Similac Gentlease vs Enfamil Gentlease: Which Is Better for Gas & Fussiness? (2026)
Both promise gentle digestion with broken-down proteins. But which Gentlease formula actually delivers better results?
Quick Answer
Both formulas use partially hydrolyzed proteins, but Similac Gentlease wins for constipation (no palm oil) and has HMO prebiotics. Enfamil Gentlease wins for DHA content and claims 24-hour fussiness relief. For most babies, Similac Gentlease is the better all-around choice.
Key Takeaways
- Both use partially hydrolyzed (broken-down) proteins for easier digestion
- Similac Gentlease: NO palm oil, includes HMO prebiotics, less constipation risk
- Enfamil Gentlease: Higher DHA, claims 24-hour fussiness relief
- Winner for constipation: Similac Gentlease (no palm oil)
- Winner for brain development: Enfamil Gentlease (higher DHA)
- Similar pricing: ~$0.16-0.19/oz prepared
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Similac Gentlease
No Palm Oil
HMO Prebiotics
Enfamil Gentlease
Higher DHA
24-Hour Claim
Where to Buy: Best Prices
Similac Pro-Total Comfort (Gentlease)
- No palm oil
- HMO prebiotics
- Less constipation
- Lower DHA than Enfamil
Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease
- Higher DHA
- MFGM for brain dev
- 24-hour relief claim
- Contains palm oil
- May cause firmer stools
Comparison Chart
| Feature | Similac Gentlease | Enfamil Gentlease | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein Type | Partially hydrolyzed whey | Partially hydrolyzed whey + casein | Tie |
| Palm Oil | No palm oil | Contains palm olein | Similac |
| DHA Level | Standard | Higher DHA + MFGM | Enfamil |
| Prebiotics | HMO (2'-FL) + FOS | GOS/polydextrose blend | Similac |
| Constipation Risk | Lower (no palm oil) | Higher (palm oil) | Similac |
| Speed of Relief | 1-3 days typical | 24-hour claim | Enfamil |
| Lactose Content | Reduced lactose | 80% less lactose | Tie |
| Price per oz | ~$0.17/oz prepared | ~$0.18/oz prepared | Similac |
How Both Formulas Work
Both Similac Gentlease and Enfamil Gentlease use partially hydrolyzed proteins — proteins that are pre-broken into smaller pieces. This means your baby's digestive system has to do less work, reducing gas, fussiness, and discomfort.
Similac Gentlease Advantages
- No palm oil — leads to softer stools and better calcium absorption
- HMO prebiotics (2'-FL) — the same prebiotic found in breast milk, supports immune health
- OptiGRO blend — DHA, lutein, and vitamin E for development
Enfamil Gentlease Advantages
- Higher DHA — more docosahexaenoic acid per serving for brain development
- MFGM (milk fat globule membrane) — supports cognitive development
- 24-hour claim — markets clinically proven fussiness reduction in 24 hours
The Palm Oil Factor
This is the biggest practical difference between the two formulas. Enfamil Gentlease contains palm olein oil, which can form calcium soaps in the gut, leading to firmer stools and reduced calcium absorption.
Similac Gentlease is palm-oil-free, using high oleic safflower, soy, and coconut oils instead. Multiple studies show palm-oil-free formulas result in softer stools and improved calcium absorption.
If your baby has constipation on Enfamil Gentlease, the palm oil is the most likely culprit. Switching to Similac Gentlease often resolves stool firmness within a few days.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Similac Gentlease If:
- Your baby is constipated on other formulas
- You want HMO prebiotics (closest to breast milk)
- You prefer palm-oil-free formulas
- Cost is a factor (slightly cheaper)
Choose Enfamil Gentlease If:
- DHA for brain development is your top priority
- You want the fastest possible relief (24-hour claim)
- Your baby doesn't have constipation issues
- Your pediatrician specifically recommends it
What Parents Say
Similac Gentlease Reviews:
- + "Switching from Enfamil Gentlease solved our constipation issues"
- + "Baby's stools are much softer and regular now"
- + "Love that it has HMOs like breast milk"
- - "Took a few days to see improvement in gas"
Enfamil Gentlease Reviews:
- + "Gas reduced dramatically within the first day!"
- + "Best formula we've tried for fussiness"
- + "Higher DHA gave us peace of mind"
- - "Caused constipation — had to switch to Similac"
Final Verdict
- Best for constipation: Similac Gentlease (no palm oil)
- Best for brain development: Enfamil Gentlease (higher DHA + MFGM)
- Best prebiotics: Similac Gentlease (HMO 2'-FL)
- Fastest relief claimed: Enfamil Gentlease (24-hour claim)
Bottom line: For most fussy, gassy babies, Similac Gentlease is our top pick — the no-palm-oil formula and HMO prebiotics give it a practical edge. Choose Enfamil Gentlease if your baby doesn't have constipation and you prioritize DHA content.
More Formula Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Similac Gentlease and Enfamil Gentlease?
Both use partially hydrolyzed proteins for easier digestion, but they differ in key areas. Similac Gentlease contains NO palm oil (softer stools, better calcium absorption) and has HMO prebiotics. Enfamil Gentlease contains palm olein oil but has higher DHA levels and claims to reduce fussiness within 24 hours.
Which Gentlease is better for gas?
Both are effective for gas since both use partially broken-down proteins. Enfamil Gentlease specifically markets a 24-hour reduction claim. Similac Gentlease may be better if gas is accompanied by constipation, since it avoids palm oil.
Can I switch from Similac Gentlease to Enfamil Gentlease?
Yes. Both have similar nutritional profiles with partially hydrolyzed proteins. Transition over 5-7 days by gradually mixing more of the new formula with the old. Most babies adapt without issues.
Which Gentlease formula causes less constipation?
Similac Gentlease is less likely to cause constipation because it doesn't contain palm oil. Palm olein in Enfamil Gentlease can form calcium soaps that harden stools.
Is Similac Gentlease or Enfamil Gentlease closer to breast milk?
Similac Gentlease includes HMO (2'-FL) prebiotics found in breast milk, giving it an edge in mimicking breast milk's prebiotic benefits. Enfamil Gentlease focuses more on DHA levels similar to breast milk.
Which Gentlease is cheaper?
Prices are very similar — both run about $0.16-0.19 per prepared ounce. Enfamil Gentlease is occasionally cheaper on Amazon Subscribe & Save, while Similac Gentlease may be cheaper at Target and Walmart.
TeachToddler Editorial Team
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