Honest vs Seventh Generation Diapers?

🔑 Key Findings

Honest Company switched from TCF to ECF pulp in late 2023, introducing potential chlorine derivatives.

Seventh Generation remains Totally Chlorine Free (TCF), the gold standard for non-toxic diapers.

Honest diapers are OEKO-TEX certified but have faced recent class-action lawsuits regarding financial disclosures and product quality.

Seventh Generation performs reliably but lacks the "cute" factor, using a plain brown unbleached look.

The Short Answer

Seventh Generation is the winner.

If your priority is avoiding toxic processing chemicals, Seventh Generation is the superior choice because they still use Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) wood pulp. This eliminates the risk of dioxin contamination completely.

Honest Company used to be TCF, but they quietly switched to Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) processing in late 2023. While ECF is safer than old-school bleach, it is not the cleanest method available. Honest wins on style (the prints are undeniable) and widespread availability, but they are no longer the "gold standard" for non-toxic diapering.

Why This Matters

The bleaching process is the main differentiator.

Most commercial diapers use ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free) pulp. This method uses chlorine dioxide instead of elemental chlorine. It reduces dioxins but doesn't eliminate them. TCF (Totally Chlorine Free) uses hydrogen peroxide or oxygen, ensuring zero chlorine derivatives.

> Seventh Generation is TCF. Honest is now ECF.

Transparency has shifted.

Honest Company built its brand on being "clean," but the switch to ECF—along with recent lawsuits regarding misleading financial statements and "natural" claims—has eroded trust. Is Honest Company Diapers Clean

> Seventh Generation has remained consistent with their materials for over a decade.

What's Actually In Them

Seventh Generation

Verdict: Clean (TCF)

Core: Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) wood pulp and SAP (sodium polyacrylate).
Inner Liner: Polypropylene (standard plastic, but soft).
Outer Cover: Polypropylene.
Notable: Unbleached brown core gives them their signature "natural" look.
Free From: Fragrances, lotions, latex, chlorine bleaching.

Honest Company

Verdict: Acceptable (ECF)

Core: Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) wood pulp and SAP.
Inner Liner: Plant-based PLA and polyethylene (OEKO-TEX certified).
Outer Cover: Plant-based PLA and polyethylene.
Notable: "Clean Conscious" redesign is slimmer but stiffer than previous versions.
Free From: Fragrances, lotions, latex.

Performance & Feel

Absorbency

Both brands use SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer) Is Sap In Diapers Safe, so absorbency is generally good.

Seventh Generation: Known for being "utilitarian." They hold a lot of liquid but can feel damp to the touch faster than premium brands like Is Coterie Diapers Clean.
Honest: Mixed reviews since the redesign. Some parents report the new slimmer core leaks faster, especially for boys or heavy wetters.

Fit & Comfort

Honest: Runs small and narrow. The "poo pocket" back elastic is a nice feature for blowout protection, but the material can feel "papery" or stiff.
Seventh Generation: Boxier fit. Generally softer than Honest but bulkier.

Aesthetics

Honest: The clear winner. If you want seasonal prints, skulls, flowers, or pandas, this is your brand.
Seventh Generation: Boring. They are beige/brown. Some limited prints exist, but they are usually faint and earthy.

The Bottom Line

1. Choose Seventh Generation if you want Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) purity and don't care about cute prints. It's the safer chemical profile.

2. Choose Honest if you need the cute aesthetics or if Seventh Generation's fit doesn't work for your baby's shape. They are still "better" than Pampers/Huggies, just not the best.

3. Check the Price: Both are roughly $0.30–$0.37 per diaper (size 1). Honest subscriptions can drop the price, but Seventh Generation is often cheaper on Amazon/Target shelves.

FAQ

Why did Honest switch to ECF?

Honest switched to North American-sourced ECF pulp in late 2023, likely for supply chain and cost reasons. They claim it reduces emissions from shipping, but it is a downgrade in chemical safety standards.

Are Seventh Generation diapers biodegradable?

No. No disposable diaper is fully biodegradable in a landfill. Both brands use plastic (polypropylene/polyethylene) components that will last for hundreds of years.

Do these brands cause diaper rash?

Both are fragrance-free, which drastically reduces rash risk compared to scented brands like Luvs or Pampers Baby Dry. However, some babies react to the specific SAP or top-sheet texture of either brand. Is Fragranced Diapers Bad

References (18)

🛒 Product Recommendations

✅

Seventh Generation Sensitive Protection

Seventh Generation

The reliable, boring, truly chlorine-free option.

Recommended

👌

Clean Conscious Diapers

The Honest Company

Cute prints and decent fit, but no longer TCF.

Acceptable

✅

Kudos Diapers

Kudos

The only disposable diaper on the market with a **100% cotton liner** touching the baby's skin. Uses **Totally Chlorine Free (TCF)** pulp and features 'DoubleDry' technology for superior absorption.

Recommended

✅

HealthyBaby Diapers

HealthyBaby

The first and only **EWG Verified** diaper, ensuring it is free from a comprehensive list of chemicals of concern. Uses **TCF pulp** and is enhanced with organic cotton, produced in a carbon-neutral facility.

Recommended

✅

The Diaper

Coterie

A high-performance premium option using **TCF pulp** and a proprietary wicking system that keeps skin exceptionally dry. Extremely transparent about ingredients, publishing detailed safety reports for every batch.

Recommended

✅

Eco-Friendly Diapers

Pura

A budget-friendly **TCF** option available at major retailers like Walmart. Carbon neutral and certified Allergy UK, though the 'flat' back design lacks the blowout protection of more expensive brands.

