Frey Review: My Honest Take on the Eco-Luxe Laundry and Body Care Brand
Hey there, fellow clean freaks and scent snobs! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the hunt for the best smelling, most effective, and eco-friendly laundry and personal care products out there. Well, I think I may have hit the jackpot with Frey – a natural brand that‘s swapping out harsh chemicals and cloying florals for elevated, masculine-leaning scents and sustainable practices.
As someone who geeks out over ingredient lists and has tried just about every "natural" detergent under the sun, I was excited to put Frey to the test and share my honest experience with you. Spoiler alert: these products are the real deal and totally worth the hype. But let‘s dive into the details, shall we?
What is Frey?
Founded by brothers Leif and Erin Robert Frey, this eco-conscious brand was born out of a desire to create high-performing laundry products with sophisticated scents that would appeal to men and women alike. The lightbulb moment happened during the brothers‘ college years when Leif realized the laundry aisle was seriously lacking options that didn‘t smell like a flower bomb exploded.
Frey officially launched in 2016 with their hero concentrated laundry detergent and has since expanded to offer fabric softener, dryer sheets, stain remover, and even personal care items like deodorant and body wash. All of their products feature unique, natural fragrance combinations like cedarwood/oakmoss/amber and sandalwood/bergamot/clove that are inspired by the smells of the great outdoors.
But Frey is about more than just smelling good – sustainability is a key part of their mission as well. All of their formulas are biodegradable and free from parabens, phosphates, dyes, and animal byproducts. They also partner with environmental nonprofits to plant a tree for every order placed and donate a portion of their profits to charity.
My Experience with the Products
As a Frey first-timer, I was thrilled to receive a discovery set featuring mini versions of their signature detergent and fabric softener in each scent. Here‘s how it went down:
The Concentrated Laundry Detergent: I started with the Sandalwood/Bergamot/Clove scent and was immediately impressed by how luxe it smelled, like an expensive candle or fancy cologne. The detergent has a nice thickness to it and I only needed a small amount to get a large load thoroughly clean. My clothes smelled amazing out of the washer and the scent still lingered after air drying.
The Fabric Softener: I‘m usually wary of fabric softeners because they can leave behind a waxy residue, but Frey‘s formula is lightweight and doesn‘t compromise the absorbency of fabrics. I tried the Cedarwood/Oakmoss/Amber scent and it gave my towels a soft, cozy feel and woodsy aroma.
The Dryer Sheets: Okay, I know dryer sheets are not the most eco-friendly, but sometimes you just want your clothes to have that extra boost of freshness, you know? Frey‘s sheets are biodegradable and free of harsh chemicals, so I feel a little better about using them occasionally. I tossed one in with my bedding and it made my whole room smell like a dreamy forest escape.
The Laundry Care Kits: In addition to individual products, Frey also offers curated laundry kits that come with a reusable tin. I tried the "Laundry Day" kit which includes the detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets in your scent of choice. The tin is seriously chic (no more hiding my detergent in the cabinet) and would make a great gift.
The Deodorant: I have to give a special shout-out to Frey‘s natural deodorant because it actually works. I‘ve tried countless natural brands that left me feeling, um, not so fresh, but this one kept me dry and smelling good all day. It goes on smooth, doesn‘t leave behind any residue, and the Jasmine/Rose/White Cedar scent is straight up dreamy.
What‘s In Frey Products?
One of the things I love most about Frey is their transparency about what goes into their products. Unlike many conventional brands that use vague terms like "fragrance" to hide potentially harmful ingredients, Frey lists out every single component of their formulas.
All of their products are 100% biodegradable and free from:
- Parabens
- Phosphates
- Phthalates
- Synthetic dyes
- Animal byproducts
Instead, they use plant-powered ingredients like:
- Coconut-based surfactants
- Essential oils
- Vegetable glycerin
- Aloe
The brand also prioritizes eco-friendly packaging, using recycled and recyclable materials wherever possible. The laundry detergent comes in a plastic bottle, but it‘s made from 25% post-consumer recycled content and is 100% recyclable. The dryer sheets are packaged in a fully recyclable cardboard box.
In addition to their sustainability practices in manufacturing, Frey also goes the extra mile to give back to environmental causes. To date, they‘ve planted over 30,000 trees through their partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects and have donated over $50,000 to various charitable organizations.
What Are Other People Saying?
Don‘t just take my word for it – Frey has racked up thousands of rave reviews from customers who have made the switch to their products. On their website, their signature detergent has over 3,000 reviews with an average rating of 4.8 stars. Here are a few highlights:
"I never thought I could get excited about laundry detergent, but here we are. This stuff smells AMAZING and really works. My clothes have never felt so soft and fresh. I love that it‘s natural and safe for my sensitive skin too." – Emily L.
"I bought this on a whim because I was drawn to the cool packaging, but I‘m so glad I did. It‘s hands down the best smelling detergent I‘ve ever used. I get compliments all the time on how good my clothes smell. A little goes a long way too, so it lasts forever." – Travis S.
"I love everything about Frey – the scents, the eco-friendly mission, the charitable giving. It‘s a brand I feel good about supporting and using in my home. The deodorant is a game-changer too. I finally found a natural one that doesn‘t irritate my skin and actually keeps me smelling fresh." – Rachel T.
Frey has also earned praise from major publications like GQ, Esquire, and Men‘s Health for their unique scents and high-performing formulas. They‘ve been featured on "best of" lists for laundry detergents, deodorants, and grooming products.
How Much Do Frey Products Cost?
As a premium, natural brand, Frey products are definitely pricier than your average drugstore detergent. However, I believe the quality, eco-friendly practices, and giving initiatives make them worth the splurge. Here‘s a breakdown of the prices:
- Concentrated Laundry Detergent (50 loads): $20
- Fabric Softener (50 loads): $18
- Dryer Sheets (160 count): $12
- Stain Remover: $10
- Deodorant: $12
To save on your Frey purchases, I recommend signing up for their subscribe and save program. You can choose your favorite products to be delivered every 1, 2, or 3 months and save 10% on every order. They also offer free shipping on orders over $30.
If you‘re new to the brand and want to try before you buy, Frey offers a free trial set that includes sample sizes of their detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets in each scent. You just pay $1 for shipping.
The Final Verdict
So, is Frey worth the hype? In my opinion, absolutely. Not only do their products smell incredible and work exceptionally well, but they also prioritize sustainability and giving back – two things that are very important to me as a consumer.
I love that I can toss in a load of laundry and feel like I‘m being transported to a cozy cabin in the woods or a tranquil garden, all while knowing I‘m using products that are safe for my skin and the environment. The deodorant has also become a staple in my daily routine – it‘s the first natural formula I‘ve found that actually keeps me feeling fresh all day.
While Frey is certainly a splurge compared to mainstream laundry products, I think the quality and eco-friendly practices justify the price. Plus, with the concentrated formulas, a little goes a long way. The subscribe and save option is also a great way to save money in the long run.
If you‘re someone who appreciates elevated scents, effective formulas, and brands that prioritize sustainability, I highly recommend giving Frey a try. Start with the free trial set to find your favorite scent, and then treat yourself to the full-size versions. Trust me, your nose (and your laundry) will thank you.
Have you tried Frey products? I‘d love to hear about your experience in the comments below. And if you‘re ready to make the switch, be sure to use my code FRESHLINEN15 for 15% off your first order. Happy washing!
