even after this, the plastic can be recycled. Try it once and you’ll never look back.

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    No.3

    Faith in Nature4. Faith in Nature Super Concentrated Laundry Liquid ｜ 5 litres

    4. Faith in Nature Super Concentrated Laundry Liquid Image 1
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    Reference price
    £20.45
    • Reference price
    £20.45

    Ultra-Concentrated Bulk Buy With a Dreamy Herbal Scent

    Faith in Nature’s super-size bottle of super-concentrated laundry liquid is excellent value for money as it contains 5 litres of detergent but you’ll need just 20 ml for a decent wash. The plastic bottle is big and sturdy enough to be re-used and recycled – check your local zero-waste shop to see if they offer refills. 

    Better yet, the UK-based factory promises minimal carbon emissions bringing it to you. A certified vegan product with the leaping bunny sign, this delicious rosemary and aloe vera scented wash stands out on our list as effective, delightfully-fragranced and extra long-lasting.
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    No.4

    Ecover9. Wilton Jasmine Eco Laundry Liquid ｜ 1.5 litres

    Reference price
    £8.00
    • Reference price
    £8.00

    Beautifully-Scented Liquid Made in a Zero-Waste Factory

    There's a reason Ecover is such a big name in environmental cleaning products – or rather, there are several! This concentrated liquid is naturally scented with lavender, sandalwood and amber, and has been certified as suitable for sensitive skin and completely vegan. 

    Additionally, this detergent has been produced in a completely zero-waste facility whereby 98.1% of the factory waste is diverted from landfill. The bottle is not only recyclable but made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, too. If only it was made in the UK!

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    No.5

    Ecover5. Ecover Non-Bio Washing Powder ｜ 3 kg

    5. Ecover Non-Bio Washing Powder Image 1
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    Reference price
    £12.50
    • Reference price
    £12.50

    Tackle Stains Even at 30 Degrees

    A winner of a Good Housekeeping Institute award, this powder will clean up to 40 loads of laundry giving them a fresh, naturally-derived scent and comes in a cardboard box to keep plastics to a minimum. It cleans both whites and colours perfectly well at 30 degrees which is great news for the planet.

    One downside is that the product isn’t made in the UK, but coming from Belgium means it doesn’t have a colossal carbon footprint like those detergents manufactured further afield. The leaping bunny assures you it’s cruelty-free.
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    No.6

    Method 6. Earth Friendly Products Ecos Lavender Laundry Detergent ｜ 1.56 litres

    6. Earth Friendly Products Ecos Lavender Laundry Detergent Image 1
    Source：tesco.com
    Reference price
    £9.00
    • Reference price
    £9.00

    Best Pick for Sweet-Smelling Laundry

    Smelling sweetly of peony flowers, this laundry liquid is for you if you want a fragranced detergent without sacrificing your environmentally-friendly values. Method have the world’s only line of Cradle to Cradle certified cleaning products, which is the highest bar for green product and packaging design, as well as manufacturing process responsibility.

    Though its ingredients are 95% natural and 98% biodegradable, it does, unfortunately, contain optical brighteners. On the upside, this popular product will last up to 39 washes, tackling stains and keeping whites white and colours bright on low temperatures of 30 degrees. 
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    No.7

    Super Washing Machine8. Super Washing Machine Eco-Friendly Laundry Ball

    8. Super Washing Machine Eco-Friendly Laundry Ball Image 1
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    Reference price
    £8.99
    • Reference price
    £8.99

    Forget Detergent for Good

    If you want to save cash and ditch detergent altogether, try this impressively popular laundry ball which you can pop into the machine without adding anything else. It claims to use magnetic ions to draw dirt away from fabric while also reducing the risk of limescale in your machine.

    Unfortunately, it cannot be recycled at the end of its life, but it can be used for up to an impressive 1,500 washes. Whether or not you’re convinced by the science, a hundred plus 5-star reviews on Amazon surely can't be wrong! 
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    No.8

    Seventh Generation7. Seventh Generation Natural Concentrated Laundry Detergent ｜ 1.47 litres

    7. Seventh Generation Natural Concentrated Laundry Detergent Image 1
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    Reference price
    £12.00
    • Reference price
    £12.00

    Skip the Plastic Bottle for Compostable Cardboard

    This fragrance-free laundry liquid comes in a compostable and recyclable cardboard bottle and promises no dyes or artificial brighteners in its tried-and-tested triple enzyme, 96% plant-based formula. Though available in UK supermarkets and online, it's unfortunately produced in the States so will have a considerable carbon footprint.

    The good news is that this product is approved by the United States Department of agriculture as well as being named as a ‘Safer Choice’ product by North America’s Environmental Protection Agency. It comes leaping-bunny approved too, and is ultra-concentrated to last up to 66 washes.
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    No.9

    Ecos 10. Mrs Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Detergent ｜ 3 litres

    10. Mrs Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Detergent Image 1
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    Reference price
    £40.50
    • Reference price
    £40.50

    Lavender-Scented Liquid With Carbon Neutral Approval

    This liquid detergent has a lovely lavender scent and leaves clothes clean and fresh at any temperature. It has a built-in fabric conditioner too, saving you buying a second plastic bottle. It's free from any planet-harming phosphates, dyes, or parabens and is biodegradable, as well as carrying many impressive certifications. 

    In particular, it has the Carbon Neutral seal, and is manufactured in family-owned plants powered by 100% renewable energy which adhere to Zero Waste Business Council guidelines. Sadly, Ecos's products have a considerable carbon footprint if you’re shopping in the UK as they’re made in the US, which also makes this a rather expensive purchase. 

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    Looking for More Laundry Products?

    Looking for More Laundry Products?

    If you have a big family with a constant supply of dirty clothes that need cleaning, one bottle of detergent won't be enough! Take a look at our other articles for some of the best laundry products to buy online. 

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    Summary

    Thus concludes our breakdown of the very best laundry detergents you can buy online which are low in chemicals, use minimal plastic packaging and will cause least harm to the environment.


    We hope you’ll be able to find an eco-friendly product on our list which will keep your family’s clothes beautifully clean and help you live your best – and greenest – life!


    Author: Annie Hopkins

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    Top 5 Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents

    No. 1: Bio-D｜1. Bio D Concentrated Non-Bio Washing Powder｜2 kg

    No. 2: EcoEgg ｜2. EcoEgg Multi-Use Laundry Egg in Fresh Linen

    No. 3: Faith in Nature｜4. Faith in Nature Super Concentrated Laundry Liquid｜5 litres

    No. 4: Ecover｜9. Wilton Jasmine Eco Laundry Liquid｜1.5 litres

    No. 5: Ecover｜5. Ecover Non-Bio Washing Powder｜3 kg

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    When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
    The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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