What's In Non-Toxic Baby Wash?
Any baby soap or liquid wash needs to have two basic components: a surfactant to clean and a preservative system to keep microbes from growing in the product.
Most baby washes also have a humectant (to moisturize), an emollient (also meant to prevent skin from drying out), a thickener (to make it feel nicer), fragrance of some kind (whether natural or synthetic), and various other ingredients.
Let's look more deeply at the two of these that you'll see in every single brand (surfactant + preservative system).
Surfactants in Non-Toxic Baby Soap
Surfactants are the cleaning molecules in any soap or wash, and they allow water to lift away dirt and oil. Some surfactants are strong and foamy (great for degreasing dishes), while others are gentler and formulated to respect a baby’s fragile skin barrier.
Good Surfactants
- Saponified oils — Look for wording like “saponified (olive/coconut/sunflower) oil” to know that you're getting the absolute most natural baby soap. These surfactants are made by saponifying plant oils (resulting in what's otherwise known as Castile soap).
- Decyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, coco-glucoside — These sugar-derived surfactants are very mild and what you'll find in a lot of the Best Stuff and Good Stuff.
- Sodium cocoyl isethionate — This creamy, gentle surfactant works in bar soap or liquid wash.
- Sodium lauroyl lactylate / sodium cocoyl glutamate — These are amino-acid or lactylate based, and are good for sensitive skin, so they make sense in a non-toxic baby wash.
Sneaky Surfactants
- Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) & sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) — These are effective, but can be drying/irritating. SLES is ethoxylated (which means it comes with a dioxane risk if it's improperly purified). They’ve fallen out of favor in recent years, and for the 2025 version of this guide we didn't find any brands with either SLS or SLES in the 47 we reviewed.
- Cocamidopropyl betaine — This seems to be in nearly every "non-toxic" baby wash right now. It's marketed as gentle and coconut-derived, but in practice it’s a processed surfactant with allergen/irritation risk for sensitive skin. I'm totally fine with cocomidopropyl betaine in sudsing products for grownups and even older kids--but there are simply better options for baby soaps.
- PEG-based surfactants — Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is made by a process called ethoxylation, which makes oils water-soluble. Unfortunately, the ethoxylation process can leave trace contaminants (including carcinogenic 1,4-dioxane).
Preservatives in Non-Toxic Baby Wash
Any product that contains water needs a preservative system. Without one, bacteria, yeast, and mold can grow quickly — this risk outweighs some of the potential risks from preservatives. The goal is the smallest, safest-preserving system that still protects the product.
Good Preservatives
- Gluconolactone/sodium gluconate — This gentle humectant doubles as a preservative boost, and is great for sensitive baby skin.
- Sodium levulinate + levulinic acid — This plant-antimicrobial is one of the safer options available.
- Sodium dehydroacetate — This mild, planet-friendly preservative also shows up in some of the brands we like.
- Ethyl lauroyl arginate HCl — This is a preservative used in some higher end non-toxic baby washes.
Okay Preservatives
- Sodium benzoate —This is a food-grade preservative that's found in tons of "natural" skincare products (even though it's synthetic). While it's fine for older kids and adults, sodium benzoate will land a baby wash into just Okay Stuff.
- Phenoxyethanol — This one is also widely used and probably fine in small concentrations, but again, but it’s somewhat controversial for newborns so you won't find it in the Good or Best Stuff.
Bad & Sneaky Preservatives
- Parabens — These are the notorious hormone-disrupting preservatives—you won't find them even in conventional baby washes anymore.
- Isothiazolinones (methylisothiazolinone / methylchloroisothiazolinone) — These are frequent contact allergens, and therefore manufacturers tend to leave them out of baby products.
- Benzyl alcohol — This is used as a preservative in some “natural” lines, but it's an irritant and there for on the avoid list for babies.
Preservatives in Bar Soaps
Bars usually have much lower water activity than liquid washes, so they usually require less (or no) broad-spectrum preservative.
