For eco-conscious consumers looking for effective, non-toxic cleaners, Dr. Bronner’s and Branch Basics are two of the most popular natural cleaning brands on the market. But with so many products to choose from, it can be tough to decide which brand is right for you.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Dr. Bronner’s and Branch Basics on ingredients, safety, price, product range, availability, and more. Read on to learn the pros and cons of each brand so you can determine which is the best fit for your cleaning needs and values.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | Dr. Bronner’s | Branch Basics |
| Products | Primarily liquid castile soaps | Wide range of cleaners for different uses |
| Ingredients | Minimally processed plant oils like coconut, olive, hemp | Plant oils plus other plant-derived components |
| Prices | $15-$18 for 32 oz | $13-$14 for 24-32 oz |
| Availability | Widely available at major retailers | Primarily online and smaller chains |
| Certifications | USDA Organic, Fair Trade, EPA Safer Choice | No major third-party certifications |
| Manufacturing Transparency | Highly transparent | Limited available information |
| Scenting | Strong essential oil scents | Most products fragrance-free |
| Versatility | Excellent as all-purpose cleaner when diluted | Targeted formulas for different cleaning jobs |
Overview of Dr. Bronner’s
Dr. Bronner’s is a family-owned company that has been making natural soaps and cleaners since 1948. The brand is known for its iconic peppermint-scented castile liquid soap, which can be used for cleaning, bathing, and more.
Key pros of Dr. Bronner’s:
- Uses certified fair trade, organic ingredients whenever possible
- Vegan and never tested on animals
- Transparent about its supply chain and manufacturing practices
- Long-standing leader in eco-friendly cleaning products
- Products are highly concentrated for value and lower environmental impact
Potential cons:
- Limited product range focused mainly on castile soap
- Soaps have strong natural scents that some may find overpowering
- Higher price point than conventional cleaners
Overview of Branch Basics
Branch Basics is a newer cleaning brand that launched its first products in 2013. The company offers a line of mineral- and plant-based cleaners designed to be non-toxic, biodegradable, and highly effective.
Key pros of Branch Basics:
- Products are very versatile for all-purpose cleaning
- Free of harsh or synthetic ingredients
- Affordably priced compared to other green cleaners
- Fragrance-free formulations good for sensitive users
- Range includes hand soaps, surface cleaners, laundry detergent, and more
Potential cons:
- Company is less established than Dr. Bronner’s
- Limited information available on supply chain and manufacturing
- Products have more ingredients versus Dr. Bronner’s minimal formulas
Key Differences Between Dr. Bronner’s And Branch Basics
Now that we’ve covered the basics of each brand, let’s do a detailed comparison across a few key factors:
- Ingredients
When it comes to natural cleaning products, the ingredients really make or break a formula. Both Dr. Bronner’s and Branch Basics use plant-based, non-toxic components, but there are some differences in their approaches.
Dr. Bronner’s:
Dr. Bronner’s main cleaners are based on pure castile soap made from certified organic olive, coconut, hemp, and jojoba oils. The classic liquid castile soaps contain over 90% certified organic ingredients and nothing else beyond water, minimal stabilizers, and natural aromas.
This simplicity means the soaps are very gentle and safe even for babies or pets. However, castile soap is also very high in alkaline pH which can dry hands and be too harsh for some cleaning uses.
Branch Basics:
Branch Basics uses a wider array of plant-derived ingredients like coconut oil, sodium citrate, sodium carbonate, and essential oils.
The formulations are free of sulfates, ammonia, chlorine, phthalates, petrochemicals, and other harsh chemicals.
However, Branch Basics does use some ingredients not found in Dr. Bronner’s like sodium percarbonate as a green bleaching agent.
The products have a more neutral pH better suited for household cleaning. But the extra plant extracts and oils mean the ingredient list is longer.
Verdict:
It’s a toss up between Dr. Bronner’s ultra-minimal formulas and Branch Basics’ more complex plant-powered cleaners. People with severe allergies may prefer the shorter list with Dr. Bronner’s, while Branch Basics offers greater versatility.
