Safe Baby Wash & Soap Guide
Written by:
Maia James
04/17/2022
1. Babo Botanicals Sensitive Newborn Foam Wash / 2. MADE OF Foaming Organic Baby Wash / 3. Carina Organics Baby Shampoo & Wash / 4. healthybaby Shampoo & Body Wash / 5. esembly Wipe Up Wash & Foamer Kit / 6. Tandi’s Naturals Gentle Herb Bar / 7. Green Goo Aloe Baby Wash / 8. Poofy Baby Everything Soap
Organic baby wash was one of the very first product rabbit holes I fell into when I was pregnant with Felix. That first bath was a big milestone!
I hope this updated guide helps you avoid this rabbit hole. Read on for my favorite brands of organic baby wash and soap–and the (long) list of brands I think you’re better off avoiding.
Oh, and most baby washes can be used as shampoo–many brands have combined shampoo and body wash for babies into a single product.
Ingredients to Avoid in Baby Wash
When it comes to soap for your baby’s body, the biggies to stay away from are fragrance, anything ending in “paraben,” and PEG-40 or other PEG chemicals.
Adult soaps and shower gels often include harsh petroleum-based detergents, but baby wash does tend to be gentler.
Ideally, you should choose a baby wash or bubble bath that specifies 100% natural ingredients; choosing an organic baby wash is an even bigger plus.
In this update, a few brands that we used to call Good Stuff have been demoted to Okay Stuff or even Sneaky Stuff. Here is what will land a product there:
The Okay Stuff tends to contain sodium benzoate, a food-grade synthetic preservative that I feel fine about in products for grown-ups, but prefer to avoid in baby stuff. Phenoxyethanol is another somewhat controversial preservative that will bump a baby wash to at least Okay Stuff, if not Sneaky Stuff.
I consider any baby wash that contains benzyl alcohol or cocamidopropyl betaine to be Sneaky Stuff, as each of these scores as high as 5/6 on the EWG toxicity scale. These two ingredients are in most baby washes, including ones marketed as natural.
I am most picky about ingredients used on the very youngest humans, and especially products that are used often and on the entire body. Thus, we’ve kept our Good Stuff list to only 13 brands because these ones are the cleanest of the clean.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Is Ok…Sort of
One foaming ingredient that has stirred a lot of controversy is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). After lots of research, I’ve decided that while I’m okay using products that contain SLS to wash clothing or dishes, I don’t want it in anything that I rub directly onto my kids’ skin because it can be irritating. Fortunately, most natural or organic baby wash doesn’t contain SLS. Note that sodium laureth sulfate–which can be found in organic baby wash–is a different ingredient all together, and one that should always be avoided as it is often contaminated with carcinogenic 1-4, dioxane. (Here’s more on the differences between these two ingredients.)
What to Look for in Organic Baby Wash
Now that you know some important ingredients to avoid, I will list a few of my favorite ingredients in organic baby washes and shampoos. Seeing any of the following on a label is a clue that it’s more likely to be Good Stuff:
- Castille soap
- Saponofied oils of coconut, olive, and sunflower
- Decyl glucoside, which is a sulfate-free surfactant made from sugar
- Organic glycerin
- 100% natural essential oils
Keep reading to see the brands that meet our criteria to be considered Good Stuff, but first, a note on my favorite favorite…
Good Stuff
Babo Botanicals Sensitive Newborn Foam Wash
Babo’s Fragrance-Free Baby Wash is EWG-verified, moisturizing, and extra gentle.
My kids enjoy bubble baths in Babo’s lavender formula, which doubles as a shampoo and is also toxin-free.
Cost per ounce: $1.66.
Baja Baby Bubble Bath, Shampoo & Body Wash
Baja gets extra points for no icky preservatives and for being organic. I haven’t tried it, so I can’t speak to how it performs, but Baja’s organic baby wash has a short list of safe ingredients and is EWG verified.
Cost per ounce: $1.91
California Baby Shampoo & Body Wash
California Baby products are widely available and one of the first brands of baby wash I used when I became a mom. They’ve removed the sodium benzoate, so California Baby’s shampoo/wash is being upgraded to Good Stuff!
Cost per ounce: $2.26
Carina Organics Baby Wash & Bubble Bath
Scented with the essence of the sweet pea flower, this is an extra gentle and tear-free bubble bath formulated with certified organic plant, vegetable, flower and tree extracts. This formula lathers less, rinses easily, and leaves no irritating residue, making it gentle enough for even a newborn’s delicate skin. Perfect for infants, babies, and children.
Cost per ounce: $1.31.
Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Pure Castile Liquid Soap
This very basic soap contains only a few organic ingredients, but one of them is potassium hydroxide, which some readers have been concerned about (it gets a 3 from Skin Deep). Otherwise known as lye, potassium hydroxide is a caustic agent used to turn the coconut oil in Bronner’s soap into, well, soap. Fortunately, none remains in the finished product, and therefore, I consider this Good Stuff.
Cost per ounce: $0.48.
Earth Mama Baby Wash
With a short, natural list of organic ingredients–including glycerin and coconut oil–Earth Mama’s organic baby wash is one of the very best options out there.
Cost per ounce: $2.94.
Esembly Wipe Up Wash Kit
This organic foaming cleanser works for diaper changes as well as during bath time. It features a clean list of ingredients, including organic castile soap, and is produced in the USA.
Cost per ounce: $4.63.
Green Goo Unscented Aloe Baby Castile Soap
Green Goo’s Unscented Aloe Castile Soap is a gentle, soothing cleanser for young ones and those with sensitive skin. This formula is fragrance free and made with all-natural oils and aloe.
Cost per ounce: $0.99
Farmaesthetics Fine Herbal Cleanser & Natural Baby Wash
I originally bought it to use as a facial cleanser for myself, and then began using it on my babies as well. (Parenting.com calls it one of only three cleansers they “…would ever recommend using on a child.”)
The simple ingredients list includes witch hazel, vegetable glycerin, and essential oils of geranium and lavender.
Cost per ounce: $5.62.
Farmaesthetics Homemade Bath Bars
If you love bar soaps, these rainwater bars are gentle enough for babies.
The soap ingredients are basic: just purified rain water, organic olive, palm, and coconut oils, and various herbs, flowers, and essential oils.
Cost per ounce: $3.75.
Healthybaby
I mentioned above that this is my top pick for liquid organic baby wash. Healthybaby’s Shampoo & Body Wash system contains 100% plant-based ingredients selected to protect your baby’s microbiome (like prebiotics and probiotics), meets food quality standards, and is EWG-verified. My whole family is using this wash at the moment, and I am grateful for an opportunity to partner with this game-changing brand!
Cost per ounce: $1.91.
Use code GIMME15 for 15% off, including subscriptions.
Hello Bello Shampoo & Body Wash
While marketed for kids, this body wash would be totally safe for a baby, and is EWG-verified, which means no ingredient scores more than a 2 in their Skin Deep database. Still, this one has many more ingredients than my top top picks.
Cost per ounce: $0.75.
Lafe’s Organic Baby Foaming Shampoo & Body Wash
If you want a very pure, basic fragrance-free liquid soap/shampoo for your baby, this is a good bet, although I don’t love the way it smells (it has sort of a sharp soapy smell).
Lafe’s wash is 100% organic, with hydrating saponified oils of sunflower seed, coconut, olive, and palm.
Cost per ounce: $1.21.
MADE OF Baby Shampoo & Body Wash
Made Of’s Baby Shampoo & Body Wash is a great gentle soap option for kids– it’s free of synthetic fragrances and problematic surfactants.
Cost per ounce: $1.30.
Poofy Baby Everything Soap
I like Poofy’s wash for it’s super simple list of 5 safe ingredients, including organic vegetable glycerin and organic apple cider vinegar.
Cost per ounce: $1.88.
Tandi’s Gentle Herb Soap for Babies
This mild unscented bar soap is made with a variety of seasonal herbs, which are gathered in the wild or grown by the soapmaker herself.
This soap is beef-tallow-based, which means it yields a rich, moisturizing lather and lasts longer than vegetable-based soaps.
If you’re looking for the most environmentally friendly, natural baby wash on this list, Tandi’s Gentle Herb tallow soap is for you.
Cost per ounce: $2.22.
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Okay Stuff
Pipette Baby Shampoo & Wash
Despite the small amount of sodium benzoate it contains, I would feel comfortable using this wash on my own kids. Pipette is EWG-vertified, which is great, but I won’t give the Good Stuff categorization to baby products with sodium benzoate. Pipette is also not organic. Discount code: THEGOODSTUFF
Cost per ounce: $0.53.
Weleda Calendula Cream Bath
Weleda is one of those companies whose ingredients are all natural, just as they claim; unfortunately, some of the essential oils (limonene, geraniol, etc.) that make up Weleda’s fragrance are rated poorly by EWG. So I can’t call Weleda Good Stuff when it comes to products being used on infants.
Cost per ounce: $2.49.
Bad Stuff
Aquaphor’s Gentle Wash & Shampoo throws chamomile in their formula and perhaps hopes you won’t notice the PEG chemicals and cocamidopropyl betaine.