What to Look for in the Best Natural Baby Soap
Label reading is hard when it comes to baby soap, but here's what you might see on the label of a non-toxic baby wash:
- Castile soap or saponified oils of coconut, olive, or sunflower.
- Decyl glucoside or another of the mild, sulfate-free surfactants mentioned above.
- Organic glycerin to help the skin stay soft and moisturized.
- Minimal or no essential oils because these can irritate baby skin. Unscented is usually safest for newborns.
- Packaged in glass, aluminum, or refillable/recyclable containers always is worth extra points in our book.
How We Chose the Best Non-Toxic Baby Wash Brands
Because these products are used often and all over the body, I hold them to the highest standard. That’s why our Best Stuff list is limited to just a handful of brands—the cleanest of the clean.
What Makes a Baby Wash Best Stuff
- 100% plant-based AND certified organic ingredients.
- No fragrance or parfum (including “natural” fragrance).
- No PEGs, phenoxyethanol, or other synthetic preservatives.
- No cocamidopropyl betaine or benzyl alcohol
- Uses safe, gentle surfactants like castile soap, saponified oils, or decyl glucoside.
- Unscented or only minimally scented with low-risk essential oils (or none at all for newborns).
What Makes a Baby Wash Good Stuff
- Mostly plant-based or organic ingredients, but not necessarily entirely organic.
- Free of the biggest red-flag ingredients (PEGs, cocamidopropyl betaine, benzyl alcohol).
- Also free of the low-concern preservative like sodium benzoate or phenoxyethanol, which are generally considered safe but not our first choice for babies.
- Essential oils may be used, though not ideal for very sensitive skin.
What Makes a Baby Wash Okay Stuff
- Still free of the biggest offenders (PEGs, cocamidopropyl betaine, benzyl alcohol).
- May contain sodium benzoate or phenoxyethanol as preservatives—both considered low-risk but not ideal for daily baby use.
What Makes a Baby Wash Sneaky Stuff
- Marketed as “natural” or “gentle” but still includes concerning ingredients
- Contains cocamidopropyl betaine or benzyl alcohol (moderate-to-high hazard scores on EWG due to irritation/allergy potential).
- Uses catch-all terms like “fragrance” or “parfum," which can mask dozens of undisclosed chemicals.
The Bottom Line on Non-Toxic Baby Wash
Choosing a natural baby soap feels like it should be an easy task, but nothing can be simple in parenting, amiright? Below, I share the brands that truly meet my Best Stuff standard—but also please keep in mind that less is more when it comes to all baby skincare. Often, plain warm water is all you need, or you can use a simple bar soap for a planet-friendly way to wash your baby.
Also, if you're using this guide to find a wash or bubble bath for an older child or adult, then anything all the way through the Okay Stuff is a great choice, and even some of what we are calling Sneaky for infants would be fine in my book. Specifically, Everyone, Hello Bello, Little Twig, Shea Moisture, Tubby Todd would be ranked as Okay Stuff if this guide weren't for washes being used on newborns.
Now let's get into the nitty gritty!
216 comments
Rachel
What are your thoughts on the Zoe Organics line? I’ve heard wonderful things about them, but only just generally, nothing specific about their ingredients other than that they claim to be 100% organic (which doesn’t always mean it’s 100% good)
Maia James
I will have to look into this brand!
Rose Collett
Hi can you please give me your take on the Just Hatched line of baby wash and lotion? It’s sold on Amazon and claims “no yucky stuff”.
Babyoye
Wow great post, thanks for sharing
Maia James
So far, there is no evidence of toxicity of sodium lauroyl lactylate. That said, there really aren’t good studies on the safety of this ingredient. So, while I am okay with products that contain this ingredient for now, I can’t give any confident assurances that at some point we will find out it’s not so great. Sorry I can’t be more helpful!
