As Dr. Gibson explains, the detergent you pick doesn’t have to be specifically formulated for babies. A hypoallergenic detergent with the “Free & Clear” label, which means the product doesn’t contain dye or fragrance, is also a good place to start. We tested and researched the best baby laundry detergents, evaluating them on their ingredient list, fragrance, effectiveness, and environmental standards. Our favorite is the Babyganics 3X Baby Laundry Detergent, which is dermatologist-tested, plant-based, and free of dyes. Here, the best baby laundry detergents for your little one. Our number one pick for a baby laundry detergent is Babyganics, a triple-concentrated formula made with the sensitive skin of little ones in mind. Pediatrician and dermatologist-tested, the formula doesn’t contain any fragrance, dyes, chlorine, sulfates, or optical brighteners, which are chemicals sometimes used in detergents to make colors and whites appear brighter. Instead, this plant-based laundry detergent calls on the power of enzymes to clean dirty clothes, bed linens, and towels, while tackling tough stains and addressing stubborn odors. Since you only need to use about half of a capful of the concentrated soap, the price per load is also very reasonable. It can also be used to pre-treat stains in clothes before washing. However, this product is not the best for washing cloth diapers, as it may not be able to tackle all of the stains on them. Overall, we love that this product keeps parents and children in mind with its thoughtful formula, while also still being effective, stain-fighting, and cleansing. Price at time of publish: $15 Amount: 60 ounces | Number of Loads: 60 | Scent: Unscented Notably, the price per load comes out to less than half of most other baby detergents, which is ideal. Fill up the cap to the level one marker for a regular load or higher for heavily-soiled loads, according to the product listing. Price at time of publish: $13 Amount: 75 ounces | Number of Loads: 57 | Scent: Light fragrance It can be hard to achieve a clean smell with this detergent. However, rest assured, your baby’s clothes will be free of spots when they emerge from the washing machine. Price at time of publish: $15 Amount: 70 ounces | Number of Loads: 70 | Scent Unscented The only downside to this product is that it’s expensive and doesn’t have a great value per load. However, it is pediatrician-approved. Price at time of publish: $18 Amount: 32 ounces | Number of Loads: 32 | Scent: Crème Douce Price at time of publish: $19 Amount: 1.47 liters | Number of Loads: 32 | Scent: Unscented Dropps also sells their pods in compostable packaging, so if you’re concerned with the environmental impact of all the laundry detergent bottles you’ll go through with the extra laundry, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Price at time of publish: $16 Amount: 36, 64, 160, or 240 pods | Number of Loads: 36, 64, 160, or 240 | Scent: Unscented Unlike some powdered detergents, it’s even effective in cold water cycles—although to sanitize fabrics, you’ll still need to use hot water, It is biodegradable, safe for septic tanks, and leaves no residue on your clothes. It may, however, be a little less convenient to use than a pod. Price at time of publish: $40 Amount: 2.64 pounds | Number of Loads: 100 | Scent: Unscented Price at time of publish: $24 Amount: 50 ounces | Number of Loads: 32 | Scent: Fresh Our tester used this on her family’s laundry and noted that it kept her family’s clothes looking clean, but didn’t work as well at removing tough stains. She said it delivered on its promise to not irritate skin, but is definitely lacking built-in fabric softener and a pleasant scent. Otherwise, it was a top-notch addition to her home. Price at time of publish: $13 Amount: 141 ounces | Number of Loads: 94 | Scent: Unscented Price at time of publish: $10 Amount: 50 ounces | Number of Loads: 33 | Scent: Unscented
“Free & Clear” Label
Dr. Gibson recommends looking for a detergent with “Free & Clear” in the name or somewhere on the label. This tells you the product is free of fragrance and clear of dyes—both of which may be a cause of skin irritation. Some baby detergents are lightly scented. This doesn’t necessarily mean your child will have a reaction. However, if you’re concerned about potential irritants, a “Free & Clear” formula is sure to be milder.
Hypoallergenic Formula
“Choose a detergent that is hypoallergenic,” advises Dr. Gibson. This typically means the product doesn’t contain common allergens, such as artificial dyes and perfumes. Though, it may imply the formula simply contains fewer irritating ingredients. A person could react to virtually any chemical, natural or synthetic. The term doesn’t guarantee a product will not cause a reaction. It only means that it’s less likely to.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a freelance writer specializing in parenting, cleaning, textiles, and lifestyle within the commerce space, and has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. For this, she interviewed Dr. Katy Gibson, a pediatrician and the creator of Unfolding Motherhood. She also researched various formulations, scoured user reviews, and read through the ingredients lists of dozens of detergents before landing on her final picks. As a toddler mom, she has personally tested several products on this list and is particularly fond of Babyganics, Tide, All, and Seventh Generation. Dr. Gibson tells The Spruce there’s no need to separate your little one’s clothes from your own or use separate detergents. “You hold babies close to you, and they will have their face snuggled up to your clothes, blankets, sheets, etc.,” she explains. “It makes it much easier for you to do laundry as well.”
