9 Cruelty-Free Fabric Softeners for Softer, Static-Free Laundry

Nobody likes pulling stiff, scratchy clothes out of the dryer. That’s where fabric softener comes in. It helps clothes feel smooth, smell fresh, and stay static-free.

The problem is that many well-known brands like Downy and Snuggle still test on animals. If you’re trying to make your laundry routine a little kinder, switching to a cruelty-free option is an easy place to start.

I’ve rounded up a list of fabric softeners and dryer sheets that are certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny or PETA. Many are vegan too, so you can keep your clothes soft without compromising your values.Note: Brands marked with an asterisk () are owned by a parent company that is not cruelty-free.*

Short on time? These are our top picks for cruelty-free fabric softeners.

Method – (owned by SC Johnson)– Easy to find, works well, and comes in fresh scents.
365 by Whole Foods – Budget-friendly and gentle on sensitive skin.
Attitude Vegan Fabric Softener – Plant-based, hypoallergenic, and available in fragrance-free options.

1. Method*

Method Fabric Softener is a simple, plant-based option that helps keep clothes soft, fresh, and static free. The formula is vegan and gentle on fabrics, making it a good fit for everyday laundry. It’s easy to find in most stores and comes in a range of clean, light scents.

2. 365 by Whole Foods Market

365 by Whole Foods Market Fabric Softener is made for anyone who wants fresh, soft laundry without harsh ingredients. The vegan, plant-based formula has a light scent that won’t overwhelm sensitive skin. It’s affordable, easy to find, and works in both standard and high-efficiency machines.

3. Attitude

Attitude Fabric Softener is a great choice for anyone who wants soft, clean clothes made with gentle, vegan, plant-based ingredients. The formula includes green tea extract, which helps keep fabrics fresh and smooth. It has a light, clean scent that leaves laundry feeling calm and naturally fresh.

4. Seventh Generation*

Seventh Generation Fabric Softener is a plant-based option that helps keep clothes soft and static free. The vegan formula is made without synthetic fragrances or dyes, making it a safe pick for sensitive skin. It comes in two versions: Lavender or Unscented, so you can choose between a light floral scent or a simple fragrance free wash.

5. Molly’s Suds

Molly’s Suds Fabric Softener uses a vinegar-powered formula to soften clothes without leaving any residue. It helps reduce static and wrinkles, leaving laundry feeling fresh and cozy. Made with just seven simple ingredients and scented with real essential oils, it’s a gentle, vegan option that’s ideal for sensitive skin or anyone looking for a more natural choice.

6. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day*

Mrs. Meyer’s Fabric Softener helps reduce static and leaves clothes feeling soft and fresh. The biodegradable formula works in both high-efficiency and standard machines, making it easy to use in any laundry setup. It comes in several garden-inspired scents like Lavender, Honeysuckle, and Peony, so you can pick the one that fits your mood.

7. Ecover*

Ecover Fabric Softener is a gentle, plant-powered option made for sensitive skin and allergy-prone households. It helps fabrics stay soft, reduces wrinkles, and makes ironing a little easier. Available in scents like Apple Blossom Almond and Gardenia Vanilla, it leaves laundry smelling naturally fresh without being overpowering.

8. Caldrea*

Caldrea Fabric Softener uses plant-derived ingredients to smooth wrinkles, reduce static, and keep clothes soft. It’s available in several unique scents like Sweet Pea, Ginger Pomelo, and Basil Blue Sage, each adding a touch of luxury to your laundry routine. A nice pick if you enjoy fragrance-forward, cruelty-free products.

9. Boulder Clean

Boulder Clean Fabric Softener is a plant-based option that leaves clothes and linens soft, cozy, and comfortable. It helps reduce static and wrinkles without leaving any residue behind. Made without optical brighteners, dyes, phosphates, or SLS, it’s a gentle choice for sensitive skin and everyday laundry.

Fabric Softener Brands to Avoid

Some well-known fabric softener brands still test on animals or are owned by companies that do. If you’re trying to keep your laundry routine cruelty-free and gentle, it’s best to skip these:

Downy (Procter & Gamble)
Snuggle (Henkel)
Gain (Procter & Gamble)
Suavitel (Colgate-Palmolive)

FAQs about Cruelty-Free Fabric Softeners

A fabric softener is cruelty-free when neither the product nor its ingredients are tested on animals. Certifications from programs like Leaping Bunny or PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies make it easy to confirm this. Some brands may still be owned by a parent company that isn’t cruelty-free.

Many are. They often skip harsh chemicals, dyes, and synthetic fragrances, which makes them gentler on skin and fabrics. If you’re sensitive to scents or additives, look for fragrance-free versions.

Yes. They use plant-derived ingredients to soften fabrics and reduce static, just without animal testing. The main difference is in formulation style, not performance.

Most are safe for both standard and HE washers. Always check the label to be sure.

Wool dryer balls are a simple, eco-friendly alternative. They soften fabrics, cut drying time, and reduce static naturally, without added fragrance or chemicals.

What I Learned About Cruelty-Free Fabric Softeners

Before putting this list together, I had no idea there were so many good alternatives to big names like Downy. I was happy to find options from brands like Attitude, Ecover, and Seventh Generation that care about both skin sensitivity and sustainability. It’s nice knowing there are products that fit everyday needs while staying true to your values.

Now I’d like to hear from you. Have you tried any of the cruelty-free fabric softeners or dryer sheets before? Please leave a comment below.