The Best Laundry Detergents for Sensitive Skin

Many of us are aware of the negative effects of consuming junk food. It’s easier than ever to opt for foods that keep us healthy and feeling good. Yet very few of us are aware of an even more common source of toxins: our laundry detergent. The chemicals in a detergent stay on our clothes, meaning that they’re in contact with our skin all day long. For some people, these harsh chemicals cause severe irritation.

Itching, rashes, even headaches are a few of the symptoms that people with sensitivities report from prolonged exposure to harsh detergents. Adults aren’t the only ones to suffer. Babies and young children are particularly susceptible to skin irritations. More and more parents are questioning the value of traditional detergents.

But don’t detergents need strong chemicals to clean your clothes? Not necessarily. Two of the most common ingredients that cause irritation are those used for dyes and fragrances. Neither color nor fragrance will contribute to the actual cleanliness of your clothes. Rather, manufacturers know that fragrance and color are strong marketing ploys.

When that purple tint and “fresh-cut grass” scent are causing irritation, it’s time to change your detergent. In some cases, that itch-inducing fragrance could even be covering up for a detergent that doesn’t fully rid your clothes of dirt. Taking away the fragrance will let you know if your detergent is really cleaning your clothes.

Which Laundry Detergent is Best for Sensitive Skin?

Luckily, there are dozens of options for detergent for people with sensitive skin. If that’s making it hard to choose, don’t worry — there are a number of ways to guide your search. First, ensure that you are, in fact, picking up a detergent that’s safe for sensitive skin. “Hypoallergenic, free and clear, dye-free, fragrance-free, safe for sensitive skin, dermatologist-tested” are a few of the labels companies will use to indicate their detergent is suitable for you.

Next, decide if you prefer your detergent scented or unscented. Some detergents for sensitive skin still have added fragrances. Even if your skin reacts to traditional detergent, you may still be able to use a lightly scented, hypoallergenic detergent without a problem. But if you have severe reactions to your detergent, avoid scented detergents all together. For more health information on scented and unscented detergents, click here.

Regardless of your skin sensitivities, consider what form of detergent is most convenient. Large families might find a bulk bucket of detergent, like Quality Product Direct Natural Powder Detergent, to be most economical. Those who travel or use a laundromat will be pleased by options like Homevatie Unscented Laundry Detergent Sheets, while others might appreciate a boxed form of detergent, like Tide Purclean Plant-Based Liquid Detergent. If you have a washing machine with an HE sensor, make sure your detergent is compatible.

Found a detergent that’s all natural but doesn’t seem to clean your clothes? Don’t forget to check the water softness in your area. Households with hard water will need to use more detergent, while households with softer water may use less. Without harsh fragrances giving the appearance of clean clothes, it’s easy to mistake a hard water issue for a detergent problem.

We’ve searched the internet to pick ten of our favorite skin-sensitive detergents. You can say hello to smooth, healthy skin and clean clothes. Whether you’re looking for a laundry detergent for babies, children, or an adult with sensitive skin, one of the detergents below will fit your needs.

The Best Laundry Detergents for Sensitive Skin

Tide PODS Free and Gentle Laundry Detergent

Tide is one of the top laundry detergent brands in the world, and they now offer their Tide PODS in a hypoallergenic, dye-free, perfume-free version. Tide Pods Free and Gentle line is the first and only detergent approved by the National Eczema Association and the National Psoriasas Foundation. Tide PODS are perfect for busy families — just toss a pod into the laundry machine, and you’re set to go.

“I’m so thankful that Tide has made this product,” one reviewer wrote. Tide PODS Free and Gentle are one of the most highly reviewed detergents, and they still receive an average of almost five stars. Reviewers switched to this brand after using detergents that made them itchy or after using “all-natural” detergents that left their clothes smelly. Customers were delighted to find a skin-sensitive alternative that had all the power of a traditional detergent.

Ready to buy? Click here.

Biokleen Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent

If you’re looking for a detergent that’s soft on the planet as well as your skin, this is your product. Plant-based and non-toxic, it’s made in the USA and has no negative effects on the rivers or streams once it leaves your washing machine. It’s entirely free of metasilicates, borax, and caustics. All-natural citrus seed and grapefruit extracts help combat stains and leave a subtle, natural fragrance. The detergent is highly concentrated, so you need less detergent per load.

Reviewers with sensitive skin loved this affordable product. They appreciated the pleasant citrus smell without all the side effects, and reported that it was a go-to in homes with children. “If anything, using this has made me realize that the big-name brands 50% remove odors and 50% cover them up,” one review writes. She was delighted to notice that Biokleen made her clothes clean and fresh without all the extra chemical fragrances.

Like it? Click here to buy.

Love Home and Planet Liquid Laundry Detergent with Lavender & Argan Oil

Ethical consumers can order this detergent with a clean conscience. The packaging is made mostly from recycled materials, and animal lovers will be pleased to know that it is not tested on animals and is certified vegan by PETA. Ethically sourced lavender and moroccan organ oil leave a subtle scent. It’s dermatologist-tested and crafted without parabaens, dyes, or phospahtes.

Love Home and Planet Detergent receives an average of 4.6 stars. One reviewer thought it was as effective on white fabrics and heavy-duty stains as their traditional detergent. Customers enjoyed the light lavender scent. It’s “aromatherapy in a laundry detergent,” one reviewer said.  Some customers reported and were concerned about the inclusion of methylisothiazolinone, which can contribute to allergies.

