Having sensitive skin is a constant struggle. Unfortunately, though, a lot of people forget that the way they wash their clothes might be irritating their skin even more. That rash or itchy nose might be because of your current detergent.
Nobody needs to suffer these symptoms anymore. These are the best laundry detergents for sensitive skin, so you can get into bed at night and finally get a good rest!
- Hypoallergenic
- Perfume & dye-free
- Removes stains & brightens
- HE wash compatible
- Perfume & dye-free
- Dermatologist tested
- Standard & HE wash compatible
- Good for soft & hard water
- No harsh chemicals
- Stain lifter
- Works with all types of wash
- Works at any temperature
- Hypoallergenic
- Brighteners & perfumes free
- Dissolves quickly
- Designed by doctors
- Plant-derived, enzyme-based
- Free of harsh chemicals
- Made for babies
- 97% natural ingredients
- Fragrances & dye-free
- Our Top Picks
- How Does Laundry Detergent Affect Sensitive Skin?
- Ingredients to Avoid in Laundry Detergent If You Have Sensitive Skin
- How to Choose the Best Laundry Detergent for Sensitive Skin
- The Best Laundry Detergents for Sensitive Skin of 2021
- Laundry Detergent For Sensitive Skin Comparison Chart
- Tips for Doing Laundry With Sensitive Skin
- Is Tide a Good Detergent for Sensitive Skin?
- Care for Your Sensitive Skin
How Does Laundry Detergent Affect Sensitive Skin?
Laundry detergent remains on the clothes even after you’ve gone through the rinse cycle. So if your sensitive skin reacts to your clothes, extra rinse cycles probably won’t help.
A lot of detergents aren’t hypoallergenic, so they’re not kind to folk with sensitive skin, eczema or other skin conditions. Here are some symptoms you might have if your laundry detergent is affecting your skin:
- Rash.
- Blisters.
- Bumps.
- Dry, cracking, scaly skin.
- Itching.
- Burning skin.
- Tender skin.
- Swelling.
Many detergents contain toxic chemicals, preservatives, artificial fragrances and dyes. All of these things can irritate your skin (1).
Can I Suddenly Become Allergic to My Laundry Detergent?
If you’ve been using the same detergent brand for years and your skin is suddenly acting up, you may have already ruled out laundry detergent as a cause. However, you can develop allergies to products you’ve been familiar with for a long time.
Allergens found in laundry detergent tend to develop slowly through repeated exposures (2). Once that allergy has developed, it doesn’t take a lot of the substance to trigger a reaction.
Also, brands do change their formulas from time to time, which could trigger an allergic reaction. If you’re concerned, try switching up your detergent to see if it makes a difference.
Ingredients to Avoid in Laundry Detergent If You Have Sensitive Skin
What specific ingredients should you avoid if you have sensitive skin? Some common ingredients used in laundry detergents can be damaging to your health, the environment and your skin. They include:
- Fragrances: Manufacturers aren’t legally required to disclose which chemicals they used to make a fragrance. They only need to state that there is a “fragrance” involved. So, if you see fragrance listed as an ingredient, it’s best to avoid.
- Stabilizers: Stabilizers such as ethylene oxide can result in dermatitis (3).
- Bleach: It’s no secret that bleach is a dangerous chemical. While it has good cleaning properties, it’s definitely never necessary. Bleach is known for irritating skin, so if your detergent lists bleach as an ingredient, run.
- 1,4 Dioxane: This carcinogen can easily be absorbed into the skin which isn’t good for sensitive skin. It’s also known to cause cancer (4).
- Surfactants: These cleaning agents may be satisfying to look at because they bubble up, but they are dangerous. They are also carcinogenic (5). If you have sensitive skin, avoid detergents made with surfactants (6).
- Formaldehyde: This is a dangerous chemical that is often used in laundry detergent. It can be disguised under other names, such as Formalin, Methanal, Methyl aldehyde, Methylene oxide, Morbicid acid, and Oxymethylene (7). It’s known to cause skin irritation and dermatitis.
At all costs, avoid these ingredients whether you have sensitive skin or not!
