Hypoallergenic, dermatologically tested, developed with pediatricians… “Special baby” detergents multiply their reassuring promises. But according to 60 Million consumerscertain formulas for sensitive skin are better for the health of little ones and for the environment.
Baby detergents: reassuring labels, questionable compositions
When a baby arrives, the choice of laundry detergent becomes a major concern. We are looking for perfectly clean laundry, but above all without risk for the fragile skin of infants. On the shelves, “special baby” bottles therefore seem to be a natural choice. However, as the Special Edition reveals 60 Million consumers “Baby, the best (and worst) products” (January-February 2026), these products are not systematically the gentlest.
Laundry detergent contains many potentially problematic ingredients: more or less irritating surfactants, allergenic preservatives, perfumes, enzymes or bleaching agents. However, the regulations do not require the detailed display of all components on the packaging. To see clearly,
60 Million consumers analyzed the complete composition of six baby detergents and four “sensitive skin” detergents, accessible via the brands’ websites, and assessed their risks using the Ménag’Score, a health-environment indicator ranging from A to E.
L’Arbre Vert Bébé in the lead… but without achieving excellence
Result: among the baby detergents tested, L’Arbre Vert Bébé comes out on top with an overall Ménag’Score of B, the best in the panel. According to the expertise of 60 Million consumersits formulation contains relatively few undesirable substances, both for health and for the environment.
But it’s not flawless. The presence of sodium laureth sulfate, or even sodium lauryl sulfate (admittedly at the end of the list), and a perfume prevent the product from achieving an A rating. The magazine also points out a questionable claim: “without skin allergens”, deemed potentially misleading by the Fraud Repression. Only the word “hypoallergenic” is officially regulated… without guaranteeing the total absence of risk.
Behind, baby detergents Auchan, Epsil (E.Leclerc), Le Chat and Skip all obtain a Ménag’Score C. Their main weak point: the presence of enzymes, considered more irritating for infants’ skin. Environmentally, The Cat and Skip even drops to a D.
Sensitive skin: sometimes a better choice than “baby”
The surprise comes from detergents for sensitive skin, which rival – and sometimes surpass – baby products. 60 Million consumers particularly distinguishes Briochin’s Sensitive Skin detergent, which achieves an overall Ménag’Score of A. Fragrance-free, well rated for health (B) and excellent for the environment (A), it does better than all the baby detergents tested.
A notch below, Arbre Vert Sensitive Skin detergent and Carrefour Essential also offer interesting alternatives, even if the presence of enzymes makes them a little less suitable for toddlers.
Conversely, certain references are completely discouraged. This is the case of Persavon Bébé with organic apricot extract, weighed down by irritating and allergenic preservatives, or even of Skip Sensitive Skin, which gets an E for both health and the environment.
Disinfectants: the false friend to absolutely ban
Final warning from the experts: never add disinfectant to your laundry. Not only is it useless – detergent already eliminates viruses and bacteria – but it is also harsh on the skin. 60 Million consumers cites in particular the Sanytol linen disinfectant, rated E in the Ménag’Score, irritant and toxic for aquatic life.
Clearly, for baby linen, it is better to have a simple composition, without perfume, and well rated, rather than a reassuring marketing speech. A conclusion that invites parents to look beyond the word “baby” written on the bottle.