Newborns and babies up to 12 months of age have extra sensitive skin prone to allergies, so washing your baby's clothes using a laundry detergent that's specifically made for them can give you peace of mind. This assures that your baby's clothes won't harm their skin. To make your search easier, we asked a dermatologist, Dr. Barbara Marcelo, for some of her comments and tips regarding laundry detergents for babies.
A laundry detergent for baby clothes & linens should be mild, hypoallergenic, and free of harsh fragrances, dyes, and brighteners that can irritate the skin, eyes, and nose. In this article, we prepared a guide and our top 10 recommended laundry detergents for baby clothes that you can purchase online.
Quick List - Top Laundry Detergents for Baby Clothes
Kleenfant
The Ultimate Gentle Formula for Your Little One’s Sensitive Skin
Dr. Barbara Ellen T. Marcelo is a board-certified dermatologist who is passionate about helping parents nurture their children’s skin. Her advocacies include teaching about sun protection, treating patients with eczema, and promoting skin and body positivity. You can follow her on her Instagram page: @mybabyderm to learn more about caring for children’s skin.
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When choosing a laundry detergent for your baby's clothes, consider factors such as its formula and ingredients. Whether you prefer powder or liquid, opting for bundled deals can provide a more economical choice. For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Regular detergents contain chemicals such as phenols, optical brighteners, fragrances, artificial pigments, softeners, and bleach that linger in fabrics and can irritate your baby’s skin. Meanwhile, laundry detergents that are specifically made for baby clothes have milder formulations, to avoid eczema or breakouts, itchy skin, and rashes.
Go for products that are made with natural ingredients and are hypoallergenic. The best example would be plant-based laundry detergents with coconut and corn-based ingredients. Aloe Vera, Lavender, Tea Tree extracts are also commonly used as well as Decyl glucoside, which is a natural cleaning agent.
Some laundry detergents contain chemicals that can trigger contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis can be an allergic or irritant reaction of the skin that manifests as itchiness, redness, rashes, and even blisters.
Newborn babies with immature skin and children with eczema with their impaired skin barrier may be more likely to develop contact dermatitis and are particularly sensitive to chemicals in detergents, especially dyes, fragrances, and bleach.
Powder detergents are highly effective in removing everyday stains and typically are easier to measure and budget-friendly. On the other hand, liquid laundry detergents are much more convenient when it comes to quickly dissolving in both cold and hot water.
It is also effective as a spot treatment tool for water-based stains such as spit-ups and milk stains. Moreover, it is easier to rinse and is less likely to leave soap residue on your baby's clothes.
In terms of packaging, most liquid detergents come in plastic bottles that are durable enough for multiple refills. This way, you can save more money on your next purchase.
The choice of using a powder or liquid detergent depends on your needs and preferences. Powder detergents, in general, are more cost-effective but can leave more residue because they may not dissolve completely.
In addition, detergent residue may be irritating or cause allergic reactions on your child's skin, so an extra rinse cycle may be needed. Liquid detergents can be easily used to pre-treat stains or pre-soak cloth diapers but may be more expensive in the long run.
Since fragrances can cause skin irritations, some parents prefer getting a fragrance-free laundry detergent to be on the safer side. Fragrance-free detergents mean that they are formulated without the use of synthetic fragrances, which mask the "chemical" scent of the product.
If you prefer a more fragrant laundry detergent, you can slowly introduce mildly scented laundry detergents that contain essential oils or other natural ingredients instead.
Fragrances, whether from synthetic or natural sources, are common allergens that can trigger allergic reactions in the skin of sensitive individuals. Recent research has also found that fragrances are combined with phthalates which are chemicals that can disrupt hormones and fertility.
Babies, with their immature skin, can absorb more chemicals and toxins through their skin. Look at the label and choose fragrance-free over unscented (which can contain a masking fragrance) detergents.
