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If you are a new parent, eager to find the absolute best natural baby laundry detergents for sensitive skin (because ALL babies have sensitive skin), we’ve got you covered.
As a mom of three little ones, I’m always looking for ways to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals as much as possible. Unfortunately, that’s not always easy.
As per EWG’s findings, children come in contact with an average of 27 chemicals daily through body care products, many of which have not been deemed safe for kids.
Sure, it takes a bit more effort sometimes to find a truly baby-safe laundry detergent or a non-toxic lotion, but knowing that I’m doing everything I can to protect my kids from harmful chemicals makes it totally worth it.
To select the most hypoallergenic and natural detergent for baby clothes for this list, I double-checked each brand’s certifications, read and compared ingredients, and took into consideration the reviews of dozens of fellow non-toxic living parents out there. I have also included my own personal reviews.
P.S. Don’t forget to check out the Beginners Guide To Cloth Diapering From A Mom Of Three!
Best Natural Baby Laundry Detergents, Safe for Sensitive Skin
Babies skin is thinner and more porous than adults, which means they can absorb substances more easily.
So, when you use laundry detergents loaded with harsh chemicals and fragrances, it can really mess with their delicate skin and cause irritation or rashes.
Now, you’d think that most baby care products, including the “safest baby laundry detergents,” should be specifically designed to be safe for, well, babies. But this isn’t the case.
In reality, 80% of children’s products marked as gentle and non-irritating contain ingredients linked to allergies and skin or eye irritation, according to EWG.
A recent study also highlighted that 77% of the ingredients in 17,000 reviewed children’s products have never been assessed for safety by industry or the government.
So, what can we, as parents, do to make sure that our little ones are safe and rash-free? Let’s start by identifying and eliminating at least some of the most toxic household items.
When it comes to baby laundry detergents, I’m all about going as natural as possible. I look for ones made with gentle, plant-based ingredients and free from all those nasty chemicals and fragrances.
Enzymes are natural proteins that help break down specific types of stains, such as proteins (like milk or formula), carbohydrates (like food stains), and fats or oils.
Plant-based surfactants derived from plants like coconut or palm oil thrive at loosening dirt and stains from fabric fibers.
Read on to find 2024’s best organic baby laundry detergent formulas on the eco market.
Tips For Picking The Best Natural Detergent For Baby Clothes
Choose detergents with certified natural ingredients: When you’re browsing through the virtual organic baby laundry soap aisles, take a peek at the labels to better understand what ingredients are hiding in each formula.
Look for ones that say “natural,” “organic,” or “plant-based” and have the certifications to prove their claims. Formulas that are Environmental Working Group verified, USDA organic, Allergy Certified, and COSMOS (Ecocert) certified are your best bet for gentle cleaning without all the harsh chemicals.
Avoid fragrances & dyes: Experts warn that children are already exposed at an early age to well-known allergens, sometimes at concentrations that are considered to be unsafe. Babies’ skin is super sensitive, so it’s best to steer clear of detergents with added fragrances and dyes. These can sometimes cause irritation or allergic reactions, and nobody wants that for their little bundle of joy!
Look for truly hypoallergenic baby laundry detergents: If your baby has extra-sensitive skin (like mine did!), you might want to opt for natural detergent for baby clothes labeled as hypoallergenic.
However, keep in mind that, according to a recent study, 94% of top-selling baby cleansers contain allergens, despite having hypoallergenic claims. That’s because “There are no Federal standards or definitions that govern the use of the term ‘hypoallergenic,” the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pointed out.
So, again, you have to check the ingredients list to make sure that the products are verified and free from the most common harmful chemicals in baby care formulas:
- Parabens (e.g., methylparaben, propylparaben)
- Phthalates
- Sulfates (SLS/SLES)
- Artificial Fragrances
- Formaldehyde
- Mineral Oil
- Talc
- Propylene Glycol
The best natural baby laundry detergents below are specifically designed to be gentle and less likely to cause any itchy or rash-filled situations.
The Safest Natural Baby Laundry Detergents in 2024:
1. Attitude
The eco-friendly company Attitude offers an array of EWG-verified products designed for their delicate skin.
You can find vegan household essentials, including one of the best natural baby laundry detergents.
This cruelty-free formula is loaded with 99% naturally sourced ingredients, fragrance-free, dermatologically tested ingredients that are as gentle on synthetic and natural fibers as they are on your little one’s skin.
Rest assured that this organic baby laundry soap can effectively eliminate stains and odors.
