The 14 Best Baby Detergents of 2024 That Are Gentle on Your Little One’s Skin

We stained clothing with pasta sauce, grass, and mud to find the best detergent

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Three types of baby detergents in a basket on a tile floor

Babies are born with very fragile skin. It’s not until they are close to 2 years old that their skin barrier begins to resemble an adult’s. Using a hypoallergenic laundry detergent that is dye and fragrance free can help protect your baby’s skin from irritation and exposure to harsh chemicals.

Since babies are known for being messy eaters and having the occasional blowout, you should also consider how effectively a detergent removes stains. Some detergents contain natural enzymes (aka good bacteria) that naturally remove specific types of stains, such as those from chocolate or pasta sauce. You might also consider if a detergent keeps the baby’s clothes feeling soft, how many loads it can accommodate, and how expensive it is. 

We consulted with two board-certified dermatologists about what matters most in a laundry detergent for babies. In addition, we surveyed 29 parents who use baby detergent with their own little ones' clothes for feedback on the effectiveness and long-term performance of the different brands. Then, we narrowed our field down to 29 top-rated detergents and had our editors test them in the Verywell Testing Lab. Our editors stained different pieces of laundry with jojoba oil, foundation, chlorophyll, mud, chocolate, wine, and spaghetti sauce, and laundered them with all the detergents that met our strict criteria for baby-safe laundry detergents. They took note of each detergent’s effectiveness, scent, ease of use, value, and if they left items feeling soft and wrinkle free. A physician on our Review Board also reviewed this article to ensure we provided accurate information regarding the impact laundry detergent and its ingredients can have on a baby’s skin.

Best Overall

Seventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Detergent

Seventh Generation Free & Clear Concentrated Laundry Detergent

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.6/5
  • Value
    4.4/5
Pros
  • Hypoallergenic and dye and fragrance free

  • Plant-based formula; safe for the environment

  • Leaves clothes feeling soft and fluffy

Cons
  • Didn’t remove all stains

This Seventh Generation detergent is our top pick because it contains no artificial dyes, fragrances, or brighteners and bears the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Safer Choice Label. This means the detergent goes through extensive testing annually to ensure its ingredients, packaging, pH, and performance are sustainable and safe for humans and the environment. 

We also like that this detergent bears the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Certified Biobased Product Label, which means it contains a verified amount of renewable plant material, and it’s Leaping Bunny certified, guaranteeing that it’s not tested on animals. We appreciate that this detergent is one that parents can feel at ease about using on their baby’s clothes and its impact on the environment.

When it comes to performance, this detergent is packed with plant-based enzymes, which are essentially good bacteria that help speed up the stain-removal process. Specifically, it contains three types of enzymes that are effective at removing grass, blood, baby food, starches, chocolate, ice cream, and toothpaste. When we tested this detergent, we noticed it did a good job removing wine and chocolate stains, but didn’t perform as well on others like foundation and jojoba oil. If your baby’s clothing has a particularly concentrated stain, we recommend treating it first with a stain remover, like Seventh Generation Laundry Stain Remover

We found it very easy to dispense this detergent since it pours smoothly and the cap has fill lines that indicate how much to use based on the size of your load. After using it, our clothes felt soft and fluffy and didn’t wrinkle when we scrunched the fabric in our hands. All in all, you’ll get about 53 medium loads out of this bottle, which averages out to cost $0.28 per load.

According to parents who have been using this detergent for years, Seventh Generation Free and Clear is an effective solution for the whole family and is great for baby clothes because it's gentle, hypoallergenic, and fragrance and dye free.