Speaking of making the most out of your budget, look for bundles or buy 1, take 1 deals where you can purchase the original bottle packaging plus 1 or more refill packs at a discounted price. You’ll certainly save on the shipping fee and the total payment amount.
Buying multiple products at once means that you're laundry supplies at home will be well-stocked. Having extra baby laundry detergent on standby is an advantage since your baby will go through so many clothes, lampin, and blankets in a week’s time.
Before buying laundry detergent in bulk, purchase a smaller container first and use it to wash your baby's clothing for a few weeks to check for any skin reactions. Remember that skin reactions from detergents may not appear until after several uses. If no skin reactions occur in areas usually covered by clothing, you can proceed to purchase in bulk or take advantage of sales to stock up on detergent.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ingredients | Highlights | Type | Hypoallergenic | Fragrance-Free | Refillable Bottle | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Tiny Buds Natural Powder Detergent | ![]() | Gentle Nature-Powered Clean | Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Plant‑derived Surfactants, Natural Enzymes, Sodium Chloride | Safe for Cloth Diapers, Tough on Stains, Hypoallergenic, Plant Derived Ingredients, 100% Natural, Earth-Friendly | Powder | 1 kg | ||||
2 | UniLove Baby Laundry Detergent | ![]() | Gentle Care for the Softest Touch Your Baby Deserves | Natural Ingredients, Essential Oils, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, Disinfectant Agents | Hypoallergenic, Disinfecting, No Harmful Chemicals, Safe for All Machines, Mildly Scented | Liquid | 1200 mL | ||||
3 | Human Nature Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent | ![]() | Pure Plant-Powered Baby Care | Decyl Glucoside, Coco‑Glucoside, Sodium Coco Sulfate, Glycerin, Citric Acid | Safe for Cloth Diapers, Hypoallergenic, Plant Derived Ingredients, 100% Natural, Fragrance-Free | Liquid | 950 mL | ||||
4 | Kleenfant Antibacterial Baby Laundry Wash | ![]() | The Ultimate Gentle Formula for Your Little One’s Sensitive Skin | Deionized Water, Plant‑Based Surfactant, Aloe Vera, Antibacterial Agent, Hypoallergenic Baby Fragrance | Antibacterial, Hypoallergenic, Recommended by Pediatricians, Safe for Handwashing, No Dyes or Parabens | Liquid | 1000 mL | ||||
5 | Cycles Baby Laundry Powder Detergent | ![]() | Clinically Proven Gentle Baby Care | Biodegradable Coconut‑Based Surfactants, Sodium Sulfate, Cellulose Gum, Aluminosilicate | Clinically Hypoallergenic, Free From Harsh Chemicals, Coconut Derived, Pediatrician Recommended, Easy Rinse | Powder | 1000 g | ||||
6 | Cycles Sensitive Fragrance‑Free Baby Laundry Liquid Detergent | ![]() | Ultra‑Gentle Wash For Delicate Skin | Coconut‑Based Surfactants, Purified Water, Sodium Carbonate, Cellulose Gum, Mild Preservative | Clinically Proven Hypoallergenic, Fragrance‑Free, Coconut Derived, Easy Rinse, Safe For Sensitive Skin | Liquid | 800 mL | ||||
7 | Moose Gear Baby Laundry Liquid Detergent | ![]() | Germ Shield Gentle Baby Wash | Coconut‑Based Surfactants, Antibacterial Agent, Aloe Vera, Purified Water, Mild Preservative | Antibacterial, Hypoallergenic, Coconut Derived, Easy Rinse, Resealable Cap | Liquid | 1000 mL | ||||
8 | Smart Steps Baby Laundry Liquid Detergent | ![]() | Gentle Clean For Baby’s Clothes | Plant-Based Surfactants, Enzymes, Mild Fragrance, Hypoallergenic Cleansing Agents | Safe for Cloth Diapers, Tough on Stains, Hypoallergenic, Plant Derived Ingredients, Earth-Friendly | Liquid | 900 mL | ||||
9 | Cottoncare™ Extra-Sensitive Plant-Based Natural Laundry Powder | ![]() | Pure Care For Sensitive Skin | Natural Surfactants, Baking Soda, Plant Enzymes, Optical Brighteners, Fragrance-Free Agents | "Hypoallergenic, Plant Derived Ingredients, 100% Natural, Earth-Friendly, Safe for Cloth Diapers " | Powder | 1000 g | ||||
