Smol Review: Is Smol Eco-Friendly, Non-Toxic & Worth It?

I’ll be honest — I’d been half-tempted by smol for ages before I actually signed up. The tiny letterbox box, the “just pay £1” trial, the cardboard packaging with no plastic in sight. It kept coming up whenever I went down an eco-cleaning rabbit hole, and eventually I thought, right, let’s just try it properly.

So I did. And then I kept using it. Several months later I’m still subscribed to a few of the products and off others entirely — because some of them are genuinely brilliant and some are, well, a bit average. This is my honest smol review: what actually cleans, what doesn’t, whether smol is eco-friendly (the nuanced answer), whether it’s non-toxic (also nuanced), and how to get the free trial if you want to test it yourself first.

Updated May 2026

What is Smol? Understanding the Brand {#what-is-smol}

Smol is a UK-based subscription cleaning company launched in 2018 that delivers concentrated laundry and cleaning products directly to your door in plastic-free packaging. Founded by two working parents, Paula Quazi and Nick Green, who wanted a better way to buy laundry detergent, smol aims to offer effective cleaning with reduced environmental impact compared to mainstream brands.

The name “smol” is internet slang for small cute things—perfect for their tiny concentrated capsules.

What Makes Smol Different?

Subscription-based delivery: Products arrive when you need them based on your usage Concentrated formulas: Smaller, lighter products mean lower transport emissions
Plastic-free packaging: Cardboard boxes that fit through your letterbox Reduced chemicals: Claims to use fewer chemicals than leading brands while maintaining performance Direct-to-consumer: No retail markup means competitive pricing

As of 2022, smol turned over £25 million with a 38% increase from the previous year, backed by significant investment from Google Ventures, Eight Roads Ventures, and other major investors totaling £24 million in 2021.

Smol’s Product Range

Smol now sells a comprehensive range of household cleaning products:

Laundry Products:

• Bio laundry capsules
• Non-bio laundry capsules (including fragrance-free)
• Laundry liquid
• Fabric conditioner
• Stain gel

Dishwashing:

• Dishwasher tablets
• Washing-up liquid

Cleaning Products:

• Multi-purpose spray
• Bathroom spray
• Glass spray
• Kitchen spray

Other:

• Hand soap
• Hand sanitizer (made in UK)
• Toilet cleaner

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How Smol Works: The Subscription Service Explained

Getting Started with Smol

1. Free Trial: New customers can try smol products for free (£1-£3 postage only). You’ll receive 9 laundry capsules or 8 dishwasher tablets to test.
2. Set Your Plan: After the trial, smol calculates how many products you need based on:
   • How often you do laundry/dishes
   • Number of people in your household
   • Your washing habits
3. Automatic Delivery: Products arrive through your letterbox when you’re running low. All deliveries are free.
4. Fully Flexible: Pause, skip, or cancel anytime. Adjust delivery frequency easily through your online account.

Subscription Benefits

• Free delivery on all orders
• Smol+ service: Groups orders together for even lower carbon footprint once you reach £20
• Letterbox-friendly packaging (no missed deliveries)
• Child-safe packaging with multi-tab opening system
• Easy management through online account

My First Impressions

Opening the smol package was genuinely satisfying. Everything arrives in cardboard—no plastic in sight. The box has clever child-lock tabs to keep little ones safe. The laundry pods are tightly packed.

However, I did think the spray bottle came with excessive packaging. Yes, it was all cardboard, but there were two boxes inside a box with additional cardboard bits for presentation. While I appreciate the plastic-free approach, it felt like overkill.

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Is Smol Eco-Friendly? The Truth About Smol’s Environmental Claims

So, is smol eco friendly? The answer is nuanced: Yes, smol is more eco-friendly than mainstream brands like Persil and Ariel, but it’s not as “green” as some people assume.