Key Specs: 
Type:
Liquid | Amount: 40 fl oz | Number of Loads: 53 | Price per Load: $0.28

Best for Eczema

All Free Clear Detergent

All Liquid Laundry Detergent Free Clear for Sensitive Skin

Walmart

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.8/5
  • Feel
    4.7/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Hypoallergenic and free of perfumes and dyes

  • Removes 99% of top everyday and seasonal allergens

  • Accepted by National Eczema Association

Cons
  • Certain versions contain bronopol

Our expert, Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, frequently recommends All Free Clear to her patients with eczema. We can see why, given that it’s hypoallergenic and contains no fragrances or dyes, which can trigger a flare-up in eczema-prone kids. We especially like that it has the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association, U.S. EPA Safer Choice label, and removes 99% of the top everyday and seasonal allergens.

In addition to being gentle enough for those with eczema, this detergent is the best we’ve seen at fighting stains. During our testing process, it completely removed chocolate and wine stains and significantly reduced those from mud, oil, foundation, and chlorophyll. It also left our fabrics feeling soft and pliable, although our white t-shirt felt a bit stiff and looked a little wrinkled. 

All Free Clear was also a favorite among the parents in our survey, who said their clothes were left feeling clean even when they did not pre-treat stains. They also appreciated the detergent's odor-fighting power, which is key when your little one has frequent diaper blowouts or likes to play with their food. Another advantage to All Free Clear is that it's strong enough so the entire family can use it but gentle enough for Baby's skin.

When purchasing a jug of all free clear, you should check the ingredients to make sure it doesn’t contain bronopol, an organic chemical that’s used as a preservative and is a formaldehyde releaser, which means it slowly releases formaldehyde (a flammable gas) into the detergent over time to prevent the buildup of bacteria. We’re all exposed to formaldehyde in the environment, as it naturally occurs in some foods and is even made by our bodies. But in larger amounts, formaldehyde is toxic to humans and can cause eye and skin irritation, trouble breathing, and is even linked to certain cancers.

According to Erica Cooper, Director of External Communications at Henkel Corporation, bronopol was removed from All Free Clear a few years ago. That said, bronopol has not yet been removed from All Free Clear PLUS+, so make sure to check that you’re purchasing the right product.

Key Specs: 
Type:
Liquid | Amount: 141 fl oz | Number of Loads: 94 | Price per Load: $0.15

Best Budget

Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergent

Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Feel
    4.3/5
  • Effectiveness
    3/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Hypoallergenic and free of perfumes and dyes

  • Safe for sensitive skin

  • 105 loads per bottle 

Cons
  • Most stains must be spot treated before laundering

Since parents can expect to pay around $1,000 per year for diapers, using Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin detergent is a great way for families to save money. At just $0.09 per load, it’s a fraction of the cost of some of our other detergent picks and has the potential to last more than three months, even if you do one load of laundry per day. It's definitely a more affordable option for maintaining all your baby's adorable onesies and footsies.

After testing this detergent, we would recommend this for someone who has sensitive skin. It bears the SkinSafe 100 certification, which means it’s free of SkinSafe’s topmost considered skin allergens. We also like that it’s Leaping Bunny certified and the package is recyclable. 

When it came time to test this detergent, we found that it was easy to dispense due to its handle and measurement lines within the cap. Although it removed a chocolate stain, it didn’t remove the foundation and chlorophyll (a pigment that gives grass its green color) stains. However, we didn’t pre-treat the stains with the detergent as instructed on the bottle, which could have improved its overall performance.

Key Specs: 
Type:
Liquid | Amount: 144.5 fl oz | Number of Loads: 105 | Price per Load: $0.09

Best for Newborns

Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent

Tide Free & Gentle Laundry Detergent Liquid Soap

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.3/5
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Texture
    4/5
Pros
  • Hypoallergenic and free of fragrances and dyes

  • Recognized by National Eczema and National Psoriasis Associations

  • Easy-to-read measurements on cap

Cons
  • Contains sodium borate

Our expert points out that detergents have evolved to be better for newborns over the years. Specifically, Dr. Murphy-Rose recommends Tide Free & Gentle because it contains no fragrances or dyes and is safe for sensitive skin.

We like that this detergent is accepted by the National Eczema Association and recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation, which confirms its safety for sensitive skin. It’s also deemed Climate Pledge Friendly by Amazon, which recognizes and certifies products that have made improvements in at least one aspect of sustainability. 

