Branch Basics
brand rating & evaluation
overall rating:
Conscious
Our ratings are based on a scale from 1 (Avoid) to 5 (Top Choice). See How We Rate
The Shifting Gaia rating evaluates brands based on sustainable practices, ingredients and materials, and social responsibility, among others. Below are a few factors influencing this brand's score:
certifications:
learn more about these certifications*
overview
sustainability
non-toxic
social responsibility
6 out of 10
10 out of 10
7.2 out of 10
about
Branch Basics simplifies cleaning with a multi-purpose, refillable concentrate and non-toxic laundry boosters.
highlights
Concentrated refill system
MADE SAFE® and EWG Verified™
Cruelty-free, Leaping Bunny certified
Biodegradable plant- and mineral-based ingredients
sustainability
score:
6 out of 10
details:
Packaging
Branch Basics employs a refillable packaging model to minimize waste. Their Starter Kits include bottles (available in BPA-free, #1 PET recyclable plastic or glass with silicone sleeves) that can be refilled indefinitely with concentrate and water. Shipping materials are also eco-friendly (orders ship in 100% recyclable or compostable packaging).
The refill pouches, while reducing plastic volume, are not curbside recyclable, which limits end-of-life circularity. Overall, Branch Basics demonstrates strong refill/reuse strategies and recyclable components, but reliance on virgin plastic and non-recyclable refill pouches leaves room for improvement.
Ingredient Sustainability
Across assessed products, renewable plant inputs and non-toxic minerals are prioritized, and ingredients are often food-grade or cosmetic-grade. The brand avoids petrochemical staples like SLS, SLES, parabens, or synthetic fragrances. A potential drawback is that some auxiliaries (e.g. certain chelators or polymers) may be synthetically manufactured, reflecting minor fossil resource use.
Branch Basics holds third-party certifications (MADE SAFE®, EWG Verified™) on key products, underscoring the sustainability and safety of their ingredients.
Formulas are fully biodegradable, largely plant-derived, and free of known environmental toxins, albeit with a few synthetic components.
Energy Use and Footprint
Branch Basics provides little public information about its energy use or carbon footprint, but some aspects of its model inherently reduce emissions. By selling a concentrated product that customers dilute at home, the company ships far less water weight, thereby lowering transportation emissions for cleaning products.
Waste Management
Overall, Branch Basics’ approach results in significantly less packaging waste and product waste than typical cleaning products. Manufacturing waste mitigation strategies are not explicitly detailed.
Business Model
Branch Basics’ business model strongly encourages mindful consumption rather than overconsumption. The company offers an “evergreen” product line of essential cleaning items and does not engage in constant product turnover or trend-driven releases.
non-toxic
score:
10 out of 10
details:
No parabens, phthalates, phosphates, ammonia, chlorine bleach, formaldehyde releasers, ethanolamines, synthetic fragrances, or dyes are used in any Branch Basics product. The Concentrate and related cleaners are completely fragrance-free (they even avoid essential oils to accommodate those with sensitivities).
social responsibility
score:
7.2 out of 10
details:
Branch Basics is a small, U.S.-based company, and while it presumably adheres to fair labor practices domestically, the brand provides minimal public information on its labor standards or supply chain ethics.
All of Branch Basic’s cleaning products are certified cruelty-free through the Leaping Bunny program.
The company runs an initiative called “Toss the Toxins,” a free educational program/site that helps people identify and remove toxic products from their homes. In terms of charitable engagement, Branch Basics has established philanthropic partnerships: they highlight several partner organizations that share their healthy living mission and allow customers to “Shop & Donate 1%” of purchases to these causes.
