How important are clean materials in diapers? Scientists say VERY: a newborn’s skin is incredibly thin and permeable. That means babies more readily absorb potentially harmful chemicals—like dyes, chlorine, parabens and phthalates—found in many diapers, and linked to long-term health and developmental issues.¹ 

But which diaper marketed with clean materials is actually best? I reviewed four popular ones for my daughter, Emma: Coterie’s The Diaper, Millie Moon’s Luxury Diaper, Honest’s Clean Conscious Diaper, and Pampers’ Pure Protection Diaper. I even enlisted the help of an expert: Matheson Jean, R.N., a nurse specializing in pediatric care, to find out which really is safest. 

Spoiler alert: it’s Coterie, the only diaper I tested that’s Totally Chlorine-Free (TCF) and also free of harmful chemicals, lotions, and fragrances. Read on to find out why!

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What makes a diaper safe for babies?

Jean, our pediatric nurse, recommends a diaper with “breathable, moisture-wicking layers, and a snug yet gentle fit to prevent leaks and irritation.”

Diapers sit against a baby’s skin all day long, and sometimes linings rip or tear; so “look for safe, non-irritating materials throughout the construction, which minimize exposure to harmful chemicals, and help prevent diaper rash.”

Let’s take a closer look:

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Clean, Safe Materials

Coterie Wins With Totally Chlorine-Free Construction

A snapshot of our testing:

Coterie stands out as the only brand that uses Totally Chlorine-Free (TCF) Pulp, which we feel is safer than  Elemental Chlorine-Free (ECF) Pulp, a process which still involves chlorine derivatives.

Fragrances and lotion can cause inflammation from irritation or allergies on a baby’s very delicate skin. Coterie is totally free of lotion and fragrances. Honest uses citrus extract as an odor inhibitor. Pampers Pure includes shea butter in the lining.

Coterie’s status as the only TCF, fragrance-free, lotion-free diaper makes it our choice for clean, safe materials. 

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Transparency 

Coterie Wins with Third-Party Safety Reports

The FDA doesn’t regulate diapers², and many brands avoid divulging their ingredient lists! That means it’s up to us to pick the safest option (as if I needed anything else on my plate!).

Of these 4, only Coterie and Honest publish exhaustive lists of the materials used in each part of their diapers. And Coterie is the only brand that publishes third-party safety reports. Coterie’s diaper underwent testing with independent laboratory testing company SGS Laboratories in 2022, and was “proven to be free of, below detectable, or significantly below allowed levels (when regulation exists) for nearly 200 chemicals that may be considered toxic or harmful”³. 

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‍The Verdict: Coterie Wins

After evaluating these four diapers, the winner is clear: Coterie. Only Coterie is Totally Chlorine-Free (TCF). Only Coterie publishes their safety reports. The brand also shares exhaustive ingredients lists, and contains no fragrances or lotions. (Coterie also happened to win our longer review which included testing on softness and absorbency!).

Ready to try Coterie? Use code CUSTOMERDIGEST10 to save 10% on your subscription. 

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1. https://www.anses.fr/en/system/files/CONSO2017SA0019EN.pdf
2. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/cfrsearch.cfm?fr=876.5920
3. https://www.coterie.com/safety-reports