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Product Reviews > Home & Garden > Detergent

2025’s Best Toxin-Free Laundry Detergents – 5 Picks You Can Trust

We ranked the top health-friendly detergents so you don’t have to—here are the winners.

BY GABRIELA SMITH

UPDATED: 25 FEBRARY 2025

TESTED BY SARAH DAVIS

PRODUCT TESTING MANAGER

Three eco-friendly laundry detergent products against a colorful background.

HOME & HEALTH UK

Most people assume their laundry detergent is safe—after all, it’s just soap, right?


Unfortunately, many popular brands are packed with hidden chemicals (like phthalates and carcinogens) that don’t just wash out.


They can stay on your clothes and get absorbed into your skin.


Once in your body, these chemicals can contribute to:


  • Damaged Skin Barrier

  • Respiratory Issues

  • Allergies & Sensitivities

  • Hormonal Issues

  • Higher Toxic Burden

  • Reproductive Issues

  • Increased Risk of Certain Cancers


That's why more UK families are choosing safer detergents free from harsh chemicals.


But with so many options on the market, how do you know what’s actually safe yet still works?

Luckily, our team of researchers and expert product testers put 15 of the most popular non-toxic laundry detergents through rigorous testing.

To ensure we only recommend the best non-toxic laundry detergents, we put each product through five key tests:


1️⃣ Cleaning Performance – Does It Actually Clean?


2️⃣ Health & Safety – Are the Ingredients Truly Non-Toxic?


3️⃣ Ease of Use – Does It Create a Hassle?


4️⃣ Eco-Friendliness – Is It Truly Sustainable?


5️⃣ Value for Money – Is It Worth the Price?


After meticulous research and real-world stain tests, here are the top 5 detergents that are truly non-toxic and actually work:

The Top 5 Non-Toxic Detergents That Actually Work

Eco-friendly laundry detergent sheets packaging labeled 'Home + Health Approved.'

Best Overall Laundry Detergent

Dip Laundry Detergent Sheets

Packaging for eco-friendly laundry detergent sheets, labeled Home + Health Approved.

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Score: 95/100


After putting 15 non-toxic laundry detergents through rigorous testing, Dip came out on top as the best overall choice.


We tested it against gravy, mud, sweat, and makeup stains, and it consistently delivered the best stain removal of all the detergents we tried.


And let’s not forget about that Fresh Linen scent - divine! Not too overpowering either.


One of the biggest advantages of Dip is how easy it is to use.


Unlike liquid detergents that spill, drip, and require measuring, Dip’s pre-measured sheets eliminate all the mess—you just tear one in half and toss it in.


It’s also the only detergent we tested with an ECHA-compliant fragrance, meaning it’s free from known hormone disruptors.


This is a major win for people who are health-conscious but still want a detergent that smells fresh.


On top of that, Dip is one of the most sustainable choices—it’s plastic-free, biodegradable, and carbon-neutral.


Most “eco-friendly” detergents still come in plastic bottles, but Dip eliminates waste entirely.

Pros

  • No Hormone Disruptors (ECHA Compliant)


  • Dermatologically Tested & Certified (by OECD)


  • Only use plant-derived or lower impact ingredients


  • Best results at removing stubborn stains


  • 3-in-1: Detergent, Fabric Conditioner and Stain Remover


  • Totally transparent with ingredients


  • Delightful, Light Fragrance


  • Mess-Free (No Spills)


  • Certified Biodegradable (OECD)


  • Plastic Free Packaging (FSC Certified)


  • Carbon-Neutral Delivery


  • Vegan & Cruelty free


  • No Carcinogens


  • 100% Money Back Guarantee

Cons

  • Only available on their website & Amazon


  • A bit more expensive per wash (£0.02 more)


  • Not suitable for wool and silk

Shop #1 Pick

Why These Sheets Were Our Favourite

One of the biggest reasons Dip stood out above the rest was the fact that it’s a laundry sheet—something none of the other detergents we tested offered.


Being a sheet-based detergent gave it several unique advantages that made it the most practical, effective, and eco-friendly option on our list.


