One of the first things a new parent notices about their newborn is how velvety their skin is. It hasn’t been exposed to sunlight, contaminants, or anything else that could harden it up. Therefore, it only makes sense that you would want to take all necessary precautions to keep it safe; in fact, doing so is essential. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kellie Reed of Austin’s Westlake Dermatology, sensitive infant skin is more vulnerable to allergens or irritants.
This implies that you should always apply a generous amount of kid-safe SPF before venturing outside and refrain from using harsh body washes and lotions. Something else you shouldn’t ignore? You use washing detergent on their towels, blankets, and clothing. According to Reed, allergens found in detergents can cling to infant clothing and aggravate their skin. Fortunately, there are many detergents available that are suitable for babies. We asked dermatologists what to look for when buying and asked them to explain why using one is so crucial for babies in order to assist you locate one that will work for your family.
GO Ahead and SkipHow did we choose the top baby-safe laundry detergent? What are the top baby-safe laundry detergents for 2025? Why is using baby-safe laundry detergent important?
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Best overall/editor’s pickSeventh Generation Free & Clear Concentrated Laundry Detergent
$undefined$14.75Amazon
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Best specifically for babiesBabyganics 3X Baby Laundry Detergent
$undefined$19.99Amazon
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Best for the whole familyAll Free and Clear for Sensitive Skin
$undefined$14.99Amazon
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How we picked the best baby-safe laundry detergent
The physicians we spoke with stressed that the most important thing to do when choosing laundry detergent for sensitive newborn skin is to search for products that are devoid of possible irritants. They concurred that focusing on the following elements will enable you to do just that:
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Focus on fragrance-free:
Fresh rain, lavender, citrus all of these scents may bring you joy on freshly laundered clothes, but they should be skipped in baby-safe detergent. They can irritate baby skin, explains Reed, who points out that it s important to look for the wording fragrance-free rather than unscented, which typically means chemicals have been used to mask scent. -
Reach for hypoallergenic options:
Reed also recommends looking for hypoallergenic formulas. This means it s free of common allergens and is thought to be good for those with skin that irritates easily. -
Stick with sensitive skin or baby formulas:
It s best to stick to detergents specifically designed for babies, says Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, a board-certified dermatologist and owner ofDermatology Circle
in New York City. Another option is to look for sensitive skin formulas, which are also formulated without bleach, artificial coloring and other things that could irritate baby skin.
The best baby-safe laundry detergent of 2025
Find baby-safe washing detergents below that have at least a 4-star average rating from at least 1,000 reviews or are suggested by professionals or NBC employees.
Seventh Generation Free & Clear Concentrated Laundry Detergent
Seventh Generation Free & Clear Concentrated Laundry Detergent
Reed appreciates that this detergent is hypoallergenic and free of dyes and fragrances, even if it isn’t designed with babies in mind. The firm claims that a bottle of this concentrated detergent, which is mostly composed of plant-based chemicals, can wash up to 53 medium loads.
Dreft Stage 1 Newborn Baby Laundry Detergent Liquid
Dreft Stage 1 Newborn Baby Laundry Detergent Liquid
The brand claims that Dreft, the O.G. of infant detergents, is hypoallergenic, dye-free, and chlorine-free. This detergent brand is distinct since it offers two distinct baby formulas: the mildest formula, designed for infants under a year old, and a recipe that fights bacteria for newborns who are more active. Based on more than 8,000 reviews, this detergent has an average rating of 4.8 stars on Amazon.
Babyganics 3X Baby Laundry Detergent
Babyganics 3X Baby Laundry Detergent
Throughout the first year of my daughter’s life, I used this detergent, and I was pleased with how well it handled diaper blowout remnants and spit-up stains. It is free of phthalates, dyes, and fragrances and is made with materials sourced from plants. You can do 60 loads of washing with one bottle.
All Free and Clear for Sensitive Skin
All Free and Clear for Sensitive Skin
Reed and Kazlouskaya both suggest this as a family-friendly choice, which has the added benefit of removing the need to separate your baby’s laundry from your own. According to the manufacturer, the concentrated detergent is designed for sensitive skin, contains no scents or colors, and can get rid of allergens like pollen and pet dander. The manufacturer claims that one bottle may wash up to 66 loads.
Tide Free & Gentle Powder Laundry Detergent
Tide Free & Gentle Powder Laundry Detergent
This powder detergent is free of dyes and fragrances, just as the All detergent. What’s the difference? For those who would rather use a powder, this product, which made it onto our list of top laundry detergents, is available in powder form. The brand claims that it can do up to 68 loads of laundry in its 95-ounce container.
365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Laundry Detergent
365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Laundry Detergent
Kazlouskaya recommends this as an additional family-friendly detergent. According to the manufacturer, the organic recipe is designed for delicate skin and is packaged in a recyclable container. There is a clear chart on the rear label that shows you exactly how much detergent to use based on load size and washing machine type (standard or energy efficiency), and a 50-ounce container can cover up to 33 medium-sized loads.
Why is it important to use baby-safe laundry detergent?
Using only baby-safe laundry detergent is a smart move, according to our experts. According to Reed, traditional detergents may include harsh chemicals, strong smells, and dyes that irritate newborn skin and cause contact dermatitis, eczema, or dryness. Baby-safe detergents, on the other hand, are made to rinse out completely to reduce residues left in the fabric and are devoid of common irritants like dyes and strong scents, she says.
So, what happens if you don’t use detergent that is safe for babies? According to Kazlouskaya, nothing significant will typically occur. However, there is always a chance that a rash or other sensitivities could appear, particularly in infants with eczema or dry skin. For the first two years of a child’s life, you should use a detergent that is suitable for babies. After then, proceed cautiously if you truly want to introduce a different kind of detergent. According to Kazlouskaya, “wash a piece of clothing in it and see if you notice any reaction.” The best course of action, however, might simply be to establish a gentle detergent as the new standard for the whole family, as harsh chemicals can cause reactions in anyone at any time.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we collaborate with professionals that possess specific expertise and power derived from pertinent education and/or job experience. Additionally, we guarantee that all professional counsel and suggestions are given impartially and free from unreported financial conflicts of interest.
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Dr. Kellie Reed
is a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin.
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Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya
is a board-certified dermatologist and owner ofDermatology Circle
in New York City.
Why trust NBC Select?
Journalist Bethany Heitman contributes to NBC Select and frequently writes about lifestyle, home, and beauty. She spoke with experts on how to buy laundry detergent that is safe for babies for this report.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay up to date, and read Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, technology and tools, wellness, and more.