We appreciate that the cap clearly indicates how much detergent to use for medium and large loads as well as HE full loads. One bottle provides enough detergent for up to 64 medium loads and costs $0.20 per load. According to parents who participated in our survey, Tide Free and Gentle has the same cleaning power as regular Tide but without the scent and ingredients that irritate kids' skin, and even parents who have tried several other sensitive skin detergents prefer it.

Although Tide Free & Gentle is a good choice for newborns, we aren’t thrilled that it contains sodium borate (borax). Sodium borate is a powdery, white mineral that helps whiten clothes, remove dirt, and prevent mildew. When exposed in high doses, it’s been linked to eye and skin irritations as well as reproductive and hormone issues. However, it’s generally recognized as safe when used in cleaning products as long as you keep it away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. You should also wash your hands if it touches your skin and make sure your clothes are thoroughly rinsed before drying them. 

Key Specs: 
Type:
Liquid | Amount: 92 fl oz | Number of Loads: 64 | Price per Load: $0.20

Best for Sensitive Skin

The Honest Company Baby Laundry

Honest Baby Laundry

Honest

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.2/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.2/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
Pros
  • Hypoallergenic and free of phthalates, fragrances, and dyes

  • USDA Certified Biobased product

  • Safe for eczema-prone skin

Cons
  • Not intended for spot treatment

Honest is known for its clean, sustainable products, and this baby detergent is no exception. Our expert, Dr. Brendan Camp, recommends it because it’s hypoallergenic, made with sensitive skin in mind, and contains four unique enzymes to remove stains.

Personally, we love that this Honest detergent is cruelty free and contains no fragrances, dyes, phthalates, brighteners, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and formaldehyde donors. When it comes to those stain-fighting enzymes, it contains a few specific ones known for removing stains from bodily fluids, starches, fats and oils, and chocolate, to name a few. However, we wish that it would be effective to spot-treat with the detergent itself instead of having to buy Honest’s Hypoallergenic Baby Stain Remover separately.

Despite this, we appreciate that this detergent is recognized by several organizations that focus on health and sustainability. In addition to being accepted by the National Eczema Association, it’s USDA Certified Biobased and is Safer Choice certified by the EPA. All in all, our expert, Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, says Honest Baby Laundry is a good choice. Parents in our survey appreciate its reasonable price point and effectiveness, but most of all, they like that their "babies' skin is happy when [they] use this detergent."

Key Specs: 
Type:
Liquid | Amount: 70 fl oz | Number of Loads: 50 | Price per Load: $0.24

Best Natural

Molly's Suds Laundry Detergent Powder

Molly's Suds Unscented Laundry Detergent Powder

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.7/5
  • Value
    4.8/5
Pros
  • Eco-friendly formula with only 4 ingredients

  • Leaves clothes smelling clean and feeling soft

  • Synthetic fragrance and dye free

Cons
  • Most stains must be spot treated before laundering

  • Not hypoallergenic

The best part about this detergent is its contents. It’s made from a proprietary blend of just four ingredients, the first of which is sodium carbonate (aka salt) sourced from the Green River Basin in Wyoming. The other three ingredients are sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt), and unrefined sea salt. The result is an eco-friendly laundry powder that receives an “A” rating from the Environmental Working Group (EWG). 

Despite the lack of harmful ingredients, Molly’s Suds does not claim to be hypoallergenic. An excerpt from the Molly’s Suds website states that the company “cannot certify that its products are 100% gluten, soy, or peanut free...and many products contain renewable plant and vegetable oils that are derived from corn, coconut, or palm oil.” Still, Molly’s Suds Detergent Powder is a great option because it is made without parabens, synthetic fragrances, dyes, brighteners, or phosphates. 

Upon opening the bag of detergent, we automatically liked that the bag itself is resealable and comes with a measured scooper. We noticed that the detergent had a subtle scent similar to borax; however, we couldn’t detect it after moving 6 inches away. Thankfully, our clothes smelled clean (not like borax) after being washed. 