How to Choose the Best Laundry Detergent for Sensitive Skin
When it comes to sensitive skin, there are some things you should always look at when choosing your laundry detergent. You want to be as comfortable as possible in your own clothes.
Fragrance-Free
We’ve mentioned that fragrances are made up of toxic chemicals that companies don’t legally have to disclose. As long as it says “fragrance” on the ingredients, they’re good to go. But are you? Not if you have sensitive skin.
Fragrances are considered to be in the top five of allergens (8).
No Dyes
If you have sensitive skin, choose a laundry detergent that doesn’t include dyes. Dyes can cause rashes, like eczema. If you’ve noticed a scaly, red rash, this could be due to the dyes in your laundry detergent (9).
Dyes are unnecessary additives in laundry detergent, and are usually created artificially to give your detergent an attractive color. A bit like fragrances, dyes are left on the clothes even after a rinse cycle (10). If it stays on your clothes, it can stay on your skin.
Chlorine-Free
Chlorine is yet another ingredient you want to avoid if you have a skin sensitivity. Chlorine bleach can be found in laundry detergent, especially for white clothes. It disinfects, deodorizes and removes colors.
Bleach is a toxic chemical that can easily irritate your skin. You might get a burning sensation. The longer you’re in contact with bleach, the more susceptible your skin becomes. This makes it more prone to burning and tearing (11).
No Optical Brighteners
Optical brighteners are a bit like dye. They have the power to change forms of light and emit it as blue, which makes it look a bit brighter. This is especially good for whites that tend to yellow over time. However, if you have sensitive skin, avoid optical brighteners in your detergent.
Optical brighteners are left on the clothes, which means they come in contact with your skin. Not only can they irritate your skin, but they can make your skin more photo-reactive and sensitive to the sun (12)!
Use Plant-Based Enzymes
When in the laundry detergent aisle at your supermarket, check for plant-based enzymes. Normally, enzymes are used in laundry detergent because of their cleaning power and ability to remove stains (13).
However, if you have a skin sensitivity, look for detergent that includes plant-based enzymes so you can be sure that your detergent is as natural as possible.
Pros
- Great for sensitive skin.
- Hypoallergenic.
Cons
- Not as effective for tough stains.
Water Temperature
Please Note
Water temperature doesn’t have a direct affect on your sensitive skin. However, if you notice a sudden surge of itchy skin, then you should wash your clothes at the hottest temperature possible. This will kill any bacteria or dust mites living in your clothes, which may well be the cause of your skin issues.
High Efficiency Compatible
When looking for a detergent for sensitive skin, check if it suits your washing machine. In fact, the less detergent you use, the less likely your skin will be irritated. If you have a high-efficiency washing machine, you’ll naturally need to use less detergent. This could be a huge blessing for those with a skin sensitivity!
Eco-Friendly
If a detergent is listed as eco-friendly, there’s more chance it will help your sensitive skin. Look out for this when shopping for detergent. Eco-friendly detergents leave out the hazardous, toxic and irritating chemicals that are usually tough on your skin.
Cost Per Load
Although you might find yourself spending a bit more on detergent for your sensitive skin, it’s still important to stay within budget. Do a quick calculation to figure out the cost per load to make sure you’re not being totally ripped off with your new detergent.
Pro Tip
The Best Laundry Detergents for Sensitive Skin of 2021
The moment we’ve all been waiting for. What are the best laundry detergents for sensitive skin? Here is a fab list we’ve gathered, based on real customer reviews, to pair you with an amazing detergent that will clean your clothes and be kind to your skin.
1. Tide Free and Gentle Laundry Detergent Pods
This amazing product has already had a shout-out, but we bring it to you again. Yes, it’s that good. If you like pods in the laundry room, the Tide Free and Gentle pods are awesome for sensitive skin.
Hypoallergenic, free of dyes and perfumes, and dermatologist tested, you can rest assured that this formula will suit sensitive skin.
You won’t sacrifice super clean laundry either. These pods are detergents, stain removers, and brighteners, too.
However, some users have complained that the boxes are difficult to open, especially if you have arthritis.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic.
- Free from dyes and perfumes.
- Removes stains and brightens.
