The 10 Best Non-Toxic Disposable Diapers

Let the search for the best absorbing, non-toxic disposable diapers end here. Parents of new babies have endless decisions to make, and finding affordable, absorbent, and non-toxic diapers should be a breeze.

Read on to find our picks for the 10 best nontoxic disposable diapers.

Looking For the Least Toxic Diapers?

Diapering your new baby shouldn’t be complicated. But for me, it was a new challenge with each child. There are many options between cloth and disposables… and new baby budgets are real.

Nontoxic baby products were definitely a priority for me. With each baby, I searched tirelessly for non-toxic, disposable diapers that worked and wouldn’t hurt my baby or the earth during manufacturing. That’s a tall order! 

The good news is that more companies are creating safer products. This is due to demand from conscious parents like you who are looking for safe and natural baby products.

When it comes to the health of your baby and the environment, cloth diapers are the best option. The best brands in our cloth diaper buying guide are safe from most harmful toxins. Yes, there is extra laundry and water use involved, but one cloth diaper relieves your local landfill from hundreds of diapers.

No Disposable Diaper is 100% Biodegradable or Organic

While some brands market their diapers as biodegradable, the reality is that no disposable diaper is fully biodegradable. Only certain components can break down, and even then, the process releases CO2 emissions.

Another challenge is that for a biodegradable diaper to truly deliver on its promise, it needs to be disposed of in a landfill equipped with a methane gas recovery system – something most U.S. landfills don’t have.

Beyond biodegradability, no diaper is entirely organic or plant-based either. According to diaper industry expert Carlos Richer, who has advised top brands for more than 35 years, all disposable diapers contain some level of synthetic materials. These components are necessary to provide the absorbency and leak protection that make disposable diapers functional.

Almost all diapers (even less toxic ones) use super absorbent polymer (SAP) in their core, which is petroleum-derived.

But don’t fret! After researching all of your sustainable diapering options and cloth diapers, if you decide non-toxic disposable diapers are right for your family, some great options are available.

What to Avoid in Disposable Diapers

Most conventional disposable diapers are made from plastics, so the likelihood of harmful chemicals is much greater. In some brands, toxicity exists due to chlorine bleaching. Here’s what to avoid as you look for less-toxic disposable diapers. 

PFAS

PFAS (forever chemicals) are persistent toxins that accumulate in the body and environment. A Mamavation study on PFAS in disposable and cloth diapers found:

• 23% of products tested had PFAS
• 17% of disposable diapers tested positive
• 30% of cloth diapers & accessories contained PFAS

This issue affects brands across the board, often due to manufacturing rather than material choice.

Chlorine, Dioxins, & Harmful Bleaching Methods

Traditional diapers were once bleached with elemental chlorine, creating dioxins — highly toxic carcinogens that also harm the immune system. Regulations led to safer bleaching methods:

• ECF (Elemental Chlorine-Free): Uses chlorine dioxide, which may still leave traces of dioxins.
• TCF (Total Chlorine-Free): The safest option, using oxygen, peroxide, or ozone-based bleaching.

Many brands are switching from TCF to ECF, so always look for explicitly TCF-labeled diapers.

Phthalates: Endocrine Disruptors in Plastic

Phthalates, used to soften plastics, are unavoidable in most conventional diapers. These chemicals are linked to:

• Hormone disruption
• Cancer risk
• Attention & behavior issues in children

Dyes & Inks

Some diaper dyes are safe, but others may contain toxic ingredients, including lead contamination. If you’re unsure, opt for plain, unprinted diapers.

Formaldehyde: A Hidden Carcinogen

Formaldehyde is a preservative and manufacturing chemical linked to cancer, skin rashes, and respiratory issues. Since diapers are worn against delicate skin, avoiding this toxin is key. Look for brands that explicitly state “formaldehyde-free.”

PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)

These toxic air pollutants are released during the production of conventional diapers. PAHs are known carcinogens that contribute to air pollution and long-term health risks. Choosing eco-conscious brands helps reduce PAH exposure.

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)

VOCs, found in plastics and adhesives, release fumes that can cause respiratory problems, worsen asthma, and have long-term toxic effects. 

