Choosing the right cleaning products can feel like a real challenge when there are so many options out there.

Two brands that pop up a lot when talking about eco-friendly cleaning are ECOS and Seventh Generation. Both have a reputation for being kind to the planet and your home, but how do they stack up against each other?

In this ECOS vs Seventh Generation guide, I’ll compare the two against a range of different factors to help you decide which one to get for your home.

#1 Main Active Ingredients

ECOS takes pride in using simple, plant-derived ingredients.

Most of their products rely on coconut-based surfactants to lift away dirt and oil. You’ll also see things like citric acid for water softening and a touch of natural enzymes in some formulas to help break down grime. They like to keep their ingredient lists short and pronounceable.

Seventh Generation uses a similar approach but with slightly stronger formulations.

Their surfactants are also plant-based, but they often combine different plant-derived cleaners to increase cleaning performance.

You’ll find things like sodium lauryl sulfate (still plant-based), enzymes, and mineral-based boosters like sodium carbonate. It’s still eco-minded, just a bit more science-heavy.

So in short, ECOS leans toward ultra-gentle and minimal, while Seventh Generation packs in more cleaning agents.

#2 Cleaning Power

Seventh Generation is more effective and powerful than ECOS.

ECOS is great for light-to-moderate cleaning jobs like your daily laundry, kitchen counters, and quick wipe-downs. It does the job without feeling harsh or stripping.

But if you’re fighting greasy pans or deep-set stains, you might find yourself scrubbing longer.

Seventh Generation brings more punch. Their detergents and sprays tend to handle tougher stains and dirt faster. It’s the brand people grab when they still want something natural but don’t want to sacrifice cleaning power.

So, if you need something tough for tougher messes, Seventh Generation might win here.

#3 Prices

ECOS usually wins this round. It’s one of the most budget-friendly eco-brands around.

You can find their laundry detergent for less than many mainstream brands, and their cleaners go a long way. It’s the greener option that doesn’t break the bank.

Seventh Generation tends to sit a bit higher on the price scale. You pay a little more for the brand name, the research behind their formulas, and the slightly higher performance level.

But when you factor in how little you often need per use, it balances out.

If you’re looking to stretch your dollar, ECOS might be your go-to. But if you’re willing to splurge a little more for extra power or specific eco-certifications, Seventh Generation might be worth it.

#4 Versatility

ECOS is pretty versatile. They’ve got all-purpose cleaners that can be used on almost any surface, and they also have specialized products for things like laundry or dishwashing.

You won’t be limited to just one product.

Seventh Generation is also versatile. Their all-purpose cleaner is a go-to for many people, and they offer specialized products too, like those for glass or bathroom cleaning.

But where they stand out is in their dishwashing and laundry lines.

People rave about their dish soap, especially for cutting grease.

Both brands do a solid job with versatility, but Seventh Generation might win if you want a more specific range of cleaners, especially for tougher jobs.

#5 Ease Of Use

Both brands make things simple. Their bottles have clear instructions, and the products don’t need any mixing or special steps.

ECOS detergents are usually concentrated, so you use less each load. Plus, the bottles are lightweight and easy to handle.

Seventh Generation’s packaging is straightforward too, but some of their concentrated formulas can be thicker, which makes pouring or measuring a little messy if you’re not careful. Their spray nozzles and pumps, though, are usually very reliable.

Overall, both are user-friendly. ECOS feels a bit more “grab and go,” while Seventh Generation leans slightly more toward precision and performance.

#6 Smell

ECOS generally has a lighter, more subtle scent. It’s refreshing, but not overpowering.

Their fragrances come from natural ingredients like essential oils, which is a huge plus if you're sensitive to strong smells or chemicals.

#7 Product Range

Both brands cover the basics and more, but Seventh Generation takes the win for range.

They offer laundry detergent, dish soap, cleaning sprays, hand soap, disinfectants, baby products, paper towels, and even personal care items like body wash and deodorant.

It’s like an entire household brand at this point!

ECOS sticks closer to cleaning and laundry essentials, but they do it well.

You’ll find laundry liquids, dish soaps, all-purpose cleaners, and a few extras like pet shampoo and hand soap. They even have eco-friendly paper products now.

#8 Environmental Impact

This is where both brands really shine.

ECOS is family-owned and proudly runs on 100% renewable energy at their facilities. They focus on water efficiency, zero-waste manufacturing, and recyclable packaging.

Their bottles often come from post-consumer recycled plastic, and they’ve kept their operations carbon neutral for years.

Seventh Generation, owned by Unilever, has strong sustainability goals too.

They’re working toward 100% recycled packaging, renewable energy use, and lower carbon emissions across their supply chain. They also invest in social and environmental initiatives that support climate justice and green innovation.

Should I Get Seventh Generation Or ECOS?

If you’re trying to decide between the two, it really comes down to your priorities.

ECOS is great if you’re on a budget and need something simple and effective for everyday cleaning. It’s not as powerful for really heavy-duty jobs, but it works well for regular messes.

The prices are solid, and they’re a straightforward, eco-friendly option.

Seventh Generation, on the other hand, is a bit more premium. They offer more specialized products and have a broader range of options. Their products tend to have a stronger scent and can be better at tackling tough messes.

If you want a bigger selection and don’t mind spending a little extra, they might be the better choice.

Bottom Line

The main difference between ECOS and Seventh Generation is that ECOS is better for gentle cleaning, sensitive skin, light scents, and affordability.

Plus, it’s great for everyday use and made in zero-waste, family-owned facilities.

Seventh Generation, on the other hand, is better at deep cleaning, tackling tough stains, offering more product options, and delivering stronger performance with bolder scents, but it usually costs a bit more and focuses less on ultra-gentle formulas.

ECOS Vs Seventh Generation (Compared)