Cons
- Difficult tub to open.
- Lots of suds.
Additional Specs
| Product Dimensions | 4.5 x 8.8 x 10.2 inches |
| Weight | 4.41 pounds |
| Number of loads | Up to 81 |
| Type | Pods |
| Feature | Hypoallergenic |
2. Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent
If you have a high efficiency washer and sensitive skin, try out the Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent. It has a low suds formula which is perfect for HE washers.
It’s also free from perfumes, dyes, and preservatives. Being dermatologist tested, this product is found to be kind to people with skin sensitivities.
In terms of cleaning, it tackles odors, dirt and traps soils in the water. That way, it rinses away rather than clinging to clothes.
Pros
- Good for HE washers.
- Free from perfumes, dyes, and preservatives.
- Dermatologist tested.
- Great for odors.
Cons
- Poor packaging — prone to leaking.
- Unscented.
Additional Specs
| Product Dimensions | 11 x 5.9 x 10.2 inches |
| Weight | 13.1 pounds |
| Number of loads | Up to 140 |
| Type | Liquid |
| Feature | Dermatologist tested |
3. Molly's Suds Unscented Laundry Detergent
Molly’s Suds unscented laundry detergent is formulated with natural ingredients. It’s safe for you, and for the planet. This detergent was designed to be safe especially for mothers, since the chemicals women come in contact with during pregnancy can affect their unborn baby.
Ironically, Molly Suds won’t sud up, but that’s not a problem here. Suds come from harmful chemicals and aren’t necessary for cleaning!
Due to the non-sudsing ingredients, this detergent is great for sensitive skin. So whether you have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, eczema, dermatitis, or allergies, it just might help.
In fact, this product has a 4.7 rating for sensitive skin alone, with users saying it helped with eczema.
Pros
- Kind on sensitive skin.
- Perfect for standard and HE machines.
- Good for soft and hard water.
- No harsh chemicals.
Cons
- Can’t go in soap dispenser, must be directly put into drum.
- Sub-par stain removal ability.
Additional Specs
| Product Dimensions | 7 x 7 x 4 inches |
| Weight | 3.08 pounds |
| Number of loads | 240 |
| Type | Powder |
| Feature | All-natural |
4. All Liquid Laundry Detergent
Not everyone wants to compromise a nice scent for their detergent. With the all Liquid Laundry Detergent, you don’t have to.
This detergent is made with a hypoallergenic, light, fresh scent which is still gentle on skin.
Customers have described it as floral and slightly sweet, but really clean. Do you love the smell that comes with clean clothes? Then this detergent might be a good option for you! Plus, it’s still a really good cleaner.
All Liquid Laundry Detergent also contains stain lifters. So it’s great for getting out dirt, food and grass while still being kind to your skin.
You can use this detergent if you have a standard or an HE washer. It works at any water temperature.
Pros
- Lightly scented.
- Stain lifters.
- Works with any washing machine.
- Works at any temperature.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Doesn’t soften clothes.
Additional Specs
| Product Dimensions | 6.4 x 3.1 x 10.5 inches |
| Weight | 1 pound |
| Number of loads | 31 |
| Type | Liquid |
| Feature | Hypoallergenic scent |
5. Charlie’s Soap – Fragrance Free Powdered Packets
For a hypoallergenic powdered laundry detergent, try Charlie’s Soap packets. They’ve been individually measured so you don’t have to do the work.
There are no brighteners, perfumes or fillers so you can relax in your clean clothes. Although it’s unscented, customers have complained of a strange odor.
The packets are also biodegradable, so you don’t need to worry about plastic waste. If you’ve had a bad experience with laundry powder not dissolving, Charlie’s Soap is different. It dissolves quickly in water and rinses clean all while keeping your HE machine clean.
Pros
- Individually packaged.
- Hypoallergenic.
- No brighters, perfumes or fillers.
- Dissolves quickly.
Cons
- Annoying to split packets for smaller loads.
- Customers complain of strange odor.
