Choosing a laundry detergent should be simple.

But walk down a supermarket cleaning aisle and you will see dozens of products described as natural, eco-friendly, plant-based, biodegradable, sensitive, dermatologically tested, greywater safe or suitable for babies.

Those descriptions can be useful, but they do not always tell you the full story.

A fragrance-free detergent may suit one family beautifully but struggle with heavily soiled clothes. A highly concentrated powder may use less packaging but contain ingredients another family prefers to avoid. A naturally fragranced detergent may be a wonderful choice for one household but not the first option for someone with fragrance sensitivity or eczema.

That is why Hello Charlie originally created our Best Laundry Detergents Cheat Sheet.

The original guide compared 50 laundry detergents across mainstream, sensitive, natural and eco-focused brands. We have now brought that research onto this webpage, rechecked current products and formulas where possible, updated our recommendation system and added new products that have entered our current laundry range.

This page is designed as a living comparison. When a brand reformulates, changes its product range or improves its ingredient transparency, we can update that individual section rather than waiting to recreate an entire PDF.

Last comprehensively reviewed: July 2026.

Important formula note: Laundry detergent formulations can change without notice. Where possible, we have checked current products against official brand websites, current Australian product listings or other reliable sources. Where we could not reliably confirm the exact current product and formulation, we have marked it as Not re-rated rather than guessing.

Prefer the original printable version? You can still download the original Hello Charlie Best Laundry Detergents Cheat Sheet PDF here.

About the Hello Charlie Recommendation Rating

Hello Charlie is an independent Australian eco baby and parenting retailer. We are not a medical organisation, regulatory authority, environmental certification body or official product-testing laboratory.

Our star ratings are editorial recommendations based on our own preferences and the information available to us, including:

• Ingredient transparency
• Whether added fragrance or essential oils are present
• Formula simplicity where appropriate
• The type of surfactants, builders, preservatives and other functional ingredients used
• Whether environmental claims are clearly explained and substantiated
• Packaging and concentration where relevant
• Current product and formula verification
• Suitability for everyday family use
• Alignment with Hello Charlie's own ingredient and sustainability preferences

A lower star rating does not mean that a product is unsafe, illegal, ineffective or unsuitable for every family.

Likewise, five stars do not guarantee that a detergent will suit every washing machine, water hardness level, skin type, budget or laundry load.

★★★★★ — Strongly Recommended

Strongly aligns with Hello Charlie's preferred formulation, transparency and environmental criteria.

★★★★☆ — Recommended With Considerations

A good overall option, with one or more formulation, fragrance, transparency, performance or environmental points worth considering.

★★★☆☆ — Suitable for Some Families

May still suit many households perfectly well, but aligns less closely with Hello Charlie's preferred ingredient or sustainability framework.

Not re-rated means we could not reliably confirm the exact current product or complete current formula. It does not mean that the product is bad or that its formula has necessarily become worse.

An Important Note About the Original Recommendation Column

The original laundry detergent PDF did not give every product a three-to-five-star rating.

Instead, it published a specific list of recommended products and gave written comments for the rest.

Rather than inventing historical star ratings that never existed, our comparison table honestly shows whether each product was:

• Recommended in the original PDF, or
• Not on the original recommended list.

The Current Recommendation column uses our new three-to-five-star system where we could confidently reassess the current product.

Our Quick Verdict: What Should You Look for in a Laundry Detergent?

There is no single best laundry detergent for every family.

Our preferred starting points are:

• Choose a product that actually cleans effectively for your household's needs.
• For eczema, fragrance sensitivity or very reactive skin, consider starting with a fragrance-free option.
• Look for meaningful ingredient transparency rather than relying only on words such as natural, green or eco-friendly.
• Consider low-phosphate or phosphate-free formulas where possible.
• Use the correct dose — more detergent does not necessarily mean cleaner clothes.
• Check compatibility with your washing machine, water hardness, septic system or greywater setup where relevant.
• Consider concentration, packaging and number of washes rather than judging environmental impact by packaging appearance alone.

You can browse Hello Charlie's current Natural Laundry collection for the laundry products we currently stock.

Formula Simplicity Is Not the Same as Cleaning Performance

A detergent with four ingredients is not automatically better than one with twelve.

Laundry detergent has a job to do. It needs to remove combinations of:

• Body oils
• Food
• Dirt
• Protein stains
• Grease
• Sweat
• Baby food
• Blood
• Faecal contamination

Different ingredients perform different functions.

A simple soap-based formula may be enough for lightly soiled everyday clothing. A family washing reusable nappies, sports clothing, workwear or heavily stained children's clothes may need a stronger detergent, enzymes, an oxygen-based booster or a different washing routine.

CHOICE independently tests laundry detergents against different stains and has consistently found large differences in actual cleaning performance.