We also liked that our items felt soft and pliable and appeared smooth and wrinkle-free, with the exception of a linen napkin that had deep-set wrinkles. Despite this, we weren’t entirely satisfied with how well this detergent removes stains. While it successfully removed a chocolate and wine stain, it had little effect on the chlorophyll, foundation, and jojoba oil stains. To combat tough stains, Molly’s Suds recommends a pre-treatment of diluted dish soap or Molly’s Suds All Sport Laundry Wash in a spray bottle. 

Key Specs: 
Type:
Powder | Amount: 47 oz | Number of Loads: 70 | Price per Load: $0.21

Best Organic

Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap

Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap

Amazon

Pros
  • Made with organic oils and Fair Trade ingredients

  • Multi-functional; 18 uses in one

  • Eco-friendly formula and bottle

Cons
  • High price per load

  • Not hypoallergenic; contains coconut

Dr. Bronner’s is widely known for being an all-in-one soap. It has 18 uses, one of which is laundry detergent, and is made with Fair Trade Certified ingredients, including organic coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and olive oil. However, this would technically make the soap non-hypoallergenic, since it could cause a reaction if you or your child are allergic to coconuts. 

Although it has great potential for use across the home, it’s not the most economical detergent. If you have a traditional washing machine, you’ll need to use half a cup of Dr. Bronner’s soap as your detergent, which means you’ll get eight loads per 32-ounce bottle. This will cost you $3 per load.

If you have a High-Efficiency (HE) washing machine, you’ll use half that amount (one-quarter of a cup), which means you’ll get 16 loads per 32-ounce bottle. This will cost you $1.50 per load. While it might seem costly, our expert, Dr. Brendan Camp, still recommends it as a fragrance-free option that is good for babies or people with sensitive skin. We also like that it’s dye free, vegan, biodegradable, and receives an “A” rating from the EWG

Key Specs: 
Type:
Liquid | Amount: 32 fl oz | Number of Loads: 8-16 | Price per Load: $1.50-$3

Best Detergent Sheet

Ecos Plastic-Free Laundry Detergent Sheets

ECOS Plastic-Free Liquidless Laundry Detergent Sheets

Target

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.8/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.2/5
  • Value
    4/5
Pros
  • Plant-based, hypoallergenic formula with no added fragrances

  • Plastic-free packaging

  • Can use half a sheet for small loads

Cons
  • Most stains must be spot treated before laundering

If you’re looking for a way to reduce your use of plastic, the ECOS Laundry Detergent Sheets are a great place to start. Although we had trouble keeping the sheets intact when removing them from the box, we liked that they came in a lightweight cardboard box that was easy to store and eliminated the need to lift and pour detergent from a heavy jug. Due to its efficient design, the ECOS Laundry Sheets box helps reduce carbon emissions and earned the Compact by Design certification from Amazon. 

Since no measuring was involved, we found it pretty easy to use the ECOS Laundry Sheets. We simply placed one sheet into the washing machine and let it dissolve. Alternatively, it would work to use half a sheet for smaller loads, too.

Upon opening the box, we noticed a faint chemical smell, but it quickly dissolved during the wash cycle, leaving our clothes feeling soft and smelling clean. There are no added fragrances in these detergent sheets, and while they did a good job at removing a chocolate stain, they weren’t as effective at removing foundation, chlorophyll, wine, and jojoba oil. 

These handy plant-based sheets are hypoallergenic and free from dyes, phthalates, and formaldehyde. They are safe to use in HE washing machines and are an easy and efficient way to wash clothes while traveling. 

