What We Evaluate

1. Full Materials Transparency

We require full ingredient and material disclosure across all diaper components, including:

• Topsheet

• Acquisition layer (if applicable)

• Absorbent core (including pulp and superabsorbent polymers [SAPs])

• Backsheet

• Leg cuffs

• Leak Guards

• Wetness indicators

• Adhesives, elastics, coatings, colorants, and packaging

• Fragrances or Lotions (Optional)

Each component must be listed by its generic material name and include percentage by weight.

We also assess supplier documentation and look for trusted third-party certifications (such as OEKO-TEX® and FSC) to validate supply chain integrity.

2. Ingredient Safety

We prohibit all intentionally added substances included in our evolving No-Go List™—a science-driven list of known or suspected hazardous chemicals informed by global research and ingredient safety data.

Diapers submitted for review must not include any intentionally added substances listed on our No-Go List™ in any part of the product, including top/bottom sheets, absorbent cores, adhesives, SAPs, or wetness indicators. Common examples include:

• Fragrance (synthetic or naturally derived)

• Parabens 

• Phthalates

• Flame retardants

• PFAS compounds (long- and short-chain)

• Latex

• Formaldehyde 

• Pesticides

• Optical brighteners

• Skin-conditioning agents or added lotions

• VOCs

• Dyes, pigments, or inks in any layer that contacts skin

• Endocrine-disrupting compounds

• Nanoparticles not fully characterized for infant dermal exposure

• Allergens

• Biocides / Antimicrobials

Testing Requirements:

• Third-party testing or COAs must confirm that any residual harmful substances and degradation by-products are below levels of concern for human health.

• Detection limits must be provided

3. Absorbent Core & Pulp

Must be Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) and 90%+ FSC-certified (or equivalent). 

• The bleaching process and origin of pulp must be documented.

• Third-party test results should confirm non-detectable levels of dioxins, furans, and other chlorinated by-products (AOX screening or EPA Method 1613 preferred).

4. Wetness Indicator Standards

If included, must be free from halogenated dyes and quaternary ammonium compounds.

Accompanied by analytical confirmation.

5. Manufacturing Integrity

We expect documentation of responsible manufacturing practices, including hygiene protocols, raw material traceability (batch origin, lot numbers), and supplier attestations for ingredient quality and regulatory compliance. While we don’t require third-party audits, certifications such as ISO 9001 or GMP strengthen a brand’s application and consumer trust.

6. Additional Safety Considerations/Endpoints of Concern

• Products intended for preterm infants, NICU use, or extended wear (e.g., overnight) must include appropriate risk assessments or extended testing to ensure safety for prolonged skin contact.

• Sensitization testing: Recommend human patch testing or validated in vitro assays (e.g., OECD TG 439, 442C) for top sheet and lotion-contacting layers.

• Inhalation Exposure Risk:Diapers should undergo VOC emission testing (e.g., GC-MS headspace analysis), and exposure levels must remain below thresholds of concern for infant health.

• Recommend leachability testing of chemical additives under simulated diaper-use conditions (e.g., using synthetic urine or sweat). This helps estimate realistic infant exposure from absorbent and skin-contacting layers.

• Microbiome-friendly: Avoid antimicrobial agents that could disrupt infant skin microbiota. If used, documentation must demonstrate microbiome-neutrality or specificity.

• Cumulative Exposure: Acknowledge enhanced transdermal absorption in occluded environments; repeated exposure should be assessed with a toxicokinetic context.

7. Lifecycle & Sustainability

• Encourage full lifecycle transparency, including disposability, compostability, or landfill impact.

• Require disclosure of any persistent or bioaccumulative substances that may leach post-disposal.