Choosing the Best Laundry Detergent for Sensitive Skin

If you are someone with susceptible skin, doing day-to-day chores must be a task. This includes washing dishes, taking a shower, or even doing laundry as these might cause skin irritation. Doing laundry is something that cannot be ignored and the wrong choice of laundry detergent can cause several issues such as redness, skin itching, and other allergic reactions.

You must be happy to know that there is a vast range of laundry detergents that are specially designed to prioritize sensitive skin¹ which will have no skin reactions. Certain laundry detergents have artificial scents and harmful chemicals that irritate sensitive skin. You might think that these artificial fragrances can remove tough stains and that might be the reason you prefer using them but you need to keep in mind that certain laundry detergents are made with special formulas which have plant-based ingredients, and essential oils and are eco-friendly. So, we have done the research for you and curated a list of the best laundry detergents for sensitive skin.

1. Best Laundry Detergents for Sensitive Skin

Before selecting the best laundry detergent², you should keep in mind that certain laundry detergents specially designed for sensitive skin do not have any harsh chemicals, artificial brighteners, or artificial scents, unlike other detergents. They are generally made of plant-derived ingredients and some of them come in the form of liquid detergents while some in the form of laundry pods or powder detergents. You have to decide how you will like doing your laundry and be rest assured that your clothes and towels will be less clean or not be smelling fresh.

1.1. Arm Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent

Arm Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent is a perfect laundry detergent for those who are looking for a fragrance-free formula for their good skin health. This is one of the hypoallergenic detergents which is dye-free, fragrance-free has no synthetic fragrances, and is also a dermatologist-tested formula. It also has baking soda which some people generally use in their room cleaning or laundry routine. It is undoubtedly one of the safest products for skin sensitivities.

However, it solely does not act as a superior stain remover. So if you have any cloth piece that has the toughest stains, make sure to add a stain remover or at least repeat the cleaning process twice if you have a high-efficiency washing machine, and then, you are good to go. If you are a person with sensitive skin, who regularly washes clothes and also budget conscious, then this product is a great choice for you.

Pros:-

• Arm Hammer Sensitive Skin Free is dye-free and has no perfumes.
• It cleanly rinses your clothes.
• It is budget-friendly.

Cons:-

• It is not so good for stubborn stains on your clothes.

1.2. Dropps Sensitive Skin Baby Detergent

Dropps Sensitive Skin Baby Detergent is the right detergent for those who like the simplicity of baby laundry detergent pods. These baby laundry detergent pods come in a gentle liquid detergent formula and have no harsh chemicals. They are dye free and do not contain chemicals that are harmful such as phosphate and chlorine. They consist of all-natural ingredients and are also eco-friendly, unlike most detergents. It has no artificial brighteners and it is also a gentle laundry detergent for a baby’s delicate skin.

This gentle laundry detergent contains plant-based ingredients which are useful for pulling out dirt and stains from fabrics and this not only makes the clothes clean but also acts as a fabric softener. However, to improve its stain-fighting ability, make sure to pre treat the cloth diapers or cloth pieces or use a good stain remover in washing machines. Also, make sure to keep these pods in a dry place because they should not get wet as they are not as durable as a plastic laundry detergent container.

Pros:-

• Dropps Sensitive Skin Baby Laundry Detergent does not cause any skin irritation.
• It is a recyclable laundry detergent.
• This laundry detergent has plant-based ingredients.
• This laundry detergent is dye-free and has no harsh chemicals.

Cons:-

• This baby laundry detergent has average stain-removing abilities.
• This laundry detergent box is not so durable.

1.3. All Liquid Laundry Detergent for Sensitive Skin

All Free Clear laundry detergent for sensitive skin is the best laundry detergent as it is tide free, has no synthetic fragrances added and it does not contain any irritating chemicals. This is one of the best laundry detergents for sensitive skin which comes in the form of a liquid detergent and has easy-to-follow measuring lines on its cap. According to certain customer reviews, this laundry detergent also acts great for people and babies who have eczema.

This is one of those sensitive skin detergents which remove stains excellently. It has stain-fighting enzymes that work excellently on even chocolate stains, grass stains, and even wine stains resulting in soft and clean clothes. All and all, it is a good tide-free laundry detergent for sensitive skin for removing stains.

Pros:-

• This free clear laundry detergent is tide free.
• This unscented detergent does excellent stain removal.
• It does not irritate the skin.
• It is a budget-friendly product and is easily available in stores.

Cons:

• Measurements in its packaging are a bit inconsistent.
• It might make certain cloth materials stiff.

1.4. Seventh Generation Concentrated Laundry Detergent

The Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent is one of the best detergents. Among all the laundry detergents, this is one with no harsh chemicals, is fragrance-free, dye-free, and has no synthetic fragrances. It is among the hypoallergenic laundry detergents that are gentle on sensitive skin and also good for the environment. It is convenient to be used in high-efficiency washing machines.

