Cruelty-free laundry and soap products: Top ethical options for your home in 2025

Laundry day is a ritual in many homes, and the products we choose can make a significant difference not just for our clothes, but for animals as well.

Cruelty-free laundry and soap products avoid animal testing and often use plant-based ingredients. These gentle yet effective cleaners keep our clothing and homes fresh without harming our furry friends.

When selecting cruelty-free options, look for trusted certifications like Leaping Bunny or PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies program. These labels ensure the product and its ingredients haven’t been tested on animals. Many cruelty-free brands also focus on eco-friendly packaging and biodegradable formulas, making them better choices for our planet too.

The market now offers wonderful alternatives that clean effectively without harsh chemicals. We recommend paying attention to ingredient lists and avoiding products with synthetic fragrances, which can contain animal-derived compounds.

Natural scents from essential oils provide lovely aromas without ethical concerns.

We spent weeks testing dozens of cruelty-free laundry and soap products to find options that clean beautifully while keeping animal welfare in mind.

Best Cruelty-Free Laundry and Soap Products

We’ve carefully selected these gentle yet effective laundry and soap products that promise clean results without harming animals. Our list features brands that have made firm commitments to cruelty-free practices, so you can feel good about adding these pure and mindful options to your cleaning routine.

ATTITUDE Mountain Fresh Laundry Detergent

This plant-based, cruelty-free detergent offers exceptional cleaning power while being gentle on both your clothes and the environment.

Pros

Made with 98% naturally sourced ingredients
Pleasant, not overpowering mountain fresh scent
Works well in both HE and standard machines

Cons

Bottle design lacks a pour spout
Cap can be messy when pouring
Higher price point than conventional detergents

We recently added ATTITUDE’s Mountain Fresh detergent to our laundry routine, and we’re thoroughly impressed with its cleaning capabilities.

The formula effectively tackles everyday stains while leaving clothes smelling delightfully fresh. The airy floral notes combined with hints of almond and vanilla create a subtle, sophisticated fragrance that isn’t overwhelming.

What particularly stands out is ATTITUDE’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

The bottle is crafted from easily recyclable HDPE #2 plastic, and the company offers eco-refills to reduce waste. We appreciate that this detergent works beautifully in cold water cycles, helping us conserve energy with every wash.

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For those with sensitive skin concerns, this PETA-certified vegan formula is a gentle alternative to harsh chemical detergents.

It’s free from phosphates, dyes, phthalates, formaldehyde, and enzymes. We found that even delicate fabrics emerged clean and soft.

While the bottle’s design could benefit from a proper pour spout, the overall quality and performance of this Canadian-made product make it a worthwhile addition to any eco-conscious household.

Mrs. Meyer’s Lavender Laundry Detergent

We believe Mrs. Meyer’s Lavender Laundry Detergent is a wonderful choice for conscientious consumers who want effective cleaning power with a delightful scent and eco-friendly formula.

Pros

Lovely lavender scent that’s noticeable but not overwhelming
Plant-derived ingredients with cruelty-free formula
Highly concentrated (64 loads per bottle)

Cons

Slightly higher price point than conventional detergents
May not tackle severe grease stains as effectively
Scent might be too floral for some preferences

We recently used this lavender-scented gem in our weekly laundry routine and were thoroughly impressed.

The concentrated formula requires just a small amount per load, making the two-pack excellent value despite its initial price. The liquid pours smoothly from the bottle without messy drips or spills.

The lavender fragrance fills the laundry room with a soothing, herbaceous aroma that brings to mind a well-tended garden. Unlike harsh chemical detergents, this scent is natural and calming. Our clothes emerged from the wash smelling fresh but not perfumed.

What truly sets this detergent apart is its biodegradable, plant-derived formula.

We appreciate that it works in both HE and conventional machines. The cleaning power handled everyday dirt and minor stains effectively.

While it may require a pre-treatment for tougher marks, the gentle yet thorough cleaning left our linens and garments soft and bright. This product proves that being kind to animals and our planet doesn’t mean compromising on cleanliness.

ATTITUDE Citrus Zest Laundry Detergent

This plant-based laundry detergent combines effective cleaning power with eco-friendly credentials, making it a worthwhile investment for conscientious households.

Pros

EWG Verified formula with 98% naturally sourced ingredients
Pleasant citrus-lavender scent that isn’t overwhelming
Works effectively in cold water, saving energy

Cons

Higher price point than conventional detergents
Cap design could be improved for less dripping
Thicker consistency may be challenging for some dispensers

We recently had the pleasure of testing ATTITUDE’s liquid laundry detergent in our weekly washing routine.