Better Ingredients in Non-Toxic Diapers

When assessing if a diaper is right for you, look for these ingredients that I consider “green flags.” This means they are not harmful to the environment or your baby, so if you see them on a diaper package, that is a good sign!

Plant-Based Synthetics

Look for eucalyptus, wood pulp, sugar cane, or corn starch-derived materials. These are common in eco-friendly diapers and reduce reliance on petroleum-based plastics.
Brands: Dyper, Freestyle, Coterie

Fragrance-Free

Artificial fragrances can be endocrine disruptors and skin irritants. A fragrance-free label is a good sign that unnecessary chemicals are avoided.
Brands: Kudos, HealthyBaby

Totally Chlorine-Free (TCF) Processing

TCF whitening uses zero chlorine, preventing exposure to harmful dioxins found in conventionally bleached diapers.
Brands: Bambo Nature, Eco by Naty, Babyganics

FSC-Certified Wood Pulp

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) ensures that any wood pulp used in diapers comes from sustainable, responsibly managed forests. SFI-Certified is another worthwhile wood pulp designation.
Brands: Dyper, Seventh Generation

Organic Cotton

Cotton is a safer, more breathable alternative to plastic-based materials. Organic cotton is even better, as it’s grown without pesticides or harmful chemicals.
Brands: Kudos, HealthyBaby

Bamboo Absorbent Cores

Bamboo is a safer, plant-based absorbent alternative to synthetic materials. Look for brands that use closed-loop processing to ensure chemicals aren’t released into the environment.
Brands: Dyper, Freestyle

OEKO-TEX Certified Materials

An OEKO-TEX certification ensures that textiles have been tested for harmful substances and meet strict safety standards.
Brands: Coterie, Dyper

GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) guarantees that cotton is organically grown and processed without toxic dyes or heavy metals.
Brands: Kudos, HealthyBaby

10 Best Non-Toxic Disposable Diapers

Different diapers work best for different babies, depending on skin sensitivity, body shape, and other variables. I recommend getting a small amount or a variety pack to see which one you like best. Then, subscribe away with your favorite!

#1. Dyper 

Save with a subscription, sizes NB-6, and pull-on style from 2T-6T. These diapers are made with bamboo and other plant-based materials, as in the other diapers listed here. The bamboo they use is sustainably sourced and ecologically processed.

Eco Facts:

• OEKO-TEX Certified
• B Corp Certified 
• Chlorine-Free fluff pulp
• No prints, perfumes, or lotions
• Soft and hypoallergenic bamboo

What You’ll Love

• This brand is available at Walmart and Grove Collaborative
• Dyper has a dirty diaper pickup program called REDYPER in some cities, turning them into biochar and eliminating them from landfills. They are working to expand this service, which seems like a great plan!  

#2. ATTITUDE

These diapers range in sizes from NB-6, with the biggest size accommodating older kids up to 66 lbs. I like this inclusive sizing feature. They offer a discount for subscriptions. 

Eco Facts:

• FSC certified bamboo
• Non-GMO cornstarch
• EWG certified 
• No perfumes
• OEKO-TEX certified 

What You’ll Love:

• Made from about 50% biodegradable materials
• Vegan
• White diapers mean no inks or dyes and less to worry about

#3. HealthyBaby

HealthyBaby has a diaper and wipe subscription to reduce costs. They come in sizes 1-6 and then move up to pull-on style for potty trainers. 

Eco Facts:

• EWG Certified
• Enhanced with organic cotton
• Carbon neutral manufacturing
• OEKO-TEX Certified

What You’ll Love:

• This company provides transparency and full ingredient lists for each product
• Flexible and customizable subscription plans
• No ink or dyes. These diapers are plain white, match everything, and are gender-neutral.

#4. Coterie

Coterie is collaborating with Diaper Recycling Technology (DRT) to create a comprehensive recycling solution. DRT is leading the way in innovative technology that can recover up to 95% of raw materials from used diapers in a cost- and energy-efficient manner.

These diapers are simple and white but are known for being super absorbent, cutting laundry, saving money, and causing less diaper rash. They come in sizes newborn to 6 and pull-on style sizes 3-6. 

