In today’s world, more and more people are becoming concerned about the ingredients in the everyday household cleaning products they use. Many conventional cleaners contain harsh chemicals and toxins that can negatively impact health and the environment.
As a result, natural and eco-friendly cleaning brands like Puracy and Branch Basics have seen a surge in popularity.
But with so many “green” options on the market, how do you decide which brand to choose? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Puracy and Branch Basics cleaning products side-by-side, looking at their ingredients, effectiveness, scent, price and more.
Read on for a detailed breakdown of the pros and cons of these two leading natural cleaning product lines.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | Puracy | Branch Basics |
| Ingredients | Plant-based, biodegradable ingredients like citrus extracts, sodium citrate, vegetable glycerin, essential oils | Purified water, coconut-derived surfactants, oxygen bleach |
| Scent | Light essential oil scents for fresh, pleasant aroma | No added fragrances |
| Effectiveness | Powerful plant-based cleaners tackle tough messes | Minimal ingredients rely on cleansing power of surfactants and oxygen bleach |
| Price | Very affordable, often under $0.20 per ounce | More expensive, $0.25-$0.40 per ounce |
| Availability | Sold widely online and in stores | Primarily available through brand website and Amazon |
| Packaging | Plant-based plastic bottles | Glass and paper containers to avoid plastic |
| Specialty Products | Variety of supplemental cleaners like dishwasher pods, wipes, etc. | More streamlined product lineup |
Overview of Puracy and Branch Basics
Puracy and Branch Basics are two of the most popular plant-based cleaning product brands available today.
Here’s a quick rundown of each company:
Puracy: Founded in 2012 and based in Austin, Texas, Puracy aims to provide effective and affordable natural household cleaners.
Their products are biodegradable, vegan, child and pet safe, and made using renewable plant-based ingredients.
The Puracy line includes laundry detergent, dish soap, all-purpose cleaner, bathroom cleaner, stain remover, and more.
Branch Basics: Launched in 2013 and headquartered in San Diego, California, Branch Basics focuses on simplicity in their ingredients. They use only three core ingredients – purified water, coconut-derived surfactants, and oxygen bleach – across their entire product line.
Branch Basics offers multi-surface cleaner, bathroom cleaner, floor cleaner, stain remover, dish soap, laundry detergent, and more.
Key Differences Between Puracy And Branch Basics
Now let’s take a deeper look at how Puracy and Branch Basics cleaning products compare across some key factors:
- Ingredients
One of the main differences between Puracy and Branch Basics lies in their ingredients.
Puracy uses a blend of plant-based, biodegradable ingredients like citrus extracts, sodium citrate, vegetable glycerin, sea salt, and proprietary essential oil blends.
They avoid harsh chemicals like chlorine, ammonia, phosphates, sulfates, formaldehyde, dyes, petroleum solvents, animal by-products, and more. Puracy states that all their formulas are non-toxic, hypoallergenic, vegan, gluten-free, and not tested on animals.
Branch Basics takes an even more minimalist approach with just three main ingredients – purified water, coconut-derived surfactants, and oxygen bleach – making up the bulk of their products.
They don’t use any added fragrances, dyes, toxins, petrochemicals or other harsh chemicals. Their formulas are non-toxic, biodegradable, cruelty-free, vegan, and greywater safe.
When choosing between Puracy and Branch Basics cleaners, those with chemical sensitivities or allergies may want to opt for Branch Basics due to the incredibly simple formulas. People who want lightly scented products may prefer Puracy’s essential oil infused cleaners.
- Effectiveness
Consumers want cleaning products that get the job done using natural ingredients. So how do Puracy and Branch Basics compare when it comes to effectiveness?
Puracy prides themselves on creating cleaners that work as well as or better than conventional products.
Their plant-based formulas effectively tackle grease, grime, soap scum and other household messes.
Puracy states their products are concentrated so only a small amount is needed for each cleaning task.
Many customers report being satisfied with how well Puracy’s natural cleaners work throughout their home.
Branch Basics is confident their minimal ingredient cleaners are highly effective thanks to the cleansing power of whole coconut-derived surfactants and oxygen bleach.
User reviews indicate Branch Basics products adequately clean countertops, floors, bathrooms, windows and more when used as directed. Some people feel Branch Basics cleaners don’t have quite as much grease-cutting power as Puracy or other leading green brands.
For the best results with either brand, it can help to let their natural cleaners sit for a few minutes before wiping away any dirt and residue. This allows the plant-based ingredients extra time to lift and dissolve grime. Proper product dosage and application technique also contributes to cleaning effectiveness.
