8 Eco-Friendly Baby Detergent Brands For Sensitive Newborn Skin

Cleaning

March 12, 2024 | Kathryn Kellogg

Last Updated on March 12, 2024

Most babies have more sensitive skin than adults, as their skin hasn’t fully developed yet. The protective hydrolipidic film is still very thin, which makes infant skin more vulnerable to harsh external factors.

One of those external factors includes the kind of detergent you use to wash baby clothes. Many conventional detergents contain questionable ingredients that are harmful to human health (that includes adults and babies) and the environment.

8 Eco-Friendly Baby Detergent Brands For Sensitive Newborn Skin

Thankfully, there are several detergents out there that contain safe ingredients and mindful packaging. However, not all non toxic laundry detergents are made equal: Depending on your baby’s specific skin needs, even some eco-friendly brands may still be too harsh for them.

The best solution is to look for sustainable laundry detergent formulated specifically with baby’s skin in mind. Here are the best eco-friendly baby detergent brands on the market.

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what detergent is best for babies?

The best detergent for babies is one that doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals and is ideal for sensitive skin.

A lot of eco-friendly detergents are well suited for baby’s skin, because they mostly try to avoid harsh chemicals as they can pollute waterways.

But it’s even better if you can find sustainable brands that make a separate laundry detergent just for babies: These detergents will be specifically formulated with sensitive baby skin in mind.

A few eco-friendly brands have laundry detergent specifically made for babies, such as Dropps and Tru Earth (more on them below).

That said, always read the ingredients label to determine if something is the right fit for your baby. It’s important to note that even natural ingredients can be irritants, as everyone’s skin is unique.

If you don’t know what an ingredient is, I recommend looking it up in EWG’s Skin Deep database to better understand it. You can also look up your favorite product to see what score EWG gives it (1 being the best, 10 being the worst).

do newborns need special laundry detergent?

It’s wise to choose a separate baby laundry detergent for newborns because their skin tends to be extra sensitive. You’ll want to look for a laundry detergent free of harsh ingredients. But what exactly does that look like?

Opt for laundry detergents that are fragrance-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and phosphate-free whenever possible. You’ll want to look for plant-derived ingredients that are gentle and efficient at removing stains (babies can be messy after all!).

These are the ingredients you should always avoid when looking for baby-safe detergents:

Synthetic fragrances
Phosphates
Dyes
Bleach
Sulfates
Formaldehyde
Dioxane

what is the difference between regular detergent and baby detergent?

The difference between regular detergent and baby detergent is that there tends to be less harsh chemicals in the ingredients of baby detergent.

Many conventional detergents contain dyes and other ingredients that could potentially harm a baby’s delicate skin and cause it to become irritated. But keep in mind even natural ingredients can sometimes cause irritation.

If you notice signs of irritation on your baby’s skin, always consult with a doctor, even if you are using a natural baby detergent.

when should I start washing my baby’s clothes?

You should start washing baby’s clothes using an eco-friendly baby detergent around 4-6 weeks before the baby is due.

This will ensure the clothes will be ready to wear when the baby arrives and not collecting dust. You’ll also be less stressed and can focus on rest and preparations for birth.

what age can babies stop using baby detergent?

You can stop washing baby clothes in baby detergent around the 6 month old mark. However, there is no right or wrong answer to this: It is all a matter of what’s comfortable for you.

Regardless of when you stop using baby detergent, you should still stick to non-toxic laundry detergents for yourself, your baby, and your family – no matter their age.

what is the safest baby detergent?

I’ve rounded up a list of the safest baby detergent brands that get the Going Zero Waste seal of approval. All these brands are actual detergents that are tough on stains but gentle on the planet (and your baby’s skin!)

These brands are natural, use plant-derived ingredients, and several are packaged mindfully (aka, less or no plastic). For those that come in plastic, check your local recycling laws to see if it’s recyclable near you.

I’ve gone ahead and highlighted some of my favorite features of each brand, but it isn’t an exhaustive list. Be sure to check out their websites for more information.