Compressed earth blocks (CEB) are gaining attention as a sustainable alternative to traditional masonry units due to their low embodied energy, reduced carbon emissions and use of locally sourced materials. However, their vulnerability to water, particularly in regions with heavy rainfall and flooding, remains a major challenge. To address this, Portland cement is often used as a stabilizer, but its significant environmental impact has driven researchers to seek more sustainable alternatives. In response, recent studies have explored partial replacement of Portland cement with industrial by-products and wastes such as fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag. While some of these substitutions showed promising results, they still raise concerns. This systematic review evaluates the potential of stabilizing CEB solely with alternative reactive materials with low embodied energy. Using the PRISMA framework, relevant studies from the Web of Science database were analyzed. Findings indicate that both organic and inorganic alternative binders can substantially enhance the mechanical strength of unstabilized CEB. By highlighting eco-efficient stabilization strategies, this review contributes to advancing sustainable practices in earth-based construction.