Our Hello Charlie star rating is therefore an editorial recommendation based primarily on formulation, transparency and environmental considerations. It is not a laboratory detergency score.

Understanding Laundry Detergent Ingredients

Surfactants

Surfactants are the workhorses in most detergents. They help water interact with oils and dirt so that soil can be lifted away from fabric.

Our original PDF took a very strong position against ingredients such as SLS, SLES and MES.

Our current approach is more nuanced.

The presence of one surfactant does not automatically make an entire finished detergent unsafe. We consider the complete formula, how the product is used and diluted, rinse-off conditions, environmental information, transparency and individual sensitivities.

Builders and water softeners

Ingredients such as sodium carbonate, sodium citrate and zeolites can help improve detergent performance by managing water hardness and creating better washing conditions.

Phosphates

Phosphates can be effective water softeners, but excessive phosphorus entering waterways can contribute to algal growth.

For that reason, we generally prefer low-phosphate or phosphate-free household laundry products where practical.

Enzymes

Enzymes help target particular types of stains, such as proteins, starches and fats.

We no longer automatically treat enzymes as an undesirable detergent ingredient. They can substantially improve cleaning performance, particularly at lower temperatures or on difficult stains.

Individual sensitivities can still occur, and some families specifically choose enzyme-free products.

Fragrance

Fragrance is not necessary for clothes to be clean.

For eczema-prone skin, babies, fragrance sensitivity or households simply wanting fewer scented products, a fragrance-free detergent can be a sensible starting point.

Natural fragrance is still fragrance. Essential oils may suit many families perfectly well, but they are not automatically the best choice for every person with highly reactive skin.

Optical brighteners

Optical brighteners make fabrics appear whiter or brighter by interacting with light. They do not directly remove more dirt.

Hello Charlie generally prefers products without optical brighteners, particularly when good cleaning performance can be achieved without them.

Preservatives

Water-based laundry liquids often require preservation to remain microbiologically stable during their shelf life.

The presence of a preservative is not automatically a negative. We consider which preservative is used, the complete formula, the intended use and the level of ingredient transparency.

What About Sensitive Skin and Eczema?

For people with eczema, fragrance sensitivity or reactive skin, a fragrance-free detergent can be a sensible place to start.

But words such as sensitive, natural, hypoallergenic or dermatologically tested should not be treated as guarantees that a product will suit every person.

Consider:

• Choosing fragrance free
• Using the recommended detergent dose
• Avoiding excessive detergent that may leave residue
• Skipping fabric softener where it causes problems
• Trying an extra rinse if advised or personally useful
• Changing one variable at a time when trying to identify a trigger

Persistent eczema or allergic reactions should be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional rather than managed solely by changing laundry detergent.

What Does Eco-Friendly Actually Mean?

There is no single feature that automatically makes a detergent environmentally friendly.

We look at factors such as:

• Phosphorus content
• Biodegradability claims
• Ingredient disclosure
• Concentration and dose per wash
• Packaging
• Refill options
• Relevant independent certifications
• Manufacturing information
• Whether environmental claims are specific and substantiated

The ACCC's guidance on environmental and sustainability claims is a useful reminder that terms such as green, sustainable, biodegradable and eco-friendly should be clear, accurate and backed by evidence.

50+ Laundry Detergents Compared at a Glance

Current and Reformulated Laundry Detergents: Our Detailed Review

Abode Front & Top Loader Laundry Powder – Lavender & Mint

Current product status: Current product confirmed. Listed by Hello Charlie but out of stock at the time of our July 2026 review.

Formula verification: Current formula confirmed from the Hello Charlie product page.

Original PDF status: Recommended.

Current Hello Charlie recommendation: ★★★★★

Current ingredients: Soda ash, baking soda, sodium citrate, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium coco sulphate, sodium disilicate, alkylpolyglucosides and lavender and mint essential oils.

Best for: Families looking for a concentrated Australian-made laundry powder with a clearly disclosed formula and essential-oil fragrance.

What we like

• Full ingredient disclosure.
• No artificial fragrance.
• No phosphates or optical brighteners according to the product information.
• Concentrated powder format.
• Suitable for front and top loaders.

What to consider

• Contains lavender and mint essential oils, so it is not fragrance free.
• People with fragrance sensitivity may prefer Abode's fragrance-free ZERO powder instead.

Hello Charlie verdict: Still one of the strongest matches for our current laundry framework, particularly for families who enjoy naturally fragranced laundry products and value full formula disclosure.

Aware Sensitive Laundry Powder

Current product status: Available in Australia.

Formula verification: Current product confirmed through Aware Sensitive and major Australian supermarkets. Full ingredient specificity remains limited.

Original PDF status: Not on the original recommended list.