Key Specs: 
Type:
Sheet | Amount: 14.08 oz | Number of Loads: 114 (57 per box) | Price per Load: $0.29

Best Pods

Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Detergent

Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Laundry Detergent

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.7/5
  • Value
    3/5
Pros
  • Plant-based formula with a biodegradable pod

  • Free of dyes and fragrances

  • Recyclable and compostable packaging

Cons
  • Didn’t remove majority of stains

  • Not hypoallergenic

Using Dropps Pods instead of liquid laundry detergent is a great way to cut back on unnecessary plastic waste. We liked that the packaging is recyclable and compostable, and the pods are biodegradable. Also, these pods contain no synthetic fragrances, dyes, enzymes, brighteners, parabens, phthalates, or phosphates. 

Despite this, Dropps aren’t marketed as being hypoallergenic. After contacting Dropps customer service, we were told that Dropps “does not make claims that its products are hypoallergenic at this moment, but would suggest the Dropps Sensitive Skin detergent as the best option for this concern.” 

When it came time to test these pods, there was zero confusion on how to use them. The directions clearly state to “drop one pod per load directly into the drum,” which could easily be done while holding a baby. After washing with Dropps, our items smelled clean and had a nice post-wash fluff — perfect for keeping baby's swaddles comfy.

Like many of the natural detergents on our list, these pods weren’t the greatest at removing tough stains. While they effectively removed chocolate and red wine, the chlorophyll, mud, foundation, and marinara sauce remained visible after being laundered. However, the Dropps did a decent job of keeping our items wrinkle free, with the exception of a linen napkin.

Key Specs: 
Type:
Pods | Amount: 11.52 oz | Number of Loads: 36 | Price per Load: $0.44

Person standing in front of a towel with stains to test the ECOS Plastic-Free Liquidless Laundry Detergent Sheets

Verywell Family / Grant Webster

Best Powder

Charlie's Soap Laundry Powder

Charlie's Soap Fragrance Free Laundry Powder

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.3/5
  • Feel
    3.5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.4/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Hypoallergenic and dye and fragrance free

  • Resealable, recyclable packaging

  • Good for sensitive skin

Cons
  • Lightened the majority of stains, but didn’t remove them

  • Items didn’t feel soft after laundering

There are several benefits to using powder detergent like Charlie's Soap instead of a liquid detergent. Powder detergents aren't as messy as liquid, use less packaging, and are typically more cost-effective. In the case of Charlie's Soap, we like that it costs just $0.20 per load and comes in a resealable, recyclable bag. 

When testing this detergent, we ran into a few minor hurdles. First, we had a hard time opening the packaging, so we recommend using scissors. And while we thought the instructions were relatively clear, we realized that the scooper doesn't have a line to show how much detergent to use for a small load. The instructions were very clear for large loads, and we had no trouble understanding them. 

In general, this detergent did a pretty good job cleaning our items. It appeared to be more effective at removing stains from t-shirts than terry cloth towels, and it completely removed a chocolate stain from our shirts. Other stains remained visible—especially the foundation, marinara sauce, and chlorophyll—although they were much lighter than before laundering with Charlie's Soap. Unfortunately, this detergent didn't make our items feel softer and everything appeared to have wrinkles when dry. 

The parents in our survey appreciate this detergent's odor-fighting power, although they recommend using warm water to improve its stain-fighting effectiveness. They were also impressed by how little soap is needed for a large load: One tablespoon is enough, thanks to its highly concentrated formula. We personally love that this product is eco-friendly, biodegradable, doesn't include hazardous solvents or surfactants, and is Safer Choice-Certified by the EPA, which means its ingredients are safer for human health and the environment.

Overall, we think the competitive price and the fact that it's hypoallergenic make this detergent worthwhile. Although it didn't remove stains as well as we had hoped, it is a good option for those with sensitive skin since it's fragrance free. 

Key Specs: 
Type:
Powder | Amount: 42.24 oz | Number of Loads: 100 | Price per Load: $0.20

Best for High-Efficiency Washing Machines

Purex for Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent

Purex for Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent

Amazon

Pros
  • Hypoallergenic and dye free

  • Up to 4 months of detergent per bottle

  • Can use detergent to pre-treat stains

Cons
  • Contains fragrance and methylisothiazolinone

Since high-efficiency (HE) washing machines use less energy and water to clean clothes, they require a specific type of detergent that doesn’t suds up as much. We like the Purex Liquid Baby Laundry Detergent best, which costs just $0.11 per load and lasts up to 126 loads. 