To top it all off, the bottle is made from easily recyclable HDPE #2 plastic!
Price Range: From $16.95+ (35 Wash Loads)
Main Ingredients: Sodium coco-sulfate | Caprylyl glucoside | Lauryl glucoside | Myristyl glucoside & more!
Ethics: PETA Vegan Approved, EWG Verified™, 99% naturally sourced ingredients, bottle made from recyclable HDPE #2 plastic
Location/Shipping: United States
Our Top Picks from Attitude:
2. Molly Suds
Molly Suds aims to create the most natural yet powerful odor removers, and organic laundry detergents on the eco market.
Their lineup includes an array of different formulas that can tackle every need.
The Molly Suds baby laundry detergent is extra gentle on a baby’s sensitive skin.
Known as one of the safest baby laundry detergents in powder form, this affordable soap formula is specially created with enzymes that break down the formula, poop & spit-up stains.
In fact, it only contains 7-8 earth-derived ingredients – now that’s amazing!
What’s more, the natural detergent for baby clothes, diapers, and gear is highly concentrated and can easily wash 120 loads of laundry.
Use it safely in standard, commercial, and high-efficiency (HE) washers.
Price Range: $24.99 for one-time purchase | $23.74 with subscription (120 Wash Loads)
Main Ingredients: Sodium carbonate | Sodium bicarbonate | Magnesium sulfate | Unrefined sea salt
Ethics: Leaping Bunny Certified, vegan, hypoallergenic, made from 7-8 earth-derived ingredients
Location/Shipping: United States
3. The Honest Company
Your search for the best laundry detergent for babies with sensitive skin is officially over.
This innovative USDA-certified bio-based product by The Honest Company is loaded with 4 stain-fighting enzymes and can tackle up to 50 loads.
It rinses thoroughly, leaving textiles, including baby clothes, carriers, and diapers softer, brighter, and truly clean.
Plus, you can find many more amazing baby products here – think organic wipes, body care kits, shampoos, and so many more formulas.
Price: $16.99 for one-time purchase | $16.14 with subscription (50 Wash Loads)
Main Ingredients: Water | Lauryl glucoside | Laureth | Glycerin | Citric acid | Potassium sorbate & more!
Ethics: USDA Certified, EPA/Safer Choice, dermatologically tested, bio-boosted power, cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, HE compatible, gives back
Location/Shipping: United States, ships to Canada
4. Babyganics
Over 5.000 parents are raving about the Babyganics natural detergent for baby clothes on Amazon – and for a good reason.
Instead of chlorine, phthalates, sulfates, fragrances, or dyes, the conscious brand formulated this baby-safe laundry detergent with optical brighteners, and plant-derived and other thoughtfully chosen ingredients.
It can fight even the toughest stains, and is HE compatible and hypoallergenic.
So, if you’ve got a tiny human but a big pile of dirty laundry, cloth diapers, and reusable baby wipes, this mild soap can tackle everything on your behalf.
Price Range: From 10.99+ (35 Wash Loads)
Main Ingredients: Water | Lauryl glucoside | Potassium cocoate | Sodium citrate dihydrate | Propylene glycol & more!
Ethics: USDA Certified, dermatologically tested plant-derived ingredients, non-allergenic, HE compatible
Location/Shipping: United States
5. Dropps
When we think of the best natural baby laundry detergents, Dropps is the first name that pops into our heads.
This amazing zero-waste company creates unscented laundry detergent pods that are dermatologist-tested and clinically proven to be gentle on the skin.
The pod is made in the USA from a water-soluble casing called polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), which dissolves upon contact with water.
And to top it all off, Dropps uses cruelty-free & vegan ingredients that have never been tested on animals.
Price Range: $26 for one-time purchases | $19.50 with subscription (64 Wash Loads)
Main Ingredients: Surfactant | Glycerin | Solvent Surfactant | Chelator & more!
Ethics: Certified B Corporation, USDA Certified, plant-based ingredients, 3rd party lab tested, cruelty-free, vegan, recyclable packaging, 100% carbon-neutral shipping
Location/Shipping: United States
6. Puracy
Puracy formulates natural, plant-based, biodegradable & doctor-formulated cleaning formulas for every purpose.
You can find refillable body washes, dishwasher tablets, and the best laundry detergent for babies with sensitive skin.
The 99.4% natural formula harvests the power of 4 allergen-friendly, plant-based enzymes.
It’s completely free from harsh chemicals, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances and can wash up 64 loads per 16-ounce bottle.