Current Hello Charlie recommendation: ★★★★☆

What changed in our thinking: The original PDF rated this product negatively largely because of sodium lauryl sulphate. Our current approach does not automatically judge an entire finished detergent based on one surfactant alone.

What we like

• Designed for sensitive skin.
• No optical brighteners, dyes or conventional synthetic perfume according to current brand information.
• Current Australian availability.

What to consider

• Full current ingredient transparency is not as detailed as our five-star leaders.
• Current information refers to a subtle rose essential-oil scent, so it may not be strictly fragrance free.

Hello Charlie verdict: A meaningful upgrade from our old editorial position. We no longer think the presence of one surfactant justifies dismissing the entire product.

Bosisto's Sensitive Laundry Liquid

Current product status: Available.

Formula verification: Current product confirmed from the official Bosisto's Australia website.

Original PDF status: Not on the original recommended list.

Current Hello Charlie recommendation: ★★★★☆

What we like

• No synthetic fragrance according to Bosisto's.
• Australian made and owned.
• Suitable for front and top loaders.
• Current brand information says it is suitable for greywater and septic systems.

What to consider

• Contains eucalyptus oil, so it is naturally fragranced rather than fragrance free.
• The full current surfactant composition is not disclosed with the level of specificity we prefer for five stars.

Hello Charlie verdict: A solid Australian sensitive option, particularly for families who tolerate eucalyptus fragrance and value local manufacturing.

Bosisto's Sensitive Laundry Powder

Current product status: Available.

Formula verification: Current product confirmed from the official Bosisto's website.

Original PDF status: Not on the original recommended list.

Current Hello Charlie recommendation: ★★★★☆

Why the reassessment matters: Our old PDF focused heavily on a historical formula containing sodium tripolyphosphate. Current Bosisto's product information positions the present powder as a different modern sensitive formula without synthetic fragrance or dyes, so the historical verdict should not simply be carried forward forever.

What we like

• No synthetic fragrance or dyes according to current product information.
• Australian made.
• Current active product.

What to consider

• Current public ingredient information is more functional than fully INCI-specific.
• Contains eucalyptus oil.

Hello Charlie verdict: A good example of why living comparisons are better than static PDFs. We should reassess today's product, not permanently attach an old ingredient verdict to the brand name.

Earth Choice Ultra Concentrate Laundry Powder

Current product status: Available.

Original PDF status: Not on the original recommended list.

Current Hello Charlie recommendation: ★★★☆☆

Key formula points: The current powder continues to use builders, surfactants and fragrance, including sodium methyl ester sulfonate in current product information.

What we like

• Affordable and widely available.
• Concentrated powder format.
• Current product is independently included in Australian laundry detergent testing.

What to consider

• Contains added fragrance.
• Does not align as closely with our fragrance-conscious ingredient preferences.

Hello Charlie verdict: A practical mainstream eco-positioned detergent that may suit many households, but it aligns less closely with Hello Charlie's preferred framework than our four- and five-star options.

Earthwise Sensitive Laundry Liquid – Fragrance Free

Current product status: Available.

Formula change identified: Yes. The modern product should not be judged solely against the historical formulation reviewed in our original PDF.

Original PDF status: Not on the original recommended list.

Current Hello Charlie recommendation: ★★★★★

Best for: Families looking for a widely available fragrance-free laundry liquid with sensitive-skin positioning.

What we like

• Fragrance free.
• Dye free.
• No added phosphates, chlorinated bleach, ammonia or optical brighteners according to Earthwise.
• GECA certified.
• Dermatologically tested according to the brand.
• Current Australian availability.

What to consider

• As always, a sensitive label cannot guarantee that every person will tolerate a product.
• Families should use the correct dose and consider their own washing conditions.

Hello Charlie verdict: One of the clearest examples of a product deserving a fresh assessment. The current fragrance-free formula and independent environmental certification make it a strong five-star option within our present framework.

Earthwise Laundry Powder – Orange & Eucalyptus

Current product status: Available.

Original PDF status: Not on the original recommended list.

Current Hello Charlie recommendation: ★★★★☆

What we like

• GECA certified.
• No added phosphates, chlorinated bleach, ammonia or optical brighteners according to current brand information.
• Plant-focused formula.

What to consider

• Contains fragrance.
• Not our first choice for fragrance-sensitive households.

Hello Charlie verdict: A good four-star option for families who enjoy a scented powder and value environmental certification.

Ecostore Laundry Liquid – Geranium & Orange

Current product status: Available.

Formula verification: Current full ingredient list confirmed from the official Ecostore Australia website.

Original PDF status: Recommended.

Current Hello Charlie recommendation: ★★★★☆

Key current ingredients: Water, caprylyl glycol, caprylyl/capryl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, oleic acid, phenoxyethanol, sodium bicarbonate and other plant- and mineral-derived functional ingredients, with a naturally derived geranium and orange fragrance.