Although it’s hypoallergenic and dye free, this detergent is not fragrance free. It also contains methylisothiazolinone, a preservative that is associated with contact dermatitis. This could be problematic if your baby has sensitive skin or if you’re looking for a more natural option. 

Despite this, some parents like the smell of clean laundry and are drawn to the fact that this brand is incredibly cost-effective. In fact, one bottle of this Purex Liquid Baby Detergent can last up to four months. We also like that you can use the detergent to pre-treat stains and that the cap indicates how much liquid to use for medium or large loads. 

Key Specs: 
Type:
Liquid (for HE machines) | Amount: 82.5 oz | Number of Loads: 126 | Price per Load: $0.11

Best Eco-Friendly

Earth Breeze Fragrance-Free Laundry Detergent Sheets

Earth Breeze Fragrance-Free Laundry Detergent Sheets

Amazon

Pros
  • Hypoallergenic and fragrance free

  • Can use half a sheet for regular loads

  • No plastic jugs

Cons
  • Didn’t remove stains

Since nearly 90% of laundry jugs are not recycled and end up in landfills, you may be eager to find a sustainable detergent. We love the concept of the Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets because they come in a biodegradable envelope that contains no plastic. In fact, the container is so small it can fit almost anywhere and still has enough room to house 60 pre-portioned sheets. It would make a nice addition if you're putting together a gift basket filled with newborn baby gifts.

Using the Earth Breeze sheets couldn’t be easier. For top-load washing machines, you simply drop a sheet into the drum. For front-load washing machines, you’ll need to fold the sheet and place it in the compartment where your liquid detergent would go. You can use half a sheet for regular-sized loads, although we found it a little difficult to tear without perforation. 

To our surprise, these detergent sheets left our items feeling soft, fluffy, and fairly wrinkle free. However, it was no match for stains, particularly those from oil. Despite this, we think it has a fair price point and would recommend these for travel or someone who lives in a small apartment. 

Key Specs: 
Type:
Sheet | Amount: 82.5 fl oz | Number of Loads: 60 | Price per Load: $0.25

Best for Cloth Diapers

Rockin' Green Dirty Diaper Laundry Detergent Powder

Rockin' Green Dirty Diaper Laundry Detergent Powder

Amazon

Pros
  • Specifically formulated for cloth diapers

  • Hypoallergenic and free of fragrances and dyes

  • Biodegradable and plant-based

Cons
  • Top-load washers require double the detergent

Rockin’ Green Dirty Diaper Laundry Detergent Powder declares itself “perfect for cloth diapers”—and we tend to agree. We love that this plant-based, hypoallergenic detergent is specifically formulated with enzymes that remove poop, urine, vomit, and food stains. 

We also like that this detergent goes the extra mile to be gentle on babies’ skin. It contains no parabens, phosphates, phthalates, SLS, optical brighteners, or artificial fragrances. It’s also good for the environment, since its biodegradable formula is also vegan and cruelty free. 

A bag of Rockin’ Green detergent comes with a scooper so you’ll know exactly how much detergent to use. Although one bag will last up to 90 loads for front-load washing machines, top-load washing machines require double the detergent per load, which could be a costly investment over time. 

Key Specs: 
Type:
Powder | Amount: 45 oz | Number of Loads: 90 | Price per Load: $0.31

Best Plant-Based

Noodle & Boo Ultra-Safe Laundry Detergent

Noodle & Boo Ultra-Safe Laundry Detergent

Amazon

Pros
  • Hypoallergenic and free of dyes, sulfates, or phosphates

  • Environmentally friendly formula

  • Biodegradable and plant-based

Cons
  • Contains fragrance

We chose Noodle & Boo Ultra-Safe Laundry Detergent as our plant-based pick because it contains just seven plant- and mineral-based ingredients. Its non-toxic, biodegradable formula is hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly, so you can rest assured that it’s good for your baby and the planet.

