Got itchy skin? Your laundry detergent might to be blame.
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Laundry detergents can have a huge impact on people with sensitive skin. And if you have sensitive skin, chances are you’re no stranger to outbreaks of dry, itchy and inflamed patches. It can be a real pain, literally! Although some people think using gentle or hypoallergenic skincare products is enough to prevent irritation, you might be surprised to learn that that’s not always the case.
“It’s always good to consult a dermatologist to better understand one’s skin sensitivity,” says Mary Gagliardi, aka Dr. Laundry, the in-house scientist and cleaning expert for Clorox. “Laundry detergents are complex formulations and different people may have different sensitivities,” she says. “Some individuals are very sensitive to even small quantities of dyes and or fragrances, especially if they have pre-existing allergies or sensitivities.”
Did you know that residue from your detergent can stay on your clothes even after the wash cycle is complete? If you’re sensitive to it, that lingering residue can trigger rashes, inflammation and other reactions that will have you wanting to crawl out of your skin. That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re not using too much laundry detergent, and that the detergent you are using is formulated for people with sensitive skin.
While these are some of the safest laundry detergents on the market, not all versions work for those with sensitive skin, warns Dr. Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology. “You’ll want to look for certain keywords on the packaging, which can include the terms fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, free and clear or dermatologist recommended,” she explains.
We found 12 of the best laundry detergents for sensitive skin so you can wash all your clothes worry-free. Get ready to ditch the itch!
Best sensitive laundry detergent for babies
Dreft Stage 1: Newborn Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent
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Best sensitive skin laundry detergent for delicates
Heritage Park Luxury All-Purpose Detergent
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What to look for in a laundry detergent for sensitive skin
What is the difference between free and clear and regular detergent?
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Best laundry detergent recommended by doctors
All Free & Clear
All Free & Clear is touted as the number one recommended laundry detergent for sensitive skin by dermatologists, allergists and pediatricians. It’s gentle enough for babies and children who suffer from eczema since it’s hypoallergenic and completely free of dyes and perfumes. It also promises to remove 99 percent of everyday and seasonal allergens, dog and cat dander, dust mite matter, ragweed pollen and grass and tree pollen. Plus, it’s safe to use in all washing machines, including high efficiency (HE) washers.
“A laundry product labeled “Free & Clear” will usually tell you what ingredients it is free and clear of,” says Gagliardi. “Typically, this includes dyes and fragrances. Checking the ingredient list to see what’s in a product is important as you experiment with different products to find one that doesn’t irritate your skin,” she adds.
Pros
- Doesn’t irritate your skin
- Recommended by dermatologists, allergists and pediatricians
- Free & Clear ingredients
Cons
- Get’s very sticky
Best value laundry detergent
Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear
Arm & Hammer is a trusted brand that gets the job done when it comes to fighting stains and odors, and it won’t break the bank. Their sensitive skin detergent has been rated 100 percent by SkinSAFE, meaning it excludes 100 percent of their most concerning skin allergens and is made for sensitive skin. The unique, lower-sudsing formula rinses cleaner and is designed to work in both standard and HE washers. The 210-ounce container costs about 17 cents a load. That’s a great value!
Pros
- Great value
- SkinSAFE approved
- Lower-sudsing formula
Cons
- Strong scent
Best eco-friendly laundry detergent
Cleancult Fragrance Free Laundry Detergent
All of Cleancult’s laundry detergents are made from non-toxic, plant-based ingredients that are free from GMOs, parabens and phthalates. And while all of their products, including their scented versions, are made with safe and gentle ingredients, stick with their unscented detergent if you have especially sensitive skin.
One more thing to feel good about: Not only is Cleancult’s detergent eco-friendly, but their packaging is as well. Start by purchasing one of their reusable, shatter-resistant glass detergent bottles. Then each time you order your detergent, simply pour it from the 100 percent recyclable paper carton into your reusable glass bottle. And don’t worry if the bottle starts to look a little messy. It’s dishwasher safe! Cleancult also made our list of the best-smelling laundry detergents.