What we like

• Excellent ingredient transparency.
• No optical brighteners or phosphates according to Ecostore.
• No synthetic fragrance according to the brand.
• Suitable for septic tanks and greywater according to Ecostore.

What to consider

• It is fragranced, even though the fragrance is naturally derived.
• Contains phenoxyethanol, which some Hello Charlie customers prefer to avoid.

Hello Charlie verdict: A transparent, established eco laundry liquid that remains a strong recommendation, but we reserve five stars for formulas that align even more closely with our fragrance and formulation preferences.

Ecostore Laundry Powder – Lemon

Current product status: Available.

Formula verification: Current official Australian product and ingredient information confirmed.

Original PDF status: Recommended.

Current Hello Charlie recommendation: ★★★★★

Key current ingredients: Lauryl glucoside, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, cellulose gum, sodium citrate, sodium polyaspartate, sodium silicoaluminate, sodium sulphate, sodium coco sulphate, sodium silicate, sunflower seed oil, oleic acid and essential-oil fragrance.

What we like

• Excellent ingredient transparency.
• No optical brighteners or phosphates according to Ecostore.
• No synthetic fragrance according to the brand.
• Concentrated powder format.
• Current product remains active in Australia.

What to consider

• Contains essential-oil fragrance, so it is not fragrance free.

Hello Charlie verdict: Still one of the strongest overall matches from the original guide. It combines transparency, an established current product, concentrated format and a formulation that continues to align closely with our preferences.

Ecologic Laundry Liquid – Citrus Fusion

Current product status: Available through Australian retail channels.

Original PDF status: Recommended.

Current Hello Charlie recommendation: ★★★★☆

What we like

• Plant-focused formulation.
• No conventional synthetic fragrance identified in the current formula information reviewed.
• Australian eco-cleaning positioning.

What to consider

• Contains citrus essential-oil fragrance.
• Our current formula verification came from established retail information rather than a strong dedicated primary manufacturer ingredient page.

Hello Charlie verdict: A good four-star natural laundry liquid, with the main limitation being current primary-source formula verification.

Ecover Laundry Liquid Zero

Current product status: Available internationally; Australian availability can vary.

Formula verification: Current official formula confirmed from Ecover.

Original PDF status: Recommended.

Current Hello Charlie recommendation: ★★★★★

Current formula points: Fragrance-free laundry liquid using surfactants, soap, sodium citrate and other functional ingredients without added perfume.

What we like

• Fragrance free.
• Full official ingredient disclosure.
• Designed specifically for sensitive users.
• No attempt to hide behind vague terms such as natural or plant powered without disclosing the formula.

What to consider

• The formula contains ingredients that may not match every customer's personal low-tox preference list.
• Australian availability can vary.

Hello Charlie verdict: Five stars because of its fragrance-free positioning and excellent transparency — not because every individual ingredient must be universally preferred by every family.

EnviroClean Front Load Laundry Liquid

Current product status: Available.

Original PDF status: Not on the original recommended list.

Current Hello Charlie recommendation: ★★★★☆

Key current ingredient information: Purified water, plant-based nonionic and anionic surfactants, emulsifier, eucalyptus oil and tea tree oil.

What we like

• Plant-based surfactant positioning.
• No conventional synthetic fragrance identified.
• Australian eco-cleaning product.

What to consider

• The surfactants are disclosed by functional category rather than individually named.
• Contains eucalyptus and tea tree essential oils, so it is not fragrance free.

Hello Charlie verdict: A good product, but greater ingredient specificity would be needed to earn our strongest transparency rating.

Green Potions No.13 Laundry Powder

Current product status: Available.

Formula verification: Current product and full ingredients confirmed from Green Potions.

Original PDF status: Recommended.

Current Hello Charlie recommendation: ★★★★★

Current ingredients: Sodium carbonate, bicarbonate, saponified coconut and olive oil, acetic acid and glycerol. Scented versions contain pure essential oils; a scent-free version can also be requested from the maker.

What we like

• Short, clearly disclosed ingredient list.
• Palm-oil-free according to the brand.
• Made in Queensland.
• Compostable pouch option.
• Scent-free version available by request.

What to consider

• The standard scented product contains essential oils.
• Very simple detergents may need a separate stain treatment or booster for heavily soiled loads.

Hello Charlie verdict: A strong five-star match for families who value formula simplicity and transparent ingredients.

Herbon Laundry Liquid

Current product status: Available.

Formula verification: Current Australian product and ingredient list confirmed by Herbon.

Original PDF status: Recommended.

Current Hello Charlie recommendation: ★★★★☆

Key current ingredients include: Purified water, sodium cocoate, coco betaine, coconut ethanolamine, eucalyptus oil and preservation ingredients.

What we like

• Australian made.
• Current ingredient disclosure available.
• Biodegradable positioning.
• Long-established product range.