Cetaphil Baby Body Wash now boasts the addition of “organic calendula,” which almost makes this Sneaky Stuff rather than just straight Bad Stuff. Anyway, I would avoid this one, as its foaming agents include sodium laureth sulfate and cocamidopropyl betaine
Dove Baby Nightime Wash contains zero actual lavender, instead being scented with a synthetic fragance. It also contains sodium benzoate and cocamidopropyl betaine
Johnson’s tops the gross list, since all of their baby washes and soaps include fragrance, cocamidopropyl betaine, PEG chemicals, and/or artificial coloring.
Sneaky Stuff
Alaffia Baby Wash & Shampoo contains safer surfactants, but their use of benzyl alcohol is disappointing. These ingredients would be fine for an adult, but when we are talking about babies I am extra uptight.
Aveeno Baby Calming Comfort Bath contains synthetic fragrance and immunotoxic cocamidopropyl betaine, plus a range of PEG chemicals.
BabyGanics Baby Shampoo & Wash is not the worst brand out there, but anything with phenoxyethanol is in the Sneaky Stuff category when it comes to products for baby.
Baby Mantra Natural Baby Wash, Shampoo & Bubble Bath has been moved from Good Stuff to Sneaky Stuff, because they’ve added benzyl alcohol.
Burt’s Bee’s Baby Shampoo & Wash is super close to being Okay Stuff, but as I keep saying, I am super extra picky with products that are used on newborns. The phenoxyethanol knocks this one down to Sneaky Stuff.
Dr. Brown’s Foaming Baby Wash claims to be a natural baby wash but definitely is not, and includes “fragrance” as an ingredient.
Everyone 3-in-1 Kids Soap I generally like this brand, and wanted to be able to call this brand Good Stuff or at least Okay Stuff. Unfortunately, the inclusion of phenoxyethanol and benzyl alcohol make this Sneaky Stuff.
Gaia Natural Baby Bath & Body Wash contains the scary formaldehyde-releasing sodium hydroxymethylglycinate. I don’t know how they get away with calling this a “natural baby wash” (other than the total lack of regulation over the term “natural.”) It also contains cocamidopropyl betaine
Gentle Naturals Eczema Baby Wash is not particularly gentle nor natural, with phenoxyethanol and several PEG chemicals among its ingredients.
Honest Baby Shampoo & Wash is almost Okay Stuff–with sodium benzoate being the only real problematic ingredient–but their scented formulas also contain limonene and linalool.
So many of you have asked about Just Hatched brand, but it’s decidedly sneaky, with fragrance, cocamidopropyl betaine, and PEG chemicals.
Little Twig Baby Wash contains suspected immunotoxin cocamidopropyl betaine and sodium benzoate.
Mustela, a high-end but Sneaky baby line, makes several formulations of baby wash that contain cocamidopropyl betaine, PEG chemicals, and synthetic fragrance.
Noodle & Boo is a Sneaky brand has phenoxyethanol, synthetic fragrance, and other questionable ingredients.
Original Sprout also contains cocamidopropyl betaine, making is Sneaky Stuff.
Puracy Natural Baby Shampoo & Body Wash has cleaned up their ingredients, so EWG’s rating is no longer accurate (they still have “fragrance” listed). It does still contain sodium benzoate, though, so it’s staying in Sneaky Stuff.
Shea Moisture Baby Wash & Shampoo contains synthetic fragrance, phenoxyethanol, sodium benzoate, and cocamidopropyl betaine–so this one is Sneaky Stuff a few times over!
Tubby Todd products used to claim they were 100% natural, which was a total lie. They’ve changed the language on the front of the bottle, but still use cocamidopropyl betaine and therefore are Sneaky Stuff.
Maia, Founder & CEO
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Alaffia ingredients don’t list alcohol. Maybe it changed since u wrote this?
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These tips are full of insights and somehow these will gonna improve the babycare routine. One thing that is a must regarding baby wash that is one must have the best natural baby wash products to attain the best results. At last natural is the best a baby can have.
Thank you. -
I was searching for such a piece of good advice here and there now I am satisfied with your tips, thank you so much for sharing such good knowledge and helping me with the baby body wash.
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Thanks for the nice blog. It was very useful for me.
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Please review Original Sprout. The label claims that it has no Parabens, pthalates or other “nasties”, however it smells really good which makes me suspicious. ?? Thank you!
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Any thoughts on Alaffia kids? I find it at Thrive Market and it’s significantly cheaper than Honest Co., so I was hoping it’s a ?. Thanks!
