These guides are about labels and prices. They do not promise that any product will suit your skin. If you have a skin concern, ask a dermatologist or doctor. For babies and children, ask your pediatrician, and for oral care, your dentist.
All the guides
Personal Care
- Gentle hand soapHow to read hand soap labels for dry or sensitive skin, and how to compare refills and large bottles by price per ounce.
- Gentle body washHow to read body wash labels for sensitive skin, such as fragrance-free and soap-free, and how to compare by price per ounce.
- Gentle shampoo and conditionerWhat sulfate-free and fragrance-free mean on shampoo and conditioner labels, and how to compare price per ounce.
- Gentle face wash: labels and price per ounceHow to read face wash labels for sensitive skin, and how to compare price per ounce and per wash.
- Gentle lotion: fragrance-free labels and price per ounceHow to read lotion labels, the difference between lotion, cream and ointment, and how to compare price per ounce.
- Natural deodorant: aluminum-free labels and price per ounceHow to read deodorant labels, why deodorant and antiperspirant are different in the U.S., and how to compare small sizes by price per ounce.
- Gentle makeup remover: types, labels and cost per useMicellar water, balms, oils and wipes compared, how to read labels near the eyes, and how to compare cost per use.
- Gentle shaving cream: foam, gel, cream and oilHow to read shaving cream labels for sensitive skin, and how to compare cans, tubes and soaps by cost per shave.
- Lip balm: fragrance-free labels and price per stickHow to read lip balm labels, why price per ounce is misleading for tiny sticks, and what to know about SPF lip products.
- Mineral sunscreen: reading the Drug Facts label and cost per applicationHow to read the Drug Facts label on mineral sunscreen, what reef safe does and does not mean, and how to compare cost per application.
- Hand sanitizer: reading the Drug Facts label and comparing priceHow to read hand sanitizer labels, what to know about the FDA's warnings and flammability, and how to compare price per ounce.
- Bar soap and shampoo bars: labels, storage and cost per monthHow bar soap and shampoo bars differ from liquids, how to read the labels, how to make them last, and how to compare cost per month.
- Eco-friendly bandages: sizes, adhesives and what the box saysHow to read adhesive bandage boxes: sizes, materials, latex-free labels and eco claims, and how to compare cost per bandage.
- Bath bombs and bath gift sets: labels, safety and cost per bathHow bath bombs, bath salts and gift sets differ, how to read colorant and fragrance labels, glitter and packaging, safety tips, and gift ideas by budget.
- Organic cotton basics: how to read labels on underwear, socks and T-shirtsHow to read organic cotton labels on underwear, socks and T-shirts, what certifier wording means, and a cost-per-wear way to compare basics.
- Dry shampoo: how to read the label and compare cans, powders and barsA label reading guide for dry shampoo: aerosol, pump and powder formats, ingredient lists, scent wording, and how to compare cost per use.
Oral Care
- Fluoride-free toothpaste: reading the label and comparing priceHow to read toothpaste labels, what the Drug Facts panel means, and how to compare price per ounce. We do not recommend any choice. Ask your dentist.
- Gentle toothbrush: soft and extra soft bristles, ADA Seal and kids' sizesHow to read bristle labels like soft and extra soft, what the ADA Seal is, when to replace a toothbrush, and how to choose a kids' size.
- Gentle toothpaste: reading SLS, flavor and kids' age labelsHow to read toothpaste labels for SLS, flavor strength and kids' age directions, and how to read the Drug Facts panel. Ask your dentist what to choose.
- Interdental brushes and floss: sizes, materials and cost per useHow to read interdental brush sizes, how floss types and floss picks differ, how to read eco claims, and how to compare cost per use. Ask your dentist.
Baby & Feminine
- Gentle baby washHow to read baby wash labels such as tear-free and fragrance-free, why to ask your pediatrician, and how to compare prices.
- Gentle baby wipes: water wipes and sensitive-skin labelsHow to read baby wipe labels, what water wipes and fragrance-free mean, and how to compare price per wipe.
- Eco-friendly diapers: plant-based claims and price per diaperHow to read plant-based, chlorine-free and compostable claims on diapers, and how to compare price per diaper by size.
- Organic pads and tampons: labels, options and cost per cycleHow to read organic cotton labels on pads and tampons, how reusable options compare, and how to work out cost per cycle.
- Gentle toilet paper for the whole family: labels and kids' tipsHow to read toilet paper labels for sensitive skin: unscented, dye-free, chlorine-free, lotion, plies, plus tips for kids and toilet training.
- Menstrual cups and period underwear: sizes, labels and cost per cycleHow to read menstrual cup sizes and materials, what to know about period underwear labels, and how to compare cost per cycle. Ask a doctor.
Kids, Toys & School
- Baby bottles and teethers: how to read materials, age labels and care instructionsA plain guide to baby bottle and teether labels: materials, age ranges, nipple flow, cleaning per the maker, and how to compare cost per piece.
- Organic baby clothes: reading fiber, certifier and safety labelsHow to read labels on organic baby clothes: fiber content, certifier wording, snaps and sizing, plus a cost-per-wear way to buy for fast growth.
Home & Cleaning
- Gentle laundry detergentHow to read laundry detergent labels for sensitive skin and eco claims, and how to compare by price per load.
- Eco-friendly toilet paperBamboo, recycled and virgin pulp toilet paper compared, how to read FSC and eco claims, and how to compare price per sheet or per 100 square feet.
- Eco-friendly laundry sheets: what to check and cost per loadHow laundry sheets and strips compare with liquid and powder, what to know about the dissolving film, and how to compare cost per load.
- Gentle fabric softener: fragrance-free labels and when to skip itHow to read fabric softener labels, why care labels may tell you to skip it, and how to compare price per load.
- Gentle stain remover: types, fabrics and cost per treatmentEnzyme, oxygen and soap-based stain removers compared, why a care-label check matters, and how to compare cost per use.
- Gentle toilet paper for the whole family: labels and kids' tipsHow to read toilet paper labels for sensitive skin: unscented, dye-free, chlorine-free, lotion, plies, plus tips for kids and toilet training.
- Natural pillows and bedding: wool, latex, cotton and down comparedHow to compare natural pillow and bedding fills like wool, natural latex, kapok, cotton and down, with notes on label wording and cost per night.
Kitchen & Pets
- Gentle dish soapHow to read dish soap labels if your hands are sensitive, and how to compare concentrated and refill sizes by price per ounce.
- Gentle pet shampoo: labels, dilution and cost per bathHow to read pet shampoo labels, why human shampoo is not a substitute, and how to compare cost per bath using dilution.
- PFAS-free cookware: stainless, cast iron, carbon steel, ceramic and enamel comparedHow to read PFAS-free and non-toxic cookware labels, how stainless, cast iron, carbon steel, ceramic and enamel differ, and how to compare sets and pans.
Looking for the other series? Eco Essentials: gentle on the planet. Some guides, such as baby care, laundry and toilet paper, are in both.
Five label rules for sensitive skin
- Read the ingredient list, not just the front of the package.
- Fragrance-free is not the same as unscented. Check for the word fragrance or parfum.
- Hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested are not guarantees.
- Try a small size first. Skin differs from person to person.
- Compare unit prices. Price per fluid ounce for liquids, price per load for detergent.
For everyday price comparison, see household essentials. For the environmental side, see Eco Essentials.