Firstly, Dip was the only detergent with a true 3-in-1 formula, meaning it works as a detergent, fabric conditioner, and stain remover in one.


None of the other detergents had this feature, which means with Dip, you don’t need to buy multiple products—saving both money and hassle.


Secondly, because these sheets are liquidless, they have a much higher concentration of active cleaning ingredients.


Over 80% of the formula is active ingredients, making them far more potent for stain removal than the liquid detergents we tested.


This made Dip particularly effective for spot cleaning—we found that simply tearing off a small piece, adding water, and scrubbing worked wonders on tough stains like makeup, grease, and mud.


Another huge advantage of being liquid-free is how easy and mess-free the sheets are to use.


With every single liquid detergent we tested, we dealt with spills, over-pouring, or drips down the bottle.


In contrast, Dip’s sheets required zero measuring—all we had to do was tear a sheet in half and drop it in the drum.


This made it by far the most convenient detergent we tested.


From a health and safety standpoint, Dip was also one of the cleanest and most transparent brands we tested.


It was one of the only detergents to be fully compliant with the ECHA hormone disruptor list, meaning its formula contained no known endocrine-disrupting chemicals.


Additionally, Dip was the only brand that provided full transparency on its fragrance ingredients upfront—whereas with other brands, we had to contact customer support just to get a full ingredient breakdown.


Eco-friendliness was another major factor that set Dip apart.


Out of all the detergents we tested, it was the only one to come in both plastic-free AND compostable packaging.


While other brands claimed to be “eco-friendly,” they still used plastic bottles that had to be recycled—which, depending on local facilities, often still end up in landfills.


With Dip, there’s zero plastic waste.


And finally, Dip was also the most flexible option in terms of cost and convenience.


While some non-toxic detergents were significantly more expensive per wash, Dip offers subscription options that not only make it more affordable but also ensure you never run out.


This allowed it to compete on price while still being the best overall choice in terms of cleaning power, health safety, ease of use, and sustainability.


For all these reasons, Dip was our clear #1 pick.

Key Specifications

Format

Sheets

Number of Washes

60

Price Per Wash

£0.28

Bio or Non-Bio

Bio

Fragrance Options

Fresh Linen & Fragrance Free

Subscription Options

Yes (20% OFF)

Reasons To Buy

3-in-1 formula, best stain cleaning, clean ingredients, most eco-friendly, lovely scent

Laundry liquid bottle labeled 'Faith in Nature' with aloe vera and rosemary scent.

An Outstanding Choice

Faith In Nature Liquid Laundry Detergent

Container of Faith in Nature Aloe Vera and Rosemary Laundry Liquid.

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Score: 85/100


Faith in Nature is a well-known brand in the natural cleaning space, so we had high expectations going into this test.


Right away, we loved the fresh, herbal scent of aloe vera and rosemary—it was one of the best-smelling detergents we tested, offering a natural fragrance without being overwhelming.


In terms of cleaning power, it handled most stains well—it had no trouble lifting baby food, tomato puree, coffee, and even red wine from cotton fabrics.


However, we found that mud and grass stains were a challenge, often requiring an extra pre-treatment step to fully remove them.


One of the biggest selling points of Faith in Nature is its bulk refill system, which is both cost-effective and eco-friendly.


However, the 20L bottle is quite large and heavy, making it a bit tricky to handle.


Pouring directly into the washing machine drawer was messy, and even refilling a smaller bottle wasn’t the easiest task.


While it does reduce plastic waste in the long run, the container itself is still made of plastic, meaning it’s not completely plastic-free like some of the other options we tested.

Pros

  • Bulk Buy & Refillable


  • Natural & Non-Toxic Ingredients


  • Pleasant, Herbal Scent


  • Cruelty-Free & Vegan


  • Effectively Removed Most Stains

Cons

  • Struggled With Certain Stains


  • Messy to Use


  • Plastic Packaging

Key Specifications

Format

Liquid

Number of Washes

150

Price Per Wash

£0.21

Bio or Non-Bio

Non-Bio

Fragrance Options

Aloe Vera and Rosemary Oil

Subscription Options

Only on Amazon (5% OFF)

Reasons To Buy

Good value for money, pleasant scent and good cleaning power

Ecover Non-Bio Laundry Detergent bottle with Home + Health approval label.

