Last Updated on March 12, 2024
Most babies have more sensitive skin than adults, as their skin hasn’t fully developed yet. The protective hydrolipidic film is still very thin, which makes infant skin more vulnerable to harsh external factors.
One of those external factors includes the kind of detergent you use to wash baby clothes. Many conventional detergents contain questionable ingredients that are harmful to human health (that includes adults and babies) and the environment.
Thankfully, there are several detergents out there that contain safe ingredients and mindful packaging. However, not all non toxic laundry detergents are made equal: Depending on your baby’s specific skin needs, even some eco-friendly brands may still be too harsh for them.
The best solution is to look for sustainable laundry detergent formulated specifically with baby’s skin in mind. Here are the best eco-friendly baby detergent brands on the market.
what detergent is best for babies?
The best detergent for babies is one that doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals and is ideal for sensitive skin.
A lot of eco-friendly detergents are well suited for baby’s skin, because they mostly try to avoid harsh chemicals as they can pollute waterways.
But it’s even better if you can find sustainable brands that make a separate laundry detergent just for babies: These detergents will be specifically formulated with sensitive baby skin in mind.
A few eco-friendly brands have laundry detergent specifically made for babies, such as Dropps and Tru Earth (more on them below).
That said, always read the ingredients label to determine if something is the right fit for your baby. It’s important to note that even natural ingredients can be irritants, as everyone’s skin is unique.
If you don’t know what an ingredient is, I recommend looking it up in EWG’s Skin Deep database to better understand it. You can also look up your favorite product to see what score EWG gives it (1 being the best, 10 being the worst).
do newborns need special laundry detergent?
It’s wise to choose a separate baby laundry detergent for newborns because their skin tends to be extra sensitive. You’ll want to look for a laundry detergent free of harsh ingredients. But what exactly does that look like?
Opt for laundry detergents that are fragrance-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and phosphate-free whenever possible. You’ll want to look for plant-derived ingredients that are gentle and efficient at removing stains (babies can be messy after all!).
These are the ingredients you should always avoid when looking for baby-safe detergents:
- Synthetic fragrances
- Phosphates
- Dyes
- Bleach
- Sulfates
- Formaldehyde
- Dioxane
what is the difference between regular detergent and baby detergent?
The difference between regular detergent and baby detergent is that there tends to be less harsh chemicals in the ingredients of baby detergent.
Many conventional detergents contain dyes and other ingredients that could potentially harm a baby’s delicate skin and cause it to become irritated. But keep in mind even natural ingredients can sometimes cause irritation.
If you notice signs of irritation on your baby’s skin, always consult with a doctor, even if you are using a natural baby detergent.
when should I start washing my baby’s clothes?
You should start washing baby’s clothes using an eco-friendly baby detergent around 4-6 weeks before the baby is due.
This will ensure the clothes will be ready to wear when the baby arrives and not collecting dust. You’ll also be less stressed and can focus on rest and preparations for birth.
RELATED: The Best Sustainable Baby Clothing Brands
what age can babies stop using baby detergent?
You can stop washing baby clothes in baby detergent around the 6 month old mark. However, there is no right or wrong answer to this: It is all a matter of what’s comfortable for you.
Regardless of when you stop using baby detergent, you should still stick to non-toxic laundry detergents for yourself, your baby, and your family – no matter their age.
what is the safest baby detergent?
I’ve rounded up a list of the safest baby detergent brands that get the Going Zero Waste seal of approval. All these brands are actual detergents that are tough on stains but gentle on the planet (and your baby’s skin!)
These brands are natural, use plant-derived ingredients, and several are packaged mindfully (aka, less or no plastic). For those that come in plastic, check your local recycling laws to see if it’s recyclable near you.
I’ve gone ahead and highlighted some of my favorite features of each brand, but it isn’t an exhaustive list. Be sure to check out their websites for more information.
