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Cleaning experts share top 8 laundry detergents safe enough for babies & those with sensitive skin
The stuff that works, from the people who know.
Laura Shallcross
03.19.21

If you’ve had even a bit of life experience as an adult, you’ll know the importance of a good laundry detergent.

Yes, a very small percentage of the population might get by with the cheapest laundry detergent, but for those of us with families, allergies and skin sensitivities, finding the right laundry detergent can feel like quite a challenge.

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Unsplash

When you didn’t have a baby, your priorities were probably a little different. You needed a laundry detergent that did the job and wouldn’t aggravate skin conditions. Fast-forward to your current life, with all the extra responsibilities it brings, and your laundry detergent requirements are likely a lot more specific.

Is a detergent tough enough to completely eliminate all stains, from diaper explosions to spit-ups and milky sick? Great – but it needs to be safe to wash your baby’s bodysuits and rompers in, too. It’s no good being strong if it’s going to aggravate your little one’s sensitive skin.

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Unsplash

Luckily, you don’t have to test every single laundry detergent out there to find one that works best for you. We’ve brought in the experts to give you a professional opinion on the best baby-friendly laundry detergents – so grab your phone and prepare to take notes!

1. Best Overall Baby-Friendly Laundry Detergent: Shop SBLY Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent, $18.00

Shop Sbly
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Shop Sbly

If you’re looking for a failsafe baby-friendly laundry detergent that won’t let you down, you can’t go wrong with the Shop SBLY Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent. Offering a strong yet gentle clean that’s suitable for all fabrics, this formula is designed for sensitive skin, delicate clothing and natural fibers.

Each tablet isn’t individually wrapped, so you can simply pop it into your washing machine and let it get to work without contributing to plastic waste. You can wash babies’ clothes and pet items using this detergent, as it’s hypoallergenic and skin sensitive-friendly. And by the way, it’s been lab-tested against the leading detergent and has proven to be just as effective in removing stains.

Love doing your bit for the environment? As well as ditching the plastic wrapping, this laundry detergent is also made entirely from plant-based materials, and even the packaging is compostable. Now that’s the future of laundry.

Why We Love It:

  • Baby-friendly and pet-friendly
  • Great value for money
  • Environmentally-friendly

2. Best Detergent For The Family: Tide Free & Gentle, $11.99

Target
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Target

As a detergent that can get out the toughest stains while still being kind to babies’ skin, the Tide Free & Gentle is ideal for the whole family. This detergent is hypoallergenic, and contains no phosphates, perfumes, or dyes. It’s recommended by dermatologists, which is always a promising sign, and it’s pretty affordable, too. Simply measure what you need with the included scoop and get washing right away.

Why We Love It:

  • Affordable price
  • Ideal for the whole family

Take Note:

  • Not plant-based

3. Best Natural Laundry Detergent: Seventh Generation Liquid Laundry Detergent, $10.82

Walmart
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Walmart

Seventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Detergent is our experts’ top pick for natural baby-friendly laundry detergents on this list, being formulated with sensitive skin in mind. It’s free of harsh chemicals, dyes, fragrances, and artificial brightness, so it’s about as natural as it gets. It’s also USDA Certified as a Biobased Product, which means that at least 97% of its ingredients – which are all plant-based, by the way – are renewable biological. Simply put, you can rest assured that this formula isn’t only safe for sensitive skin – it’s also a fantastic option if you’re looking to do your bit for the environment.

Why We Love It:

  • Completely plant-based
  • Environmentally-friendly

Take Note:

  • More detergent is needed for the same clean you’d get from other brands
  • Doesn’t make laundry smell fresh

4. Best Affordable Baby-Friendly Detergent: All Free Clear, $6.97

Walmart
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Walmart

You might not want to spend more than $10 on your laundry detergents, in which case, the All Free Clear is a detergent well worth considering. This laundry detergent is 2x concentrated, too, so you’ll get more washes before you need to buy your next lot – perfect if you’re on a tight budget. It might be cheaper than its competitors, but the All Free Clear still has a high-quality design, being 100% free of perfumes and dyes. It’s also hypoallergenic, so it’s completely safe for washing your little one’s bits and bobs.

Why We Love It:

  • 2x concentrated
  • Ideal for smaller budgets

Take Note:

  • Doesn’t contain all-natural ingredients

5. Best Biodegradable Laundry Detergent: Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Liquid Laundry Detergent, $30

Amazon
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Amazon

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day is ideal for anyone looking for a gentle detergent that won’t contribute to pollution. Being biodegradable, this concentrated liquid laundry detergent is a great choice if you’re looking to be more eco-conscious with your household chores. Plus, it contains plant-derived ingredients that won’t irritate skin. If you like your scented detergents, you’ll appreciate that this one is lightly lavender-scented, which is achieved with natural essential oils.

Why We Love It:

  • Fresh, natural scent
  • Biodegradable and plant-derived

Take Note:

  • More expensive than other eco-friendly detergents

6. Best Baby-Specific Detergent: Babyganics 3x Laundry Detergent, $14.99

Target
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Target

If you’re on the hunt for a detergent that you can specifically use for your baby washes, check out the Babyganics 3x Laundry Detergent. The problem with some baby-specific detergents out there is that they have such a focus on being kind to sensitive skin that they’re not very effective at removing stains. That’s not the case with the Babyganics – you only need a small amount of this detergent to tackle dirty bodysuits, bibs and more. The concentrated formula is scent-free and made without sulfates.

Why We Love It:

  • Effective and safe
  • Concentrated formula

Take Note:

  • May irritate eyes

7. Best Non-Liquid Laundry Detergent: Grab Green Stoneworks Laundry Detergent Pods, $24

Amazon
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Amazon

One of the best non-liquid detergent options for sensitive skin is the Grab Green Stoneworks Laundry Detergent Pods. This green detergent consists of natural ingredients, and contains no brighteners, chlorine, dyes or phosphates, making it a perfect choice for sensitive skin. You can choose between a number of natural scent options, including Rose, Olive Leaf, and Oak Tree. There’s also a fragrance-free option if you’d rather have nothing but a fresh scent. The pods are pre-measured, too, so you’ll save time and effort doing the laundry.

Why We Love It:

  • Eco-friendly
  • Multiple natural scent options

Take Note:

  • Not ideal for removing tough stains

8. Best Classic Baby-Friendly Detergent: Dreft Stage 1: Newborn HE Liquid Laundry Detergent, $20.98

Amazon
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Amazon

It’s great having so many new options to choose from nowadays, but if you want to go with a brand that’s been trusted for decades, the Dreft baby detergent may be a good option for you. This detergent has been on our shelves for 80 years, so you can guarantee the manufacturers know better than anyone what makes for the most effective and safe baby detergent formula. It’s designed specifically for newborn’s clothes and is extra-gentle on skin.

Why We Love It:

  • Produced by a reputed manufacturer
  • Specifically designed for newborn skin

Take Note:

  • Distinct scent isn’t for everyone

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