- Scent
If you love products that leave behind a fresh, energizing scent, Puracy is probably the better choice over the fragrance-free formulas from Branch Basics.
Puracy infuses their cleaners with proprietary essential oil blends that provide a light, pleasant aroma. For example, their Citrus & Mint Multi-Surface Cleaner has an invigorating citrus mint scent, while the Coconut & Lime Dishwashing Liquid smells tropical and summery.
The scents are uplifting without being overpowering.
Branch Basics specifically avoids any added fragrances in their products. Their cleaners have little to no discernible scent. This makes Branch Basics a great option for those sensitive to fragrance, or who simply prefer no fragrance in their cleaning products.
The lack of scent also minimizes the chance of the cleaners exacerbating asthma or allergies.
So those looking for a smell-good factor while cleaning may want to go with Puracy, while people who steer clear of scented items can opt for Branch Basics’ fragrance-free formulas.
- Price
Price and value are important considerations when comparing Puracy and Branch Basics. Which brand offers the better bang for your buck?
Puracy products are very competitively priced, especially when purchased in bundles or subscriptions. Their cleaners cost approximately $0.10-0.20 per ounce. Puracy frequently offers sales and discounts that make the products even more budget-friendly.
Subscribing to regular deliveries can save you 15% or more. Considering the quality ingredients and cleaning effectiveness, Puracy represents an excellent value.
Branch Basics prices are higher than Puracy, ranging from $0.25 to $0.40 per ounce depending on the product. Some users feel Branch Basics cleaners are a bit overpriced, especially for the minimal ingredients.
However, fans of the brand appreciate the extremely simple, non-toxic formulas and don’t mind paying a premium. Larger sizes and value bundles can help lower the per-ounce cost.
When choosing between the two brands, Puracy generally wins in terms of affordability and price-conscious shoppers may find better deals here. But Branch Basics devotees feel the non-toxic simplicity is worth the higher cost.
- Availability
You’ll find it easier to purchase Puracy products compared to the more limited availability of Branch Basics cleaners.
Puracy is sold by a number of major online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Thrive Market, Grove Collaborative and more. This widespread online availability makes Puracy products very convenient to purchase.
Puracy cleaners are also sold in some brick-and-mortar retail stores across the nation.
Branch Basics has a much more limited retail presence, selling primarily through their own website and Amazon. Whole Foods used to carry Branch Basics products, but no longer stocks them.
Outside of online shopping, finding Branch Basics locally can be challenging. The brand is growing, so retail availability may expand in the future.
If easy accessibility is important to you, Puracy will likely be the easier of the two brands to locate both online and in-store. Branch Basics will require more shopping directly through the brand’s website.
- Packaging
Both brands offer their natural cleaners in packaging designed to be environmentally responsible.
Puracy uses plastic bottles made with plant-based materials and minerals for opacity.
They state their bottles require 30% less energy to manufacture compared to traditional PET plastic.
Puracy’s packaging is also BPA-free and recyclable.
Branch Basics packages their concentrates in amber glass bottles, which are infinitely recyclable.
For their oxygen boost powder, they use kraft paper canisters. Branch Basics avoids plastics in their packaging because petroleum is used to manufacture most plastics.
So while both brands strive for eco-friendly packaging, Branch Basics takes the approach of avoiding plastics altogether. Puracy incorporates more recycled plant-based plastics in their bottles.
- Commitment to Sustainability
In addition to their natural ingredients and green packaging, both companies aim to reduce their environmental footprint in other ways too.
Puracy runs their operations on 100% renewable energy. They use recycled shipping materials, partner with carbon neutral shipping carriers, and optimize delivery routes to lower emissions. Puracy also strives to give back, donating 4% of profits to provide clean water to those in need.
Branch Basics takes steps to conserve water and minimize waste in their manufacturing process. Their concentrates use less packaging and result in fewer greenhouse gas emissions during shipping.
Branch Basics is a certified B Corporation committed to sustainability and positive social impact.
So while both brands demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, Branch Basics seems to have a slight edge with their B Corp certification proving their dedication to green business practices.
- Specialty Products
Beyond general household cleaners, Puracy and Branch Basics each offer some unique specialty products:
Puracy has laundry detergent, stain remover spray, dishwasher pods, concentrated cleaners, and cleaning wipes in their lineup. They also sell plant-powered bath and body products.
Branch Basics offers oxygen bleach powder, scouring stick, floor mop solution, and an odor eliminator. Their concentrates allow versatility to make specialty cleaners as needed.