10 | INSPI Babies Liquid Baby Detergent | ![]() | Gentle Wash For Little Ones | Plant-Based Surfactants, Enzymes, Mild Natural Fragrance, Water, Preservatives | Hypoallergenic, Plant Derived Ingredients, Safe for Cloth Diapers, Earth-Friendly, Mild Fragrance | Liquid | 1000 mL |
Ingredients | Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Plant‑derived Surfactants, Natural Enzymes, Sodium Chloride |
---|---|
Highlights | Safe for Cloth Diapers, Tough on Stains, Hypoallergenic, Plant Derived Ingredients, 100% Natural, Earth-Friendly |
Type | Powder |
Hypoallergenic | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Refillable Bottle | |
Net Weight | 1 kg |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Users consistently praise the detergent for leaving a pleasant, gentle scent on their baby’s clothes without being overpowering. Many parents find it safe and effective for washing cloth diapers, appreciating that it cleans thoroughly without damaging the fabric. Additionally, several reviewers report no allergic reactions or skin irritations, making it a trusted choice for babies with sensitive skin.
Ingredients | Natural Ingredients, Essential Oils, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, Disinfectant Agents |
---|---|
Highlights | Hypoallergenic, Disinfecting, No Harmful Chemicals, Safe for All Machines, Mildly Scented |
Type | Liquid |
Hypoallergenic | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Refillable Bottle | |
Net Weight | 1200 mL |
Ingredients | Decyl Glucoside, Coco‑Glucoside, Sodium Coco Sulfate, Glycerin, Citric Acid |
---|---|
Highlights | Safe for Cloth Diapers, Hypoallergenic, Plant Derived Ingredients, 100% Natural, Fragrance-Free |
Type | Liquid |
Hypoallergenic | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Refillable Bottle | |
Net Weight | 950 mL |
Parents often mention its mild yet effective formula that’s tough on bacteria but gentle on baby skin. It's frequently praised for having a subtle scent and not causing any irritation, making it a go-to choice for baby laundry.
Ingredients | Deionized Water, Plant‑Based Surfactant, Aloe Vera, Antibacterial Agent, Hypoallergenic Baby Fragrance |
---|---|
Highlights | Antibacterial, Hypoallergenic, Recommended by Pediatricians, Safe for Handwashing, No Dyes or Parabens |
Type | Liquid |
Hypoallergenic | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Refillable Bottle | |
Net Weight | 1000 mL |
Ingredients | Biodegradable Coconut‑Based Surfactants, Sodium Sulfate, Cellulose Gum, Aluminosilicate |
---|---|
Highlights | Clinically Hypoallergenic, Free From Harsh Chemicals, Coconut Derived, Pediatrician Recommended, Easy Rinse |
Type | Powder |
Hypoallergenic | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Refillable Bottle | |
Net Weight | 1000 g |
Ingredients | Coconut‑Based Surfactants, Purified Water, Sodium Carbonate, Cellulose Gum, Mild Preservative |
---|---|
Highlights | Clinically Proven Hypoallergenic, Fragrance‑Free, Coconut Derived, Easy Rinse, Safe For Sensitive Skin |
Type | Liquid |
Hypoallergenic | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Refillable Bottle | |
Net Weight | 800 mL |
Ingredients | Coconut‑Based Surfactants, Antibacterial Agent, Aloe Vera, Purified Water, Mild Preservative |
---|---|
Highlights | Antibacterial, Hypoallergenic, Coconut Derived, Easy Rinse, Resealable Cap |
Type | Liquid |
Hypoallergenic | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Refillable Bottle | |
Net Weight | 1000 mL |
Ingredients | Plant-Based Surfactants, Enzymes, Mild Fragrance, Hypoallergenic Cleansing Agents |
---|---|
Highlights | Safe for Cloth Diapers, Tough on Stains, Hypoallergenic, Plant Derived Ingredients, Earth-Friendly |
Type | Liquid |
Hypoallergenic | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Refillable Bottle | |
Net Weight | 900 mL |
Ingredients | Natural Surfactants, Baking Soda, Plant Enzymes, Optical Brighteners, Fragrance-Free Agents |
---|---|