An Excellect Choice

Ecover Liquid Laundry Detergent

Ecover non-bio laundry detergent bottle with Home + Health Approved logo.

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Score: 80/100


Ecover has been a trusted name in eco-friendly cleaning for years, so we were excited to put their Bio Laundry Liquid to the test.


It delivered strong overall cleaning power, removing almost 90% of stains, and did an exceptional job on baby food and sebum (the body oil that contributes to acne and greasy stains).


One of Ecover’s standout qualities was its ability to retain colour vibrancy.


After multiple washes, fabrics showed minimal fading, and white clothes came out looking bright and fresh.


For those who want a detergent that keeps clothes looking newer for longer, Ecover performed well in this area.


However, it wasn’t perfect—tea stains were a challenge, requiring extra effort or a pre-treatment step.


Another drawback was the plastic packaging—unlike some of the other detergents on our list, Ecover still relies on plastic bottles, which can end up in landfill even when recycled.


The lack of a handle also made it a bit difficult to pour, especially when full.

Pros

  • Powerful Stain Removal


  • Great for Color Retention


  • Brightens Whites


  • Eco-Friendly Formula


  • Widely Available

Cons

  • Struggled With Certain Stains


  • Bottle Design Could Be Better


  • Plastic Packaging

Key Specifications

Format

Liquid

Number of Washes

40

Price Per Wash

£0.20

Bio or Non-Bio

Non-Bio

Fragrance Options

Lavender and Sandalwood, Honeysuckle & Jasmine, Waterlily & Honeydew, Apple Blossom & Freesia & Fragrance Free

Subscription Options

Only on Amazon (5% OFF)

Reasons To Buy

Great for colour retention, good value for money, eco-formula and decent cleaning power

Eco-friendly non-biological laundry capsules box, labeled 'Home + Health Approved.'

A Great Choice

Smol Laundry Detergent Pods

Packaging for non-biological laundry capsules, featuring 'Home + Health Approved' symbol.

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Score: 75/100


Smol is a popular choice for those looking for a more sustainable, plastic-free laundry detergent, and we were keen to see how it performed.


Performance-wise, Smol handled everyday stains well, with over 80% of stains lifting from our test fabrics. It did a great job on coffee, foundation, and baby food, and testers noted that whites stayed bright even after multiple washes.


However, it struggled a bit with tea stains—one of the biggest problem areas for multiple detergents we tested.


There was also some noticeable fading in colored fabrics over time, which was a downside.


One thing we liked was Smol’s stain gel, which performed well on common food and drink stains like baby food, sauces, and blood.


The subscription model is a double-edged sword—while it’s incredibly convenient for those who like automatic deliveries, some people might prefer to purchase detergent on their own schedule.


If you’re someone who prefers to buy in bulk or grab a detergent when you need it, Smol’s system may feel restrictive.


Pros

  • Plastic-Free Packaging


  • Good Cleaning Performance


  • Brightens Whites Well


  • Vegan & Cruelty-Free

Cons

  • Struggled With Certain Stains


  • Some Colour Fading


  • Subscription Model May Not Suit Everyone

Key Specifications

Format

Pods

Number of Washes

27

Price Per Wash

£0.26

Bio or Non-Bio

Bio & Non-Bio

Fragrance Options

Fragrance & Fragrance Free

Subscription Options

Only Subscription

Reasons To Buy

Eco-friendly, good cleaning performance and vegan & cruelty-free.

Pink bottle of Method concentrated laundry detergent with 'Home + Health Approved' label.

A Reliable Choice

Method Liquid Laundry Detergent

Pink bottle of Method concentrated laundry detergent with 'Home + Health Approved' label.

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Score: 70/100


Method is a well-known eco-friendly cleaning brand, so we were curious to see how their Concentrated Bio Laundry Liquid performed.


Right off the bat, we liked the range of fragrance options—we tested the Peony Blush scent, which was pleasant and fresh without being overpowering.


