Is Mrs. Meyer's Eco-Friendly or Greenwashed?

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Are Mrs. Meyer’s Cleaning Products Actually Eco-Friendly?

If you’ve ever walked down the cleaning aisle and been drawn to the colorful bottles and garden-inspired scents of Mrs. Meyer’s products, you’re definitely not alone. I’ve been there too. With names like “Basil” and “Lavender” and that vintage apothecary look, it’s easy to assume these cleaners are as green and non-toxic as they look. But the big question is: is Mrs. Meyer’s eco-friendly?

As someone who has been on a mission to green every corner of my home, I’ve done a deep dive into what’s really inside those pretty bottles. In this post, we’re going to take a closer look at their ingredients, packaging, company ethics, and more to help you decide if Mrs. Meyer’s truly lives up to its earth-loving image.

What Mrs. Meyer’s Claims About Their Eco-Friendly Products

Bottle of Mrs. Meyer's cleaning spray on a countertop

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day is a brand that markets itself as being inspired by the garden and committed to “a better way to clean.” Right on their packaging and website, they emphasize phrases like “made with essential oils,” “plant-derived ingredients,” and “earth-friendly formulas.”

If you’re anything like me, that kind of language definitely grabs your attention. This is especially true when you’re trying to make better, cleaner choices for your home and the planet.

One of their main claims is that their products are biodegradable and made with cruelty-free formulas. They also highlight that their scents are derived from essential oils and other naturally derived ingredients, giving off the impression that these are safe, non-toxic, and eco-conscious options for everyday use.

The brand also notes that many of their products are free from parabens, phthalates, chlorine, formaldehyde, and artificial colors. That’s a solid starting point if you’re trying to avoid known irritants and endocrine disruptors in your cleaning routine.

They even claim to use recycled materials in some of their packaging. Plus, they’ve stated an intention to reduce their environmental impact through responsible manufacturing.

But here’s the thing I’ve learned over the years: green branding doesn’t always equal green ingredients or practices. Sometimes, what looks clean and natural on the outside can be hiding some not-so-great stuff under the surface. While these claims sound promising, it’s important we look a little closer before we start stocking up on every scent.

A Closer Look at the Ingredients

When you’re trying to build a non-toxic home, flipping the bottle over and reading the ingredient list becomes second nature. With Mrs. Meyer’s, that’s exactly what I did.

On the surface, they seem to hit a lot of eco-friendly notes. They use plant-derived surfactants, essential oils for fragrance, and natural stabilizers. However, as we always know, it’s important to take a closer look at all the details.

Plant-Derived Doesn’t Always Mean Non-Toxic

Many of the cleaning agents used in Mrs. Meyer’s products are indeed derived from plants, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). While these ingredients are effective at lifting dirt and grease, they can also be irritating to sensitive skin and aren’t the most environmentally gentle surfactants out there.

SLES, in particular, goes through a process called ethoxylation, which can leave behind trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane. This is a probable human carcinogen and a water contaminant that’s tough to filter out.

Fragrance Transparency

Here’s another tricky area: fragrance. Mrs. Meyer’s lists “essential oils” and “fragrance” as part of their formulas, but they don’t disclose the full breakdown of those fragrance blends.

“Fragrance” is considered a trade secret in the U.S., which means it can include hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. Some of these chemicals could be allergens, hormone disruptors, or respiratory irritants. For anyone with chemical sensitivities, that’s a big question mark.

Preservatives and Stabilizers

Mrs. Meyer’s uses preservatives like methylisothiazolinone and benzisothiazolinone in some of their products. These synthetic preservatives help prevent mold and bacteria, which is important. However, they’ve also been linked to skin irritation and allergic reactions. That’s not exactly what I want in a product I’m spraying all over my counters or using near food.

The Good Stuff

To be fair, there are also plenty of safer, cleaner ingredients in the mix. You’ll find things like citric acid (great for cutting soap scum), glycerin (a natural humectant), and sodium carbonate (a mineral-based cleanser) on the label. These are ingredients I’ve used in my own DIY cleaners and feel good about.

So, are Mrs. Meyer’s ingredients 100% non-toxic and eco-friendly? Not quite. They’re definitely better than conventional cleaners, but they don’t hit the gold standard when it comes to full ingredient transparency and ultra-safe formulations.

Are Mrs. Meyer’s Products Non-Toxic?

Now that we’ve peeked at the ingredients, let’s talk about toxicity. After all, “eco-friendly” doesn’t always mean non-toxic, and vice versa.

I know firsthand how confusing it can be trying to find products that are both gentle on the planet and safe for our homes (especially if you’ve got little ones, pets, or sensitive skin in the mix).

The term “non-toxic” isn’t strictly regulated in the cleaning industry, which means companies can slap it on their labels without meeting a clear standard. When I evaluate whether a product is truly non-toxic, I look at the whole picture: ingredient safety, third-party certifications, and how the product affects indoor air quality.

Where Mrs. Meyer’s Falls

Mrs. Meyer’s definitely avoids some of the nastier ingredients found in traditional cleaners. It doesn’t contain any ammonia, chlorine bleach, or formaldehyde releasers. That’s a solid step in the right direction.

However, some of the ingredients they do use (like synthetic preservatives and undisclosed fragrances) still raise red flags for me. I’ve personally experienced headaches from a few of their products, especially the ones with stronger floral scents. I’ve also heard similar stories from friends and readers.

There’s also the issue of air quality. While their essential oil scents may smell fresh, they can contribute to indoor air pollution if they contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

Plus, since Mrs. Meyer’s doesn’t fully disclose the contents of their fragrance blends, it’s hard to say for sure what you’re breathing in.

