smol vs. Ecover: Which Laundry Detergent is Better

When it comes to eco-friendly options, there are 2 amazing laundry detergent brands that stand out: smol and Ecover. In this article, we share with you the positives and negatives of each brand.

smol vs. Ecover Brand Comparison

smol positives

1. Vegan and cruelty-free

One of the main reasons why many people love smol is because it is certified by Cruelty-Free International (leaping bunny) and the Vegan Society. This means the ingredients and final products are not exploiting animals in any way shape or form. smol also do not sell to countries where animal testing is required by law.

Many detergent brands (which we will not mention) all test on animals. Additionally, some of their products contain animal derivatives, like tallow (fat). If you are vegan, this might be important for you to consider.

2. Affordable and convenient

smol is a subscription service that cannot be bought in supermarkets. In fact, smol believes that by cutting out the middleman you can enjoy high performance, eco-friendly cleaning at a fair price.

Not only are their products affordable, but they are also convenient. The starter kit, for example, fits seamlessly through your letterbox. This means you don’t even have to be home to receive it.

If you’re interested in trying their products, go for the starter kit. It costs £25.00. The entire kit comes with the entire smol product line. Or, you can go for their detergent. A pack of 24 capsules is £5.30.

3. Reduce carbon footprint

According to their website, all of smol products either come in a cardboard box (the pods) or a recycled plastic bottle. The recyclable/compostable packs protect your smol laundry and dishwash on their way to your home. The cardboard is new rather than recycled, but is certified by the FSC.

Additionally, the fabric conditioner bottles are made using 100% post consumer recycled plastic. Not only can you recycle them, but you can also return the bottles to smol for a refill. Now that’s convenient.

smol negatives

1. No plant-based ingredients

While most of the ingredients in their products are biodegradable, they are certainly not plant-based. So if you’re looking for a brand that uses natural ingredients, smol may not be for you.

2. No fragrance options

Smol does not use fragrance in their detergent. This is not a bad thing for most people. After all, not everyone is a fan of the strong smell of laundry detergent. But you should choose another brand if you like fragrance.

Ecover positives

1. Plant-based and biodegradable ingredients

Ecover’s detergent is made with plant-based, biodegradable ingredients that have been dermatologically tested. They are also vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and are made at a Zero Waste certified factory.

2. Available in supermarkets

Unlike the smol brand, which is only available on their website via a subscription service, Ecover products are easily accessible for everyone because they are available in supermarkets.

3. Refill stations

One of the best features offered by Ecover is their refill stations. To find a refill station, go to this link and enter your postcode. There are many easily accessible refill stations dotted across the country.

4. Fragrance options

Ecover laundry detergents come in 5 scents for you to choose from. They also have an unscented option, called the Ecover Zero. This means that Ecover has a product for everyone.

Ecover negatives

1. Parent company still tests on animals

The only negative for using the Ecover brand is that its parent company, SC Johnson, still tests on animals. The company also uses several dangerous chemicals, like triclosan and phthalates, in some products. However, Ecover itself has banned the use of triclosan and phthalates and it is a cruelty-free company.

Final verdict

And there you have it, smol vs. Ecover. Both brands are excellent eco-friendly laundry detergent brands to consider. While each brand has its pros and cons, you now know which one is the best option for you.

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