17 Cruelty-Free Laundry Detergents That Actually Work

When I first started looking for a cruelty free laundry detergent, I wasn’t sure where to begin. Most of the big name brands still test on animals, and that felt like such an unnecessary part of keeping clothes clean. I wanted something that worked just as well without the guilt.

Over time, I found that switching to cruelty free products isn’t as complicated as it sounds. You don’t have to overhaul your entire routine at once. Starting with laundry is a simple way to make a small, steady change.

The brands in this list don’t test on animals at any stage of production. Many are also vegan, biodegradable, and made with ingredients that are gentle on skin and better for the planet.

Short on time? Start with these cruelty-free detergents

Ecover – My personal favorite. It has a mild scent, works well in HE machines, and doesn’t leave residue.
Biokleen – Concentrated and effective with a light citrus scent. It’s gentle on skin but strong enough to handle sweaty loads.
Molly’s Suds – Great for sensitive skin or baby laundry. Free of harsh ingredients and fragrance-heavy formulas.
Dr. Bronner’s – Super versatile. You can use it for laundry, dishes, and more, and the ingredients are all organic and biodegradable.

Cruelty-Free Laundry Detergents

Every brand in this list is certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny, PETA, or Choose Cruelty Free. Most are also vegan, which means they don’t contain any animal-derived ingredients.

A quick note before you dive in: a few of these brands are owned by parent companies that still test on animals. I’ve added a star next to those so you can decide what feels right for you.

1. Attitude

Attitude makes cruelty-free laundry detergent with plant and mineral based ingredients that actually get clothes clean. It’s hypoallergenic, vegan, and ECOLOGO certified, which means it’s gentle on skin and safer for the environment. I like that the bottles are made from recyclable plastic and the scents are light and fresh instead of overpowering.

2. Biokleen

Biokleen’s cruelty-free laundry detergent is one of those dependable basics that just works. It’s plant based, concentrated, and tough on stains without being harsh on fabrics. The light citrus scent comes from natural extracts, not synthetic fragrance, and a little goes a long way.

3. Caldrea*

Caldrea’s cruelty free laundry detergent feels a bit more luxurious than most. It’s made with plant derived ingredients and essential oils, giving it those beautiful, layered scents the brand is known for. A small amount leaves clothes soft, clean, and lightly fragrant without feeling heavy or perfumed.

4. Cleancult

Cleancult makes switching to cruelty free laundry detergent easy with its refill system and glass bottles. The detergent itself is plant based, biodegradable, and available in soft, natural scents. It cleans well without leaving residue and helps cut down on plastic waste at the same time.

5. Dr. Bronner’s

Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap can do just about everything, including laundry. It’s made with organic oils and simple ingredients that rinse clean and work well even in cold water. A small amount is usually enough, and the scents are fresh and natural without being overpowering.

6. Earth Breeze

Earth Breeze comes in lightweight, dissolvable sheets instead of a plastic jug. They clean just as well as liquid detergent but take up almost no space and create less waste. It’s an easy swap if you’re trying to make your laundry routine more sustainable.

7. ECOS

ECOS is a long trusted brand in natural cleaning, and their laundry detergent is gentle, affordable, and easy to find. It works well in both standard and HE machines and comes in a range of light, natural fragrances. A good option if you’re switching your whole household to cruelty free cleaners.

8. Ecover*

Ecover’s cruelty free laundry detergent has been around for years and is known for its mild, effective formula. It’s plant based, biodegradable, and safe for septic systems. The fresh scent is subtle, and the detergent rinses clean without residue.

9. Grab Green

Grab Green makes powdered and pod style detergents that are cruelty free and easy to use. The formulas are made with naturally derived ingredients and skip the harsh chemicals found in conventional brands. They’re especially convenient if you prefer pre measured options that still feel eco friendly.

10. Heritage Park

Heritage Park’s cruelty free laundry detergent is designed for delicate fabrics like silk and linen but still handles everyday loads well. It’s pH neutral, biodegradable, and free from optical brighteners or harsh additives. If you want something gentle that still feels effective, this one’s worth trying.

11. Kind Laundry

Kind Laundry takes the mess out of measuring with its pre cut detergent sheets. They dissolve easily in all water temperatures and are great for small spaces or travel. The formula is plant based and hypoallergenic, so it’s a good fit for sensitive skin.

12. Molly’s Suds

Molly’s Suds is a favorite for sensitive skin or baby laundry. The powder formula is made with just a few simple ingredients and no synthetic fragrance. Clothes come out clean, soft, and fresh without the strong scent most detergents leave behind.

14. Nellie’s Natural

Nellie’s Natural laundry soda is a simple, old fashioned powder that gets the job done. It dissolves completely and works in both standard and HE machines. The tin packaging also cuts down on plastic, which makes it a little kinder to the planet too.

15. Planet

Planet’s cruelty free laundry detergent is fragrance free, biodegradable, and made for sensitive skin. It’s a simple, no frills formula that still gets clothes clean without irritation. A great choice if you want something unscented and gentle for the whole family.

16. Powerizer

Powerizer comes as a multipurpose powder that works for both laundry and household cleaning. It uses mineral and plant based ingredients to lift stains and odors while keeping whites bright. The fresh scent is light, and it saves space since one product can handle more than one job.

17. Seventh Generation*

Seventh Generation is one of the more familiar names in cruelty free cleaning. Their detergent is tough on stains but made with plant based ingredients and no artificial brighteners. It’s available in liquid, powder, and pod form, so you can choose what works best for your routine.

Which Laundry Brands Still Test On Animals

Some well-known laundry brands still allow animal testing, either directly or through their parent companies. Just because a detergent looks natural or says “eco friendly” on the label doesn’t mean it’s cruelty free.

Here are a few to avoid if you’re choosing detergent based on ethical testing practices:

All (Henkel)
Cheer (Procter & Gamble)
Dreft (Procter & Gamble)
Gain (Procter & Gamble)
Persil (Henkel)
Perwoll (Henkel)
Snuggle (Henkel)
Softlan (Colgate Palmolive)
Suavitel (Colgate Palmolive)
Surf (Henkel)
Tide (Procter & Gamble)

You can read more about each brand’s policies in the linked articles.

Wrap Up: Cruelty Free Laundry Detergents

It’s reassuring to know that so many cruelty free laundry detergents actually work. Whether you like powders, liquids, or easy dissolving sheets, there’s an option that fits your routine without the animal testing or harsh chemicals.

If you’re just starting out, try one brand and see how it feels. Small swaps like this add up, and laundry is an easy place to begin.

Want more cruelty free cleaning ideas? You might like these posts:etergents? Do you have a favorite I missed? Leave your thoughts in the comments.

17 Cruelty-Free Laundry Detergents That Actually Work

Short on time? Start with these cruelty-free detergents