Is Hello Bello Diapers Clean?

🔑 Key Findings

Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) pulp is their biggest safety win, avoiding dioxin risks.

They contain standard SAP (petroleum-based superabsorbent polymers), not bio-based alternatives.

Recent bankruptcy and acquisition (Dec 2023) raised concerns about manufacturing consistency.

Performance is the main drawback: they are thinner and more prone to leaks than premium brands like Coterie.

The Short Answer

Hello Bello diapers are Acceptable.

If you are looking for a diaper that gets the big things right—Totally Chlorine Free (TCF), fragrance-free, and lotion-free—without the premium price tag of brands like Is Coterie Diapers Clean|Coterie, Hello Bello is a safe choice.

However, they are not the cleanest diaper on the market. They use standard petroleum-based plastics and superabsorbent polymers (SAP), and they lack the rigorous third-party public testing reports that top-tier brands provide. Many parents also find them prone to leaks overnight.

Why This Matters

The diaper industry is split into three tiers: conventional (Pampers/Huggies), "clean-ish" (Hello Bello/Honest), and truly non-toxic (HealthyBaby/Kudos).

Hello Bello sits firmly in the "clean-ish" middle. They solve the biggest toxicity concern by being TCF, meaning they don't use chlorine bleaching that can create dioxins (cancer-linked carcinogens). This puts them ahead of brands like Millie Moon, which recently switched to the less-safe ECF method. Is Millie Moon Clean

However, the brand filed for bankruptcy in late 2023 and was acquired by Hildred Capital. While they remain TCF, users have reported inconsistent quality, including thinner diapers and more leaks.

What's Actually In Hello Bello

Hello Bello keeps the ingredient list relatively short, but it's not plastic-free.

Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) Fluff Pulp — This is the absorbent wood pulp core. TCF is the gold standard because it generates zero dioxins. Is There Dioxin In Diapers
Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) — The "gel" that absorbs pee. Hello Bello uses standard SAP, which is safe but petroleum-derived. Is Sap In Diapers Safe
PLA & Polypropylene — Used in the liner. PLA is plant-derived, but polypropylene is a standard plastic used for the topsheet (the part touching baby's skin).
Polyethylene — The waterproof backsheet is made from this standard plastic.

What to Look For

Green Flags:

TCF (Totally Chlorine Free) — The most important safety spec they meet.
Fragrance-Free — No hidden phthalates or masking scents. Are Fragranced Diapers Bad
Lotion-Free — No petroleum jelly or aloe coating the liner.
Cute Prints — A psychological "green flag" for parents who want style with safety.

Red Flags:

Performance Issues — A "clean" diaper isn't helpful if it leaks urine onto your baby's skin regularly.
Standard Plastics — The topsheet and backsheet are not 100% natural; your baby is still sitting on plastic.
Transparency Gaps — Unlike some competitors, they do not publish detailed third-party lab reports for every batch.

The Best Options

If Hello Bello's leak issues or plastic content concern you, here is how they stack up.

Brand	Product	Verdict	Why
Coterie	The Diaper	✅	TCF, higher performance, and better transparency. Expensive. Is Coterie Diapers Clean
Kudos	Cotton Diaper	✅	The only disposable with a 100% cotton topsheet.
Hello Bello	Diapers	⚠️	Good budget TCF option, but leaks are common.
Millie Moon	Luxury Diapers	🚫	Switched to ECF bleaching (potential dioxins). Avoid. Is Millie Moon Clean

The Bottom Line

1. Use them for daytime. They are safe from a chemical perspective, but their absorbency struggles overnight.

2. Watch for rash. While they are "hypoallergenic," the use of standard plastics can still trap heat and cause moisture rash in sensitive babies.

3. Check the fit. Hello Bello runs small. Size up to prevent the dreaded "up-the-back" blowout.

FAQ

Did Hello Bello change their formula?

The company was acquired out of bankruptcy in late 2023. While they maintain their TCF claim, many users report the diapers feel thinner and the sizing has shifted slightly.

