9 Cruelty-Free Fabric Softeners for Softer, Static-Free Laundry

Nobody enjoys pulling stiff or scratchy clothes out of the dryer. A good fabric softener helps everything feel a little more comfortable. Softer textures, less cling, and laundry that feels gentle instead of rough.

The challenge is that many popular brands like Downy and Snuggle still test on animals. If you want your laundry routine to feel a little kinder, choosing a cruelty-free option is one of the easiest places to begin.

This list features fabric softeners and dryer sheets that are certified cruelty-free through Leaping Bunny or PETA. Many are vegan, which makes them a strong fit if you want products that honor both your clothes and your values.

Brands marked with an asterisk are owned by a parent company that is not cruelty-free.

Short on time?

Here are three reliable picks that work well and are easy to find.

• Method* – Simple to use with light, fresh scents
• 365 by Whole Foods – Affordable, gentle, and great for sensitive skin
• Attitude Vegan Fabric Softener – Plant based and available in fragrance free options

1. Method*

Method Fabric Softener is a plant based option that keeps clothes soft, fresh, and free from static. The formula is vegan and works well for everyday loads. It is easy to find in most stores and comes in several light, clean scents.

2. 365 by Whole Foods Market

365 by Whole Foods Market Fabric Softener gives you soft, fresh laundry without the harsh ingredients found in many traditional products. The vegan formula has a light scent and works in both standard and high efficiency machines. It is also budget friendly and dependable.

3. Attitude

Attitude Fabric Softener is a gentle, plant based option made with vegan ingredients. The formula includes green tea extract that helps keep fabrics fresh and smooth. It leaves clothes with a clean scent that feels calm and natural.

4. Seventh Generation*

Seventh Generation Fabric Softener is a plant based, vegan formula made without synthetic dyes or fragrances. It helps reduce static and leaves clothes feeling comfortable. You can choose either Lavender or Unscented depending on your preference.

5. Molly’s Suds

Molly’s Suds Fabric Softener uses a vinegar powered formula to soften clothes without leaving residue behind. It helps reduce static and wrinkles and works well for sensitive skin. The scent comes from real essential oils and the ingredient list is simple and clear.

6. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day*

Mrs. Meyer’s Fabric Softener reduces static and leaves clothes soft with a biodegradable, plant derived formula. It works in both high efficiency and standard machines. Scents include Lavender, Honeysuckle, and Peony. Each one brings a fresh, garden inspired feel.

7. Ecover*

Ecover Fabric Softener is a gentle pick for sensitive skin and allergy focused households. It softens fabrics, reduces wrinkles, and makes ironing easier. Scents like Apple Blossom Almond and Gardenia Vanilla leave laundry smelling light and naturally fresh.

8. Caldrea*

Caldrea Fabric Softener uses plant derived ingredients to smooth wrinkles and reduce static. Scents like Sweet Pea, Ginger Pomelo, and Basil Blue Sage feel more elevated than typical laundry fragrances. A good choice if you enjoy scent driven products.

9. Boulder Clean

Boulder Clean Fabric Softener keeps clothes and linens soft without leaving residue. The plant based formula reduces wrinkles and static and avoids optical brighteners, dyes, phosphates, and SLS. A gentle option for sensitive skin and everyday laundry.

Fabric Softener Brands to Avoid

These brands test on animals or are owned by companies that do. If you want to keep your laundry routine cruelty-free, it is best to skip them.

• Downy
• Snuggle
• Gain
• Suavitel

FAQs about Cruelty-Free Fabric Softeners

What makes a fabric softener cruelty-free
A brand must not test on animals at any stage of development and must not allow third party testing.

Are cruelty-free fabric softeners suitable for sensitive skin
Many cruelty-free formulas are made with plant based ingredients and are gentle enough for sensitive skin.

Do cruelty-free fabric softeners work as well as regular ones
Yes. Many perform just as well as conventional brands, especially the enzyme or vinegar based formulas.

Can I use cruelty-free fabric softeners in high efficiency machines
Most of the products on this list work in both standard and HE machines.

What can I use instead of liquid fabric softener
You can try wool dryer balls, vinegar in the rinse cycle, or fragrance free dryer sheets from cruelty-free brands.

What I Learned About Cruelty-Free Fabric Softeners

Before researching this list, I did not realize how many solid options existed outside of the big conventional brands. It was reassuring to see choices from Attitude, Ecover, Molly’s Suds, and Seventh Generation that support both sensitive skin and sustainability. It feels good to know there are everyday products that care for your clothes without compromising your values.

Looking for more cleaners? Check out our cruelty-free cleaning series:

• Cruelty-Free Dish Soaps
• Cruelty-Free Dishwasher Detergents
• Cruelty-Free Laundry Detergent Brands
• Cruelty-Free Bleach & Whiteners
• Cruelty-Free Fabric Softener 
• Cruelty-Free Stain & Odor Removers
• Cruelty-Free Dryer Sheets & Balls