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A good soap for baby is goat’s milk with honey and buttermilk
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Thoughts on the Hello Bello
Line? I love their collection and use everything from it. -
When at the hospital they ga e me a product called Lil’O’Blossom tender newborn wash . What are your thoughts on this ? Good bad or sneaky ?
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Hello, do you have a review on dabble & dollop?
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I don’t see anything on Fove baby wash or lotions . Can you give me your opinion on it ?
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Sorry meant Dove
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Really great post thank you for writing this guide on baby safety products
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HI there!! Do you have any recommendations for cradle cap shampoo?
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If you’re so against “fragrance” being listed as an ingredient then how did Tom’s of Maine make the list?
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Great post. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Keep posted. -
What do you think about attitude baby leaves 2 in 1 shampoo and body wash and also honest shampoo and body wash ??
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What do you think about the Puracy line at Target?
Thank you! -
Hi! You have listed that the Babo bubble bath contains “natural fragrance” – do you know what this is? Bc this seems like something you would not recommend. Also reviews on amazon say the formula has changed. Do you know if this is correct? Thanks!
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What are your options on the wash with water line?
These are the ingredients for their 3 in 1 baby wash
Aqua, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionte, Coco Betaine, Coco-Glucoside, Glycerin, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Organic Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Organic Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Organic Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Organic Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Organic Molasses, Capryloyl Glycine, Organic Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Aroma, Organic Calendula Officinalis Oil, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Aroma.
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Looks clean to me!
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can u please test baby bum products and dove baby products? those are my top 2!
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what about zoe organics?
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What about Wash With Water brand?
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As always , love reading gimmethegoodstuff.org, the the only website I could go and trust, thank you for your great info!
I’m currently looking for wash since I need to buy more and also have baby coming in the next few weeks. I was looking into these two as well as MADE OF , what are your thoughts on those. thanks!
+Attitude 2-in-1 Natural Hair and Body Foaming Wash Baby, Fragrance Free
+Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Fragrance Free Shampoo and Wash (and they have the foaming option too) -
Maia,
Do you have a recommendation for baby eczema wash?
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My son had a reaction to the Weleda. I didn’t even bother to read the ingredients and then I saw that it is made with almond oil and sesame oil, both of which my son is allergic to. Besides that though, it has carrageenan as a top 10 ingredient, which i know is linked to cancer. I can’t believe that they would put that in a baby product!
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Hi, I skimmed through the blog and found that some baby care companies use toxins and chemicals, but there are Babo Botanicals, Bella b which makes 100% natural and organic products. A lot of products are even EWG and Made Safe certified which ensures they are safe to use for kids and even their mama.
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You haven’t actually addressed Tubby Todd’s ingredients. You’ve said they’re full of it with their 100% natural claims. That’s cool but is it actually safe to use on our babies? Is the synthetic ingredients they have at least okay to use? They seem pretty great to me. Would like to have a more in depth opinion from you. Thanks!
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Hello! Thanks to you I found a love the Babo line. I ordered quite a bit a while back and honestly didn’t even look at the ingredients because I thought the whole line was “good stuff.” Then after reading on your guide that they added sodium benzoate I checked our Babo products to see if they contained it. They did not, but two products contained “natural fragrance.” What is your thought on this? I know I read once on your site only to trust fragrance that says it 100% essential oils. Thanks!
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Hi! Thank you so much for your guises, it has made life much easier in finding safe products for my family.
What are your thoughts on the brand “Wash with Water”. They have a whole line of baby and kid products.
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I am constantly eager to find out about new… I am taking in your blog… your blog is too great… however incorporate more points,your web journals is looking much good… for more points best soaps for baby please visit link I given below
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Curious if you have reviewed California baby’s lotion and baby washes in the sensitive skin line (I see that you have the bubble bath). Appreciate all the work you do!
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Hi! Would love to hear your thoughts on the Puracy products.
Thanks for the comprehensive posting! -
One of your top picks is the Babo Botanicals, 3 in 1: Shampoo, Bubble Bath & Wash, Lavender Meadowsweet. What about the Babo Botanicals, Sensitive Baby, Shampoo & Wash, Fragrance Free? Im deciding between the two.
Also what are your thoughts on Babo Botanicals, Sensitive Skin, Hydra Therapy Lotion, Fragrance Free?-
Sorry I meant Babo Botanicals, Sensitive Baby, Daily Hydra Lotion, Fragrance Free and not the Babo Botanicals, Sensitive Skin, Hydra Therapy Lotion, Fragrance Free for adults.
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Maia –
Thanks for maintaining such a useful site!