Puracy appears to have a wider assortment of handy supplemental cleaning products. Branch Basics keeps their lineup more streamlined.
- Customer Service
Stellar customer service helps ensure an enjoyable shopping experience and can resolve any issues with ease.
Puracy receives rave reviews for their exceptionally helpful and friendly customer service team. Many customers comment on quick shipping and overall excellent service from start to finish.
Branch Basics also aims to provide responsive customer support via phone and email. Some users feel response times are slower compared to other brands. But most are pleased with the customer service overall.
Both brands offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on their products. Puracy may have a slight edge in shipping speed and customer service responsiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, Branch Basics and Dr. Bronner’s are different brands that make natural soap and cleaning products. While they share some similarities, there are some key differences:
Ingredients – Dr. Bronner’s uses a base of organic saponified oils along with essential oils for fragrance. Branch Basics contains only coconut-derived surfactants, water, and oxygen bleach.
Scent – Dr. Bronner’s has strongly scented soaps with their signature essential oil blends. Branch Basics products are fragrance-free.
Packaging – Dr. Bronner’s uses 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. Branch Basics uses glass and paper packaging.
Price – Dr. Bronner’s is generally more affordable than the premium-priced Branch Basics products.
History – Dr. Bronner’s has been around since 1948. Branch Basics launched in 2013.
So in summary, while both brands make eco-friendly cleaners, Dr. Bronner’s and Branch Basics have noticeable differences in their products.
Branch Basics and Force of Nature take a similar minimalist approach to their ingredients, but there are some distinctions between the two brands:
Formulas – Branch Basics contains just water, coconut-derived surfactants, and oxygen bleach. Force of Nature cleaners utilize water, plant-based glycerin, and caprylyl glucoside surfactants.
Effectiveness – Reviews indicate Branch Basics and Force of Nature are comparable in cleaning power. Force of Nature may have a slight edge for tougher grease-cutting jobs.
Price – Force of Nature is more affordable, while Branch Basics is priced at a premium.
Scent – Branch Basics is unscented. Some Force of Nature products contain essential oils.
Packaging – Branch Basics uses glass and paper. Force of Nature uses plant-based plastic with less plastic overall.
Overall, Force of Nature could be the better choice for budget-conscious consumers who still want super simple ingredients. Branch Basics appeals to those seeking completely scent-free, plastic-free products.
Yes, Branch Basics cleaning products are considered safe to use around babies. Here’s why:
1. Hypoallergenic formulas don’t contain common allergens, fragrances, or irritants. This minimizes risk of reactions.
2. No harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or phosphates. Gentler on delicate skin.
3. Neutral pH cleaners won’t dry out sensitive baby skin.
4. Oxygen bleach disinfects surfaces without toxic residues.
5. Glass packaging avoids plastics with chemicals that could leach out.
Of course, it’s still smart to keep any cleaner locked up and out of a baby’s reach for safety. But Branch Basics’ incredibly simple, non-toxic ingredients make their products a good choice for babies compared to conventional cleaners.
Branch Basics Oxygen Boost is not the same as plain baking soda. Here are the key differences:
1. Composition – Branch Basics Oxygen Boost contains sodium percarbonate, which breaks down into sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide (for disinfecting power). Baking soda is solely sodium bicarbonate.
2. Cleaning – Oxygen Boost is a stronger cleaner and stain remover compared to baking soda. However, baking soda also has mild cleaning properties.
3. Deodorizing – Both can help deodorize, but Oxygen Boost is better at eliminating strong odors rather than just masking them.
4. Safety – Oxygen Boost can irritate eyes and skin. Baking soda is gentler. However, both are less hazardous than bleach.
So while Oxygen Boost and baking soda both have some overlapping uses, Oxygen Boost is a more powerful oxygen bleach-based cleaner uniquely formulated by Branch Basics.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing between the leading natural cleaning brands Puracy and Branch Basics, there are good arguments to be made for both.
Puracy offers affordable, effective cleaners with light pleasing scents. Branch Basics features ultra-simple unscented formulas in plastic-free packaging.
Ultimately, it comes down to your priorities – do you want fragrant cleaners with plant oils at lower prices? Or are minimal ingredients in glass bottles worth paying more for?
Take your sensitivity to scents, ingredients and chemicals into account. Consider your budget and eco-friendly values too. And don’t forget Puracy’s wider availability compared to Branch Basics’ smaller retail presence.
No matter which brand you choose, you can feel confident knowing Puracy and Branch Basics provide far safer, gentler options over conventional cleaning products. Taking a natural, non-toxic approach to cleaning your home is better for you, your family’s health, and the environment.