What to consider

• Contains eucalyptus oil, so it is fragranced.
• More complex than some of our five-star minimal formulas.

Hello Charlie verdict: A good Australian-made eco laundry liquid with stronger transparency than many mainstream alternatives.

Herbon Laundry Washing Powder – Oil of Eucalyptus

Current product status: Available.

Original PDF status: Not on the original recommended list.

Current Hello Charlie recommendation: ★★★★☆

What we like

• Current Australian product.
• Biodegradable positioning.
• Eucalyptus oil rather than conventional synthetic perfume.
• Works in hot or cold water according to Herbon.

What to consider

• Not fragrance free.
• Families who prefer very simple or fully fragrance-free laundry may choose another option.

Hello Charlie verdict: A solid four-star Australian laundry powder that deserves more nuance than the original static assessment gave it.

Kin Kin Naturals Laundry Liquid – Eucalypt & Lemon Myrtle

Current product status: Available.

Original PDF status: Recommended.

Current Hello Charlie recommendation: ★★★★☆

What we like

• Australian-made eco laundry brand.
• Plant-focused cleaning system.
• No conventional synthetic fragrance identified.
• Concentrated product.

What to consider

• Contains eucalyptus and lemon myrtle fragrance.
• Full current ingredient specificity is not as comprehensive as some of our five-star transparency leaders.

Hello Charlie verdict: A good Australian eco laundry liquid and a long-standing favourite for many families, with four stars reflecting the difference between strong product credentials and complete formula transparency.

OMO Sensitive Washing Powder

Current product status: Available.

Original PDF status: Not on the original recommended list.

Current Hello Charlie recommendation: ★★★★☆

What we like

• Current Sensitive formulation is positioned without added fragrance or dyes.
• Widely available.
• Mainstream detergents can offer strong cleaning performance, which matters for heavily soiled laundry.

What to consider

• Full formula transparency is more limited than some of our preferred eco brands.
• Mainstream brand and packaging preferences may not align with every eco-conscious household.

Hello Charlie verdict: We no longer believe it is reasonable to reject a detergent simply because it is mainstream. For families prioritising fragrance-free washing and strong cleaning performance, OMO Sensitive may be a practical option.

Purity Sensitive Laundry Liquid

Current product status: Available.

Original PDF status: Not on the original recommended list.

Current Hello Charlie recommendation: ★★★☆☆

Current formula information includes: Water, sodium carbonate, anionic and nonionic surfactants, sodium citrate, soap, optical brightener, sequestering agents, fragrance and preservatives.

What we like

• Affordable and widely available.
• Current formula information can be identified.

What to consider

• Contains fragrance.
• Contains optical brightener.
• Does not align closely with our transparency and fragrance-conscious preferences.

Hello Charlie verdict: A product that may work perfectly well for some households, but it sits at three stars because it aligns less closely with Hello Charlie's preferred laundry framework.

Rockin Green Classic Rock Laundry Detergent

Current product status: Available internationally.

Original PDF status: Not on the original recommended list.

Current Hello Charlie recommendation: ★★★★☆

Current formula points include: Sodium carbonate, sodium percarbonate and surfactant ingredients.

What we like

• Concentrated powder.
• No conventional synthetic-heavy perfume positioning.
• Strong current brand transparency compared with the historical review.

What to consider

• Some ingredient descriptions remain functional rather than fully chemically specific.
• Australian availability varies.

Hello Charlie verdict: A good four-star powder, particularly for families looking for a concentrated alternative, but we would like even greater formula specificity for five stars.

Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent Packs Free & Clear

Current product status: Current internationally; Australian availability varies.

Original PDF status: Recommended.

Current Hello Charlie recommendation: ★★★★☆

What we like

• Free & Clear positioning.
• Established brand transparency.
• Convenient pre-measured dosing.

What to consider

• Single-dose packs need careful storage away from children.
• Pre-measured doses offer less flexibility for very small loads.
• Australian availability varies.

Hello Charlie verdict: A good fragrance-conscious option, but four stars better reflects the packaging and availability considerations.

Sonett Laundry Powder

Current product status: Available in Australia.

Formula verification: Current Australian product confirmed from Sonett Australia.

Original PDF status: Recommended.

Current Hello Charlie recommendation: ★★★★★

Current formula points: Organic vegetable-oil soap, no enzymes and oils sourced from organic or biodynamic cultivation according to Sonett.

What we like

• Strong current product transparency.
• Concentrated powder format.
• No enzymes.
• Organic and biodynamic oil sourcing.
• 100% biodegradable according to Sonett.

What to consider

• Sonett recommends considering water hardness and using its modular water-softening approach where necessary.
• Families avoiding particular vegetable-oil sources should check current detailed ingredient information.