1. mrs meyers
- Liquid baby detergent
- Plant-derived cleaning ingredients
- 64 loads per bottle
- Aromas of spring wildflowers, apple & mint
- USDA Certified Biobased Product
2. babyganics
- Liquid baby detergent
- 60 loads per bottle
- Fragrance-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Phosphate, phthalate and dye-free
3. dropps
- Sensitive skin + baby laundry pods
- 64 or 128 count available
- EPA safer choice certified
- Plant-based ingredients
- Cruelty-free
- HE safe
- Carbon neutral shipping
4. molly’s suds
- Liquid baby detergent
- Less than a dozen simple yet effective ingredients
- 100 loads per bottle
- Safe for cloth diapers and all types of baby clothing & gear
- Fragrance-free option
- HE safe
- Vegan + cruelty-free
5. tru earth
- Baby laundry detergent strips
- 64 strips, up to 128 small loads
- Certified hypoallergenic
- Fragrance, paraben and phosphate-free
- Vegan + cruelty free
- HE safe
- Plastic free
6. puracy
- Liquid baby detergent
- 99.4% natural plant-based formula
- 64 loads per 16-ounce bottle
- Safe for greywater and septic systems
- Vegan + cruelty-free
7. meliora
- Powder laundry detergent
- Unscented option (best for babies)
- 128 HE loads, 64 standard
- Refillable
- Plastic free
- Paraben, phthalate, + sulfate-free
- 1% For The Planet
- Subscription service available
8. grab green
- Baby laundry pods
- Unscented option available
- 30 loads per bag
- Paraben, phthalate, + sulfate-free
- Vegan + cruelty-free
- Woman-owned business
So, what do you think of these eco-friendly baby detergent brands? Let me know in the comments!
The post 8 Eco-Friendly Baby Detergent Brands For Sensitive Newborn Skin appeared first on Going Zero Waste.
8 Eco-Friendly Baby Detergent Brands For Sensitive Newborn Skin
There’s something undeniably special about wearing uniquely handcrafted, fair trade jewelry that you can know was made slowly and thoughtfully with care. Equally special is wearing an elevated set of jewelry crafted with recycled materials and sustainable processes.
Whether you’re looking for an investment piece or more affordable pieces, there are options for any budget on this list. The aesthetics of these fair trade and sustainable jewelry brands also vary, so you’ll also be able to discover an ethical brand that matches your unique style.
What is Fair Trade Jewelry?
Fair trade can both be a general term used to describe a brand’s sourcing practices — like direct relationships with artisan cooperatives, wages above local standard rates, and safe working conditions — or a third-party “Fair Trade” verification through an organization like Fair Trade Federation, Fair Trade USA, or World Fair Trade Organization. When a brand doesn’t have a certification, we verify a brand’s practices by their own published information.
In the cases where brands do go the extra mile and get a third-party verification for their fair trade practices, we’ve noted it directly in their entries.
Note that this guide includes affiliate links and partners. As always, we only feature brands that meet high standards for responsibility we love, and that we think you’ll love too!
2. Ana Luisa
Best for: affordable everyday jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Recycled Gold, Lab-Grown Diamonds, Small-Batch Production, Direct-to-Consumer
Ana Luisa creates stunning, elegant jewelry from responsibly-sourced materials including 100% recycled gold and lab-grown diamonds. The sustainable jewelry brand also produces in small batches to minimize waste.
By using a direct-to-consumer model, Ana Luisa is able to provide luxury, high-quality jewelry at accessible prices.
3. Monica Vinader
Best for: recycled demi-fine jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Woman-Founded, Recycled Silver & Gold Vermeil, Traceable Gemstones, Lab-Grown & Conflict-Free Diamonds, Supply Chain Transparency
Price Range: $85 (studs) – $2,495 (diamond ring)
British jewelry brand Monica Vinader was one of the first brands to meet the gap between fashion jewelry and fine jewelry with their “demi fine” jewelry. The women-founded brand has necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings crafted from 100% recycled sterling silver and gold vermeil, fully traceable gemstones, and lab-grown or conflict-free diamonds. Monica Vinader also launched Product Passports, taking an active effort towards full supply chain transparency.