Let’s break down what makes smol eco friendly and where they fall short:

✅ What Makes Smol Eco-Friendly

1. Plastic-Free Packaging (Mostly)

Smol’s cardboard packaging is 100% FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified, meaning it comes from responsibly managed forests. All boxes are:

• Fully recyclable
• Home-compostable
• Letterbox-sized (reducing delivery emissions)

Their fabric conditioner and spray bottles are made from 100% recycled plastic (post-consumer recycled/PCR), not virgin plastic. Bottles are reusable—you keep them and order refills.

2. Reduced Transport Emissions

Concentrated products mean:

• Smaller, lighter packages
• Less water is transported (70% of a product’s carbon footprint comes from water)
• More efficient delivery

An independent study by Eloop found switching to smol can reduce carbon emissions by 35-46% compared to mainstream brands.

3. Fewer Chemicals Than Mainstream Brands

Smol uses reduced quantities of chemicals compared to leading supermarket brands, though they’re not chemical-free (more on this below).

4. Cruelty-Free & Vegan

• Leaping Bunny certified (gold standard for cruelty-free)
• No animal testing whatsoever
• No animal-derived ingredients
• Vegan Choice Award winner
• Products not sold in countries requiring animal testing

5. EU Manufacturing

All small products are made in the UK or EU (hand sanitiser in the UK, everything else in the EU). This means:

• Lower transport emissions than importing from Asia
• Better worker protections under EU/UK law
• Shorter supply chain

6. No Palm Oil (Sort Of)

Smol doesn’t use palm oil directly, but some products contain palm oil derivatives (like glycerin). These are RSPO certified (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil), meaning they’re from more sustainable sources. Smol received a “best rating” from Ethical Consumer for their palm oil policy.

❌ Where Smol Falls Short on Eco-Friendliness

1. Still Uses Petroleum-Derived Chemicals

Unlike brands like Bio-D or Ecover that focus heavily on plant-based ingredients, smol eco friendly credentials are limited by their use of petrochemicals (fossil fuel-derived ingredients):

• Sodium laureth sulfate
• Acrylic copolymer
• Styrene/acrylates copolymer
• Optical brighteners
• Undisclosed synthetic fragrances

Smol is transparent about this: they use some synthetic ingredients to match mainstream brand performance while being “better for the planet”—not perfect for it.

2. PVA Film (Plastic-Based)

The dissolvable film around laundry and dishwasher capsules is made from PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol)—a water-soluble, biodegradable plastic made from petroleum.

While PVA breaks down into non-toxic monomers and doesn’t release microplastics, there’s scientific debate about:

• How quickly it biodegrades in less-than-perfect conditions
• Whether it breaks down before reaching waterways
• Its fossil fuel origins

Smol argues PVA capsules are the best available option because they create less friction in washing, reducing microplastic shedding from synthetic clothing compared to powder.

3. Optical Brighteners

Some smol products contain optical brighteners—chemicals that make whites appear whiter by reflecting blue light. These can be harmful to aquatic life and don’t fully biodegrade.

4. “Dangerous to Aquatic Life” Warnings

Some smol products carry warnings that they’re dangerous to aquatic life. Smol explains this is because products are highly concentrated—once diluted in normal use, they’re not classified as hazardous. The warning applies only if the undiluted product is spilt into waterways in huge quantities (industrial accident scenario).

5. Lack of Supply Chain Transparency

Smol doesn’t disclose:

• Exactly where in the EU products are manufactured
• Specific factory locations
• Detailed supply chain auditing
• Workers’ rights protections beyond being in the EU

This lack of transparency is concerning for those wanting full ethical assurance.

6. Not Certified by Major Eco-Labels

Smol doesn’t have:

• EU Ecolabel certification
• Soil Association certification
• B Corp status

The Verdict: Is Smol Eco Friendly?

Smol is “better for the planet” rather than completely eco-friendly. They’re honest about this—you’ll notice they carefully avoid calling products “eco-friendly” on their website, instead using terms like “planet-friendly” and “better alternative.”