Tiffanni Reidy
Since you mention sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) vs. sodium laureth sulfate can you speak to whether Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is bad stuff as well? It’s in the Shea Moisture MANUKA HONEY & PROVENCE LAVENDER BABY NIGHTTIME SOOTHING SHAMPOO & BATH MILK.
Maia James
A perfunctory glance at both of these brands suggests they are Good Stuff:)
Terri-Lynn
Two companies I am interested in that claim to be organic are penny lane and shoosha baby. Are they good stuff?
Maia James
In general, the Whole Foods line is okay. They leave out some of the worst stuff, but it isn’t organic or all-natural, so wouldn’t be my go-to.
Brie
Thoughts on Whole Foods 365 baby line? Shampoo, body wash and lotion??
Maia James
Not yet, but will add to list!
Maia James
Sure thing! I’ll add to the list.
Maia James
Not yet! Will look into them.
Posh
Hi,
Just wondering if you have researched on Buds and another brand named MooGoo?
The good stuff that you mentioned are not quite available here where I stay.
Thank you.
LaurenL
I would love to know how the Toms of Maine line stacks up. We’ve been using Tubby Todd for our baby and have loved it, but recently bought some Toms. I think the shampoo and wash is a new product but I’d love to see a review of both.
Thanks for this great info!
Nikki B
I was wondering if you could tell me if you have any reviews for the brand Tubby Todd?
Maia James
Both. In general, the multi-level marketing thing just sort of turns me off, but more than that, it’s REALLY hard to get Arbonne to tell you what’s in their stuff, and the little that has been disclosed has concerned me.
Carly
You mention you don’t like direct sales brands such as Arbonne. Arbonne is in fact the company that first got me second guessing and scrutinizing my products and ingredients. Are there questionable ingredients in Arbonne or do you just not like the way it is sold?
Miss G
Thanks for this list! I’m on the hunt for a new gentle (and preferably nice smelling) baby wash now that I’ve determined Baby Bee Shampoo and Wash is what’s exacerbating my son’s diaper rash.
Maia James
Poofy’s is Good Stuff. I’ll make a point to add it to some future Safe Product Guides.
Allison
Hello,
Just wondering if you’ve ever researched Poofy Organics? Why don’t you include them in any of your lists? Thx!
Posh
Your site is really good stuff! =)
Do you have any comments on Buds and MooGoo?
Maia James
Weleda is a tough one. It’s one of those companies whose ingredients are natural; unfortunately, some of the oils (limonene, geraniol, etc.) that make up Weleda’s fragrance are rated poorly by Skin Deep/EWG. So I can’t call Weleda Good Stuff…that said, I personally feel okay using it on occasion in my own household.
Mili
Would you recommend anything by Weleda?
Alisa
Thanks, Maia! Let us know your verdict :)
maia
don’t know that brand, but will look into it:).
Alisa
Love the site! Have you looked into Tubby Todd’s line of bath products? Good stuff or sneaky stuff? Thanks for your help!
Robin J
Thanks Maia!
So appreciative of this site and your willingness to help, as always!
Maia
Hi there! I looked into their products years ago after they sent me samples and my recollection is that yes, they were Good Stuff:). However, it’s possible they’ve changed their formula, so I will add them to my list of things to check out again!
Thanks-
M
Stephanie Mackey
Was California Baby mentioned in this Safe Baby Wash, Bubble Bath & Soap Guide? I didn’t see it. I found an old post from 2013 that calls into question its authenticity as a “natural” company. Has it become an untrustworthy company? Is it Bad Stuff or Sneaky Stuff?
Danielle Leahy
Thank you! I love your site! I have recommended it to all of my mommy meeting groups!
Maia
I dont know that brand, but will look into it!
Maia
Just the bubble bath—the shampoo doesn’t contain it!
Robin
Maia, is your research Babo adding sodium benzoate to the Oatmilk wash only relative to their ‘Bubble bath & wash’ or the ‘shampoo & wash’ too? I have the latter and don’t see this in the ingredient list but not sure if it will be impacted.
