Procter & Gamble
Flagged · AvoidThe world's largest household and personal care company, behind Tide, Charmin, Gillette, Pampers, and dozens of other everyday brands.
Last updated June 12, 2026
↓ Skip to 6 ethical alternativesReasons to avoid
Issues span:LaborEnvironmentConsumer
- P&G's palm oil supply chain has been linked to forced labor in Malaysia. The U.S. banned imports from P&G supplier FGV Holdings in 2020 after an investigation found evidence of forced labor, abuse, physical and sexual violence, and retention of workers' identity documents.
- A June 2024 Friends of the Earth report found 25 mills tied to P&G supplier Astra Agro Lestari (AAL), which is implicated in land grabbing, environmental degradation, water pollution, and government criminalization of human rights defenders. Peer companies suspended AAL sourcing; P&G only partially responded.
- In January 2025, consumers filed an $800 million class-action lawsuit alleging P&G misled buyers with its "Keep Forests as Forests" campaign on Charmin toilet paper, while continuing to source from suppliers linked to deforestation of primary forests.
- In May 2025, five additional federal class-action greenwashing lawsuits were filed against P&G in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York — all alleging the company deceived consumers about protecting forests while being complicit in clearcutting ancient boreal forests for Charmin and Puffs.
- In July 2024, a court allowed a landmark plastic pollution lawsuit against P&G and other major consumer goods companies to proceed, alleging they created a public nuisance by flooding California waterways with plastic packaging trash.
- P&G claims not to test finished products on animals, but its policy does not extend to ingredients — where most animal testing in the cosmetics industry actually takes place. The company sells products in markets that legally require animal testing.
Ethical alternatives
Laundry
Blueland
Plastic-free laundry tablets and refillable cleaning products. Certified B Corp and EPA Safer Choice approved.
✅ B-Corp♻️ Plastic Free🌿 Zero Waste
Visit →
Tru Earth
Plastic-free laundry strips made with biodegradable, vegan ingredients. Certified B Corp and Leaping Bunny approved.
✅ B-Corp♻️ Plastic Free🐰 Cruelty-Free
Visit →Household Cleaning
Dr. Bronner's
Iconic all-purpose castile soaps and cleaning products made with fair trade, certified organic ingredients and 100% post-consumer recycled packaging.
🤝 Fair Trade🌿 Organic🐰 Cruelty-Free
Visit →
ECOS
Plant-powered dish soap, laundry, and cleaning products. Certified B Corp, hypoallergenic, and manufactured in carbon-neutral facilities.
✅ B-Corp🐰 Cruelty-Free♻️ Sustainable
Visit →Toilet Paper & Paper Goods
Who Gives A Crap
Toilet paper and paper towels made from 100% recycled or bamboo materials. Donates 50% of profits to improve sanitation access worldwide.
✅ B-Corp♻️ Sustainable♻️ Plastic Free
Visit →Personal Care
Local Co-ops & Natural Grocers
Find a local co-op or natural grocery store stocking independent personal care and household brands near you.
📍 Local Business📍 Supports Locals
Common Questions
- Is Procter & Gamble ethical?
- The U.S. government banned imports from a P&G palm oil supplier in 2020 after finding evidence of forced labor, physical and sexual violence, and retention of workers' identity documents in Malaysia. Consumers filed an $800 million class-action lawsuit in January 2025 alleging P&G misled buyers with its "Keep Forests as Forests" campaign on Charmin while continuing to source from suppliers linked to deforestation of ancient primary forests.
- Why should I avoid Procter & Gamble?
- Deforestation, forced labor supply chains, greenwashing, and plastic pollution are the main concerns. Five additional federal class-action greenwashing lawsuits were filed against P&G in 2025, all alleging the company deceived consumers while being complicit in clearcutting ancient boreal forests for Charmin and Puffs. In July 2024, a court allowed a landmark plastic pollution lawsuit against P&G to proceed, alleging the company created a public nuisance by flooding California waterways with plastic packaging trash.
- What are the best ethical alternatives to Procter & Gamble?
- Blueland and Tru Earth both offer plastic-free laundry products certified by B Corp, eliminating the plastic jugs tied to P&G's Tide and Gain brands. Who Gives A Crap makes toilet paper from recycled and bamboo materials and donates 50% of profits to improve sanitation worldwide. Dr. Bronner's makes all-purpose cleaning products with fair trade organic ingredients.