Are Hello Bello diapers non-toxic?

They are low-tox, not perfectly non-toxic. They avoid the worst offenders (chlorine, fragrance, phthalates) but still rely on petrochemical plastics and SAP.

Do Hello Bello diapers cause chemical burns?

There is no evidence of chemical burns from Hello Bello. However, like any diaper with a plastic topsheet, they can trap moisture against the skin, leading to severe diaper rash that looks like a burn. Is Diaper Cream Safe

References (13)

🛒 Product Recommendations

✅

Coterie

Superior performance and transparency, though at a higher price point.

Recommended

👌

Hello Bello

Good budget TCF option if your baby isn't a heavy wetter.

Acceptable

⚠️

Millie Moon

Switched to ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free) bleaching, which is a downgrade from TCF.

Use Caution

✅

Cotton Diapers

Kudos

Currently the only disposable diaper on the market with a **100% cotton topsheet**, meaning natural fibers touch your baby's skin instead of plastic. They are **Totally Chlorine Free (TCF)**, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, and free of lotions or fragrances.

Recommended

✅

Eco-Friendly Diapers

Pura

A rare budget-friendly **TCF** option available at Walmart that doesn't sacrifice safety standards. They hold the rigorous **Allergy UK Seal of Approval** and use paper-based packaging to reduce plastic waste.

Recommended

✅

HealthyBaby Diapers

HealthyBaby

The first and only diaper to be **EWG Verified**, meeting the strictest standards for ingredient transparency and safety. They use organic cotton in the outer layer and a **TCF** absorbent core, though they are one of the priciest options.

Recommended

✅

Clear + Dry Diapers

Parasol

Excellent for preventing rash due to their 'RashShield' design, which separates wetness from skin instantly. They hold the **Nordic Swan Ecolabel**, ensuring a high environmental standard and **TCF** processing.

Recommended

✅

Bamboo Diapers

Freestyle

Uses a proprietary 'BambooTek' core that is **TCF** and significantly more absorbent than traditional wood pulp. They are third-party tested for VOCs and heavy metals, with results publicly available.

Recommended

✅

Eco Diapers

Eco by Naty

One of the few brands with **TÜV Austria 'OK biobased' certification**, verifying a high percentage of renewable plant materials. They use **TCF** pulp and a compostable film, making them a top choice for eco-conscious parents.

Recommended

✅

Bambo Nature

Abena

A veteran in the non-toxic space with the **Nordic Swan Ecolabel** and **Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)** certification. They use **TCF** fluff pulp and are known for being thinner yet highly absorbent.

Recommended

✅

Diapers

Abby & Finn

A subscription-based **TCF** diaper that is significantly more affordable than luxury brands. They are free of phthalates and fragrances, and for every box purchased, they donate a pack to families in need.

Recommended

✅

Baby Diapers

Nest

Features a compostable backsheet and bag, designed to break down in commercial composting facilities. They are **TCF**, Oeko-Tex certified, and transparent about not using chemical wetness indicators.

Recommended

✅

Bamboo Diapers

Eco Pea Co

Made specifically for sensitive skin with sustainable bamboo sheets that are naturally hypoallergenic. They are **TCF**, dermatologist-tested, and come in biodegradable packaging.

Recommended

✅

Bio-Polymer Diapers

Attitude

Uses a unique **biodegradable corn starch-based biopolymer** for the absorbent layer instead of just standard SAP. They are **TCF**, ECOLOGO certified, and carbon neutral.

Recommended

✅

Diapers

Joonya

An Australian brand available in the US that publishes full third-party lab results for every batch. They are **TCF**, Dermatest certified 'Excellent,' and use FSC-certified wood pulp.

Recommended

⚠️

Clean Conscious Diapers

The Honest Company

Formerly a top pick, they quietly **switched from TCF to ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free)** bleaching in late 2023. While still free of fragrance, this is a downgrade in ingredient safety standards.