This means Puracy’s safest baby laundry detergent only needs ¼ ounce per load, reducing waste by over 80%.
How? Because it has a 10X concentration that surpasses any other on the market.
Price Range: $15.99 (64 Wash Loads)
Main Ingredients: Plant-based cleanser | Aqua | coconut-based cleanser | Plant-based enzyme | Natural mineral cleanser & more!
Ethics: Leaping Bunny Certified, 99.4% natural formula, hypoallergenic, 100% recyclable BPA-free bottles
Location/Shipping: United States
7. Aspen
Whether you prefer to use natural baby laundry pods or liquid, the cleaning pros at Aspen have all your preferences covered.
Take your pick from scented and unscented laundry detergents, perfect for sensitive skin, and allergies.
In addition to being EWG Verified and EcoCert® certified, the formulas are also readily biodegradable and greywater & septic tank-safe.
Hey, even the packaging is made out of 100% post-consumer resin.
Our Top Picks from Aspen Clean:
Price Range: $28.99 for one-time purchase | $26.09 with subscription (64 Wash Loads)
Main Ingredients: Water | Glucoside | Sodium chloride | Potassium cocoate | Sodium citrate | Organic glycerine | Lauryl glucoside & more!
Ethics: Leaping Bunny Certified, EWG Verified™, ECOCERT® Certified, plant & mineral-derived ingredients, hypoallergenic, HE compatible, bottles made out of 100% post-consumer resin
Location/Shipping: Canada, ships to the United States
8. Meliora
Meliora, one of the most raved-about natural soap brands in 2024 aims to equip our arsenal with eco-friendly cleaning products, including dish soap, and USA-made, baby-safe laundry detergents.
This is my personal favorite laundry powder and I think you’ll love it too!
The powder is ultra-concentrated, and plastic-free, and features all-natural ingredients such as baking soda, washing soda, and vegetable soap made with organic coconut oil.
What’s more, it’s MADE SAFE® Certified, Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free, and vegan.
The brand cares so much about the environment that they even package the powder in a paper and steel canister which also comes with a stainless steel scoop.
Price Range: $18.99 for one-time purchases | $17.09 with subscription (64 Wash Loads)
Main Ingredients: Sodium bicarbonate | Sodium carbonate | Sodium cocoate | Cocos nucifera oil | Glycerin & more!
Ethics: Certified B Corporation, MADE SAFE® Certified, Leaping Bunny Certified, organic content, family-business, safe & fair labor, cruelty-free, 100% recyclable & plastic-free packaging, 1% for the planet, donations
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
9. Grove Collaborative – Mrs. Meyer’s
Grove Co has been my favorite eco-friendly alternative to Amazon for years!
On their virtual shelves, you can find a slew of home essentials, including household cleaning, personal care, and baby, kid, and pet products.
You’ll definitely find the best laundry detergent for babies with eczema and sensitive skin for your little one!
The options range from Mrs Meyer’s (one of my favorite liquid detergents!), and Grab Green to Grove Co.’s own baby-safe laundry detergent.
Most formulas are in liquid form but you can also find laundry detergent sheets and pods for newborn babies to babies four months of age.
Don’t let the gentle, 100% cruelty-free and, vegan ingredients fool you, those detergents are amazing at removing stains and all types of messes.
Price Range: $19.99 (64 Wash Loads)
Main Ingredients: Water | Laureth-7 | Lauryl glucoside | Sodium citrate, | Calcium chloride | Sodium chloride | Sodium sulfate & more!
Ethics: Leaping Bunny Certified, 98% naturally derived ingredients, HE compatible
Location/Shipping: United States
10. Hello Bello
You might know Hello Bello as the destination for adorable diaper designs that are super soft and hypoallergenic.
But did you know that they also offer one of the best natural baby laundry detergents for sensitive skin?
The USDA organic, premium ultra-concentrated organic formula contains natural essential oil for a soft and soothing smell while also being tough on stains and gentle on fabrics.
Of course, it’s completely free from synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, and artificial brighteners.
To top it all off, Hello Bello houses their organic baby laundry soap in a 100% recyclable bottle, made with 50% sustainable sugarcane resin.
Price Range: $12.88 (80 Wash Loads)
Main Ingredients: Water | Organic soap berry | Saponified organic coconut oil | Organic honeysuckle | Bergamot & more!