However, it does not act as an extreme stain removal, so you might have to pre treat your cloth items or use a stain remover in addition to it to remove stubborn stains. After the wash, it does make the clothes soft and clean. It is a bit expensive but it is worth a consideration is it definitely comes in the list of one of the best detergents for sensitive skin.

Pros:-

• This laundry detergent is compatible to get used in high-efficiency washing machines.
• It has plant-based ingredients.
• It is dye-free and fragrance-free.
• It is the right laundry detergent for soft-feeling and clean-looking clothes.

Cons:-

• Pre-treating or an additional stain remover may be required to use with it for removing tough stains.
• The product is comparatively more expensive.

1.5. Loni Bio Laundry Detergent

This definitely comes under the list of one of the best laundry detergents for sensitive skin especially if you are suffering from eczema. It is hypoallergenic and its formula is fragrance-free. It gently cleans your clothes and makes them soft without irritating your sensitive skin. It is also effective in stain removal and does not cause any uncomfortable irritation or itchiness in your skin.

Pros:-

• Effective in stain removal.
• Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.
• It is the right laundry detergent for itchy and irritative skin.

Cons:-

• None

1.6. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Laundry Detergent

This again comes in the list of best laundry detergents for those people who have extremely sensitive skin. It is biodegradable and it has a light lavender scent. If you prefer a light scent, then other options are also available such as rosemary and honeysuckle. It is dermatologically tested, is dye-free, and can also be used in a high-efficiency washing machine.

This laundry detergent has a concentrated formula, so using a little bit of this detergent will be fine as it goes a long way. Needless to say, it also acts as a superior stain remover but you should keep in mind that certain cloth particles become wrinkled after use but that might not be a big issue for you and it is a bit more expensive than other laundry detergents.

Pros:-

• The scent of this laundry detergent is not too overpowering.
• It is excellent for removing stains.
• It can go a long way because of its concentrated formula.

Cons:-

• Certain clothes might come out wrinkled after being washed by this laundry detergent.
• It is a bit expensive, more than other laundry detergents comparatively.

1.7. Tide Pods Free & Gentle Laundry Soap

Tide Pods Laundry Soap is a game changer in your laundry routine. This detergent-free laundry soap for sensitive skin makes doing your laundry much easier as there is no hassle of measuring the liquid or powder detergent. These detergent-free pods are designed to be gentle on your skin so that you can bid goodbye to redness and rashes on your skin.

All you have to do is simply toss the pods in your washing machine and put the clothes in it without any worries. You neither have to pre treat the clothes nor add an additional stain remover as these pods work wonders on the stains of your clothes and also make your clothes feel clean and soft. Its packaging is also environmentally friendly.

Pros:-

• This laundry detergent is absolutely hassle-free in terms of usage.
• It does not irritate sensitive skin.
• It is excellent for removing stains.
• It has environmentally friendly packaging.

Cons:-

• None

1.8. Dirty Labs Scent Free Laundry Booster

Till now, we have talked about various laundry detergents that are really good and effective for sensitive skin but you have also noticed that certain laundry detergents alone are not enough to remove powerful stains, and for that, you need to pre-treat or include an additional stain remover, or double wash your clothes with the same detergent. So that’s when the Dirty Labs Laundry Booster comes in handy.

All you have to do is add an extra sprinkle of it in the machine for super tough stains. It is effective because it has certain enzymes which are helpful for breaking down or washing away stains. You can use it on its own or you can even add it with another laundry detergent, whichever suits you more. It is also preferable compared to others as its eco-conscious and has a really affordable price.

Pros:-

• This laundry detergent can be used on its own as well as to boost other detergents.
• It has sustainable packaging.
• It has eco-friendly ingredients.
• It is available at an extremely affordable price.
• It is hypoallergenic.
• It works well on rough stains.

Cons:-

• None

1.9. Babyganics Baby Laundry Detergent

If you have babies in your household, then should be extra conscious of the products that you are using, especially the products that you use for your babies. Babies have extra sensitive skin as compared to adults and you should totally take that into consideration before buying a laundry detergent. The amount of clothes and diapers used for the babies is a lot and as a result, there is a lot of laundry to do for the new parents.

So, you can choose Babyganics Laundry Detergent to wash your baby’s clothes over any other normal laundry detergent. This is because it is made with ingredients that are derived from plants and has stain-fighting properties which are chosen very thoughtfully so that your babies do not have any irritated skin. This laundry detergent even makes it easy for you to wash your baby’s cloth diapers without having to worry about your baby having a reaction afterward.

Pros:-

• Extremely safe for babies.
• This can be used to wash cloth diapers.
• It is hypoallergenic.
• Removes stains easily.

Cons:-

• None

1.10 Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder

If you are someone who does heavy laundry on a daily basis, then this laundry detergent is a must-have for you. It can clean loads of laundry in a single use. For that, you only need to add a tablespoon of Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder to your laundry wash and you will be surprised to see all the clothes coming out from the washing machine looking extremely fresh and clean. All thanks to its peppermint-scented formula! This laundry detergent has a subtle scent and is also safe to use as it contains natural ingredients which makes it sustainable and eco-friendly.