Do They Have Third-Party Certifications?

Mrs. Meyer’s doesn’t carry certifications like EWG Verified or MADE SAFE, which are two of my go-to seals when I’m looking for truly non-toxic products. That doesn’t necessarily mean the products are unsafe. However, it does mean they haven’t gone through the rigorous testing or transparency that those certifications require.

So, are Mrs. Meyer’s products non-toxic? In my opinion, they’re safer than most conventional cleaners but not the cleanest option out there. If you’re looking to completely detox your home, especially if you have sensitivities, I’d recommend reading each product label carefully. I also think it’s a great idea to opt for simpler, DIY alternatives when you can.

Is Mrs. Meyer’s Eco-Friendly?

Now, let’s get into the heart of the question: is Mrs. Meyer’s eco-friendly? On the surface, they certainly present themselves that way. They have lovely garden-inspired labels, talk of plant-based ingredients, and lots of green branding. But let’s dig a little deeper than what the marketing presents.

Biodegradability and Plant-Based Ingredients

One thing I do appreciate about Mrs. Meyer’s is their use of plant-derived ingredients. They’re not perfect (as we talked about above), but they generally avoid harsh chemicals in favor of more naturally sourced alternatives.

Most of their products are also biodegradable, which means they break down more easily in the environment and don’t contribute as much to water pollution. That’s a solid win if you’re looking for something better than your average big-name cleaner.

Packaging and Sustainability

When it comes to packaging, Mrs. Meyer’s is just okay. They mostly use plastic bottles, although some of them are made with at least 25% post-consumer recycled plastic.

That’s a start, but I’d love to see them move toward more refillable or zero-waste options. I’ve personally transitioned most of my cleaning routine to bulk refills or concentrated tablets to cut down on plastic altogether.

They do offer a few larger refill jugs, which I appreciate. However, if you’re aiming for a low-waste lifestyle, Mrs. Meyer’s packaging still leaves something to be desired.

Company Transparency and Ethics

Mrs. Meyer’s is owned by SC Johnson, a major corporation that also owns brands like Windex, Pledge, and Glade. While SC Johnson has made some strides in sustainability, such as ingredient disclosure and carbon reduction goals, it’s still a conventional company with a big carbon footprint.

That doesn’t automatically make Mrs. Meyer’s un-eco-friendly, but it’s worth knowing who’s behind the brand. I find that small, mission-driven companies often do a better job when it comes to sustainability because it’s not just a marketing angle, it’s one of their core values.

So, Are They Truly Eco-Friendly?

My honest take? Mrs. Meyer’s is more eco-friendly than conventional brands, but not as sustainable as some of the cleaner indie options out there.

They’re a decent middle ground if you’re transitioning to greener habits and still want something accessible at Target or the grocery store. However, if you’re ready to level up, there are other sustainable cleaning brands doing more for the planet, including the ones I share below.

Natural Alternatives to Mrs. Meyer’s

If you’re like me and want to clean your home without worrying about questionable ingredients or excess waste, you’ll be happy to know there are some amazing alternatives to Mrs. Meyer’s that check even more eco-friendly boxes.

Over the years, I’ve tested a bunch of natural cleaning brands. Some were total duds, and some blew me away. Here are a few of my go-to favorites that I always recommend to friends and readers:

Blueland

Blueland is one of the best low-waste cleaning brands out there. Their tablets come in compostable or recyclable paper packaging, and you mix them with water in a reusable bottle. I’ve been using their multi-surface and bathroom sprays for months now, and they work just as well as traditional cleaners without the environmental guilt.

Truly Free

Truly Free uses 100% non-toxic, plant-based ingredients with full transparency. Their formulas don’t contain any synthetic fragrances, dyes, or preservatives. This makes them a safer choice for sensitive individuals and the environment alike. Plus, their formulas are certified biodegradable and free of harsh chemicals, ensuring they break down safely after use.

Meliora

If you’re looking for truly minimal ingredients, Meliora is a rock star. They make powdered cleaning products with super simple formulations, and they disclose every ingredient. Their packaging is either recyclable or compostable, and everything is made in small batches in Chicago. Plus, they’re a certified B Corp and woman-owned!

DIY Cleaning Products

Of course, I have to shout out the most budget- and earth-friendly option: DIY cleaners. I’ve made my own all-purpose cleaning spray for years, and it works beautifully. If you want to start small, try mixing up this homemade cleaning scrub that you can use on your sink, bathtub, stovetop, and more. It’s cheap, easy, and zero waste.

Final Thoughts – Should You Use Mrs. Meyer’s?

So, is Mrs. Meyer’s eco-friendly? The honest answer is — it depends on what you’re looking for. Mrs. Meyer’s is definitely a step up from conventional chemical-laden cleaners.

They use more plant-based ingredients and biodegradable formulas, and their scents can make cleaning feel a little more joyful. For many people, especially those just starting their journey toward greener living, Mrs. Meyer’s offers an accessible and affordable option available in most stores.

That said, if you’re striving for the cleanest, most transparent, and lowest-waste products, Mrs. Meyer’s doesn’t quite hit every mark. Their use of synthetic fragrances, plastic-heavy packaging, and lack of rigorous third-party certifications might make them less ideal for folks with sensitive skin, chemical sensitivities, or zero-waste goals.

At the end of the day, it’s about progress, not perfection. If Mrs. Meyer’s helps you ditch harsh chemicals and feel good about your cleaning routine, that’s a win! When you’re ready to go further, I’m here to help you explore greener, cleaner, and more sustainable options.

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