Hello Charlie verdict: Still one of the strongest current matches for our formulation and transparency framework.

That Red House Organic Soapberries

Current product status: Available from the manufacturer. Not currently shown as an in-stock detergent product in Hello Charlie's laundry collection at the time of this review.

Formula verification: Current certified organic product confirmed.

Original PDF status: Recommended.

Current Hello Charlie recommendation: ★★★★★

What they are: Soapberries are dried fruit shells from the Sapindus mukorossi tree and naturally contain saponins, which act as a cleaning agent.

What we like

• Extremely simple single-material approach.
• Certified organic according to That Red House.
• Plastic-reduction potential.
• Reusable for multiple washes depending on conditions.

What to consider

• Cleaning performance can depend on water temperature, water hardness and degree of soiling.
• Families dealing with stubborn grease, stains or heavily soiled laundry may need a booster, stain treatment or stronger detergent.

Hello Charlie verdict: Five stars for simplicity and low-waste appeal, with the practical caveat that no single cleaning method is ideal for every type of laundry.

Tri Nature Alpha Plus Laundry Powder

Current product status: Available.

Formula verification: Current official product confirmed from Tri Nature.

Original PDF status: Not on the original recommended list.

Current Hello Charlie recommendation: ★★★★☆

What we like

• Australian made.
• Current product remains active.
• Phosphate-free according to current brand information.
• No zeolites according to the current product information reviewed.

What to consider

• The complete current formula is not disclosed with enough specificity for our strongest transparency rating.

Hello Charlie verdict: A good current Australian powder that deserves reassessment rather than automatically inheriting the concerns attached to an older formula.

New Additions to Our 2026 Laundry Detergent Comparison

The original PDF compared 50 products. A living comparison should not stop there.

We have added two current products from the Hello Charlie laundry range that were not included in the original PDF.

Koala Eco Natural Laundry Liquid – Eucalyptus & Rosemary

Original PDF status: Not included.

Current product status: Currently stocked by Hello Charlie at the time of review.

Formula verification: Current full formula confirmed from the Hello Charlie product page.

Current Hello Charlie recommendation: ★★★★☆

Current ingredients: Purified water, decyl glucoside, sodium lauryl glucosides hydroxypropylsulfonate, plant-based biodegradable solubiliser, eco-certified enzymes, lemon-scented eucalyptus essential oil, rosemary essential oil and dehydroacetic acid.

Best for: Families looking for an Australian-made, concentrated plant-derived laundry liquid with essential-oil fragrance.

What we like

• Full formula disclosure.
• 100% naturally derived ingredients according to Koala Eco.
• No optical brighteners or phosphates.
• Suitable for front and top loaders.
• Concentrated formula.
• Refillable and recyclable bottle options.
• Australian made and owned.

What to consider

• Contains eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils, so it is not fragrance free.
• For highly fragrance-sensitive or eczema-prone households, we would generally start with a fragrance-free detergent.

Hello Charlie verdict: A strong current Australian eco laundry liquid with excellent ingredient transparency. It receives four rather than five stars because our current framework gives particular weight to fragrance-free options for broad sensitive-skin suitability.

Buy Now at Hello Charlie

Downunder Wash Co Natural Laundry Powder Stain & Odour Remover – Fragrance Free

Original PDF status: Not included.

Current product status: Currently stocked by Hello Charlie at the time of review.

Product type clarification: This is primarily a fragrance-free stain remover, odour remover, water softener and laundry soaker/booster rather than a conventional surfactant-based standalone detergent.

Formula verification: Current formula confirmed from the Hello Charlie product page.

Current Hello Charlie recommendation: ★★★★★

Current ingredients: Alkaline powder with sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate.

Best for: Families wanting a very simple fragrance-free laundry booster or pre-soak for stains, odours and heavily soiled items.

What we like

• Fragrance free.
• Very short and clearly disclosed ingredient list.
• No optical brighteners or phosphates according to current product information.
• Can be used as a soaker, spray solution or wash-cycle booster.
• Australian made.

What to consider

• This is not a direct one-for-one replacement for every complete laundry detergent.
• Follow dosage directions carefully because alkaline powders can be harsh when mishandled in concentrated form.

Hello Charlie verdict: Five stars within its intended category. It is simple, transparent and fragrance free — but it should be described accurately as a laundry booster, stain remover and soaker rather than pretending it is the same type of product as a complete liquid detergent.

Buy Now at Hello Charlie

Historical, Replaced or Currently Unverified Products

We have not simply deleted products that we could no longer reliably verify.

Families may still have older packs at home, encounter old stock or search online for information about something they previously used.

The honest approach is to retain the historical information while clearly saying when we cannot confirm today's formula.

Abode Natural Laundry Liquid Sensitive

Original PDF status: Recommended.

Current recommendation: Not re-rated.