Eco Facts:

• Hypoallergenic materials
• TCF wood pulp 
• No added fragrance, lotion, latex, rubber, dyes, alcohol, parabens, phthalates, pesticides, chlorine bleaching, VOCs, or optical brighteners
• FSC Certified, EWG Certified
• They offer support in recycling their packaging

What You’ll Love:

• It is cruelty-free
• Ultra-soft, “apparel-grade” materials, great for sensitive skin
• It includes a wetness indicator, which can also reduce diaper rash

#5. Eco by Naty

These diapers are super reasonably priced and offer a subscription discount. They range in size from 1-6 and have a pull-on style for potty trainers in sizes 4-6. While I’m usually not a fan of printed diapers, these are the exception since they are inspired by plants and nature.

Eco Facts:

• 100% plant-based materials
• OKEO-TEX Certified
• FSC Certified
• Vegan 

What You’ll Love:

• The nature design options are super cute
• 100% bio-based materials are all the baby’s skin comes in contact with
• This brand carries feminine products also

# 6. Kudos 

With a super reasonable subscription price, this company offers diaper sizes 1-6 in patterned or plain white. While their cotton isn’t organic, it’s 100% grown in the USA. 

Eco Facts:

• Total Chlorine Free
• OKEO-TEX Certified
• No harshly-processed bamboo 
• FSC Certified

What You’ll Love:

• The inner layer of the diaper is 100% cotton next to the baby’s skin
• Sustainably made with zero water, chemicals, or process heat
• Designed by an MIT engineer who is a mom
• High level of material transparency, stated easy to find on each product

#7. Honest 

Honest is a popular company, and for good reason. Their diaper and wipe subscription is convenient and sizable enough to make their products reasonably priced. They are also available at big box stores like Target and Walmart. The size range is from newborn to 7, and the pull-on style is up to 5T. 

Eco Facts:

• Made with plant-based materials
• OKEO-TEX Certified
• No fragrances, parabens, or elemental chlorine
• FSC Certified

What You’ll Love:

• Either plain white or tons of cute design options
• They also carry wipes and a wide range of other eco-products for moms
• No animal testing

#8. Ecoriginals 

Starting in newborn size and up to size five, these also come in pull-on style from sizes 3-6. Ecoriginals diapers offer a hefty subscription discount and some small trial packs to try without a huge commitment. 

Eco Facts:

• 100% plant-based materials
• OKEO-TEX Certified
• FSC Certified
• Carbon neutral
• 100% plant-based layers

What You’ll Love:

• They plant a tree with each purchase
• Spandex leg cuffs to prevent leaks without skin irritation
• Gentle for sensitive skin

#9. Freestyle 

This company offers a subscription discount on diapers and wipes, and both use bamboo as their main ingredient. With their self-named BAMBOOTEK, they boast 100% tree-free bamboo core diapers.

Eco Facts:

• TCF
• FSC certified 
• Paraben & phthalate free
• Heavy metal free
• Organic bamboo using sustainable and eco-friendly practices

What You’ll Love:

• BAMBOOTEK saves trees and removes plastic
• Cruelty-free company
• The subscription can easily be added to, skipped, rescheduled, or changed frequency

#10. Hello Bello

Building your customized subscription bundle at Hello Bello is a great way to get a discount, along with full-size trials. Teachers, military, first responders, and nurses get 15% off for life. These diapers have many design options and come in sizes NB-6 and pull-on styles from 12M-5T. 

Eco Facts:

• Hypoallergenic materials
• Made with 100% renewable energy
• ECF fluff pulp from sustainably managed forests
• Sans lotion or fragrances 

What You’ll Love:

• A wide selection of colors and designs to fit all tastes
• Super soft for sensitive skin
• The seriously cute boxes their subscriptions come in

What About Huggies and Pampers?

If you want to stick with big brands because they’re easier to access, they have less-toxic versions such as Huggies Special Delivery and Pampers Pure Diapers. Kirkland, Costco’s brand diapers also use natural materials.

However, these three brands have fluff filling that uses an elemental chlorine-free method, which uses chlorine derivatives to bleach wood pulp, instead of totally chlorine-free methods like the diapers listed here.

Again, this is a good way to vote with your dollars and incentivize the big companies to stick with better manufacturing practices.