Compared to:

• Mainstream brands (Persil, Ariel, Fairy): Smol is significantly more eco-friendly
• Budget supermarket brands: Smol is more eco-friendly
• Plant-based eco brands (Bio-D, Ecover, Miniml): Smol is less eco-friendly

For most people: Smol offers a good middle ground—better environmental impact than conventional products, with performance that matches mainstream brands, at an accessible price point.

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Is Smol Non-Toxic? Breaking Down the Ingredients {#is-smol-non-toxic}

Is smol non toxic? This depends on your definition of “non-toxic.” Smol products meet all UK and EU safety regulations and are safe when used as directed, but they do contain synthetic chemicals.

What “Non-Toxic” Really Means

There’s no official definition of “non-toxic” in cleaning products. Generally, people asking “is smol non toxic” want to know:

• Are the ingredients safe for humans and pets?
• Will they harm the environment?
• Are they free from “nasty” chemicals?

Let’s examine smol’s actual ingredients:

Chemicals Smol Uses

Smol is transparent about their ingredients (full lists available on their website). Here’s what you’ll find:

Surfactants (Cleaning Agents):

• Sodium Laureth Sulfate – petroleum-derived, effective cleaner but can irritate sensitive skin
• MEA-C10-13 Alkyl Benzenesulfonate
• C12-18 Pareth-7

Water Softeners:

• Sodium Diethylenetriamine Pentamethylene Phosphonate (NOT phosphate—important distinction)

Other Ingredients:

• Acrylic copolymer (in dishwasher tablets – Flustix certified as not a microplastic)
• Optical brighteners (in some products)
• Enzymes (in bio versions)
• Fragrances (undisclosed synthetic fragrances in scented products)
• Colorants

Safety Hazard Warnings

Smol laundry liquid carries these warnings:

• DANGER: Causes skin irritation
• Causes serious eye damage
• Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

This doesn’t mean it’s unsafe for normal use—these warnings apply to concentrated, undiluted product. Once diluted in a washing machine, it’s safe.

Are Smol Products Safe?

Yes, when used as directed. Smol products:

• Meet strict UK and EU safety regulations
• Are tested thoroughly for safe exposure levels
• Are designed to be safe for people, pets, and the planet when used properly

However, they’re not “non-toxic” in the sense of being completely natural or chemical-free.

For Sensitive Skin

Smol offers fragrance-free, non-bio laundry capsules specifically for sensitive skin:

• No perfume
• No enzymes
• No color
• Allergy UK certified

This is the best smol option for those with skin sensitivities or allergies.

The Honest Answer

Is smol non toxic? Compared to mainstream brands, yes—smol uses fewer and lower concentrations of potentially harmful chemicals. But they’re not completely natural or chemical-free like some boutique eco brands.

For most people: Smol products are safe, effective, and much better than conventional alternatives.

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Is Smol Chemical Free? The Truth {#is-smol-chemical-free}

No, smol is NOT chemical free. This is one of the biggest misconceptions about smol.

Smol’s Position on Chemicals

Smol is upfront about using chemicals. Their mission is to:

• Use fewer chemicals than leading brands (not zero)
• Match the cleaning performance of Persil and Ariel
• Offer an eco-conscious alternative at an accessible price

As smol states: “We do include some synthetic ingredients—however these are at a vastly reduced level compared to the leading brands.”

Why Smol Uses Chemicals

Smol wants to provide:

1. Performance: Cleaning power that matches mainstream brands
2. Affordability: Accessible pricing so more people can make sustainable swaps
3. Convenience: Products that work in cold water and require smaller doses

Completely natural, chemical-free cleaning products often:

• Cost significantly more (due to expensive plant-based surfactants)
• Require higher temperatures
• Need larger doses
• May not clean as effectively

What This Means for You

If you want completely chemical-free cleaning: Smol isn’t for you. Consider brands like:

• Bio-D (plant-based ingredients)
• Miniml (natural formulations)
• DIY solutions (vinegar, baking soda, soap nuts)

If you want better-than-mainstream: Smol is a good middle ground—reduced chemicals with performance you’re used to.

