
Dreft is a popular brand of baby detergent, known for its gentle formula and pleasant scent. The original formula had a light, sweet fragrance, often likened to baby powder. However, in 2019, Dreft changed its scent, opting for a stronger, more floral fragrance. This change sparked some controversy among consumers, with many expressing their preference for the original scent and even starting petitions for its return. Despite the change, Dreft remains a trusted choice for parents, with its hypoallergenic formula designed to be gentle on babies' sensitive skin. The brand also offers scent boosters for those who want to customise their laundry experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Perfumes | Yes, Dreft contains perfumes for a fresh, laundry smell. However, the scent has changed over time, with the latest formula featuring a stronger, almost floral smell. |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes, Dreft is designed to be gentle on sensitive skin. |
| Target Audience | Dreft is primarily marketed towards parents of newborns and babies. |
| Stain Removal | Dreft is formulated to remove tough stains, including baby food and grass stains. |
| Variants | Dreft offers different variants such as Stage 1: Newborn and Stage 2: Active Baby. |
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What You'll Learn

Dreft contains added perfumes and dyes
Dreft is a popular detergent for washing baby clothes, with a reputation for being gentle on sensitive skin. However, it does contain added perfumes and dyes.
The scent of Dreft has changed over time, with the detergent's formula being altered in 2019 and again in 2020. The original scent is described as light, sweet, and baby powder-like, while the new formula is said to have a stronger, almost floral fragrance. This change has sparked some controversy, with petitions calling for a return to the original scent. Some customers have complained that the new formula is too strong and has caused allergic reactions, while others have expressed disappointment that their babies' clothes will not smell like their older children's did when they were babies.
Dreft's website acknowledges the change in scent and offers a solution for those who prefer a fragrance-free detergent. Dreft Pure Gentleness is a fragrance-free, plant-based version of the original Dreft product, offering the same gentle cleaning power. For those who want to add a scent back into their laundry, Dreft also offers Blissfuls Scent Boosters.
While Dreft has been a trusted brand for many parents, some prefer to use fragrance-free detergents for their babies' laundry, such as Tide Free and Clear, Molly's Suds Laundry Detergent Powder, or Whole Foods' house brand. These alternatives provide effective cleaning without added perfumes or dyes, which may be preferable for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
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Dreft's scent changed in 2019/2020
Dreft is a laundry detergent brand that offers a range of products, including those specifically designed for newborns and active babies. The brand's products contain various ingredients, such as builders, polymers, perfumes, buffers, and suds suppressors, which serve different purposes, from removing stains to balancing water acidity.
In 2019/2020, Dreft made a change to the scent of their laundry detergent, which garnered mixed reactions from consumers. Some customers expressed disappointment with the new scent, describing it as stinky and comparing it to pond water. They lamented the loss of the previous scent, which they associated with the baby smell or baby powder scent. On the other hand, some users welcomed the change, finding the new scent fresh and preferable to the original.
The shift in Dreft's fragrance occurred in the fall of 2019, as confirmed by the company in a response to a customer query. They acknowledged the change and offered alternatives for those who preferred the previous scent. Dreft suggested using their Pure Gentleness product, a fragrance-free, plant-based version of their base detergent, or adding their Blissfuls Scent Boosters to restore the previous generation's scent.
The modification in Dreft's scent sparked discussions among consumers, with some noticing the difference and expressing a preference for the earlier version. The change occurred between 2019 and 2020, as noted by a user who detected a distinct scent difference when using Dreft in 2018 and then again a few years later. The user described the new scent as perfumey, marking a noticeable shift from the original fragrance.
While some consumers appreciated Dreft's products for their gentle formula and effective stain removal, particularly for babies and those with sensitive skin, the scent change prompted a range of responses. Some opted to explore alternative detergent brands, while others sought ways to recreate the previous scent by combining Dreft's fragrance-free detergent with their scent boosters.
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Dreft's original scent is preferred by many
Dreft is a popular brand of laundry detergent, particularly favoured by parents of newborns and young children. The product is marketed as being ideal for babies' sensitive skin, and its scent is a large part of its appeal.