I recently read about potential endocrine disruption effects of essential oils, including lavender. I haven’t looked too deeply into this yet (not sure of concentration needed to cause alarm), but I thought I’d call this to your attention:
Any thoughts on this? Does this change your opinion of the Babo Botanical and Baby Mantra products, both of which contain lavender?
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Hello,
You say stay away from fragrance but one of the stuff you recommend and you use on your kids is the Babo bubble bath Lavender, where does the lavender come from?
thanks -
What do you think of Babyganics?
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I thought Carrageenan was a bad ingredient but it is listed in the Babo bubble bath…?
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Never mind! I see that you already responded to that 🙂
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What are your thoughts on the Alaffia products? Also, Interested in your thoughts on ‘fair trade’ and how it relates to product safety. Thank you
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What are your thoughts about Little Seed Farm? They make organic bar soaps and baby balm and all other stuff for face.
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Thank you for the updated list. What are your thoughts on the Alaffia products- body washes and lotions? Not sure how ‘fair trade’ translates to safety.
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It doesn’t mean anything in terms of safety, but I’ll look into this brand!
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Hello,
I saw Babyganics bubble bath in sneaky stuff but what about the Babyganics Foaming Shampoo and Body Wash Fragrance Free?
Thank you! -
Hello Maia,
What do you think about Mamasuds body wash (for babies and adults). Ingredient is diluted saponified olive oil.
Thank you.-
Yes! Totally safe!
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Hi,
What do you think about PURA D’OR All-in-One Calming Baby Wash & Shampoo for Hair & Body?Thanks,
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I couldn’t find cetaphil in any of your categories. Do you have any information about the cetaphil baby washes?
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What do you consider Babyganics shampoo+body wash chamomile verbena? TIA!!
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What do you think of, Everyday Coconut Bubble Bath? I had been using Acure for my LO, but they stopped making so am searching for something new.
https://alaffia.com/babies-up-bubble-bath-coconut-chamomile/-
I don’t love the Phenoxyethanol in that one…
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What about Babyganics body wash+shampoo chamomile verbena?
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Hi, thanks for all the helpful lists! I am wondering about the Carina organics baby wash and lotion?
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Yes, I consider Carina to be Good Stuff:).
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I see you list California Baby Bubble Bath as okay stuff. What do you think of California Baby Calming Shampoo and Bodywash?
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That’s also Okay Stuff:).
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Hi! First, let me say your site is awesome and I have been following for some quite time.
I recall you had Mambino face and body wash as a top pick along with Babo. I see Babo as number two on your list but no longer see Mambino on your updated list. Curious if there a particular reason why Mambino is no longer s top pick or even on any of the lists good or bad?Thanks!
Sky -
Hi! We are big fans of the Dr. Bronner’s for hand soap, but I had never thought about using it for baths before. You mention that there are no questionable ingredients in the unscented baby soap, but are there problems with the scented ones? My kids are fragrance-free, but I’m tempted by the tea tree for myself!
Thank you! Grace
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Hi Maia,
Thanks for this information (as always!). I use Desert Essence Baby Oh So Clean on my littles and love it. I think it’s good stuff, but would love to know if you agree.
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Hi I see you wrote “Please note that we are no longer carrying Babo’s Moisturizing Oatmilk/Calendula Bubble Bath & Wash because they added sodium benzoate to the formula”
But what about the moisturizing baby shampoo and wash in the oat milk and calendula. I don’t see sodium benzoate on the ingredients so I assume it’s still good stuff. Thanks
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Yes, still Good Stuff and no sodium benzoate in those:).
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Baby Mantra Calming Lotion with Shea Butter & Lavender Oil? And the bath wash?
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Yes, I like Baby Mantra products.
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What about pureen products
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Hi! I noticed that you mentioned that the Johnson’s baby naturals line seems safe. Would you classify it as good stuff or okay stuff? Thanks!! 🙂
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I’d go with Okay:).
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Wondering about Tubby Todd products.
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What about shea moisture lotion for babies?
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Yes, that’s good stuff:)
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Hi Maia,
I noticed that some of the Babo products contain carrageenan. I thought this was an ingredient to avoid?
Thank you!
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Yes, that’s good stuff:)
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Sorry, my comment was for a different post! Re carrageenan–this for me falls under the try to avoid eating it but okay with it being in skincare category:).
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Hi Maia,
Thank you so much for creating this site. I am looking into safe, organic body soaps for me and my toddler that has eczema. I’ve been doing a lot of research on “Soap for Goodness Sake” organic soap bars. Have you tried this? Do you recommend it? Thanks.-
I will add to our list! Have you seen this post: https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/natural-eczema-treatment-for-babies-kids/
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Hi Maia,
My family and I have relied on your site for many of our purchases – thank you for doing the heavy lifting on research! I just wanted to give you a heads up that Babo Botanicals Natural Lavender Meadowsweet 3 in 1 Baby Bubble Bath now has 2 concerning ingredients:
Polysorbate 20
Natural Flavor AromaSo frustrating that they add this stuff in, forcing us to recheck ingredients before repurchasing.
