The Short Answer
Yes, Coterie diapers are clean. They are one of the safest disposable diapers on the market.
In independent testing by Mamavation, Coterie diapers tested non-detect for organic fluorine, a marker for PFAS "forever chemicals." This puts them ahead of several other "green" brands that showed trace levels of contamination.
They are Totally Chlorine Free (TCF), fragrance-free, lotion-free, and free of phthalates.
The Catch: They are not plastic-free. The part of the diaper that touches your baby's skin is made of polypropylene (a soft plastic), not cotton. If your priority is natural fibers against the skin, you might prefer Is Kudos Diapers Safe|Kudos or Is Healthybaby Diapers Safe|HealthyBaby. If your priority is performance (preventing leaks and rashes) while avoiding toxins, Coterie is the gold standard.
Why This Matters
Your baby will wear roughly 2,500 to 3,000 diapers in their first year alone. That material sits against their most porous, sensitive skin 24 hours a day.
- Chemical Exposure: Conventional diapers often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), phthalates, and fragrances linked to endocrine disruption and skin irritation.
- Bleaching: Many brands use "Elemental Chlorine Free" (ECF) pulp, which can still leave trace dioxins. TCF (Totally Chlorine Free) is the safest standard.
- PFAS: Recent studies have found "forever chemicals" in diaper waterproof layers. These chemicals don't break down and are linked to developmental delays.
What's Actually In Coterie
Coterie is transparent about their materials. They are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, meaning they are tested for hundreds of harmful substances.
- Absorbent Core: Sodium Polyacrylate (SAP) and TCF Wood Pulp. SAP is the gel that holds liquid; it is standard in all disposables (even "green" ones) because it works. The wood pulp is sustainably sourced and bleached without chlorine.
- Topsheet (Touches Skin): Polypropylene. This is a synthetic plastic fabric. It is effective at wicking moisture away to keep skin dry, but it is not a natural fiber.
- Backsheet (Outer Layer): Polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyester.
- Made In: Canada. (Note: Their wipes are made in China or the US depending on the batch, but the diapers are Canadian-made).
What to Look For
Green Flags:
- TCF Pulp: No chlorine used in bleaching. Is There Chlorine In Diapers
- PFAS-Free: Passed independent organic fluorine testing (non-detect).
- Performance: Holds up to 16 oz of liquid (roughly 3-4x more than standard diapers), reducing the risk of diaper rash from wetness.
- Transparency: Publicly shares safety reports.
Red Flags (The "Fine Print"):
- Synthetic Topsheet: While safe, it is still plastic. Brands like Kudos use 100% cotton liners.
- Price: At $0.50–$0.60 per diaper, they are nearly double the cost of mass-market brands.
- Marketing Claims: In 2025, the National Advertising Division (NAD) recommended Coterie stop claiming "4x Absorbency" compared to all competitors, finding the claim unsubstantiated against some premium rivals.
The Best Options
If you are looking for a non-toxic diaper, here is how Coterie stacks up against the top competitors.
| Brand | Material on Skin | PFAS Test | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coterie | Polypropylene | Non-Detect | ✅ | Best performance & absorption. |
| Kudos | 100% Cotton | Mixed* | ⚠️ | Best materials, but some labs found fluorine traces. |
| HealthyBaby | Org. Cotton blend | Non-Detect | ✅ | EWG Verified, very expensive. |
| Honest | Bio-based Plastic | Non-Detect | ✅ | Good availability, cute prints, runs small. |
\Note: Mamavation found indications of PFAS in Kudos Size 4, though the brand disputes this and Size 5 tested clean.*
The Bottom Line
1. Buy Coterie if you want the highest performing diaper that is also verified safe from toxic chemicals. It is the best option for overnight use to prevent leaks and diaper rash.
2. Skip Coterie if you demand natural fibers touching your baby's skin. Look at Is Kudos Diapers Safe|Kudos instead.
3. Ignore the lawsuits. A 2024 class-action lawsuit alleging PFAS in Coterie diapers was dismissed by the court. Independent testing supports the brand's safety claims.
FAQ
Is Coterie TCF (Totally Chlorine Free)?
Yes. Coterie uses Totally Chlorine Free wood pulp. This eliminates the risk of dioxin contamination that can occur with "Elemental Chlorine Free" (ECF) diapers used by brands like Pampers and Huggies.
Do Coterie diapers contain PFAS?
No. Independent testing by Mamavation (using an EPA-certified lab) found no detectable organic fluorine (the marker for PFAS) in the inside or outside of Coterie diapers.
Where are Coterie diapers made?
Coterie diapers are manufactured in Canada. This is generally preferred over manufacturing in regions with looser regulations, as it ensures closer oversight of the supply chain.
Is Coterie better than Kudos?
It depends. Coterie performs better (holds more liquid, softer feel) but uses plastic against the skin. Kudos uses 100% cotton against the skin but has had mixed results in some third-party PFAS testing. Use Coterie for nights/travel and Kudos for days if you want to balance both.
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