As a new parent, one of the first things you notice about your newborn is how soft their skin is. It hasn’t been exposed to environmental pollutants, sun or any of the other things that can toughen it up. So, it only makes sense you’d want to do whatever you can to protect it — actually, it’s imperative that you do just that. “Delicate baby skin is more susceptible to allergens or irritants,” says Dr. Kellie Reed, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin.
This means you’ll want to avoid using harsh body washes and lotions and always slather on lots of kid-friendly SPF before going in the sun. Another thing you shouldn’t overlook? The laundry detergent you use on their clothes, bedding and towels. Detergents often contain irritants, says Reed, which can linger on baby clothes and irritate their skin. Thankfully, there are plenty of baby-safe detergents on the market. To help you find one that will work for your family, we asked dermatologists what to look for while shopping, plus we had them explain precisely why it’s so important to use one with babies.
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How we picked the best baby-safe laundry detergent
When shopping for laundry detergent safe for delicate baby skin, the dermatologists we spoke to emphasized that the key is to look for options free of potential irritants. They agreed that paying attention to the following factors will help you do just that:
- 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 of Dermatology 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 2026
Below, find baby-safe laundry detergents recommended by experts or NBC staffers or have at least a 4-star average rating from at least 1,000 reviews.
Seventh Generation Free & Clear Concentrated Laundry Detergent
Though not made specifically for babies, Reed likes that this detergent is fragrance- and dye-free and hypoallergenic. It is made primarily with plant-based ingredients, and a bottle of this concentrated detergent can wash up to 53 medium loads, according to the brand.
Dreft Stage 1 Newborn Baby Laundry Detergent Liquid
Considered the O.G. of baby detergents, Dreft is hypoallergenic, free from dyes and has no added chlorine, according to the brand. This detergent brand is unique because it has two different baby formulas — this one is the most gentle and intended for babies under 12 months old, and then a stain-fighting formula for more active babies. This detergent has a 4.8-star average rating from over 8,000 reviews on Amazon.
Babyganics 3X Baby Laundry Detergent
I used this detergent for the first year of my daughter’s life and was impressed that it removed spit-up stains and handled diaper blowout remnants without a problem. It’s formulated with plant-derived ingredients and is free of dyes, fragrance and phthalates. One bottle can get you through 60 loads of laundry.
All Free and Clear for Sensitive Skin
Both Reed and Kazlouskaya recommend this as an option that can work for the whole family, a nice perk that means you don’t necessarily need to separate your baby’s laundry from your own. The concentrated detergent is made for sensitive skin and has no dyes or fragrances and can remove things that cause allergies — like pet dander, pollen and more, according to the brand. One bottle can wash up to 66 loads, according to the brand.
Tide Free & Gentle Powder Laundry Detergent
Like the All detergent, this powder detergent is free of dyes and perfumes. The difference? The formula, which earned a spot on our list of top laundry detergents, is a powder rather than liquid for those who prefer that. It comes in a 95-ounce container and can be used for up to 68 loads of laundry, according to the brand.
365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Laundry Detergent
Kazlouskaya suggests this as another detergent that the entire family can use. The organic formula is made for sensitive skin and comes in a recyclable jug, according to the brand. A 50-ounce bottle can cover up to 33 medium-sized loads and there’s a clear chart on the back label that tells you exactly how much detergent to use based on load size and washing machine type (regular or energy efficient).
Why is it important to use baby-safe laundry detergent?
Our experts agreed that sticking to a baby-safe laundry detergent is a wise thing to do. “Traditional detergents may have dyes, heavy fragrances and harsh chemicals that can irritate baby skin and lead to dryness, eczema or contact dermatitis,” says Reed. In contrast, baby-safe detergents are free of common irritants such as dyes and heavy fragrances and are designed to rinse out thoroughly to minimize residues left behind in the fabric, she adds.
So, what will happen if you don’t use baby-safe detergent? “In most cases, nothing serious will actually happen,” says Kazlouskaya. “But there’s always a risk that a rash or other sensitivities could pop up — especially for babies with dry skin or eczema.” Because of this, you should use a baby-safe detergent for at least the first two years of a child’s life. After that, if you really want to introduce another type of detergent, start slowly. Wash a piece of clothing in it and see if you notice any reaction, says Kazlouskaya. “But, honestly, since anyone can react to harsh chemicals at any time, the best approach might just be to make a gentle detergent your ‘new normal’ for the entire family.”
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Kellie Reed is a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin.
- Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya is a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Dermatology Circle in New York City.
Why trust NBC Select?
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed experts on how to shop for baby safe laundry detergent.
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