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How about Dr. Fischer?
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How’s Cetaphil Baby Wash and Shampoo?
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What are your thoughts on bubble and Bee Organics?
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Or the baby Acure with fragrance?
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Hello! Are you familiar with Young Living products? They sell a baby bath gel, and I wondered if you could tell me how safe the ingredient list looks:
Deionized water, Decly Polyglucose, Vegetable Glycerin, Sorbitol, Dimethyl Sulfone, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, PG-Hydroxyethylcellulose Cocodimonium Chloride, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract, Saponaria Officinalis Extract, Aleurites Moluccana (Kiwi) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Dimethicone PEG-8 Meadowfoamate, Cedrus Atlantica (Cedarwood) Bark Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Linoleic Acid, and Linolenic Acid.
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Hi! I just bought Babyganics night time wash, & California Baby Calendula Shampoo & Body wash, how are these??? I bought both at a panic 10:00pm run to the store after I threw out all my Johnson & Johnson products! I actually am getting ready to buy the Babo Botanicals line, but these were “all I could find” products, HELP!!!
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Maia,
On the topic of bathing our little ones, I was curious if anyone has ever asked about safer baby bathtubs? Knowing that plastic can leach harmful chemicals, especially when heated, I wonder about the safety of my little guy sitting in a plastic tub filled with warm water. Do you think this poses a safety concern and if so, are there are any safer alternatives or tubs that you would recommend for infant/baby use?Thanks!
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Good question, Robin. Honestly, I think the risk of this exposure is negligible, mostly because of the fact that most baby tubs are made from polypropylene, a safe plastic. Here’s one I like: http://amzn.to/2qRRWr3
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Thank you Maia!!! I cannot say enough how much I appreciate all you do for so many mommas!
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EWG provides information on personal care product ingredients from the published scientific literature, to supplement incomplete data available from companies and the government. The ratings below indicate the relative level of concern posed by exposure to the ingredients in this product – not the product itself – compared to other product formulations. The ratings reflect potential health hazards but do not account for the level of exposure or individual susceptibility, factors which determine actual health risks, if any.
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Hello! I am curious about the new Dove baby wash? Also, what about Dove Sensitive?
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Nevermind. Found the ingredients online and definitely bad stuff.
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yes, unfortunately.
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What do you think about the “100% Pure” brand’s line of baby products? Thanks!
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For the most part, this brand is Good or at least Okay Stuff.
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Have you heard of moogoo? Their milk wash?
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I haven’t! Will add to my list for a future investigation.
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Have you looked in to Baby Mantra?? They seem to have all natural ingredients and EWG Verified. Thanks for doing what you do!
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Yes, Baby Mantra looks like Good Stuff:).
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Hello:) Neat site but is it okay to use soaps with essential oils on babies? I had always heard that babies under two should stay away from essential oils. Thanks!
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Not sure if anyone has asked this yet but what do you think of EVERYONE kids soaps and baby soaps and lotion?
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Meh, not a big fan. Somewhere between Sneaky and Okay Stuff.
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Has anyone every looked at Babyganics? I’ve been using their Bubble Bath but now am questioning if I felt for a marketing ploy with their name!?!
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nevermind just saw it in the sneaky stuff! Sigh.
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This list is great, I have not tried the Babo product line but will definitely check them out. We have been using and absolutely love Eco Chic Movement products, especially their baby wash and shampoo. My 2 and 4 year old love that they can use the pump bottle themselves!
http://ecochicmovement.com/collections/frontpage/products/baby-shampoo-body-wash
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Do you reccomend all of the Babo products?
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Yes I like their whole line (but some products do contain sodium benzoate).
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Do you reccomend all of the Babo products?
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Yes, I like Babo’s whole line.
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What about Noodle & Boo products? Thanks!
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How about Eucerin? Thank you! Love this site
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Hi Maia!
First of all I’d like to say THANK YOU for all this amazing information!! Super helpful!
Wondering if you’ve had a chance to review Tubby Todd products?-
We haven’t yet but it’s on our list!
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Hello. I was wondering if you have heard of and reviewed Noodle and Boo newborn 2 in 1 hair and body wash? Also their lotion. It’s a pretty expensive product and I was given as a gift by someone who is very health/toxic consious but I’m not finding too much information on it. Thank you in advance!