- Product Range
Consumers often want to be able to find all their essential cleaning supplies from one trusted green brand. So how do Dr. Bronner’s and Branch Basics compare when it comes to product selection?
Dr. Bronner’s
True to its origins as a soap company, cleaners from Dr. Bronner’s are limited primarily to liquid castile soaps. The brand offers their castile soaps in unscented, peppermint, lavender, citrus, and other variations. Most popular is the 32 oz peppermint soap.
Beyond soaps, Dr. Bronner’s has just a handful of other products like laundry detergent, toothpaste, and lotion. There are no dedicated bathroom, glass, or surface cleaners. So it lacks diversity compared to conventional cleaning brands.
Branch Basics
Branch Basics currently offers over 15 home care products divided into laundry, bathroom, kitchen, outdoor, and specialty cleaners. This includes multi-surface spray, tub & tile scrub, window wash, dish soap, and more.
The wider range means you can find most essentials under the Branch Basics name. And the products are designed to replace conventional options, with better plant-powered formulas.
Verdict:
Branch Basics wins when it comes to offering a complete selection of natural home cleaners. Dr. Bronner’s, while highly effective for some cleaning needs, has a very limited product line.
- Safety and Certifications
For natural cleaning brands, third-party certifications help provide assurance their products are truly non-toxic and eco-friendly. What safety standards have Dr. Bronner’s and Branch Basics met?
Dr. Bronner’s
Dr. Bronner’s has obtained numerous certifications verifying its sustainable practices and ingredients:
- Fair Trade
- USDA Organic
- Leaping Bunny (no animal testing)
- EPA Safer Choice (formerly Design for Environment)
- B Corporation (high social and environmental standards)
The company is also transparent with its manufacturing details and supply chain.
Overall, Dr. Bronner’s has very strong safety and ethics credentials.
Branch Basics
Based on available information, Branch Basics cleaners appear to be free of concerning ingredients according to reputable databases like EWG Verified and MADE SAFE.
However, the products do not seem to carry major third-party certifications like USDA Organic, Safer Choice, or Cradle to Cradle. Branch Basics says its mission aligns with sustainability, yet few official details are available.
Verdict:
Dr. Bronner’s comes out far ahead for its ethical sourcing, manufacturing transparency, and numerous respected certifications. While Branch Basics products do appear safe, more third-party standards would improve credibility.
- Price Comparison
One important consideration for any consumer product is cost-effectiveness. Let’s analyze how affordably priced Dr. Bronner’s and Branch Basics cleaners are relative to each other.
Dr. Bronner’s
Dr. Bronner’s 32 oz liquid castile soap typically costs between $15 to $18 per bottle. That seems pricey compared to conventional cleaners until you account for the concentration. Diluted as directed, the 32 oz actually makes up to 8 gallons of usable cleaner.
This brings the cost-per-use down significantly. Still, Dr. Bronner’s remains one of the more expensive natural cleaning options. The brand positions itself as a premium ethical product.
Branch Basics
A 24 oz spray bottle of Branch Basics multi-surface cleaner costs around $13. Similarly, their hand soap concentrate runs about $14 for 16 oz.
These prices are very competitive with conventional cleaners on a per-ounce basis. Branch Basics products cost 25-50% less than comparable green brands. The affordability makes the line appealing for budget-conscious consumers.
Verdict:
Branch Basics wins for affordability and economy. Dr. Bronner’s costs notably more given its ethical sourcing practices. But its extreme dilution keeps the castile soap reasonable on a per-use basis.
- Availability and Accessibility
To actually purchase and use these cleaning brands, they need to be widely available both online and in brick-and-mortar retailers. So how easy is it to buy Dr. Bronner’s and Branch Basics?
Dr. Bronner’s
As a prominent leader in the natural space, Dr. Bronner’s soaps are stocked at most major retailers that sell eco-friendly goods. This includes Whole Foods, Sprouts, Walmart, Target, Amazon, Thrive Market, and health food stores.
Dr. Bronner’s used to be a hidden gem, but now its iconic packaging stands out on mainstream shelves. The wide availability makes it very convenient to purchase.
Branch Basics
Branch Basics has decent but still emerging distribution reach. The products are sold online through Amazon, Grove Collaborative, their own website, and select independent retailers.