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Where Are Smol Products Made?

Where are smol products made? This is an important question for assessing environmental and ethical credentials.

Manufacturing Locations

Most smol products: Made in the EU
Hand sanitizer: Made in the UK

The Vague Answer Problem

Smol doesn’t disclose:

• Exactly which EU countries
• Specific factory locations
• Factory names or certification details

They simply state “made in the UK or EU.”

Why This Matters

Positives of EU/UK manufacturing:

• Lower transport emissions than importing from Asia
• EU/UK worker protection laws
• Shorter, more controllable supply chain
• Supports European manufacturing

Concerns about lack of specifics:

• Can’t verify exact worker conditions
• Unknown transportation distances within Europe
• No transparency about factory auditing
• Makes it harder to assess full environmental impact

What We Know

• Products are Leaping Bunny certified (cruelty-free factories)
• Manufacturing is in regions with strong labor protections
• Local production reduces carbon footprint
• Smol uses UK-based distribution

Comparison to Competitors

More transparent: Bower Collective (products made in UK with factory details)
Similar transparency: Method, Ecover
Less transparent: Most mainstream brands don’t disclose either

The Bottom Line

Where are smol products made? In the UK and EU, which is better than importing from distant countries, but smol could improve transparency by providing specific locations and factory certifications.

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Smol Product Reviews: Do They Actually Clean Well?

Let’s test each smol product honestly—because eco-friendly means nothing if it doesn’t actually clean.

Smol Laundry Capsules Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Available in: Bio, Non-Bio, Fragrance-Free Non-Bio

What I Tested: Both bio and non-bio versions over 3+ months

Packaging: 100% plastic-free cardboard boxes, child-safe opening system. Each pack contains 24 capsules.

Performance:

• ✅ Cleans everyday dirt, food stains, and light mud effectively
• ✅ Works well in cold washes (30°C)
• ✅ No residue left on clothes
• ✅ Pleasant scent (not overwhelming)
• ✅ Capsules dissolve completely
• ⚠️ Struggles with very stubborn stains (need the stain gel pre-treatment)

The bio version (with enzymes) handles protein-based stains better. The fragrance-free non-bio is excellent for sensitive skin—my partner has eczema and had no reactions.

Price: £5.80 for 24 capsules = 24p per wash (very competitive)

Pros:

• Effective cleaning
• Great value
• Perfect for sensitive skin (fragrance-free version)
• Plastic-free packaging
• Works in cold water

Cons:

• Not as powerful as Persil on tough stains
• Capsules sometimes stick together in box

Verdict: Excellent everyday laundry detergent that works well and costs less than mainstream brands. For heavy-duty cleaning, you might need a pre-treatment or occasional conventional wash.

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Smol Fabric Conditioner Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)

The System: Reusable bottle (100% recycled plastic) + concentrated refill pouches

Scent: Lightly fragranced with essential oils

Performance:

• ✅ Makes clothes genuinely soft
• ✅ Fresh, natural scent (not artificial)
• ✅ Works on towels without affecting absorbency
• ✅ Great on bed sheets
• ✅ Safe for baby clothes

I was skeptical about fabric conditioner (do we really need it?), but using it with smol laundry capsules does make a noticeable difference. Clothes feel softer and smell fresher.

The refill system is brilliant: Paper pouches arrive, you pour concentrate into your reusable bottle, add water. The bottle lasts indefinitely.

Price: £5.75 for refill (makes multiple bottles)

Pros:

• Genuinely effective softening
• Lovely natural scent
• Refillable bottle system
• No palm oil
• No synthetic fragrances

Cons:

• Not essential (you can skip it)
• Some find the scent too subtle

Verdict: If you use fabric conditioner, this is an excellent eco-friendly option. The refill system is clever and the product works well.