Why: We could confirm current Abode sensitive laundry powders, but not the exact historical liquid as the same current Australian product. We will not transfer a rating from one format to another.

Aware Eco Choice Laundry Powder

Original PDF status: Not on the original recommended list.

Current recommendation: Not re-rated.

Why: Aware Sensitive remains active, but we could not confirm the old Eco Choice powder as a separate current product with the same formula.

Baby Organics Laundry Liquid – Lavendula

Original PDF status: Recommended.

Current recommendation: Not re-rated.

Why: A sufficiently reliable current exact product page and up-to-date formula were not confirmed.

Biozet Attack Front & Top Loader Laundry Powder

Original PDF status: Not on the original recommended list.

Current recommendation: Not re-rated.

Why: Biozet Attack remains a major current laundry brand and performs strongly in independent testing, but today's product variants should not automatically inherit the exact formula or verdict attached to an older combined front-and-top-loader product.

Bygum Eucalyptus Laundry Powder

Current recommendation: Not re-rated.

Why: We could not reliably confirm a current exact formula.

Charlie's Soap Laundry Liquid and Laundry Powder

Current recommendation: Not re-rated.

Why: The brand remains active internationally, but we could not confidently verify the exact present Australian-market products and formulas against those reviewed historically.

Cold Power Regular Front & Top Loader Laundry Powder

Current recommendation: Not re-rated.

Why: The exact old product has been superseded by newer Cold Power ranges and variants.

Dirt Good Laundry Liquid

Current recommendation: Not re-rated.

Why: Dirt remains an active Australian laundry brand, but the detailed full formula available to us was not sufficient for a confident ingredient-based reassessment of the exact historical product.

Dominant Liquid Laundry Detergent

Current recommendation: Not re-rated.

Why: Current exact formula verification was insufficient.

Earth Choice Laundry Liquid

Current recommendation: Not re-rated.

Why: Earth Choice remains active, but the generic historical product name does not give us enough certainty that today's liquid is the exact same formula.

Ecover Universal Washing Powder

Original PDF status: Recommended.

Current recommendation: Not re-rated.

Why: Current Ecover powders exist in different markets, but we did not confidently verify the exact current product and Australian-market formula corresponding to the historical entry.

Euca Laundry Powder

Current recommendation: Not re-rated.

Why: The product remains active, but we did not confirm a complete exact current formula with enough specificity for reassessment.

Little Innoscents Laundry Liquid – Cherry Coconut

Original PDF status: Recommended.

Current recommendation: Not re-rated.

Why: Exact current product and complete formula not reliably verified.

Lux Pure Soap Flakes

Current recommendation: Not re-rated.

Why: Retained as a historical reference, but exact current status and formulation were not sufficiently verified.

Method 4X Concentrated Laundry Detergent – Ginger Mango

Current recommendation: Not re-rated.

Why: The exact fragranced historical variant was not confidently verified as a current Australian product.

Orange Power 3X Laundry Liquid and Powder

Current recommendation: Not re-rated.

Why: Orange Power remains active, but we could not confirm that the exact current formulas correspond precisely with those reviewed in the original PDF.

Organic Clean Laundry Liquid

Original PDF status: Recommended.

Current recommendation: Not re-rated.

Why: Exact current manufacturer formula not sufficiently verified.

Planet Luxe Laundry Liquid

Original PDF status: Recommended.

Current recommendation: Not re-rated.

Why: Exact current product and formula not sufficiently verified.

Radiant Laundry Powder Sensitive

Current recommendation: Not re-rated.

Why: Current Radiant products exist, but we could not confidently match the exact historical Sensitive powder to a current unchanged formula.

Resparkle Baby Laundry Powder & Soaker and Resparkle Laundry Powder

Original PDF status: Both were recommended.

Current recommendation: Not re-rated.

Why: We did not independently verify exact complete current formulations strongly enough to assign new star ratings.

Seventh Generation Laundry Liquid 2X Concentrate – Blue Eucalyptus & Lavender

Current recommendation: Not re-rated.

Why: The exact old fragranced variant was not reliably confirmed as a current Australian product.

Simply Clean Lemon Myrtle Laundry Powder

Current recommendation: Not re-rated.

Why: Exact current formula verification was insufficient.

Surf Washing Powder Sunshine Lemons & Orange Blossom 2in1

Current recommendation: Not re-rated.

Why: The exact old powder variant was not reliably confirmed as a current Australian formula.

Tri Nature Alpha Plus Laundry Liquid

Current recommendation: Not re-rated.

Why: Tri Nature remains active, but the exact full current liquid formula was not verified with sufficient specificity for a new rating.

The Biggest Changes We Found

Earthwise Sensitive: historical rejection to ★★★★★

The original PDF strongly rejected the historical formula.