However, Branch Basics has limited store availability. You may find it at regional chains like Wegmans or Earth Fare but likely not major national grocers. The more limited retail presence can make in-person shopping tricky.
Verdict:
Dr. Bronner’s comes out ahead in availability thanks to its distribution with nearly every major food and big box retailer. Branch Basics may take more effort to track down in local stores but has decent online presence.
- Performance and Effectiveness
At the end of the day, cleaning products need to actually work to remove dirt, grime, and messes. While ingredients come first, efficacy is still paramount. So how do Dr. Bronner’s and Branch Basics stack up?
Dr. Bronner’s
The castile liquid soaps from Dr. Bronner’s are highly versatile and effective cleaners. Diluted with water, they can tackle surfaces, dishes, laundry, windows, floors, bathrooms and more.
Many users love the cleaning power of castile soap paired with Dr. Bronner’s ethical standards. The soaps cut through grease and lift away dirt without harsh chemicals. Results depend on proper dilution and using the alkaline soap for appropriate tasks.
Branch Basics
Branch Basics products are specifically formulated for different household cleaning jobs.
Their surface spray, tub & tile scrub, dish soap, and others excel at targeted messes with plant-powered grease-cutting ability.
The products effectively remove grime, soap scum, dirt, and more according to user reviews.
The balanced pH works well across many surfaces. The wider product range gives versatility for all-purpose cleaning tasks.
Verdict:
It’s a draw when it comes to performance. Dr. Bronner’s excels as an all-in-one castile cleaner whereas Branch Basics offers effective cleaners tailored for specific uses. Both ultimately get the job done without toxic chemicals.
Dr. Bronner’s Or Branch Basics: Which One To Pick?
When weighing all the factors up against each another, is there a clear winner between natural cleaning giants Dr. Bronner’s and Branch Basics?
While both offer plant-based, non-toxic formulas, Dr. Bronner’s does come out slightly ahead for a few key reasons:
- Unrivaled transparency and ethical practices
- Third-party certified across many respected standards
- Extremely simple, gentle castile soap formulas
- Wider availability in major retail stores
However, Branch Basics also delivers as an excellent non-toxic cleaning option, with pros including:
- Affordable, economy-sized prices
- Huge range tailored for every cleaning need
- Cleaners formulated for convenience and versatility
- Fragrance-free options good for sensitive users
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, Branch Basics and Dr. Bronners are completely different brands when it comes to their products, ingredients, and company philosophy. The key similarities are that they both offer plant-based, non-toxic cleaners positioned as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional options. But their specific product formulas, range, pricing, and availability differ considerably.
Yes, Branch Basics is considered a clean, green brand according to its plant-based ingredients and avoidance of harsh chemicals. Branch Basics products use ingredients like coconut oil, essential oils, sodium citrate, and other naturally-derived compounds. They avoid sulfates, ammonia, chlorine, formaldehyde, and other concerning components. While not certified organic, Branch Basics markets itself as an eco-friendly cleaning solution.
Both Branch Basics and Force of Nature offer comparable plant-based, non-toxic cleaners and have similar product ranges. Key differences are that Branch Basics tends to be more affordably priced, while Force of Nature highlights its USDA organic certification. For performance and safety, the brands are relatively on par with one another according to reviews. It may come down to personal factors like price point and availability when deciding between the two popular green cleaner brands.
Yes, Dr. Bronners unscented castile liquid soap can work extremely well as an effective all-purpose cleaner when diluted properly with water. The simplicity of the plant-based formula means it can be used to clean surfaces, floors, windows, dishes, laundry, and more. Many people love keeping a bottle of Dr. Bronners castile soap as their one green cleaner for most household tasks. It may be too alkaline for some delicate surfaces, but overall makes an excellent non-toxic multi-use cleaning solution.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, it depends most on your priorities. For hardcore green fans, Dr. Bronner’s time-tested castile soaps edge out the win. But Branch Basics provides a more mainstream accessible range.
Both are excellent natural cleaning brands that blow conventional products out of the water for purity and ethics. It’s hard to go wrong if you pick either brand over chemical-laden cleaners.