Pros
- Coconut scent
- Free of parabens and phthalates
- Safe ingredients
Cons
- Leave a mess on clothes
Best plant-based laundry detergent
Seventh Generation Free & Clear
Seventh Generation Free & Clear is a biodegradable laundry detergent that fights tough stains without the use of fragrances, dyes and artificial brighteners. It’s also a USDA Certified Biobased Product, meaning that 96 percent of its ingredients are certified plant-based. You can wash your clothes knowing that you’re taking care of both your skin and the environment.
Pros
- USDA Certified
- Cleans very tough stains without any fragrances
- Can last up to 53 loads
Cons
- Strong scent
Best sensitive laundry detergent for babies
Dreft Stage 1: Newborn Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent
When it comes to washing those teeny tiny socks, hats and layettes, Dreft’s Stage 1 hypoallergenic laundry detergent is the safest bet. It’s specifically formulated for newborn babies, so it won’t irritate their delicate skin. This detergent has more than 20,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, with most users praising its gentleness and sweet baby scent. However, if you happen to have a more sensitive nose, it’s worth noting that several users find the scent to be a bit overpowering. That said, if you’re not overly bothered by smells, you can’t go wrong with this tried and true brand.
Pros
- Gentle detergent
- Cleans socks, hats and layettes nicely
Cons
- Strong scent
Best-smelling detergent for babies
Noodle & Boo Ultra Safe Laundry Detergent
If you’re trying to be extra careful about what you use for your tiniest treasures, then you may want to try Noodle & Boo’s Ultra Safe Laundry Detergent. Its plant-based formula is made without any sulfates, dyes, formaldehyde, phosphates, phthalates, optical brighteners or 1.4-dioxane, so it’s biodegradable as well.
Aside from being one of the cleanest detergents on the market, Noodle & Boo is also known for its signature fresh baby scent. Almost every single one of its five-star reviews describes the scent as “wonderful,” “amazing,” and even “heavenly.” Still worried it may be too strong? One user promises that it’s “not too heavy of a scent” while another assures us that it only “leaves a gentle scent.” Another shopper admitted, “I was concerned I wouldn’t like it because it initially has a really strong baby powder smell, but it actually smells really good after clothes are washed.”
Pros
- Fresh baby scent that last for days
- Cleans all stains
- Very gentle on clothes
Cons
- Reviewers complained about the price
Best sensitive skin laundry detergent for delicates
Heritage Park Luxury All-Purpose Detergent
Not sure which laundry detergent for sensitive skin to use on your high-thread-count sheets or pricey undergarments? Look no further than Heritage Park’s luxury detergent. This fragrance-free formula is certified hypoallergenic as well as dermatologist- and pediatrician-approved. It’s free from dyes, sulfates, phosphates, optical brighteners, chlorine bleach and caustic chemicals, but is still effective when it comes to removing odors and stains. Your most delicate fabrics are sure to hold up for years to come.
Heritage Park Laundry Detergent is Leaping Bunny Certified, which means that no animal testing occurred during development or production of their detergents. It’s even gone one step further to ensure that its suppliers have made the same pledge. The fact that it’s cruelty-free and biodegradable makes this product safe for people, animals and the environment.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested detergent
- Free of dyes, sulfates, and caustic chemicals
- Affective in removing stains and odors
- Leaping Bunny Certified
Cons
- Can leave a mess
Best powdered laundry detergent
Charlie’s Soap Laundry Powder
If you or your washing machine happen to prefer powdered detergent, then this hypoallergenic, eco-friendly detergent from Charlie’s Soap is a excellent choice. Made using just four plant-based biodegradable ingredients, the formula is EPA Safer Choice certified, meaning it’s safer for the environment and your septic system. Charlie’s Soap recommends using just one tablespoon of the detergent to remove everything from old residue left by your previous detergent to grease, grass, red wine, blood and (calling all cloth diaper moms) poop. Happy washing! Just try to avoid these laundry mistakes.
Pros
- Plant-based detergent
- Can use a teaspoon for a small amount
- Can clean grease, grass, red wine, and blood stains perfectly
- EPA Safer Choice certified
Cons
- A little pricey
Best splurge detergent for sensitive skin
The Laundress Signature Detergent
If you want to give special yet gentle attention to some of the pricier pieces in your wardrobe, try this luxurious laundry detergent for sensitive skin by The Laundress. Its unscented formula is allergen-free, plant-based and free of animal by-products and artificial coloring, so it won’t hurt your skin or your clothes. Don’t be deterred by the small bottle size. A little squirt goes a long way with this small but mighty bottle of concentrated detergent—it should last up to 32 wash loads, not to mention also look beautiful in the laundry room.