Additional Specs
| Product Dimensions | 7.5 x 4.2 x 8.8 inches |
| Weight | 1.2 pounds |
| Number of loads | 30 |
| Type | Powder packets |
| Feature | Biodegradable |
6. Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent
The Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent is a great choice for folks with a skin sensitivity. It’s plant-derived, enzyme-based and free of harsh chemicals. They promise to effectively clean clothes without irritating your skin, which is the ideal scenario!
Doctors developed this great laundry detergent with you in mind. The priorities are happy families, healthier environment and clean clothes with no hassle.
To top it off, the pump system makes it super easy to measure out your detergent. No pouring, measuring or opening up sticky lids anymore. Just press the pump into your washing machine dispenser.
Pros
- Designed by doctors.
- Plant-derived, enzyme based.
- Free of harsh chemicals.
- Pump dispenser.
Cons
- No refills available.
- Doesn’t totally remove stains.
Additional Specs
| Product Dimensions | 2.8 x 2.8 x 10.6 inches |
| Weight | 1.6 pounds |
| Number of loads | 96 |
| Type | Liquid |
| Feature | Plant-derived |
7. Seventh Generation Concentrated Baby Laundry Detergent
As cute as babies are, let’s not deny that they are very messy creatures. Therefore, they require a top quality laundry detergent, but also, let’s not forget their sensitive skin.
No need to look further than the Seventh Generation Concentrated Baby Laundry Detergent.
This is made to target tough baby stains from poop to their food. It’s made from 97% plant-based ingredients, free from synthetic fragrances, dyes and artificial brighteners. This product prioritizes your baby’s delicate skin.
Pros
- Made for babies.
- Great for cloth diapers.
- 97% natural ingredients.
- Free from fragrances, dyes and artificial brighteners.
Cons
- Unscented.
- Small bottle.
Additional Specs
| Product Dimensions | 3.8 x 5.8 x 11 inches |
| Weight | 3.25 pounds |
| Number of loads | 53 |
| Type | Liquid |
| Feature | Made for baby stains |
| Product | Best | Product Dimensions | Weight | Number of loads | Type | Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tide Free and Gentle Laundry Pods | Pods | 4.5 x 8.8 x 10.2″ | 4.41 lbs | 81 | Pods | Hypoallergenic |
| Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Detergent | HE Detergent | 11 x 5.9 x 10.2″ | 13.1 lbs | 140 | Liquid | Dermatologist tested |
| Molly’s Suds Laundry Detergent | Eczema | 7 x 7 x 4″ | 3.08 lbs | 240 | Powder | All-natural |
| All Liquid Laundry Detergent | Fragrant | 6.4 x 3.1 x 10.5″ | 1 lb | 31 | Liquid | Hypoallergenic scent |
| Charlie’s Soap Powdered Packets | Powder | 7.5 x 4.2 x 8.8″ | 1.2 lbs | 30 | Powder | Biodegradable |
| Puracy Natural Liquid Detergent | Natural | 2.8 x 2.8 x 10.6″ | 1.6 lbs | 96 | Liquid | Plant-derived |
| Seventh Generation Baby Laundry Detergent | Baby | 3.8 x 5.8 x 11″ | 3.25 lbs | 53 | Liquid | Made for bax stains |
Tips for Doing Laundry With Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, follow these tips to keep your skin happy and protected.
- Choose the best detergent. (We’ll help you with that!)
- Do an extra rinse at the end of your cycle to remove detergent residue.
- Wash new clothes before use.
- Clean up spills and wash hands after handling detergent.
- Use the right amount of detergent.
- Wear protective gloves if necessary.
Is Tide a Good Detergent for Sensitive Skin?
We humans like to stick with what we know. You might be on the lookout for a different detergent by a brand you’re already familiar with, like Tide.
Tide has been recognized as a leader in laundry for sensitive skin. Their Free and Gentle range is specially formulated to clean clothes and be gentle on skin. If you have eczema, psoriasis, sensitive skin or limited mobility, this detergent could help you.
Care for Your Sensitive Skin
If your skin is breaking out unusually, it could be because of your current detergent. Switch to one of these best laundry detergents for sensitive skin and feel yourself relax in your own clothes.
Make sure to follow our tips — doing extra rinses, using the correct amount and avoiding certain ingredients — for the best results.