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I consider this brand Sneaky Stuff. It has phenoxyethanol, synthetic fragrance, and other questionable ingredients.
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It was such a wonderful article dear and from my side I want to say that i am using bubble bath body wash from long and its really effective. Our multi-purpose bubble bath and body wash gently cleanses the skin, while relaxing the senses.
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First of all, thanks for this site! I have been referring to it so often since I had my little one! In the comments above you mentioned sodium benzoate isn’t great. It’s in one of the top EWG recommended baby shampoo/body washes from Attitude. What do you think of their products? They claim to be made with “worry free ingredients”.
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Which is better earth mama or honest company for body wash and shampoo?
Are all products of earth mama good like body oil, lotion, nipple balm etc? Or should I go for musteal for oil and lotion-
My preference would be Earth Mama. I’m not a fan of Mustela.
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Any reviews on Thinkbaby Shampoo & Body Wash? Seems like good stuff, I just found it recently.
http://shop.gothinkbaby.com/Thinkbaby-Shampoo-Body-Wash-16oz_p_269.html
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I don’t think it’s Sneaky per se, but I do think other brands are better.
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What are the concerns you have with the ThinkBaby line of products?
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They have a lot of synthetics and some preservatives I don’t love.
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Hi Maia,
Wanted to start off by saying THANK YOU for what you do! I think you make a big difference in people’s lives! Also what are your thoughts on Potassium Sorbate (EWG rating of 3) and Vegitable Gycerin (which I been told is really Palm Oil) – both found in Babi Shampoo and Wash. Thank You.-
I am actually okay with potassium sorbate (although I avoid it in food–it is a food-grade preservative). I’m also not worried about palm oil in skin or haircare products, although again, ideally you avoid this in food.
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How would the new line of products by Seventh Generation rate? Seventh Generation Coconut Care Foaming Shampoo and Wash and also the Seventh Generation Coconut Care Lotion? Thanks so much!
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Thank you for asking!! I want to know too 🙂 I was eligible for a free trial of the products, just waiting for them in the mail!
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The 7th Gen coconut care is Okay Stuff.
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I looked on Babo Botanicals and do not see that they added sodium benzoate to Moisturizing Oatmilk & Calendula Bubble Bath & Wash.
Is there another name for sodium benzoate ?
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No–are you looking at an old bottle perhaps?
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Do you know anything about the brand “Everyone (EO)”… lotion and body wash.?
Thanks,
Annie-
Yes I know this brand, and mostly I consider it Good or Okay Stuff:).
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Thanks!! Also wondering about Dr. Brown’s foaming baby wash.
-Annie
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I’m not into it. It claims to be all-natural, but definitely is not, and even includes “fragrance” as an ingredient.
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Hi Maia and friends! I am trying to order some safe baby products for my little one arriving soon and I ran across the company Wash With Water organic. Have you heard about their products? What do you think? Any red flags? Also, do you know anything about Tubby Todd or Neal’s Yard Organic baby products?
Thanks so much!!
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Hi Maia and friends! I am trying to order some safe baby products for my little one arriving soon and I ran across the company Wash With Water organic. Have you heard about their products? What do you think? Any red flags? Also, do you know anything about Tubby Todd or Neal’s Yard Organic baby products?
Thanks so much!!
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No red flags in Wash with Water. It isn’t totally natural (with things like Sodium Cocoamphoacetate in it), but nothing in their products are established toxins:). I don’t know about the other two brands but will check them out!
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The farm aesthetics herbal cleanser, is that okay to wash an infants hair with?
same question for their bar soaps.thanks!
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Yes, I have used these products on my own babies:)
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What do you think of Deep Steep products? https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EPANKC6/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1GH23F95UU2VV
The ingredients list looks ok?
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I agree! The ingredients look fine.
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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)
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I don’t know that line, but will look into it!
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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”.
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I will have to look into this brand!
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I am curious about this brand as well – I’m pregnant with baby number 3 and would like to use safer products! Any thoughts on this newer Just Hatched line??
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Wow great post, thanks for sharing
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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.
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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!
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Two companies I am interested in that claim to be organic are penny lane and shoosha baby. Are they good stuff?
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A perfunctory glance at both of these brands suggests they are Good Stuff:)
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Thoughts on Whole Foods 365 baby line? Shampoo, body wash and lotion??
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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.
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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.-
Not yet, but will add to list!
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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!-
Sure thing! I’ll add to the list.
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Hi I’m having beby soon so I’m looking good brand shampo & body wash which one you recommend me? tnx!
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Anything listed above comes highly recommended. My favorite is the Babo Botanicals.