Pros:-

• This laundry detergent has a subtle and gentle scent.
• It can wash loads of laundry in a single use.
• It is made with natural ingredients which is good for sensitive skin.
• It removes the toughest stains from clothes.

Cons:-

• This detergent only comes in powder form.
• It is inconvenient to carry it everywhere.
• The scent might not be suitable for some people.

2. What to Expect In a Laundry Detergent for Your Sensitive Skin?

Now that we have talked about the list of laundry detergents which are good for sensitive skin and we have also discussed about their pros and cons, you must have got the idea which product suits your skin and budget the best but there are certain factors that you can keep in mind before choosing the right laundry detergent for your sensitive skin such as the type of the detergent, the ingredients used in it, and the test and certification that the detergent has gone through. This will tell you what to expect from a laundry detergent before you make it a part of your washing routine.

2.1. Look at the Type

Before buying a detergent, you have to check out the several forms in which the laundry detergent comes. They can come in the form of pods, sheets, powders, and liquids. You have to choose accordingly which will suit your personal preference and the method that will be convenient for you. If you are someone who regularly washes clothes and does laundry, then using a powder or sheet detergent can be convenient for you. Using a liquid one can be a bit messier but if you can handle it well, then you are good to go. However, if you are someone who travels a lot, then carrying detergent pods will be beneficial for you as they are more convenient to carry and portable. If you are using a high-efficiency machine, then you need to choose a detergent that will be compatible with that washer.

2.2. Look at the Certification

Before choosing a suitable detergent for your sensitive skin, you have to see or check what dermatologists and national organizations have to say about the product. Certain products that are specially made for sensitive skin are dermatologically tested before they are launched in the market. The same information will be mentioned in the labeling of the product. The products can have seals mentioned National Eczema Association which means the products are suitable for sensitive skin. The products may also be a part of certain programs which are conducted to identify if the ingredients used in the products are safe for humans and the planet. If you want to make your laundry routine more sustainable, then you should definitely go for these program-verified eco-friendly products. You can also check if the product has a label of USDA Certified Biobased Product which means that the product has plant-based ingredients and is not harmful to your sensitive skin.

2.3. Look at the Ingredients

Before getting your hands on a good laundry detergent for sensitive skin, you should have a look at the ingredients that are used in making the product. There are certain irritants that you should avoid while buying the products. You should check if there are any perfumes or fragrances that are used in the products. They should also not contain any dyes or preservatives. You should also check if the term ‘optical brighteners’ is used in the product. Optical brighteners are an ingredient that is used in detergent powders to make clothes look fresh and clean but it has a harmful side effect that is contaminating aquatic life, so if it is mentioned in the ingredient list of the product, then you should definitely avoid it. So, you should always go for those products whose ingredients are plant-based and not chemical based which are formulated with perfumes or dyes that are really harmful to sensitive skin.

Final Note

A laundry detergent can cause skin irritation ³and contact dermatitis because of the harmful chemicals and so it is very important to use the right laundry detergent for sensitive skin. While choosing the right laundry detergent, you should be very careful and selective and also go through the list of ingredients that are used in making that detergent. Our picks mentioned above are fragrance-free and harsh chemicals-free, so you can easily pick any of them according to your liking and choice. You can also worry less about the clothes as all these products are tried and tested and the clothes really feel soft and clean after getting washed by these detergents without causing any harm to your sensitive skin.

FAQs:-

1. How do I know that my laundry detergent is irritating my sensitive skin?

Whenever you use your laundry detergent while using your clothes and you notice certain allergic reactions such as redness in the skin, itching, rashes, or irritation, then you have to understand that the detergent is irritating your sensitive skin and you have to immediately change your laundry detergent.

2. Are all laundry detergents good for sensitive skin?

No. Many laundry detergents have artificial fragrances which can result in contact dermatitis. So, you have to be particular about the ingredients in the laundry detergents that you are choosing for yourself in order to be safe from any harmful effects.

3. How do I choose a laundry detergent which is suitable for my sensitive skin?

You can check out that certain laundry detergents have seals from the National Eczema Association which is a good indication that those products are good for your sensitive skin. You should also see if the laundry detergent is hypoallergenic, gentle, and free of fragrances and preservatives. That’s how you can choose the laundry detergent that will be right for your sensitive skin.

1. Berardesca, E., M. Farage, and H. Maibach. “Sensitive skin: an overview.” International journal of cosmetic science 35.1 (2013): 2-8. ↩︎
2. Hatch, Kathryn L. “Fabrics and Sensitive Skin.” Sensitive Skin Syndrome. CRC Press, 2006. 211-232. ↩︎
3. Robinson, Michael K., et al. “Comparative assessment of the acute skin irritation potential of detergent formulations using a novel human 4-h patch test method.” Food and chemical toxicology 43.12 (2005): 1703-1712. ↩︎

Last Updated on May 13, 2024 by Namrata