- Consumer Brands
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- Largest Gun Brands
- Largest Deoderant Brands
- Largest Diapers Brands
- Largest Tissues Brands
- Largest Household Cleaner Brands
- Largest Laundry Detergent Brands
- Largest Paper Towel Brands
- Largest Razorblade Brands
- Largest Shampoo Brands
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9 Largest Laundry Detergent Brands in the World
Laundry detergent is a household staple that has evolved significantly since its inception. The modern history of laundry detergent began around World War II, marking a shift from traditional soap to more effective cleaning agents.
While soap has been used for cleaning since ancient Egyptian times, soap flakes became less popular during wartime. Laundry detergents emerged as a cost-effective and efficient alternative for cleaning clothes.
It’s essential to note that laundry detergent is not the same as soap. Detergents are specially formulated chemical compounds designed for cleaning fabrics in washing machines. They work by keeping dirt suspended in water, allowing for more effective cleaning.
As washing machines use water pressure to lift dirt from fabrics, detergents break down the surface tension of water, enhancing its ability to penetrate and lift away grime. This process ensures that dirt is separated from fabrics and rinsed away during the wash cycle.
Before the advent of commercial laundry detergents and washing machines, clothes were typically cleaned by hand using traditional soap on scrubbing boards or in rivers. In ancient cultures, soaps were made from animal fats and ashes, and later, lye was introduced, although it was deemed too harsh for modern use with washing machines.
Today, the laundry detergent industry is increasingly focusing on eco-friendly practices, responding to rising environmental concerns and clean water standards. Biodegradable and green products are gaining popularity and continuously improving. Below, we present the largest laundry detergent brands in the world.
Detailed List of the 9 Largest Laundry Detergent Brands in the World
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Procter and Gamble. Ohio, United States
Annual Revenue (2023): $70.95 billion
Procter & Gamble, also known as P&G, was founded in 1835 by William Procter and James Gamble. The company specializes in personal health, hygiene, and consumer products, including a wide range of laundry detergents.Previously, P&G’s portfolio included food and snacks until the sale of Pringles to Kellogg’s. The company initially focused on soap and candles, achieving $1 million in sales between 1858 and 1859.
P&G won contracts to supply the Union Army with soap and candles, introducing them to its products. In the 1880s, P&G marketed Ivory, an inexpensive soap that floated. The company launched Tide laundry detergent in 1946 and has a rich history in advertising, coining the term “soap operas” through its sponsorship of radio dramas in the 1930s.
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Henkel. Düsseldorf, Germany
Annual Revenue (2023): $23.30 billion
Founded in 1876, Henkel is a German multinational active in both consumer and industrial sectors, organized into three divisions: Laundry & Home Care, Beauty Care, and Adhesive Technologies.Notable brands include Loctite, Persil, Fa, Dial, and Purex. Henkel introduced the first German brand-name detergent, Bleich-Soda, in 1878 and launched Persil, the first self-acting laundry detergent, in 1907. Today, Persil remains a flagship product and continues to generate significant sales.
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Amway. Michigan, United States
Annual Revenue (2023): $8.4 billion
Amway, short for “American Way,” is an American multi-level marketing company selling health, beauty, and home care products since 1959.The company introduced its first laundry detergent, SA8, in 1960. In 2007, Consumer Reports recognized SA8 with Bioquest as the best-performing laundry detergent, although its pricing has faced criticism.
Despite multiple investigations regarding its business practices, Amway has never been found guilty of wrongdoing.
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Church and Dwight. New Jersey, United States
Annual Revenue (2023): $3.4 billion
Founded in 1846, Church & Dwight was formed from the merger of two companies established by John Dwight and Austin Church, initially selling sodium bicarbonate.Their Arm & Hammer brand introduced the first nationally distributed phosphate-free detergent in 1970. Following environmental concerns about phosphates, this product was developed and marketed within a year.
In 2001, Church & Dwight expanded its laundry detergent line by acquiring USA Detergents, the owner of Xtra Detergent, and now offers various well-known brands including OxiClean and Trojan.
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Fábrica de Jabón la Corona. Morelos, Mexico
Annual Revenue (2023): $187.95 million
Established in 1920, Fábrica de Jabón is a Mexican company founded by Don Esteban Gonzalez and his son Antonio Gonzalez, who is the current CEO.The company produces a range of products, including edible oils, laundry soap, and biodegradable detergents. It began exporting in 1986 and now serves markets across the Americas.
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ECOS. Athens, Greece
Annual Revenue (2023): $150 million
Family-owned since 1967, ECOS Laundry Detergent is part of Earth Friendly Products, which creates over 200 eco-friendly products.ECOS products are plant-based, biodegradable, and never tested on animals. With over 100 products certified by the U.S. EPA Safer Choice, ECOS offers a variety of laundry detergents available in major retailers across the U.S. and 60 countries.
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Nûby. Louisiana, United States
Annual Revenue (2023): $81 million
Nûby, also known as Luv n’ Care, specializes in products for infants and parents, focusing on simplifying their lives with nature-inspired solutions.Their laundry detergent, designed for infants with sensitive skin, is all-natural and safe for all washing machines.
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Norwex. Texas, United States
Annual Revenue (2023): $58 million
Founded in Norway 27 years ago, Norwex offers sustainable cleaning and personal care products, expanding to North America in 1999.The company has grown to operate in fifteen countries and provides a range of laundry products, including eco-friendly detergents and stain removers.
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Charlie’s Soap. North Carolina, United States
Annual Revenue (2023): $4 million
Founded in 1971, Charlie’s Soap specializes in all-natural laundry detergents and household cleaners made from biodegradable ingredients.The company originated when textile factory customers requested effective cleaners for their machines, leading to the creation of Charlie’s Soap, which is now available in various forms.
In summary, the laundry detergent industry has undergone significant transformations, with a focus on sustainability and innovative cleaning solutions. The brands listed above not only dominate the market but also reflect the changing consumer preferences towards eco-friendly products. As we progress into 2026, the demand for sustainable and effective laundry detergents continues to rise, shaping the future of this essential household category.
- Consumer Brands
- Largest Luggage Brands
- Largest Gun Brands
- Largest Deoderant Brands
- Largest Diapers Brands
- Largest Tissues Brands
- Largest Household Cleaner Brands
- Largest Laundry Detergent Brands
- Largest Paper Towel Brands
- Largest Razorblade Brands
- Largest Shampoo Brands
- Largest Toilet Paper Brands
- Largest Toothbrush Brands
- Largest Toothpaste Brands
- Largest Skincare Brands
Author
Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.