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Smol Dishwasher Tablets Review ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)

What’s Included: All-in-one tablets with salt and rinse aid

Packaging: Plastic-free cardboard, child-safe box

Performance:

• ✅ Handles everyday dishes and glasses well
• ✅ No residue or cloudiness
• ✅ Good on cutlery
• ⚠️ Less effective on baked-on, dried food
• ⚠️ Sometimes need to run a second cycle for very dirty dishes

These work fine for regular washing, but I found them less powerful than my previous Finish tablets on heavily soiled items. If you rinse dishes before loading (which saves water anyway), they’re perfectly adequate.

Price: Competitive with mainstream brands

Pros:

• Plastic-free packaging
• Built-in salt and rinse aid
• Work well on normal loads
• Small size (easy storage)

Cons:

• Not as powerful as premium mainstream brands
• Occasionally leave residue on heavily soiled items
• May need to use 2 tablets for very full loads

Verdict: Good enough for most households, especially if you rinse dishes first. Not the strongest on the market but better for the environment.

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Smol Multi-Purpose Spray Review ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

The System: Reusable bottle (100% recycled plastic) + dissolvable tablets

How It Works: Add tablet to bottle, fill with water, shake. Creates 500ml of cleaning spray.

Performance:

• ✅ Nice scent
• ✅ Convenient refill system
• ✅ Works fine on kitchen surfaces and highchairs
• ⚠️ Doesn’t cut through grease very well
• ⚠️ Struggles with soap scum on shower screens
• ⚠️ Feels more like scented water than powerful cleaner

This is my main disappointment with smol. The tablets took ages to dissolve (I had to wait rather than cleaning immediately). When they finally dissolved, the cleaning power felt weak.

For general wiping down, it’s fine. For actual cleaning? I found myself reaching for something stronger.

Comparison: My local refill shop’s multi-purpose detergent (Fantastic No-Plastic) at £0.39 per 100ml was more effective.

Pros:

• Brilliant refill concept
• Plastic-saving
• Pleasant scent
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Weak cleaning power
• Tablets slow to dissolve
• Not effective on grease or soap scum
• Feels more like air freshener than cleaner

Verdict: Great idea, but the formula needs work. Fine for light cleaning and maintaining already-clean surfaces, but not for proper cleaning jobs.

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Smol Washing-Up Liquid Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

The System: Concentrated liquid in refill pouches + reusable bottle

Performance:

• ✅ Cuts through grease effectively
• ✅ Creates good lather
• ✅ A little goes a long way (concentrated)
• ✅ Pleasant scent
• ✅ Doesn’t dry out hands

Based on 2-3 pumps per sink load, one 500ml bottle should provide around 125 washes. I found this accurate—the bottle lasts surprisingly long.

Price: £8 for 4 x 500ml refills = £0.40 per 100ml
Comparison: Fairy costs £0.31-£0.38 per 100ml at supermarkets

So smol is slightly more expensive than Fairy but comparable, and you’re getting eco-friendly packaging.

Pros:

• Actually works well
• Concentrated (lasts longer)
• Effective on grease
• Refillable system
• Gentle on hands

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive than mainstream brands
• Takes getting used to the concentration (easy to use too much)

Verdict: A genuine Fairy alternative. It cleans well, the refill system works, and it’s priced fairly. Recommended.

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Smol Free Trial: How to Get Started {#free-trial}

Current Smol Free Trial Offer

New customers can get a smol free trial of popular products:

Laundry Capsules: 9 capsules free (just pay £1 postage)
Dishwasher Tablets: 8 tablets free (just pay £1 postage)
Home Bundle: 6 products for £9 (+£3 delivery)

This smol free trial lets you test products before committing to a subscription.