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The citrus zest scent offers a refreshing fragrance that isn’t overpowering or artificial. Our clothes emerged clean and with a subtle, natural aroma that didn’t compete with our perfumes.

The detergent’s plant-based formula performed admirably on everyday stains. We appreciate that it’s completely cruelty-free and vegan, aligning perfectly with our values for household products.

The absence of harsh chemicals is particularly beneficial for those with sensitive skin in our household.

The bottle design deserves mention—made from easily recyclable HDPE #2 plastic with a wider cap for direct pouring. We found it works beautifully in high-efficiency machines with no excessive sudsing.

For environmentally conscious consumers, this detergent represents a wonderful balance between cleaning efficacy and ecological responsibility. The concentration means a little goes a long way, offering good value despite its premium pricing.

ECOS Free & Clear Laundry Detergent

This plant-powered, hypoallergenic laundry detergent from ECOS delivers exceptional cleaning while being kind to sensitive skin and our planet.

Pros

Gentle yet effective cleaning for all fabric types
Cruelty-free and 100% vegan formula
Made without harsh chemicals like parabens and phosphates

Cons

Packaging may leak during shipping
Some might prefer a scented option
Higher price point than conventional detergents

We’ve recently added ECOS Laundry Detergent to our cleaning arsenal, and we’re thoroughly impressed with its performance.

The Free & Clear formula works wonderfully on everything from delicate linens to heavily soiled clothing. Each pack provides 100 loads of cleaning power, making it quite economical despite the initial investment.

What sets this detergent apart is its commitment to safety and sustainability.

The formula uses coconut-based cleaners that effectively remove stains while being gentle on fabrics. We noticed our whites remained bright and colors stayed vibrant after multiple washes. There’s no need for additional fabric softener either, as clothes come out remarkably soft.

For households with sensitive skin concerns, this dermatologist-tested option is a blessing.

We appreciate that it’s EPA Safer Choice certified and made in carbon-neutral facilities using renewable energy. The liquid pours easily without spills, and it dissolves completely even in cold water. When we consider both performance and environmental impact, ECOS stands head and shoulders above conventional detergents.

Seventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Detergent

This concentrated plant-based laundry detergent delivers powerful cleaning while being gentle on sensitive skin and our environment.

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Pros

Triple-enzyme formula tackles tough stains effectively
Truly fragrance-free with no artificial brighteners
Concentrated formula (53 loads in a 40oz bottle)

Cons

Higher price point than conventional detergents
May require pre-treatment for extremely stubborn stains
Minimal sudsing can make it hard to gauge usage

We recently tried this concentrated formula from Seventh Generation in our weekly laundry routine, and the results were quite impressive.

The fragrance-free formula left our clothes perfectly clean without any artificial scent lingering on the fabrics. For those with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivities, this is truly a blessing.

The triple-enzyme cleaning power handled grass stains from our gardening clothes and tomato sauce splatters with remarkable efficiency. No need for additional stain treatments in most cases. The concentrated formula means the smaller bottle takes up less shelf space while still handling over 50 loads.

What we particularly appreciate is the company’s commitment to cruelty-free practices, as evidenced by the Leaping Bunny certification.

The 96% biobased formula works well in both standard and high-efficiency machines. Our clothes emerged from the wash feeling soft and thoroughly clean, though without the artificial brightness many conventional detergents provide through optical brighteners.

Buying Guide

When shopping for cruelty-free laundry and soap products, we need to look for specific indicators that ensure our purchases align with ethical standards. These thoughtful choices support businesses that respect animal welfare.

The first step is to check for certification logos. Look for the Leaping Bunny, PETA’s bunny logo, or Choose Cruelty Free symbols on packaging. These trusted certifications verify the product hasn’t been tested on animals.

Ingredients to Look For

Natural Ingredients	Benefits
Plant-based surfactants	Effective cleaning without animal derivatives
Essential oils	Natural fragrance alternatives
Vegetable glycerin	Plant-sourced moisturizing properties

Always examine the ingredient list carefully. Avoid products containing lanolin, tallow, beeswax, or other animal-derived components if you’re seeking truly cruelty-free options.

Understanding Labels

“Cruelty-free” and “not tested on animals” aren’t regulated terms. This is why third-party certification is so important for verification.

We recommend researching the parent company as well. Some brands may be cruelty-free while their parent companies continue animal testing for other product lines.