We especially like that this detergent doesn’t contain a variety of major irritants, including dyes, sulfates, phosphates, or phthalates. It’s also free of formaldehyde, optical brighteners, and 1.4-dioxane, a likely human carcinogen that can be found at trace levels in some laundry detergents.

It’s important to consider that this detergent contains fragrance. Typically, we wouldn’t recommend a detergent for babies that does; however, we took a holistic approach to analyze Noodle & Boo’s ingredients. According to SkinSAFE, it’s 91% free of the top allergens and is naturally hypoallergenic. The fact that it’s also pediatrician and dermatologist tested, plant-based, and non-toxic tells us that Noodle & Boo goes to great lengths to provide a clean, sustainable product. 

Key Specs: 
Type:
Liquid | Amount: 60 fl oz | Number of Loads: 44 | Price per Load: $0.77

How We Rated Baby Detergents

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best baby detergents we tested. We recommend them without reservation.

4.5 to 4.7 stars: These baby detergents are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.

4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great baby detergents, but others are better.

3.5 to 3.9 stars: These baby detergents are just average.

3.4 and below: We don't recommend baby detergents with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

We Also Tested

  • Dreft Stage 1 Newborn Hypoallergenic Baby Laundry Detergent: Dr. Murphy-Rose does not recommend Dreft for newborns because it's "actually not hypoallergenic" and contains fragrance and other potentially harmful ingredients. Although it's been on the market for over 85 years, scientists, doctors, and consumers have begun looking more closely at Dreft's ingredients. Most recently, the EWG gave this detergent a grade of "F," which is unacceptable to our standards.

How We Selected and Tested the Baby Detergents

In addition to consulting with Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, and Brendan Camp, MD, about what to look for in a laundry detergent and which brands they recommend, we had our editors test 29 different detergents in the Verywell Testing Lab. To test the detergents, each editor was given a cotton t-shirt, an athletic polyester t-shirt, a terry cloth towel, and a linen napkin that were pre-stained with jojoba oil, foundation, chlorophyll, mud, chocolate, wine, and spaghetti sauce. 

For each load of laundry, our editors set their washing machine for a normal-sized load with cold water and carefully dispensed the correct amount of detergent per the manufacturer’s instructions. While their items were washing, they inspected each detergent to determine the type and scent. Once the wash cycle was complete, they moved their items to the dryer for an air dry cycle. After the items were dry, they were inspected by our editors to determine their texture, the presence of wrinkles, and if the stains had been removed.

Gain Flings Laundry Detergent Soap Pods

Verywell Family / Henry Wortock

What to Look for in a Detergent for Babies

Hypoallergenic

According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), there are no federal standards or definitions that govern the use of the word "hypoallergenic." In fact, the word hypoallergenic doesn't mean "allergy-free," as most would think; rather, it means that a product is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.

Even so, Dr. Murphy-Rose advises parents to look for a hypoallergenic laundry detergent. "Newborn skin is sensitive and less resistant to irritants, so it is important to use a hypoallergenic detergent and ensure clothing gets a thorough rinse, whether that's through a rinse cycle or a manual rinse." 

A total of 11 out of the 14 detergents on our list are marketed as hypoallergenic. Despite being fragrance and dye free, the three detergents that aren't are Molly's Suds Laundry Detergent Powder (may contain corn, coconut, or palm oil), Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap Unscented (contains coconut), and Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Laundry Detergent Pods (no claims made). 

Fragrance Free

Dr. Murphy-Rose also advises parents to look for a laundry detergent that is fragrance free. Fragrances are the most common contact allergen (after nickel) because they contain chemicals that stay on the skin longer and are potent enough to cause sensitization or allergic contact dermatitis.