How to Get Your Smol Free Trial

1. Visit smolproducts.com
2. Select your free trial (laundry or dishwasher)
3. Pay £1-£3 postage only
4. Products arrive in 3-11 days (mine took 11 days—quite slow)
5. Try them out
6. Decide if you want to continue

After your free trial: Smol will automatically set up your personalized delivery schedule. You can:

• Adjust frequency
• Pause deliveries
• Skip months
• Cancel anytime (no minimum commitment)

Other Smol Discounts and Offers

Referral Program: Share your unique link with friends. When they sign up for a free trial, you get 50% off your next order. (Available after 16 days of account activation)

Student Discount: 25% off with student verification (varies by source—check current offers)

Newsletter: Sign up for exclusive offers and early access to promotions

Smol+ Service: Free—orders over £20 are grouped for one delivery (lower carbon footprint)

Bundle Deals: Home bundle offers 33% savings compared to buying individually

Money-Saving Tips

1. Start with the smol free trial (£1) to test before committing
2. Use a referral link if someone shares one with you
3. Subscribe to the newsletter for exclusive codes
4. Use cashback sites (Qmee offers £2 cashback on trials)
5. Time your orders with the Smol+ system to group deliveries

Cancellation Policy

Super easy. You can:

• Cancel online through “Your Details” in your account
• Email help@smolproducts.com
• No cancellation fees
• No minimum subscription period

I cancelled my trial within the account settings in about 30 seconds. No hassle, no tricks.

Delivery Details

Free delivery on all standard packs via Royal Mail
Smol+ next-day tracked service also free when orders reach £20
Letterbox-friendly (no missed deliveries)
UK and Northern Ireland only

Delivery speed: My first order took 11 days, which felt very slow. Subsequent orders were faster (5-7 days typically).

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Is Smol Worth It? My Honest Verdict

After using smol products for several months, here’s my honest assessment:

✅ What I Love About Smol

1. Genuine Environmental Improvements

While not perfect, smol IS better for the planet than mainstream brands:

• 35-46% lower carbon emissions
• 100% plastic-free packaging (cardboard)
• Reduced chemical use
• Concentrated formulas (less transport)
• Refillable systems for bottles

2. Good Value for Money

At 24p per wash for laundry capsules, smol costs less than or similar to mainstream brands without the retail markup.

Price Comparison per wash:

• Smol: 24p
• Persil/Ariel: 25-30p
• Budget supermarket: 15-22p
• Premium eco brands: 30-40p

3. Genuinely Effective Cleaning

The laundry capsules, fabric conditioner, and washing-up liquid work really well. They clean as effectively as the big brands I was using before.

4. Convenient Subscription

Never running out of laundry detergent is genuinely convenient. The subscription is:

• Flexible (easy to adjust)
• Free delivery
• Letterbox delivery (no missed parcels)
• Simple to pause or cancel

5. Cruelty-Free & Vegan

Leaping Bunny certified, no animal testing, no animal ingredients. This matters to me.

6. Transparent About Limitations

I appreciate that smol doesn’t pretend to be something they’re not. They’re honest about using some synthetic ingredients and position themselves as “better” not “perfect.”

❌ What Could Be Better

1. Some Products Underwhelm

The multi-purpose spray is weak. Dishwasher tablets are okay but not amazing. If you’re used to premium brands, you might notice the difference.

2. Not Truly “Eco-Friendly”

If you want completely natural, plant-based cleaning, smol isn’t it. They still use petrochemicals and synthetic ingredients.

3. Excessive Packaging (Sometimes)

The spray bottle delivery had way too much cardboard packaging. While I appreciate plastic-free, it felt wasteful.

4. Slow Initial Delivery

11 days for my first smol free trial order was disappointing. Subsequent orders were faster, but first impressions matter.

5. Lack of Transparency

Not disclosing exactly where in the EU products are made, or specific factory details, is a transparency gap.

6. Tablet Dissolution Issues

The cleaning spray tablets took ages to dissolve. I’d be ready to clean and had to wait 10+ minutes.

Who Should Use Smol?

