New York Requires Diaper Ingredient Labels, Setting National Precedent

Keeping baby’s skin clean, fresh and healthy between blowouts, hot summer days and daily diaper changes can feel like a losing battle. But while you may worry about changing frequency, creams or flaring temperatures, the last thing you should have to think about is what dangerous or irritating additives might be in baby’s diaper. At least, that’s what New York believes.

New York has become a national leader in parent-focused diaper transparency with the passing of the Diaper Disclosure Act, signed into law in December 2024. The legislation mandates that all diaper manufacturers must clearly list “ingredients” or intentionally added substances on diaper packaging. Companies that don’t comply by December 2025 may face fines of up to $1,000 per package.

If you’re wondering what could be hiding in diapers, you’re not alone. According to the Environmental Working Group, past studies point to a variety of additives that may pose risks or irritate baby’s skin, including:

• Phthalates: Chemicals often used to make plastics flexible, despite links to hormone disruption.
• Volatile organic compounds: Harmful air pollutants like toluene and xylene associated with respiratory and other health issues.
• Bleaching agents: Chlorine derivatives, such as chlorine dioxide, are used to whiten diaper materials and may cause skin or respiratory irritation.
• Wetness indicator chemicals: Some contain potentially concerning compounds like quaternary ammonium compounds and halogenated organics.
• Undisclosed “fragrance”: A catch-all term that can hide many potentially harmful ingredients used in scent formulations.
• Pesticides: Diapers made from raw materials like cotton may contain residual pesticides.

By requiring companies to list these and other additives, the bill’s sponsor, Assemblymember Rosenthal, hopes to empower parents and push companies toward cleaner practices. “When it comes to products that we use on our bodies or our children’s bodies, often for years on end, there should be no secrets,” Rosenthal said in a press release. “Children are directly exposed to the various chemicals and ingredients used in diapers for years, but until now consumers have been kept in the dark about the list and nature of ingredients.”

While the law currently applies only in New York, advocates hope it sparks a national shift, encouraging manufacturers to improve product safety and other states to take action. The bill follows the success of New York’s Period Product Ingredient Disclosure law, which not only increased transparency but also led to the removal of certain fragrance ingredients in menstrual products.

Although diaper ingredient labels won’t be required until December 2025 in New York, and potentially later elsewhere, parents can still take steps now to reduce exposure to irritants:

• Avoid products with added fragrance
• Look for diapers made with unbleached or totally chlorine-free pulp
• Choose plain, undyed diapers with minimal or no designs
• Support brands that voluntarily disclose all ingredients on their packaging or websites

Looking for more information on the best diaper for baby? Check out these parent-tested and trusted diaper brands.