4. WorldFinds
Best for: unique statement jewelry with a story
Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade Verified, Upcycled Materials, Artisan-Made
WorldFinds provides sustainable employment and just wages for hundreds of women artisans in India and Bali. These artisans handcraft both sleek metal fair trade jewelry and unique recycled Kantha pieces. WorldFinds is Verified by the Fair Trade Federation, which assesses members against fair trade principles including fair wages, safe conditions, and transparent supply chains.
Plus WorldFinds’ signature Kantha jewelry is made from upcycling materials: wood scraps from a furniture factory and locally sourced Kantha fabric remnants.
5. Astor + Orion
Best for: drop earrings and charm necklaces with symbolism
Conscious Qualities: Certified Ethical Factory, Recycled Materials, Designed for Recyclability, Repair Program
Ethical jewelry brand Astor + Orion sources their jewelry from a factory with multiple certifications ensuring worker safety, fair production practices, and responsible environmental management. Astor + Orion’s stunning jewelry is made from recycled materials and designed in a way to make it easily recyclable! Their pieces also come with a quality assurance — the brand will repair any piece within 6 months of purchase.
6. Laura Elizabeth
Best for: non-toxic jewelry in organic shapes
Conscious Qualities: Locally Sourced Recycled Metals, Woman-Owned, Fair Wages, Safe Working Conditions
Price Range: $45 – $330
Crafted from recycled metals sourced locally in LA, Laura Elizabeth creates stand-out sustainable jewelry. All of the brand’s jewelry is sourced ethically from a small, woman-owned studio in Los Angeles that ensures reasonable working hours (35 hr/week), fair wages, and safe working conditions (such as proper ventilation). Check out more on Laura Elizabeth in this post!
The jewelry is also non-toxic, free of cadmium or lead.
7. Ten Thousand Villages
Best for: giftable fair trade jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade Production, Artisan-Made
Price Range: $6 – $175
Founded in 1946, Ten Thousand Villages is one of the fair trade pioneers and a founding member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), the global network that verifies fair trade practices across its member organizations.
They’ve developed relationships with artisans around the world, providing valuable economic opportunities for thousands of makers in 30 countries around the world. Their marketplace has handmade necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings, along with a variety of other fair trade goods.
8. Edge of Ember
Best for: gemstone jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Recycled Gold & Silver, Artisan-Made, Ethical Production
Price Range: $49 (ear cuff) – $2,730 (diamond tennis bracelet)
Edge of Ember’s timeless jewelry is responsibly crafted by makers working in artisan groups and small-scale factories. Their delicate necklaces, bracelets, rings, and other pieces are crafted by skilled artisans in India, Hong Kong, Germany, and Thailand. The brand carries out independent social audits to ensure ethical working conditions and environmental responsibility.
Edge of Ember has a wide selection of recycled gold and silver rings, bracelets, and necklaces adorned with stunning gemstones, including many birthstone jewelry options perfect for gifting.
9. Aurate
Best for: ethical diamond fine jewelry
Conscious Qualities: 100% Recycled Gold, Lab-Grown & Conflict-Free Diamonds, Vintage Collection
Price Range: $18 (stainless steel chain) – $19,000 (diamond tennis necklace)
Responsibly-sourced quality jewelry — that’s Aurate’s promise. The jewelry brand’s sleek, timeless pieces are thoughtfully made by seventh-generation craftspeople using 100% recycled gold and lab-grown or conflict-free diamonds.
Aurate also has a curated collection of vintage fine jewelry from cocktail watches to signet rings up to 50% off.
10. SOKO
Best for: modern, minimalist artisan-made jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Above-Market Artisan Wages, Black-Owned
Price Range: $78 – $298
SOKO is an innovative Black-owned ethical jewelry brand using mobile tools to bridge the barriers for artisan entrepreneurs in Kenya. In partnership with SOKO, independent artisans can operate a “virtual factory”, earning 5x more than an average artisan workshop in their local areas.
The jewelry is made with 24K gold or silver-plated brass — an affordable metal that also happens to consist of 90% recycled content on average. Other materials include reclaimed horn and bone, locally-sourced teak wood offcuts, and ceramic beads made by a fair trade women’s collective in Kenya.