Smol is perfect for you if:

• You want better-than-mainstream but can’t afford premium eco brands
• You value convenience (subscription, letterbox delivery)
• You want effective cleaning without feeling guilty
• You’re making first steps toward eco-friendly living
• You want to reduce plastic waste easily
• You have sensitive skin (fragrance-free option)

Smol might NOT be for you if:

• You want completely natural, chemical-free products
• You demand the absolute strongest cleaning power
• You prefer buying in shops rather than subscriptions
• You want full supply chain transparency
• You already use more eco-friendly brands like Bio-D

My Personal Take

I’ll continue using smol’s laundry capsules, fabric conditioner, and washing-up liquid. They work well, reduce my plastic waste significantly, and I like the convenience.

However, I won’t reorder the multi-purpose spray—it’s not effective enough for my needs. And I still use a conventional heavy-duty stain remover for stubborn marks.

Is smol perfect? No.
Is smol better than what most people currently use? Absolutely yes.

For the average UK household wanting to make a positive environmental change without sacrificing cleaning performance or spending a fortune, smol offers an excellent middle ground.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is smol eco friendly?

Smol is more eco-friendly than mainstream brands (Persil, Ariel, Fairy) but not as eco-friendly as fully plant-based brands like Bio-D. Smol uses plastic-free packaging, reduced chemicals, and concentrated formulas that lower carbon emissions by 35-46%. However, they still use some petroleum-derived ingredients and synthetic chemicals. They’re “better for the planet” rather than completely eco-friendly.

Is smol non toxic?

Smol products meet UK and EU safety regulations and are safe when used as directed, but they’re not completely non-toxic. They contain some synthetic chemicals and surfactants that can cause skin/eye irritation in concentrated form. Once diluted for normal use, they’re safe for people and pets. For sensitive skin, choose the fragrance-free non-bio laundry capsules which are Allergy UK certified.

Is smol chemical free?

No, smol is NOT chemical free. They openly use synthetic chemicals, though in reduced quantities compared to leading brands. Smol’s goal is to match mainstream cleaning performance while being “better” for the environment—not to be completely natural or chemical-free. If you want chemical-free cleaning, consider brands like Bio-D or DIY solutions.

Where are smol products made?

Smol products are made in the UK (hand sanitizer) and the EU (all other products). They don’t disclose exact countries or factory locations, only stating “UK or EU.” Manufacturing locally reduces transport emissions and ensures EU/UK worker protections, but the lack of specific transparency is a concern for some consumers.

How do I get a smol free trial?

New customers can try smol products for free by paying only £1-£3 postage. Visit smolproducts.com and select the laundry capsules free trial (9 capsules) or dishwasher tablets free trial (8 tablets). Products arrive in 3-11 days. After the trial, smol sets up a personalized subscription that you can adjust, pause, or cancel anytime.

How much does smol cost?

Smol laundry capsules cost £5.80 for 24 capsules (24p per wash). Dishwasher tablets, fabric conditioner, and other products range from £5-£8 per pack. All deliveries are free. This is competitive with or cheaper than mainstream brands like Persil (25-30p per wash) and much cheaper than premium eco brands (30-40p per wash).

Can I cancel my smol subscription?

Yes, easily. Cancel online through “Your Details” in your account or email help@smolproducts.com. There are no cancellation fees, no minimum subscription period, and no hassle. You can also pause deliveries or adjust frequency without cancelling completely.

Are smol products vegan and cruelty-free?

Yes, 100%. All smol products are vegan (no animal ingredients) and Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free (no animal testing ever). Smol doesn’t sell in any markets that require animal testing and manufactures in certified cruelty-free factories. They’re also Vegan Choice Award winners.

Do smol laundry capsules work in cold water?

Yes. Smol laundry capsules are designed to work effectively in cold washes (30°C), which saves energy and reduces your carbon footprint. The concentrated formula activates at low temperatures, and reviewers report good cleaning results.

What’s in smol laundry capsules?

Smol laundry capsules contain: surfactants (sodium laureth sulfate, MEA-alkyl benzenesulfonate), water softeners (sodium diethylenetriamine pentamethylene phosphonate), enzymes (in bio version), optical brighteners, fragrances (or fragrance-free), and the dissolvable PVA film coating. Full ingredient lists are available on smol’s website. They use fewer and lower concentrations of chemicals compared to mainstream brands.

