For decades, Tide has been the default. It’s the best-selling laundry detergent in the U.S., recognizable by its bold orange packaging and “clean you can see” tagline. A product of Procter & Gamble, Tide promises powerful stain-fighting action, long-lasting freshness, and smart technology like “Acti-Lift” and “10x cleaning power.” It’s in nearly every big-box store aisle and, for many of us, part of childhood laundry memories.
But those nostalgic bubbles come with a growing number of questions.
Tide’s ingredient list includes:
- Fragrances (often unspecified, potentially containing phthalates)
- Surfactants like linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (which can be harsh on sensitive skin)
- Dyes and brighteners (linked to irritation and aquatic toxicity)
- Enzymes (great for stains, not always great for eczema-prone skin)
In short, Tide is engineered for performance—but not necessarily for wellness, safety, or sustainability.
It’s no surprise, then, that more consumers are making the switch to clean laundry brands—formulas that are gentler on skin, safer for kids and pets, and still get the job done. Whether your reasons are health-related, environmental, or simply aesthetic, here are three top-tier alternatives that clean brilliantly—without compromise.
3. Molly's Suds
For: Ingredient transparency and affordability
Molly’s Suds was founded by a pediatric nurse who wanted a safer solution for her family. It skips harsh chemicals and focuses on earth-derived ingredients like washing soda and baking soda, using only what’s necessary to clean. Their unscented powder is especially popular among families and those managing skin sensitivities.
What you won’t find: optical brighteners, synthetic fragrances, or dyes.
✅ Pros: Affordable, fragrance-free options, trusted by allergy-conscious shoppers
⚠️ Watch for: Some may find the texture a bit gritty and the aesthetic less refined. Shoppers also find the scents basic/cheap and some have mentioned issues with the powder not dissolving fully in cold water.
2. Dropps
For: Sustainability and convenience
Dropps became a cult favorite for its plastic-free pods and eco-friendly ethos. It’s shipped in recyclable cardboard boxes and skips the heavy jugs altogether. The formulas are plant-based, and available in light scents or fragrance-free versions.
Bonus: You can subscribe and never run out of detergent again.
✅ Pros: Compostable packaging, strong performance in a small footprint
⚠️ Watch for: Some pods may struggle to fully dissolve in cold washes. Also, pods are not recommended due to their potential for microplastics and other chemical residues to be left on clothes.
1. Aembr Laundry Powder
For: Clean ingredients, luxurious scent, and doctor-developed peace of mind
Created by physician and mother Dr. Kristina Braly, AEMBR Laundry Powder is a standout in the clean laundry space—not just for what it removes (phthalates, sulfates, enzymes), but for what it brings to the table: intention, safety, and style.
With only five ingredients, it’s hyper-concentrated and gentle enough for sensitive skin, yet powerful enough to clean towels, bedding, and your favorite loungewear. Unlike most clean brands, AEMBR doesn’t stop at functional—it’s designed to feel elevated.
Each scent (like Fjord, Aristocrat, Heritage, or Between the Sheets) is layered, subtle, and sophisticated—more like fine fragrance than typical detergent. And if you fall in love with one? You can match it across their candles and room sprays too.
✅ Pros: Medical-grade safety, indulgent scent experience, high-performance formula
⚠️ Watch for: You’ll likely never go back to grocery store detergent. Customers often state they're ruined for all other laundry detergents after making the switch.
We compared our #1 choice with leading detergents
Aembr Laundry Powder
Superior Craftsmanship
Made with love and hand-crafted by a small team in their Texas studio.
High Quality Ingredients
Crafted with a proprietary blend of the highest quality ingredients for superior performance and a powerful clean.
Woman Physician Mom Founded
Founded and run by a board-certified Anesthesiologist Mom of two with sensitive skin
Eco-Conscious
Each order placed plants a tree or a mangrove and ships carbon-neutral.
Investment in Quality
Priced for the highest quality performance and clean materials. More expensive up front but less expensive overall as it replaces detergent, scent beads, and softener. Priced at $0.46/load.
Exceptional Service
High satisfaction with dedicated support that far exceeds expectations
Grocery Store Brands
Average Quality
Artificial dyes, optical brighteners, clunky plastic packaging
Cheap Ingredients
Can release harmful chemicals like phthalates and parabens which can be absorbed from the fabric into the skin.
Run by Investors
Their only focus is the bottom line...not your health.
Not Sustainable
Relies on manufacturing processes with a high environmental impact. Liquid & pod formats are even worse for the environment (high carbon emissions transporting water around the globe).
Cheaper Upfront
Appears to be less up front, but when combined with scent beads, fabric softeners, and dryer sheets, adds up to over $1.10+ per load.
Inconsistent Service
Varied customer experiences and potential issues.
Make the switch to a completely clean laundry routine with the Complete Laundry Care Kit - effortlessly transform your laundry routine with luxury, non-toxic, and all-in-one laundry care. Say goodbye to harmful chemicals and headaches and hello to a cleaner and healthier home.
INCLUDES:
Laundry Powder: Discover the perfect household solution for laundry with our Laundry Powder. Never underestimate the excitement of doing laundry again with this highly concentrated formula that dissolves quickly in hot or cold water and rinses clean, leaving your clothes, skin, and the environment spotless.
✓ Free from: SLS, SLES, gluten, phthalates, parabens, phosphates, chlorine, optical brighteners, solid synthetics
✓ Highly concentrated formula
✓ High efficiency machine compatible
✓ Tested and proven effective against the toughest stains, like wine, blood, vomit, urine, spit-up, pet waste, grass stains and more.
Plus, it's septic-safe and free of harsh chemicals.
Laundry Powder replaces your: detergent, scent beads & dryer sheets.
Dryer Balls: AEMBR's Wool Dryer Balls are a sustainable alternative to traditional dryer sheets and fabric softeners. By fluffing and separating laundry as it tumbles, our Wool Dryer Balls allow air to circulate more evenly, reducing drying time, static, and wrinkles. Learn more
Responsibly sourced and made from 100% New Zealand wool, AEMBR Wool Dryer Balls are nontoxic, biodegradable, and fragrance free. Experience the luxurious power of our Wool Dryer Balls. 🐑
These natural fabric softeners gently and quietly separate and lift clothes, reducing static and drying time. 🪢 Safe for all dryer-safe fabrics, our pack of 3 dryer balls will delight for up to 1000 loads. 🧵 Give your favorite sweater a fresh touch with our dryer balls and enjoy the finest wool from the shire.
- 🪡 Freshens and softens fabrics
- 🫧 Dye and fragrance free
- 🧶 Responsible RWS Certified Wool
Laundry Scoop: Perfectly portioned to suit the hyper-concentrated cleaning power of AEMBR's LAUNDRY POWDER - use 1 scoop for most loads, and 2 scoops for larger loads. Made of sustainable beech wood.
