The 7 Gentlest Baby Laundry Detergents
Parents do their best to protect their baby’s skin. From using organic moisturizer, trimming their nails or using baby mittens, all to prevent scratches, soothe or hydrate their little one’s skin. Even from pregnancy, parents are encouraged to try to cut out potential toxins from their lives, but what can be overlooked are the toxins found in laundry detergent.
The chemicals used to wash our clothes are by no means gentle. From synthetic fragrance, bleach and surfactants, they don’t just have in impact on your clothes, but can be inhaled and absorbed into the skin. This is especially scary when it comes to babies, who are prone to absorbing chemicals at a greater rate than adults!
Ingredients to Avoid
Unfortunately, there are many ingredients you’ll find that raise eyebrows, but here are a handful to keep in mind the next time you go shopping for a safe, baby laundry detergent:
FragranceEven though the scents that come along with freshly washed clothes are appealing; it doesn’t outweigh the fact that synthetic fragrances are harmful to the body.
Fragrance sensitivity can cause headaches, wheezing, congestion and skin allergies, like contact dermatitis. They couldbe the reason your baby appears to have eczema-like rashes.
It seems unnecessary to use synthetic fragrance when there are natural alternatives.
Synthetic Surfactants
Surfactants are the ingredients that actually clean the clothes and usually produce a foaming effect. Common surfactants include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES).
Ingredients like these have been reported to cause skin and eye irritation sunscreen!). These are chemicals like benzoxazolyl, which can remain on clothes and therefore, come into contact with the skin.
They have been linked to reproductive and developmental effects – not exactly baby safe!
1,4-dioxane
1,4-dioxane is a synthetic petrochemical and carcinogen often found in laundry detergents and other household or cosmetics products.
1,4-dioxane is actually a contaminant and won’t usually be found on an ingredients list, which is why it’s important to opt for the greenest brands possible, which have been found to have little to no presence of the chemical.
Diethanolamine (DEA) Diethanolamine is a foaming detergent that has been linked to skin irritation, organ toxicity
The Gentlest Baby Laundry Detergents:
1. GreenShield Organic Laundry Detergent
There are very few certified organic laundry detergents, which is why we love Greensheild. Certified organic by the USDA, independently tested and with packaging made from sustainable Sugar Cane, this is the perfect gentle baby laundry detergent to leave clothes soft and baby safe!
Cruelty-free, Eco Me has left out synthetic fragrance, sulfates, dyes, phosphates, chlorine, formaldehyde and parabens and focused on natural ingredients to create a detergent safe for sensitive skin.
It also utilizes the power of essential oils – which we love!
3. ECOS Earth Friendly Laundry Detergent
ECOS Earth is the number 1 selling green laundry detergent for good reason; its all natural ingredients, neutral pH and fabulous reviews make this a great choice when selecting a laundry detergent for your little one.
4. Nellies All Natural Laundry Soda Biodegradable, non-toxic and GMO free – what’s not to love? Nellies All Natural Laundry Soda was inspired by original founder, Nellie, who believed in honesty. simplicity and a green lifestyle, which has translated into her gentle formulations, safe for all the family.
5. Greenscents Laundry Liquid
Greenscent’s ‘Nonscents’ range is perfect for children and babies. With no fragrance, 79% organic ingredients and bottled in very pretty (100% recyclable) packaging, this is a wonderful option to keep your clothes squeaky (but naturally!) clean.
6. ATTITUDE, Little Ones Laundry Detergent
Hypoallergenic, fragrance free & independently tested. ATTITUDE have formulated a detergent with ‘worry-free’ ingredients for your little one’s laundry.
They also think beyond being safe for your health, they are also cruelty free, vegan, septic tank safe and CO2 neutral.
7. Method 4X Concentrated Laundry Detergent
Method are known for their biodegradable, plant-based ingredients, placing them above their completely synthetic counterparts.
We’re happy to say they’re also cruelty free and packaged in 100% recycled bottles.
Making the switch is better done sooner than later, not only for your baby, but for you too! If your baby has been reacting to detergents, make sure to protect and repair their skin. Our Baby Repair Lotion is ultra-gentle and perfect for soothing unhappy skin.
If you'd like any more advice on baby skincare, don’t hesitate to ask us! Email us at customercare@odylique.com or add your question as a comment below – we're here to help!
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