Dreft's original scent was beloved by many, with some describing it as a comforting, light, and sweet fragrance. However, in 2019, the formula was changed, and the new scent was not well-received by all. The new scent is described as stronger, almost floral, and similar to cheap shampoo.
The change in scent prompted a petition on Change.org, with signatories expressing their disappointment and requesting that Dreft revert to the original formula. Some commenters on the petition even stated that they visited multiple stores in search of the original scent.
The original scent holds a nostalgic value for many, with some consumers specifically seeking it out to wash their children's clothing to evoke a comforting feeling. The scent is so beloved that some have even sought out perfumes that smell like the original formula.
While Dreft has not reverted to its original formula, the company has acknowledged the demand for the old scent. In response, they have directed consumers towards their fragrance-free Dreft Pure Gentleness product, which can be used in conjunction with their Blissfuls Scent Boosters to recreate the previous generation's scent.
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Dreft's hypoallergenic formula is designed for sensitive skin
Dreft is a popular brand of laundry detergent, particularly favoured by parents for washing baby clothes. The scent of Dreft is often described as comforting and reminiscent of baby powder. However, it has been noted that the formula was changed in 2019/2020, resulting in a stronger, almost floral fragrance. This change has been met with some criticism, with many consumers expressing a preference for the original scent.
Dreft contains a variety of ingredients, including builders, polymers, perfumes, buffers, and suds suppressors. The inclusion of perfumes contributes to the characteristic "fresh laundry smell" that many associate with Dreft.
While the scent of Dreft is a key feature for some users, others specifically seek out fragrance-free alternatives due to concerns about skin sensitivity. Dreft does offer a fragrance-free option called Dreft Pure Gentleness, which is plant-based and designed for those with sensitive skin.
Dreft's hypoallergenic formula is specifically designed for individuals with sensitive skin. The formula is intended to be tough on stains while remaining gentle on the skin. This makes it ideal for newborn babies, who have delicate skin that may be easily irritated. Dreft's hypoallergenic detergents are available in two stages: Stage 1: Newborn and Stage 2: Active Baby.
For those with sensitive skin or allergies, it is recommended to use fragrance-free and hypoallergenic detergents. While Dreft's original formula was praised for its light fragrance, the new formula may be less suitable for those with skin sensitivities. As such, consumers have expressed a desire for Dreft to revert to its original scent or to offer alternative options that are milder and more suitable for sensitive skin.
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Dreft's scent is described as similar to baby powder
Dreft is a laundry detergent brand that offers various products, including those specifically designed for newborns and active babies. The scent of Dreft has been a topic of discussion among consumers, with some describing it as similar to baby powder.
Dreft's scent is often characterised as light, comforting, and reminiscent of baby powder. Some consumers have expressed a strong liking for the scent, associating it with the joy of having a new baby. They enjoyed washing their baby's clothes with Dreft and found the scent comforting during pregnancy.
However, Dreft's fragrance has evolved over time, and in 2019, the formula changed, resulting in a stronger, almost floral scent. This alteration in fragrance prompted a petition by consumers who favoured the original scent. The new formula received criticism for its stronger fragrance, with some describing it as "cheap shampoo-scented."
The change in Dreft's scent has been a significant issue for some consumers, who have struggled to find a suitable alternative. Those with sensitive skin or babies have found it challenging to identify detergents that are gentle and effective while also appealing to their scent preferences.
To cater to diverse preferences and sensitivities, Dreft offers a range of options. Dreft Pure Gentleness is a fragrance-free, plant-based alternative for those seeking an unscented laundry experience. Additionally, Dreft Blissfuls Scent Boosters allow consumers to customise their laundry scent while enjoying the cleaning power of Dreft.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Dreft contains perfumes for that fresh, laundry smell. However, the scent of Dreft laundry detergent was last changed in the Fall of 2019, with the new scent being described as stronger and almost floral.
The previous scent of Dreft has been described as a baby powder scent, light, comforting, and sweeter than the new scent.
Yes, some alternatives to Dreft with a similar scent to the original formula include The Laundress Baby, Demeter New Baby, and Demeter Baby Powder.











