Ethics: USDA Certified Organic, 100% recyclable bottle, made with 50% sustainable sugarcane resin, vegan, cruelty-free
Location/Shipping: United States
11. Dreft
Next up is the Dreft baby-safe laundry detergent collection.
The conscious brand has developed a few different formulas catering to newborns and older babies.
For example, the new Eco-Box contains 60% less plastic, is hypoallergenic, and is made with 100% wind-power electricity.
The “Dreft Free & Gentle” formula is completely unscented and Meets EPA Safe Choice & NEA Product Standards.
Lastly, the “Dreft Active Baby” is Specially formulated for developing, active babies and removes 99% of baby food stains, such as dirt and grass stains.
So, go ahead and choose the best organic baby laundry soap for your needs.
Price Range: From $10.97 (32 Wash Loads)
Main Ingredients: Water | Propylene glycol | Sodium citrate | Sodium formate | & more!
Ethics: Safer Choice, hypoallergenic, HE compatible
Location/Shipping: United States
12. Dr. Bronner’s
Founded back in 1948, Dr. Bronner’s is a trusted, all-in-one destination for vegan & cruelty-free products for your home, body & hair.
Amongst their top-selling formulas is the unscented pure-castile liquid soap which can be used in 18 different ways.
The formula boasts 70% certified organic and fair trade ingredients.
Think laundry, mopping, hand-washing dishes, all-purpose cleaning, washing pets, and, of course, one of the best Castile liquid soaps.
Last, but not least, the vegan cleaner is packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled plastic to eliminate waste.
Price Range: $16.99
Main Ingredients: Water | Organic coconut oil | Potassium hydroxide | Organic palm kernel oil | Organic olive oil & more!
Ethics: Leaping Bunny Certified, EWG Verified™, Certified Fair Trade ingredients, Certified vegan, non-GMO
Location/Shipping: United States
What is the best detergent for babies with sensitive skin?
The best detergent for babies with sensitive skin is one that is gentle, hypoallergenic, and free from harsh chemicals and fragrances.
Opt for detergents that use plant-derived surfactants, such as those derived from coconut or palm oil such as Meliora and Aspen. These gentle cleansers effectively remove dirt and stains without stripping the skin’s natural oils or causing irritation.
What is the safest laundry detergent for babies with eczema?
According to the National Eczema Association, a variety of environmental factors can trigger eczema in infants, including certain cleansers, soaps, and shampoos.
Completely non-toxic and natural detergents like Dreft are designed specifically for a baby’s delicate skin. The formulas are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and gentle on sensitive skin, making it suitable for babies with eczema or other skin sensitivities.
Is natural baby laundry detergent biodegradable?
Yes, natural baby laundry detergents are in most cases biodegradable. Plant-based ingredients break down into simpler compounds over time, eventually returning to the environment without causing harm.
Check the ingredient list for plant-based surfactants and other biodegradable components. Ingredients like coconut-based surfactants, plant-derived enzymes, and biodegradable chelating agents.
To be 100% sure, choose baby-safe detergents that carry the “Certified Biodegradable,” “EcoLogo,” or “USDA Certified Biobased” logos.
How to make homemade natural baby laundry detergent?
Making homemade natural baby laundry detergent is easy and can be done using simple ingredients. Just note: Many washing machine companies have warning labels on their machines to NOT use homemade laundry detergent as it tosses your warranty right out the window.
What you’ll need:
- 1 bar of mild, unscented soap (such as Castile soap)
- 1 cup of washing soda
- 1 cup of baking soda
- Optional: A few drops of essential oil for fragrance (make sure it’s safe for babies)
- Grate the bar of soap into fine flakes using a cheese grater or food processor.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated soap flakes, washing soda, and baking soda. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- If desired, add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance. Choose a gentle, baby-safe essential oil such as lavender or chamomile.
- Transfer the mixture into an airtight container for storage.
- Use approximately 1-2 tablespoons of homemade detergent per load of baby laundry, depending on the size of the load and the level of soil.
This was your full guide to the best natural baby laundry detergents!
I hope this guide helped you find the best natural detergent for baby clothes.
All formulas are loaded with gentle, plant-based ingredients that are way safer for your baby’s sensitive skin. Plus, the safest baby laundry detergent options above still pack a punch when it comes to cleaning power.
They are loaded with plant-based surfactants and enzymes that can tackle even the toughest baby stains while leaving clothes soft and snuggly. Plus, most baby-safe laundry detergents are biodegradable and eco-friendly, so you can feel good about reducing your family’s carbon footprint.
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