Pros
- Luxurious laundry detergent
- Unscented
- Plant-based
Cons
- Only can last up to 32 loads
Best laundry pods for sensitive skin
Grab Green Stoneworks Laundry Detergent Pods
If you like the convenience of a laundry detergent pod, you’ll love these EPA Safer Choice Certified powder pods. They’re made from naturally derived ingredients and are free of chlorine, dyes, optical brighteners and phosphates, making them a perfect and convenient choice for sensitive skin. The pods have several natural scent options, including birch branch, oak tree, olive leaf and rose. But, if you have sensitive skin, you’ll likely want to stick with rain, which is fragrance free.
Pros
- Powder pods
- Natural ingredients
- Natural scents
Cons
- Scent doesn’t last long
What to look for in a laundry detergent for sensitive skin
When searching for a new detergent, there are a few things Gagliardi wants you to keep in mind. Look for products labeled “free and clear,” says Gagliardi, “and double check the ingredient list to ensure there is no added fragrance or colorant in the product.”
Dr. Yadav also suggests keeping an eye out for certain keywords like hypoallergenic or dermatologist-recommended. “Look for seals of approval from organizations like the National Eczema Association,” she adds. Here are three more features to keep in mind.
- Type: In general, the form of the detergent shouldn’t matter, shares Gagliardi. The absence of fragrance or colorant is what you are looking for, she explains.
- Ingredients: “Fragrance and colorant are two ingredients that add aesthetic value favored by many consumers, but they can be irritating to some with sensitive skin,” explains Gagliardi. “Removing these ingredients from the formula to accommodate people with sensitive skin, while retaining the other components, won’t compromise cleaning performance.”
- Testing and certifications: Gagliardi advises checking the specific purpose of the certification, rather than merely confirming its presence. Some certifications may only require payment to the organization. “If you choose to purchase certified products, make sure they are from an organization that you trust,” she says.
How we found the best laundry detergents for sensitive skin
To find the best and most effective laundry detergents, we consulted with dermatologists as well as Clorox’s in-house scientist to determine what makes a detergent safe for sensitive skin. We tested numerous options ourselves and reviewed customer feedback and reviews to ensure general consumer satisfaction. Additionally, we made sure to include selections for every budget and need.
Why you should trust us
As a freelance writer for Reader’s Digest, I specialize in finding the best products that resonate with consumers. My writing portfolio includes contributions to WE TV, PopSugar, U.S. News & World Report and Gourmet Insider. With a background as a Certified Literacy Specialist and former teacher, I’m passionate about empowering readers to make informed choices.
For this article, we consulted experts in laundry detergent and skin care. Mary Gagliardi, known as Dr. Laundry, has more than 24 years of experience in laundry product research and development for Clorox. Geeta Yadav, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology. Dr. Erum N. Ilyas, a board-certified dermatologist focusing on adult and pediatric medical dermatology, also provided insights.
FAQ
What is the difference between free and clear and regular detergent?
According to Dr. Yadav, free and clear indicates that it doesn’t include common allergens like fragrances or the dyes found in many detergents.
Is liquid detergent better for sensitive skin?
“It depends on the fragrance used in the formulation and if there is any added colorant, combined with the unique sensitivity of the individual, not the form,” explains Gagliardi.
Will laundry detergent for sensitive skin actually get clothes clean?
The short answer is yes. “But remember not to use more than what is recommended,” advises Dr. Yadav. “Using too much detergent will actually leave your clothes dirty,” she explains. “Excess detergent in the fabric leaves streaks of detergent residue and makes them feel sticky or grimy.”
Is all free and clear detergent safe for babies?
Detergents labeled as free and clear are an excellent option for washing your baby’s clothes. “For babies, garments and accessories often accumulate significant staining and residue,” says Dr. Ilyas, who also collaborates with P&G Fabric Care. Using a laundry detergent for their clothing is likely necessary to ensure proper cleaning, she notes, and free and clear options get the job done.