To learn more, click here.

SG Essentials It’s So Pure Powder Detergent

Fragrance-free, this washing powder contains no phosphate, sulfate, bleach, or chlorine. Unlike traditional detergents which can actually cover up or leave mildew residue on your machine, the ions and enzymes in this detergent will break down dirt and residue on the inside of your laundry machine. It doesn’t create much froth, making it safe for HE washers. The inclusion of ions in the formula is ideal for homes with hard water.

“I can’t wait to do more laundry!” This highly reviewed, 5-star detergent gets rave reviews. Customers report that it was wonderful for toddlers and adults with skin problems. Several reviewers noted it left no chemical residue either on their clothes on in their machine. Some customers noted that this is slightly more expensive that other powders, but because they needed less powder per load and used fewer fabric softeners or whiteners, doing laundry was overall much more affordable.

To read the latest reviews, click here.

Method Beach Sage Liquid Laundry Detergent

Method’s Liquid Detergent is concentrated, naturally derived, and biodegradable. It’s tough on stains and leaves a pleasant beach sage scent. The formula is listed as hypoallergenic.

Reviewers commented extensively on the bright, cheerful scent of this detergent. Several were pleased that it filled their entire laundry room with the smell, although one reviewer noted this might be unpleasant if you are sensitive to strong scents. One reviewer with sensitive skin normally makes her own laundry soap, but she raved that this product did not cause any rashes.

To see pricing, click here.

Persil ProClean Hypoallergenic Liquid Detergent

The hypoallergenic formula for this detergent contains no dye. It also has a subtle scent that’s refreshing without being overpowering. It has been tested by dermatologists and is considered safe for use for adults and children with sensitive skin.

“It’s an effective cleanser for all colors without being irritating to sensitive skin.” Reviewers praised this detergent for it’s effectiveness at removing stains while still keeping their skin itch-free. Several customers with highly sensitive skin reported that this detergent caused them no problems. One reviewer believed it to be more expensive, but he reported that it’s so concentrated that he could use less per load.

Love it? Click here to buy.

Tide Purclean Plant-based Liquid Detergent

If you love Tide but want to shop eco-friendly, this is the detergent for you. Unlike most detergents, it’s packaged in an eco-friendly box with a dispenser. You can say goodbye to the days of spilling your detergent or dropping the bottle — this simply sits on your shelf. The packaging uses 50% less plastic than the traditional bottle, and the manufacturing plants relies on wind-power.

The detergent itself is plant-based with a subtle lavender scent, and is compatible with HE washing machines.“Love this and the eco packaging!” Reviewers found the packaging to be convenient. They thought this detergent was friendly on the wallet, and several reviewers with skin problems said it was great for their sensitive skin.

To learn more, click here.

Homevatie Unsecented Laundry Detergent Sheets for Sensitive Skin

Tired of dragging your laundry detergent to the laundry machine? These easy-dissolve sheets are compact, portable, and lightweight. Rather than pouring detergent or measuring powder, simply pop one of these sheets into your machine. These are perfect for travelers, college students, or customers who use laundromats. These sheets are unscented to reduce allergic reactions.

Reviewers rave about the convenience of these sheets. They report that one is enough per load (and there are 30 sheets to a pack). Some reviewers even cut them in half for small loads. They note that their clothes felt fresh, and appreciated the lack of added fragrance. “Even more important than ease of use, though, is that I don’t get a rash when I wear clothing that has been washed with these detergent sheets,” one reviewer said.

If you’re looking for convenience and a detergent that’s soft on sensitive skin, check out these laundry sheets.

To see pricing, click here.

Forsch Aloe Vera Liquid Detergent

Plant-based, hypoallergenic, and dermatologically tested. This quality detergent is free of phosphates, phthalates, dyes, and preservatives. The packaging is made from 100% recycled PET and is certified cruelty-free and vegan. It is safe for use with HE washing machines and in homes with septic systems.

Reviewers with eczema and highly sensitive skin used this detergent and noted a significant decrease in their symptoms. They were pleased to find a detergent that “cleans like a charm,” leaves only a subtle scent, was safe for their skin, and good for the planet.

To read reviews, click here.

Quality Product Direct Natural Powder Detergent

Buy it once and forget about it. This earth-friendly, hypoallergenic powder detergent arrives in a 1 gallon bucket. You’ll get between 100 and 200 loads per bucket, depending on your washing machine. The detergent is free of synthetic chemicals, and the ingredients are biodegradable, and it is not tested on animals.

Reviewers report that the detergent has no odor and lasts forever, and people with sensitive skin were incredibly pleased with this hypoallergenic powder.

Love it? Click here to buy now.

To Sum it Up…

You don’t need to suffer through itchy skin. In recent years, there’s been a surge of interest in bio-friendly, skin-safe detergents for children and people with eczema, psoriasis, or allergies. Luckily, companies have responded. Customers with sensitive skin can chose from a range of types of detergent. Make sure you’re choosing a detergent that indicates, “safe for sensitive skin” or “hypoallergenic” on the label.

You may want to avoid fragrances all together, but there are some lightly scented options that are still much safer than traditional detergents. There’s no reason to stick with a detergent full of harsh chemicals anymore. No matter what form of detergent is most convenient for your family, there’s a type that will leave your clothes clean and your skin healthy. You deserve healthy skin — and there’s a detergent that will get you there.

Looking for more laundry room inspiration? Check out How to Organize Your Laundry Room.