Thanks! RobinMaia
Oh, you’re so sweet, Melissa! This comment just made my day:) Thank you!
Melissa
Maia,
I just wanted to say you totally changed my life the day I came across your blog post a few months back on baby formula (I now use Lebenswert/Holle products exclusively) and I didn’t stop reading there lol. You’ve inspired me to keep researching and make huge lifestyle changes for the good of my family, so thank you so much for all the time and dedication you spend on exposing companies and what they honesty put in their products, good or bad. It’s about time they are held accountable for misleading consumers with their claims of being natural/organic/non-toxic. Of course the fda isn’t helping by being less than reliable at ensuring safe standards in our country. I hope one day soon more people’s minds will be opened to the ugly reality they are living in so that we can work together to change the ridiculous standards business are held to by our own government.
Please don’t ever stop the wonderful work you do, you truly are making a difference in the world!
Melissa
Melissa
I’ve been using the Acure line thanks to your site. They have a great range of adult and kid products that get nearly perfect customer reviews. So if your looking for a safe company for adult needs as well then I highly recommend Acure Organics, Btw I often use thrive because of the amazing discounts they offer plus they carry many of these products.
If you want to make your own I highly recommend Dr Bronners castle soaps and Sal suds. Their website has all the 18 ways to use their soaps for all your diy needs. I’m making my own laundry detergent and hand soaps now, way cheaper and healthier?? Who knew…..
Danielle Leahy
Thank you for your post. I love your blog! Do you know if Baja Baby Citrus Shampoo and Body Wash is safe? I found it on Amazon, but haven’t seen much else written about it. Would love your input. I hope it is safe. I love it!
Annie
Have you researched Baby Mantra Newborn shampoo body wash? Their label claims non-toxic and I haven’t seen any ingredients on the label that you mention in your “bad stuff” section.
Ally
Most Shea Moisture products contain Japanese Honeysuckle, which acts as an endocrine disruptor. :/
Lauren
Hi! Thanks for this! I’ve been looking for other baby washes to try. Can you tell me your thoughts on pure by sheshe ?
It seems like it’s good, but was hoping you could check it out and share your thoughts. http://www.purebysheshe.com
Maia James
Hi Tatiana-
The shampoo/wash has sodium benzoate, so I would say it’s not quite Good Stuff, but still okay (and I would be fine using it in a pinch on my baby, personally).
Maia James
Just looked into it, and it’s Bad Stuff, unfortunately.
Maia James
Hi! This soap is safe, although I cannot speak to its effectiveness: http://amzn.to/1pzod1j
Maia James
Don’t know it, but will add it to the list! :)
Shifu
How about anakku brand ??
Tatiana
What about Burts bees. I’m not planning on buying guide any I’m planning on using Dr bronners organic baby soap, and even then diluting it in a foam pump. However, I did get a 1.8oz sample of Burts bees in the mail today. Is it safe, what’s the bad? Will it be different if I dilute with foam bottle?
haley_808
Thanks for the info! I am planning on switching to Honest Company for my babies skin care products and our cleaning products. Great to have a place I can come to for great information on safe products for my house!
Maia James
Hi there-
Otherwise, most of the Honest line of products are Good Stuff:)SNEAKY: Honest Hand Wash contains phenoxyethanol. This isn’t the very worst ingredient, but not the Good Stuff. Honest Dish Soap contains cocamidopropyl betaine, phenoxyethanol, and methylisothiazolinone.
MAYBE SNEAKY: Honest Laundry Detergent contains “100% biodegradable anionic coconut kernel-oil based surfactant†and the Honest Auto Dishwasher Gel contains “biodegradable low foam surfactant.†No one at the company can tell us any more detail about what these ingredients are, other than that they are “corn-based.†We’ve called several times.
Katie
You mention that there are a couple of Honest Company products that you wouldn’t recommend, can you elaborate? Specifically interested in/about their body wash/shampoo