Recommended

✅

Hyper Absorbent Bamboo Diapers

Freestyle

Uses a **bambooTEK™ core** instead of traditional wood pulp, making it naturally **TCF** and hyper-absorbent. Available at Whole Foods and features a unique 'net' top sheet to trap mess.

Recommended

✅

Clear+Dry Diapers

Parasol

Focuses on preventing rash with 'RashShield' technology and a **TCF** core. Known for being incredibly soft and thin while maintaining high absorbency, primarily sold via subscription.

Recommended

✅

Plant-Based Diapers

Terra

A New Zealand brand emphasizing biodegradation with a **TCF** core and plant-based materials. Features a 360-degree waistband and uses food-grade inks for prints.

Recommended

✅

Eco Diapers

Eco by Naty

One of the few brands with **TÜV Austria certification** for the compostability of certain components. Uses **TCF pulp** and a plant-based leakage barrier instead of plastic.

Recommended

✅

Bamboo Viscose Diapers

Dyper

Made from **bamboo viscose** which is naturally **TCF** and soft. Offers a unique 'Redyper' service that allows customers to return soiled diapers for commercial composting.

Recommended

✅

Baby Diapers

Nest

Features a **TCF core** and is designed to be commercially compostable (where facilities exist). Transparent ingredient list includes a plant-based PLA inner layer rather than standard plastic.

Recommended

✅

Dream Diapers

Bambo Nature

Holds the rigorous **Nordic Swan Ecolabel**, ensuring strict environmental and health standards. Uses **TCF pulp** and is known for a thinner, flexible fit that is good for active babies.

Recommended

🚫

Luxury Diapers

Millie Moon

Formerly a top TCF recommendation, they **quietly switched to ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free)** pulp in late 2023/early 2024. Parents report a chemical smell and increased rashes since the reformulation.

Avoid

🚫

Swaddlers

Pampers

Contains **added fragrance** (parfum) and lotions which are common allergens. Uses **ECF pulp** and relies heavily on petroleum-based plastics with less transparency than natural brands.

Avoid

🚫

Little Snugglers

Huggies

Standard **ECF** bleaching process and contains potential irritants. While fragrance-free, they use a 'color-changing wetness indicator' that relies on chemical dyes which can sensitize some skin.

Avoid

🚫

Luvs Pro Level Leak Protection

Luvs

Heavily scented with a strong **masking fragrance** that many parents find overpowering. Uses standard **ECF** pulp and offers minimal disclosure regarding specific material composition.

Avoid

🚫

Parent's Choice Dry & Gentle

Parent's Choice (Walmart)

Budget **ECF** diaper with frequent reports of chemical odors upon opening the package. Lacks the third-party certifications for material safety found in similarly priced brands like Pura.

Avoid

⚠️

Triple Dry Diapers

Babyganics

While technically TCF, performance is widely rated as poor with frequent leaks. Contains a **'NeoNourish' seed oil blend** on the top sheet which, while natural, can trigger reactions in babies with specific plant allergies.

Use Caution

⚠️

Pure Protection

Pampers

Often mistaken for TCF, but is actually **ECF**. Marketing claims 'fragrance-free' but fine print admits to a 'light scent' on the top sheet and the presence of shea butter lotion.

Use Caution

⚠️

Special Delivery

Huggies

Heavily marketed as 'plant-based' but still uses **ECF pulp**. The distinct black packaging and 'natural' claims mask that it is chemically very similar to standard Huggies.

Use Caution

⚠️

Premium Diapers

Hello Bello

Uses **ECF** pulp, not TCF. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late 2023, leading to supply chain changes and inconsistent product quality reported by recent users.

Use Caution

⚠️

Premium Diapers

Rascal + Friends

Marketed as 'no nasties' but uses **ECF** pulp. While free from fragrance and latex, they lack the TCF purity of similarly marketed brands like Kudos or Coterie.

Use Caution

⚠️

Complete Care

Cuties

An **ECF** budget brand that struggles with durability; users frequently report **faulty tabs** that rip before use. Lacks the absorbency performance of other budget-friendly options.

Use Caution

👌

Kirkland Signature Organic

Costco

An **ECF** diaper that is fragrance and lotion-free. While not TCF, it offers excellent performance and value for parents who cannot afford premium TCF brands, but it is not the 'cleanest' option.

Acceptable

👌

Little Journey

Aldi

A decent budget **ECF** option that is fragrance-free. However, it lacks advanced absorption channels and uses standard petroleum plastics, making it prone to sagging.

Acceptable

💡 We don't accept payment for recommendations. Some links may be affiliate links.

Honest vs Seventh Generation Diapers?

TL;DR

🔑 Key Findings

The Short Answer

Why This Matters

What's Actually In Them

Seventh Generation

Honest Company

Performance & Feel

The Bottom Line

FAQ

Why did Honest switch to ECF?

Are Seventh Generation diapers biodegradable?

Do these brands cause diaper rash?

🛒 Product Recommendations

📖 Related Research

Are There Chemicals in Diapers?

Is There Chlorine in Diapers? (And Why You Should Care)

Is SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer) in Diapers Safe?

More about Baby Care

Search Crunchy

TL;DR

🔑 Key Findings

The Short Answer

Why This Matters

What's Actually In Them

Seventh Generation

Honest Company

Performance & Feel

The Bottom Line

FAQ

Why did Honest switch to ECF?

Are Seventh Generation diapers biodegradable?

Do these brands cause diaper rash?

🛒 Product Recommendations

📖 Related Research

Are There Chemicals in Diapers?

Is There Chlorine in Diapers? (And Why You Should Care)

Is SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer) in Diapers Safe?

More about Baby Care