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I was wondering if you could tell me if you have any reviews for the brand Tubby Todd?
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Not yet! Will look into them.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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Hello,
Just wondering if you’ve ever researched Poofy Organics? Why don’t you include them in any of your lists? Thx!-
Poofy’s is Good Stuff. I’ll make a point to add it to some future Safe Product Guides.
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Your site is really good stuff! =)
Do you have any comments on Buds and MooGoo? -
Would you recommend anything by Weleda?
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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.
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don’t know that brand, but will look into it:).
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Thanks, Maia! Let us know your verdict 🙂
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Hey I am wondering if you’ve looked into tubby todd products yet?
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Not yet–thanks for your patience as we make our way through the long list of wonderful reader suggestions!
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I agree, would love to hear your thoughts on Tubby Todd. They’re not on the EWG site and I tried creating my own report, but would love someone’s input who is more knowledgable in this arena.
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This company is okay–nothing terrible in there, but they are full of it with their 100% natural claims…plenty of synthetics in there.
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Love the site! Have you looked into Tubby Todd’s line of bath products? Good stuff or sneaky stuff? Thanks for your help!
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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!
Robin-
Just the bubble bath–the shampoo doesn’t contain it!
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Thanks Maia!
So appreciative of this site and your willingness to help, as always!
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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-
Oh, you’re so sweet, Melissa! This comment just made my day:) Thank you!
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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!
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I dont know that brand, but will look into it!
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Thank you! I love your site! I have recommended it to all of my mommy meeting groups!
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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.
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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
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Most Shea Moisture products contain Japanese Honeysuckle, which acts as an endocrine disruptor. :/
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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 -
How about anakku brand ??
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Don’t know it, but will add it to the list! 🙂
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Just looked into it, and it’s Bad Stuff, unfortunately.
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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?
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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).
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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
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Hi there-
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.Otherwise, most of the Honest line of products are Good Stuff:)
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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!
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What soap do you recommend for babies with eczema?
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Hi! This soap is safe, although I cannot speak to its effectiveness: http://amzn.to/1pzod1j
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How do you feel about Vermont soap for babies? They have a liquid and bar soap. Thanks!
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Ekkkk! I have been using mustela (cleaner, bath milk, lotion) on my precious eczema stricken 6 month old for months! EWG ranked it a low hazard and pediatrician recommended it. I have tried to be so careful with everything I put on my baby and this just makes me mad now! Why do companies feel the need to put all this crap in their products?! Anyway, thanks for the updates! I find myself always checking your site for references on ‘good stuff’! Keep up the good work as it really makes a difference to us!
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Thanks for the kind words, Wendy, and I’m glad the site has been helpful. Don’t panic re Mustela–they have removed some of the worst ingredients, but I still think there is better stuff out there!
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What about using Dr. Bronner’s organic castille soap for babies?
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yes! that would be Good Stuff:)
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I’ve always used everyday Shea for my kids shampoo/wash/bubbles/condish. I would love to see a review on that as well.
Thank you for your site. It is so great!-
Thanks, Amy! Shea seems like the Good Stuff:)
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I am a big Shea Moisture fan. I use the head-to-toe soap on my 2 girls all the time. Seems to me to be better than California Baby which I find to be quite expensive to have a lot of ingredients listed on the bottle. Curious to know your thoughts on the Shea Moisture brand??
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Hi!
We haven’t yet reviewed Shea Moisture yet (although I see it everywhere), but will add them to our list of products to review in the coming weeks/months/ If you would like a faster response, you can always use our Pick My Brain service: https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/pick-my-brain
Otherwise, if you’re on our mailing list, you’ll know as soon as we review this!-
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?
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I remember seeing California Baby too and am curious what happened to the recommendation.
Also, I have a ton of Noodle & Boo stuff- any thoughts on that brand?
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I have this one Raw Shea Chamomile & Argan Oil Baby. It looks like it doesn’t have the SLS, the palmitate or the benzaote in it. Is this one as safe/good as the Head to Toe? Target doesn’t carry the Head to Toe one so we’ve been using the above.
And why is sodium benzoate bad? The She Manuka Honey and Milk for Baby his it.
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What about Shea Moisture products? Are the safe?
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What about shampoo bars? Are they safe for babies?
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Yup! As long as it’s a safe, nontoxic brand:).
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Hi! We haven’t done a comprehensive Safe Body Wash Guide yet, but you’ll find some Good Stuff approved brands here: https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/store/category/for-me/body/hand-body-soaps/
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How about organic body wash for adult? which brands are good stuff? Thanks
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how about adult body wash? what are the best organic/essential oils brands you recommend?Thanks
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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…..
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