Burt's Bees · Body Wash
Burt's Bees Baby Shampoo and Baby Wash Refill
Lower PFAS concern; typical baby wash without known fluorochemical additives, but brand makes no formal disclosure.
Burt's Bees Baby Shampoo and Wash is a water-based liquid cosmetic with no known PFAS-associated ingredients (no waterproofing, stain-resistance, or nonstick coatings needed).
Shop Burt's Bees on Amazon →Material
aqueous liquid soap formulation in recycled plastic refill pouch
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This is a water-based liquid soap concentrate in a recycled plastic pouch, designed for sensitive infant skin. The formulation relies on mild surfactants (typically plant-derived coconut oil and safflower) rather than harsh sulfates, reducing irritation risk. Burt's Bees markets this as hypoallergenic and free of synthetic fragrances, dyes, and parabens, which are common skin irritants in conventional baby washes. The recycled plastic refill format itself avoids virgin plastic production but introduces a secondary consideration: the pouch interior coating and closure seals.
The brand's record and disclosure
Burt's Bees maintains certified B Corp status and publishes sustainability commitments, though does not issue detailed chemical safety or independent lab certifications for this specific product. The brand makes no formal PFAS disclosure statement, which is typical for small natural-positioned companies but represents a gap in transparency around packaging and formulation. No major recalls or safety controversies are on public record for this baby wash line. The brand relies on market positioning (natural, gentle) rather than third-party certification (e.g., EWG Verified, MADE SAFE) to convey safety.
How it compares in its category
Burt's Bees Baby Wash sits in the premium natural segment, avoiding sulfates and synthetic dyes more consistently than mass-market alternatives (e.g., Johnson & Johnson, Mustela). It is less tested and certified than clinical-grade baby washes (e.g., Vanicream, CeraVe Baby) but typically rates favorably on ingredient transparency databases like EWG and Skin Deep. The refill pouch format is more sustainable than single-use bottles but less transparent about internal coatings than glass or stainless containers. Price point is moderate-to-high, reflecting the natural ingredient positioning.
If you buy it
Use a small amount (dime-sized) per wash to minimize residue buildup on infant skin; rinse thoroughly with warm water. Store the refill pouch in a cool, dry cabinet away from direct heat or sunlight, which can degrade the plastic and potentially affect product integrity. Do not use if the pouch leaks or shows visible discoloration, as this may indicate mold or bacterial growth in the formulation. Discard unused product 18-24 months after opening to avoid microbial contamination, as preservative levels in natural formulations are often lower than synthetic alternatives.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
1,4-dioxane (formulation contaminant)
Not intentionally added, but can arise as a byproduct during surfactant processing. Burt's Bees does not publish lab testing for 1,4-dioxane levels; typical mild baby washes fall well below the threshold of dermal concern on occasional use, but chronic exposure (daily infant skin contact) warrants awareness if the brand does not disclose manufacturing standards.
Fragrance allergens (botanical oils and essential oils)
Burt's Bees Baby Wash contains lavender oil and other botanicals marketed as 'natural fragrance.' While generally mild, some infants with atopic dermatitis or eczema can react to botanical oils; discontinue if rash or irritation appears within 24 hours of first use.
Plastic pouch interior coatings (non-PFAS)
Recycled plastic refill pouches often contain residual coatings or processing chemicals; no specific leaching concerns have been documented for Burt's Bees pouches, but brief contact with warm (not hot) water and immediate use reduces any hypothetical migration risk.
Preservative sensitivity (formulation choice)
Natural formulations often use gentler, non-synthetic preservatives (e.g., phenoxyethanol, naturally derived benzyl alcohol) that are less stable than synthetic alternatives; risk of microbial contamination increases if pouch is stored in humid environments or left open for extended periods.
Formaldehyde-releasers (indirect source)
No formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are listed in typical Burt's Bees Baby Wash formulations; botanical preservatives used instead. However, brand does not publish a detailed ingredient supplier audit, so independent confirmation of all upstream sources is not available.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Body Wash
Cetyl
Dr Bronner's Baby Unscented Pure Castile Liquid Soap
saponified vegetable oils (castile base), no protective coatings
Lower-concern choice; simple castile soap formulation carries minimal PFAS risk.
⚠Risky category by default
Dr. Bronner's
Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Plant-based soap (coconut, olive, palm oils); no coatings or treatments
Lower PFAS concern, uncoated liquid soap with no water- or stain-resistant treatments.
⚠Risky category by default
Dr. Bronner's
Dr Bronner's Baby Unscented Pure Castile Liquid Soap
Plant-based soap (coconut, olive, palm oils)
Lower PFAS concern, pure castile liquid soap has no typical vector for forever chemicals.
⚠Risky category by default
More body wash grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.