Does smol fabric conditioner contain palm oil?

No, smol fabric conditioner doesn’t contain palm oil directly. However, some products may contain RSPO certified palm oil derivatives (like glycerin from sustainable sources). Smol received a “best rating” from Ethical Consumer for their palm oil policy. The fabric conditioner is scented with essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances.

How long does a smol subscription delivery take?

Standard deliveries take 3-7 days via Royal Mail and are free. My first order took 11 days (disappointingly slow), but subsequent deliveries were 5-7 days. For orders over £20, you can use Smol+ next-day tracked delivery (also free). All packages are letterbox-sized to avoid missed deliveries.

Are smol products safe for septic tanks?

Smol doesn’t explicitly state their products are septic-safe on their website. The reduced chemical formulation and biodegradable ingredients suggest they should be safer than mainstream brands, but contact smol directly (help@smolproducts.com) for confirmation if you have a septic system.

Can I use smol products with a water softener?

Yes. If you have a water softener installed, you might be able to use less product as softened water requires less detergent. Smol’s concentrated formula already accounts for hard water areas, so you may find you can reduce the dose. Start with the recommended amount and adjust as needed.

Do smol dishwasher tablets contain rinse aid?

Yes, smol dishwasher tablets are all-in-one and include built-in rinse aid and salt. You don’t need to add separate rinse aid or salt to your dishwasher when using smol tablets, which simplifies the process.

What makes smol different from Ecover or Bio-D?

The main difference is ingredients: Ecover and Bio-D focus on plant-based, naturally-derived ingredients, while smol uses a mix of reduced synthetic and natural ingredients to match mainstream brand performance. Smol is typically cheaper and cleans more like Persil, while Ecover/Bio-D are more thoroughly “natural” but sometimes less powerful. Smol positions itself as the middle ground.

Can I buy smol in shops?

No. Smol is exclusively direct-to-consumer (subscription only). This business model allows them to cut out retail markup, reduce transport emissions, and keep prices competitive. You can’t find smol in supermarkets, pharmacies, or other retail stores—only through their website.

Is there a smol referral program?

Yes. After 16 days of having an account, you receive a unique referral link. When friends use your link to sign up for a free trial, you get 50% off your next order. Your friend also benefits from the £1 trial offer. It’s a win-win referral system.

Are smol products safe for babies and children?

Yes, when used as directed. The fragrance-free non-bio laundry capsules are specifically designed for sensitive skin and are safe for baby clothes. All smol products have child-safe packaging with multi-tab opening systems to prevent accidental ingestion. However, like all cleaning products, keep them out of reach of children.

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Final Thoughts: My Honest Smol Review

After thoroughly testing smol products for several months, here’s my bottom line:

Smol is a solid “better than mainstream” option that offers good value, genuine (if imperfect) environmental improvements, and effective cleaning for everyday use. They’re honest about their limitations, making them a trustworthy brand in a greenwashing-heavy market.

Is smol eco friendly? More eco-friendly than the brands most people currently use, yes. Perfect? No.

Is smol non toxic? Safe for normal use and better than mainstream brands, but not completely natural or chemical-free.

Where are smol products made? UK and EU, supporting closer manufacturing and reducing transport emissions.

The smol free trial (£1-£3) is genuinely risk-free and worth trying if you’re curious.

For the average UK household wanting to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing cleaning performance or spending significantly more money, smol offers an accessible entry point into eco-conscious cleaning.

They’re not perfect—but perfection is often the enemy of progress. By making sustainable cleaning convenient and affordable, smol helps thousands of households make positive changes they might not otherwise make.

Ready to try smol? Start with the smol free trial—£1 for 9 laundry capsules or 8 dishwasher tablets. Test them yourself and see if they work for your household.

Have you tried smol products? Share your honest smol review in the comments below—I’d love to hear your experiences!

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