Use Caution

⚠️

Absorbent Diapers

Thrive Market

Another brand that recently reformulated from TCF to **ECF**, introducing chlorine derivatives back into their processing. Users have also reported changes in texture and absorbency since the switch.

Use Caution

⚠️

Bamboo Diapers

Dyper

Often marketed as 'chlorine-free,' but they actually use **ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free)** pulp, not Totally Chlorine Free. For the premium price point, they lag behind competitors like Coterie or Kudos who use TCF.

Use Caution

⚠️

Signature Diapers

Kirkland (Costco)

A budget favorite that is fragrance-free and lotion-free, but uses **ECF** bleaching and standard petrochemical plastics. They are manufactured by Kimberly-Clark (makers of Huggies) and lack the plant-based materials of cleaner brands.

Use Caution

⚠️

Pure Protection

Pampers

While better than the standard line, they use **ECF** pulp and include a 'plant-based lotion' containing **shea butter and stearyl alcohol**. Clean diapers should be free of all lotions to avoid potential allergens.

Use Caution

⚠️

Plant-Based Diapers

Terra

Despite 'plant-based' marketing, their official FAQ confirms they use **ECF** pulp, arguing it is 'safe enough.' True non-toxic standards prefer TCF to eliminate all risk of dioxin contamination.

Use Caution

⚠️

Special Delivery

Huggies

Marketed as their 'softest plant-based diaper,' but it is still **ECF** bleached. While free of fragrance and parabens, it doesn't meet the TCF gold standard set by similarly priced competitors.

Use Caution

⚠️

Premium Bamboo Diapers

Believe

Explicitly states they use **ECF** whitening, which the EPA recognizes as 'best available technology'—a standard that outdated TCF brands have surpassed. A 1-for-1 donation model doesn't negate the use of chlorine derivatives.

Use Caution

⚠️

Gentle Touch Diapers

Mama Bear (Amazon)

Amazon's private label is a budget-friendly fragrance-free option, but it relies on **ECF** bleaching and standard petroleum-derived materials. It lacks third-party certifications like EWG or Nordic Swan.

Use Caution

⚠️

Diapers

Rascal + Friends

Popular for their 'no nasties' marketing, but they use **ECF** pulp. Like Millie Moon, they are a better-than-conventional budget pick but fail the TCF requirement for a truly clean rating.

Use Caution

🚫

Swaddlers

Pampers

Contains a 'Baby Fresh' **fragrance** which can mask phthalates and irritate sensitive skin. Also utilizes a petroleum-based lotion on the topsheet and standard ECF bleaching.

Avoid

🚫

Luvs Pro Level

Luvs

Heavily scented with **fragrance**, which is a top allergen and endocrine disruptor concern. Contains standard petrochemicals and lacks transparency regarding specific ingredients.

Avoid

🚫

Little Snugglers

Huggies

While fragrance-free in some versions, they often contain skin-conditioning **lotions** that are unnecessary and potential irritants. They are ECF bleached and primarily petroleum-based.

Avoid

⚠️

Skin Love

Babyganics

Often criticized for 'greenwashing'; they use **ECF** pulp and standard petroleum plastics despite the organic-sounding branding. They do not offer the same level of transparency as brands like HealthyBaby.

Use Caution

🚫

Diapers

Parent's Choice

Standard conventional diapers with minimal ingredient transparency. Likely to contain **fragrance, lotions, and ECF pulp**, with no third-party certifications for safety.

Avoid

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

Is Hello Bello Diapers Clean?

TL;DR

🔑 Key Findings

The Short Answer

Why This Matters

What's Actually In Hello Bello

What to Look For

The Best Options

The Bottom Line

FAQ

Did Hello Bello change their formula?

Are Hello Bello diapers non-toxic?

Do Hello Bello diapers cause chemical burns?

🛒 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 Hello Bello

What to Look For

The Best Options

The Bottom Line

FAQ

Did Hello Bello change their formula?

Are Hello Bello diapers non-toxic?

Do Hello Bello diapers cause chemical burns?

🛒 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