However, we did note that Method’s fragrances contain synthetic perfumes, making it not entirely plant-based like some of the other detergents we tested.


When it came to cleaning power, Method delivered solid results, removing 90% of stains from our test fabrics.


It handled most everyday stains well, though it struggled with tea and foundation residue—two of the most stubborn stains across our testing.


One area where Method really impressed us was color retention.


Many bio detergents can be harsh on colors, but we saw minimal fading, even after multiple washes.


It also performed well on nylon whites, though we did notice some slight greying on white cotton and polycotton fabrics over time.


The biggest downside was the packaging design.


While the bottle looks sleek, it’s bulky and lacks a handle, making it harder to pour accurately—especially for those who prefer precise measuring without spills.

Pros

  • Strong Cleaning Power


  • Minimal Color Fading


  • Good for Whites (Mostly)


  • Pleasant Fragrance


  • Widely Available

Cons

  • Not Fully Plant-Based


  • Struggled With Certain Stains


  • Bulky Bottle & No Handle


  • Some Greying on Whites

Key Specifications

Format

Liquid

Number of Washes

39

Price Per Wash

£0.26

Bio or Non-Bio

Bio

Fragrance Options

Peony Blush, Wild Lavender, & Orchard Fruit

Subscription Options

Only on Amazon - 5% OFF

Reasons To Buy

Strong cleaning performance, pleasant fragrance and minimal colour fading.

Why Our Team Choose Dip as The #1 Pick

Blue packaging for eco-friendly laundry detergent sheets on a neutral fabric background.

After testing 15 of the most popular non-toxic laundry detergents, Dip stood out as the best overall. Here’s why:


1️⃣ Safe Plant-Derived Ingredients

Unlike many “eco” detergents that still contain hidden toxins, Dip uses only plant-derived, lower-impact ingredients. It’s free from phthalates, parabens, optical brighteners, 1,4-dioxane, DEA, and other harsh chemicals. Natural saponins and sodium citrate powerfully clean without compromising your health.



2️⃣ Hormone-Friendly Fragrance

Fragrance is one of the biggest hidden hormone disruptors, and Dip is one of the only brands fully transparent about its ingredients. It’s free from all ECHA-listed endocrine disruptors, and there’s also a fragrance-free option available. You get a fresh, non-toxic scent without hidden risks.


3️⃣ Super Effective + 3-in-1 Formula

Dip outperformed every other detergent in our stain tests thanks to its ultra-concentrated, 3-in-1 formula (detergent, fabric softener, and stain remover). Tough stains like mud, makeup, and grease lifted easily—no pre-treatment needed. Even a set-in lipstick stain on carpet disappeared completely.


4️⃣ Ease of Use – No Spills or Measuring

Unlike messy liquid and powder detergents, Dip’s pre-measured sheets require zero measuring or pouring. No spills, no drips, and no waste—just tear a sheet and toss it in. It’s lightweight, easy to store, and perfect for travel.


5️⃣ Eco-Friendly Packaging & Biodegradable Formula

Dip was the only detergent in our test that was both plastic-free and compostable. The packaging is FSC-certified, and the formula is OECD-certified biodegradable. Unlike other brands in plastic bottles, Dip is truly waste-free.


6️⃣ Positive Customer Feedback – Over 30,000 Happy Customers

With thousands of five-star reviews, Dip is a proven favorite among those switching to non-toxic detergent. Customers rave about its cleaning power, fresh scent, and ease of use. Plus, it comes with a 100% money-back guarantee, making it risk-free to try.

Comparison chart of laundry detergents featuring cleaning performance, ingredients, and price per wash.

Conclusion

In conclusion, after rigorous testing of 15 non-toxic detergents, Dip came out on top as the best all-around choice for cleaning power, ingredient safety, ease of use, and sustainability.


It’s free from harmful chemicals, removes tough stains effortlessly, and comes in plastic-free, biodegradable packaging—something no other detergent matched.


If you’re looking for a truly non-toxic detergent that actually works, Dip is the clear winner.

Shop The Number #1 Pick: Dip