The current Earthwise Sensitive Laundry Liquid is now positioned as fragrance and dye free, with no added phosphates, optical brighteners, chlorinated bleach or ammonia, and carries GECA certification.

This is exactly why old product verdicts should not be frozen forever.

Bosisto's Sensitive Powder: old phosphate concerns need current context

The original review focused heavily on a historical formula containing sodium tripolyphosphate.

Today's product information should be assessed as today's product. We no longer believe it is responsible to repeat an old verdict indefinitely without recognising product changes and current formulation information.

Aware Sensitive: one surfactant should not decide the whole product

The original PDF rejected Aware Sensitive largely because of SLS.

Our current position is more balanced: a surfactant must be considered as part of the entire detergent, including formulation, concentration, dilution, rinse-off use, environmental profile and individual sensitivities.

Mainstream does not automatically mean bad

Brands such as OMO and Biozet can achieve strong results in independent detergent testing.

A family dealing with heavily soiled workwear, reusable nappies or stubborn children's stains may reasonably place more weight on cleaning performance than a household washing lightly worn everyday clothes.

Our role is not to pretend that one priority applies to every family.

Why We No Longer Say a Product Is "Toxic" Because of One Ingredient

The original Hello Charlie Cheat Sheet used stronger language than we would use today.

Our updated approach is:

This product contains an ingredient or formulation choice that does not align with our own preferences.

That is different from saying:

This product is unsafe.

Hello Charlie is not a regulatory authority, medical organisation or official testing laboratory.

We can still have strong preferences. We can prefer:

• Fragrance-free formulas
• Low- or no-phosphate detergents
• No optical brighteners
• Good ingredient transparency
• Clear, substantiated environmental claims
• Concentrated products
• Refillable or lower-waste packaging

But our editorial preferences should not be presented as official declarations of product safety.

How to Choose the Best Laundry Detergent for Your Family

For eczema or very sensitive skin

Start with a fragrance-free detergent and use the recommended dose. Consider avoiding fabric softener if it causes problems.

For babies

You do not automatically need a product labelled "baby detergent". A suitable fragrance-free family detergent may work perfectly well.

For heavily soiled clothes

Cleaning performance matters. You may need enzymes, oxygen bleach, a dedicated stain treatment, warmer washing temperatures where fabric permits or a stronger complete detergent.

For fragrance-sensitive families

Look for genuinely fragrance-free products. Remember that essential oils are still fragrant ingredients.

For septic or onsite wastewater systems

Check both the detergent manufacturer's directions and your wastewater-system requirements. Use the correct dose and avoid assuming that a broad "eco" claim automatically guarantees compatibility with every system.

For families reducing plastic

Consider cardboard powder boxes, refill systems, bulk sizes, concentrated products and low-waste alternatives such as soapberries where these suit your laundry needs.

For budget-focused households

Compare cost per wash, not just pack price.

A more expensive concentrated detergent may need a much smaller dose. Conversely, an expensive eco detergent that does not clean your particular laundry effectively may require rewashing, stain boosters or more energy.

How We Will Keep This Cheat Sheet Updated

This webpage is designed as a living product comparison.

For future updates, we will aim to record:

• Product name
• Current product status
• Formula verification status
• Formula check date
• Current ingredients or key formula information
• Fragrance status
• Environmental claims and their basis
• Relevant certifications
• Original Hello Charlie recommendation status
• Current Hello Charlie star rating
• Formula changes
• Best for
• What we like
• What to consider
• Hello Charlie verdict

When a new product enters the Australian market, we can add it.

When a formula changes, we can update the product's section and recommendation.

And when a product currently stocked by Hello Charlie appears in one of our Cheat Sheets, we will add a direct purchase button where it is genuinely available.

Shop Natural Laundry Products at Hello Charlie

Browse the full Hello Charlie Natural Laundry collection.

Our current range includes laundry liquids, powders, stain removers, soakers and reusable laundry accessories from brands selected for families looking for more thoughtful household alternatives.

You can also learn more about How We Choose Products, review our Ingredients Standards, or explore the Hello Charlie Blog for more practical product comparisons and eco family guides.

Disclaimer

This guide is for general educational and product-comparison purposes only. It is not medical advice, an environmental certification, a regulatory assessment or an official product safety classification.

Hello Charlie's star ratings are editorial recommendations based on our own ingredient preferences, transparency criteria, environmental considerations and product philosophy. A lower rating does not mean that a product is unsafe, illegal, ineffective or unsuitable for every household.

Our ratings are also not laboratory cleaning-performance scores.

Product formulations, packaging, certifications and availability can change without notice. Always check the current product packaging and manufacturer's information before purchase and use.

Follow detergent dosage directions, washing-machine instructions and relevant wastewater or septic-system requirements.

For persistent skin reactions, eczema, allergies or other medical concerns, seek advice from an appropriate qualified healthcare professional.

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