Highlights | "Hypoallergenic, Plant Derived Ingredients, 100% Natural, Earth-Friendly, Safe for Cloth Diapers " |
Type | Powder |
Hypoallergenic | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Refillable Bottle | |
Net Weight | 1000 g |
Ingredients | Plant-Based Surfactants, Enzymes, Mild Natural Fragrance, Water, Preservatives |
---|---|
Highlights | Hypoallergenic, Plant Derived Ingredients, Safe for Cloth Diapers, Earth-Friendly, Mild Fragrance |
Type | Liquid |
Hypoallergenic | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Refillable Bottle | |
Net Weight | 1000 mL |
Remember to wash cloth diapers separately from other baby clothing. Remove stool particles completely from cloth diapers before pre-soaking in detergent and adding an extra warm cycle.
For both cloth diapers and baby clothes, add an extra rinse cycle or two (for powder detergents) to ensure that little to no detergent residue remains on clothing. Check the label of your baby's clothing or cloth diapers if they should be air-dried or can be placed in the dryer.
Whether you're a new or an experienced parent, you never stop learning new things about parenthood. Here is what Dr. Barbara Marcelo had to say when asked about the frequently asked questions online.
Baby skin is not fully developed until after the first year of life. Babies' skin is thinner, produces less natural moisturizing factors, and has smaller keratinocytes (skin cells). Thus, their skin is prone to dryness, and chemicals/toxins can easily cause irritation once in contact with their skin.
Commonly-used laundry detergents usually contain fragrances, dyes, or optical brighteners, which may be too irritating to baby skin. Fabric conditioners and bleach, in particular, may also cause irritant or allergic reactions in the skin. Therefore, for the first year of life, it may be best to stick to baby detergents in the meantime.
There is no exact time on when to stop using a baby detergent for your child's clothing. If your family history is positive for eczema or allergic diseases, it might be best to continue using baby detergent. Also, if your child has dry or sensitive skin that reacts to changes in weather or commonly used skincare products, it may be a good idea to continue using baby detergent.
Rashes on your baby's skin can have multiple causes aside from your detergent. To check if detergent may possibly be causing irritation on your baby's skin, observe if the rashes are on areas usually covered by clothing.
For example, collars, armholes, and waistbands are common areas where detergent residue can accumulate and cause rashes. Check with your dermatologist or pediatrician if your child has rashes.
Skin rashes in children may be caused by viral/bacterial infections, changes in temperature/humidity, or reactions from skin products, food, clothing material, medicines, etc. Most rashes look alike, and it may be difficult to distinguish one from another, and it can be challenging to determine the exact cause.
Avoid giving or applying over-the-counter products to your child because these may worsen the skin rashes instead of healing them. For persistent rashes, consult your child's dermatologist or pediatrician for appropriate diagnosis and correct treatment.
Aside from baby clothes, it is also exciting to shop for baby accessories. However, one may wonder which products are really worth the time and budget. Click the article links below to see our recommended baby items such as swaddles, baby carriers, and baby bouncers that will surely keep your little one calm and happy.
Re-editor: Mic Florendo
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Tiny Buds|Natural Powder Detergent
No. 2: UniLove|Baby Laundry Detergent
No. 3: Human Nature|Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent
No. 4: Kleenfant|Antibacterial Baby Laundry Wash
No. 5: Cycles|Baby Laundry Powder Detergent
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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