Because of this, almost all of the detergents on our list are fragrance free, with the exception of Noodle & Boo Ultra-Safe Laundry Detergent and Purex Liquid Baby Laundry Detergent. For a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free option, we recommend Seventh Generation Natural 4X Concentrated Laundry Detergent or Honest Baby Laundry

Dye Free

Every detergent on our list is dye free. This is because, similar to fragrances, dyes can cause irritant dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis, so it’s best to avoid them if you have sensitive skin. “Dyes can act as potential sensitizing agents, which means they can trigger rashes or skin irritation,” says Dr. Camp. 

Effectiveness

Although it's great to find a hypoallergenic and dye- and fragrance-free laundry detergent, you may be tempted to use a different product if it doesn't clean your clothes well. When testing our detergents, we used items that were stained with chocolate, wine, spaghetti sauce, mud, chlorophyll, jojoba oil, and foundation, and measured a detergent's effectiveness by how well it removed the various stains. 

While we were hard-pressed to find one that removed every stain, most detergents removed or lightened some stains. In particular, the chocolate stain seemed to be the easiest to come out. 

Some detergents, like Seventh Generation Natural 4X Concentrated Laundry Detergent, Honest Baby Laundry, and Rockin' Green Dirty Diaper Laundry Detergent Powder, contain enzymes that break down stains into smaller pieces. Certain enzymes work best on specific stains, such as those caused by fats, proteins, or starches. 

Although we didn't attempt it, pre-treating your stained clothes with either your laundry detergent or a stain remover is usually pretty effective at removing the stain. Once an item has been dried, it's much harder to remove a stain, so aim to do this before your wash cycle when possible.

ECOS Plastic-Free Liquidless Laundry Detergent Sheets

Verywell Family/ Grant Webster

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is baby detergent necessary?

    Many parents toss their baby’s clothes in the washing machine along with the rest of the family’s. However, you should check to make sure the detergent you’re using doesn’t strip away the flame-retardant properties on your baby’s clothes.

    According to Dr. Camp, it may not be necessary to use a special detergent unless your baby has sensitive skin or a history of eczema. When considering which detergent to use for your eczema-prone child, we recommend all free clear, The Original.

  • At what age can you wash baby clothes in regular detergent?

    “There are no hard-and-fast rules about when you can wash a baby’s clothes in regular detergent,” says Dr. Camp. “However, many pediatricians recommend six months of age as an appropriate time to make the switch from baby to regular detergent.” 

    If you choose to wait until your baby is older to wash their clothes in regular laundry detergent, that’s okay, too. Talk to your child’s pediatrician before making the switch and be confident in the fact that you know your baby best.

  • Is powder or liquid detergent better for babies?

    While power detergents can be more sustainable and cost-effective, Dr. Camp suggests that parents use a liquid detergent instead. “Liquid detergents rinse out more easily than powders,” Dr. Camp says. If you’re looking for a sustainable liquid detergent, we recommend giving Seventh Generation Natural 4X Concentrated Laundry Detergent a try.

A Word About New York State’s 1,4-Dioxane Law on Detergent Products

In 2023, New York State (NYS) enacted an amendment to its Environmental Conservation Law to limit consumers’ exposure to 1,4-dioxane, a synthetic chemical that is likely a human carcinogen and is present in small amounts in some brands of laundry detergent. Short-term exposure to 1,4-Dioxane may cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, while long-term exposure may cause kidney and liver damage. As of now, no products have been pulled off the market because of New York’s law, but some manufacturers are modifying their formulas to comply with the state’s regulations. We’ll keep an eye on this law and its impact on the industry and update our recommendations accordingly.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Laura Lu, MS, is an experienced health writer who has a Master of Science degree in Health Communication. Her work has appeared in publications like The New York Times, Media Psychology, Brit+Co, and Parents.com, to name a few. As a mom of two, she strives to use clean, natural products on her kids and in her home. She currently uses all free clear detergent due to her son’s eczema, but is considering transitioning to a more natural and eco-friendly option that will serve her family and the environment in the long run.

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Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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