Fragranced baby wash swap to Fragrance-free baby wash

Why make the swap

• Why switch to fragrance-free baby wash

  A fragrance-free castile wash is plant oils made into soap, with no scent formula and no synthetic thickeners, which is why it fits AAP’s advice to choose fragrance-free products.

• What's the concern with fragranced baby wash

  US labels can list a whole scent formula as one word, ‘fragrance’, and some of its ingredients can trigger allergic skin reactions. AAP notes phthalates are often part of that mix.

• General information, not medical advice. Ask your pediatrician before changing what your baby or child uses.

• Good to know before you buy

  Look for ‘fragrance-free’, not ‘unscented’: FDA says unscented products can still contain masking fragrance. Castile soap isn’t tear-free, so dilute it, rinse well and keep it away from eyes.

• Sources (3)

  1. AAP 2024: choose fragrance-free, as 'fragrance' often contains phthalates (opens in a new tab)
  2. Bonchak et al. 2018, Dermatitis: most of 533 kids' care products had a common sensitiser (opens in a new tab)
  3. FDA: fragrance can be listed as one word; 'unscented' may still contain masking fragrance (opens in a new tab)

  Health and safety facts on this page come from these sources. What a pick is made of comes from its maker's listing or website, as stated on the date we checked.