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Best Laundry Detergents for Sensitive Skin

Updated October 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Tide PODS Free and Gentle Detergent
Tide
PODS Free and Gentle Detergent
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Expert Recommended
Bottom Line

Our cleaning expert recommends this detergent soap that fights stains effectively with its deep cleaning formula.

Pros

Three-in-one technology detergent with color protection and stain remover. Ensures deep cleaning. Hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested. Safe for babies. Does not leave a soapy residue on clothes. Free of dyes.

Cons

It has an unpleasant chemical odor.

Best Bang for the Buck
Persil ProClean Power-Liquid Laundry Detergent for Sensitive Skin
Persil
ProClean Power-Liquid Laundry Detergent for Sensitive Skin
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Powerful Cleaning Detergent
Bottom Line

A dermatologist-tested formula that's tough on stains but gentle on the skin. Our cleaning expert praises its powerful cleaning ability.

Pros

Contains stain-fighting enzymes for deep cleaning. Ensures long-lasting freshness. Free of dyes. Ideal for everyday laundry. It is hypoallergenic and smells good. Worth every penny. Consumers love this formula as an alternative to big brands.

Cons

Quite a few complaints of poor packaging as the product tends to leak.

Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear
Arm & Hammer
Sensitive Skin Free & Clear
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

If you need a detergent that will go beyond freshening your clothes while being gentle on your skin, this is an ideal choice.

Pros

Designed especially for people with sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic. No added dyes, preservatives, or perfumes. Dermatologist recommended. Rinses clean.

Cons

A little on the pricey side.

Dreft Stage 2 Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent Soap
Dreft Stage 2
Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent Soap
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Gentle Detergent
Bottom Line

Specially formulated for babies and people with sensitive skin, this laundry detergent is a good pick.

Pros

Removes 99% of food stains. Hypoallergenic and great for babies. It is unscented to suit customers who are sensitive to fragrances. This detergent is gentle on clothes. Easy to use in both top load and front load washing machines.

Cons

Some customers complain of its strong odor.

Ecos 2X Hypoallergenic Liquid Laundry Detergent
Ecos
2X Hypoallergenic Liquid Laundry Detergent
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Most Eco-friendly
Bottom Line

Hypoallergenic laundry detergent made with plant-based materials.

Pros

Natural laundry soap without phthalates, dyes, parabens, or phosphates. Made in the U.S. Contains fabric softener that leaves your garments smelling fresh while saving you money. Safer Choice Certified by the EPA and is safe for septic tanks. In addition, the company never tests their products on animals.

Cons

Costs more than other brands.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Consulted
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Researched
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Buying guide for Best laundry detergents for sensitive skin

Scritch. Scritch. Scritch. You notice an itch developing on your arms. Mysteriously, the rash also pops up on your torso. What’s going on? It could be your laundry detergent. Even those who have never experienced contact dermatitis may develop a reaction to certain harsh ingredients in traditional laundry detergents. It might be time to reconsider your laundry detergent choice.

That said, if your rash comes on suddenly and doesn’t go away with the usual treatments — moisturizers, oatmeal soaks, and OTC creams — a visit to the dermatologist is recommended. Definitively diagnosing a skin reaction is difficult, especially online. However, sometimes a simple change in detergent can make all the difference and clear up the itchiness in no time.

Detergents for sensitive skin are also a must for those with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. If your skin is irritated easily, chances are that many regular laundry detergents are bound to cause a flare-up. Our buying guide includes information on what to search for when selecting a skin-friendly laundry detergent. It also features tips on washing clothes, as well as some product recommendations.

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Are there other cleaning products around your home that might be causing skin irritation? Check soap, shampoo, and disinfectant spray labels and replace the products with unscented, dye-free versions to limit your exposure to potential irritants.

Key considerations

How does laundry detergent affect sensitive skin?

Anyone can develop a reaction to laundry detergent, whether via the first contact or after repeated exposure. Those with certain skin conditions or easily irritated skin may find themselves scratching after using products that contain perfumes, dyes, and other harsh ingredients.

If you find yourself periodically sliding your nails across clothed areas of your body, your detergent could be causing your discomfort. If your rash is concentrated in the areas where clothing touches your skin or in spots where sweat soaks through your garments, your skin irritation could be the result of using the wrong detergent. If your rash is also located on areas of the body not covered by clothing, including the face and hands, it may not be related to your detergent.

Form

The different forms of laundry detergent include powders, liquids, pods, and tablets. Because liquid detergents rinse away without much effort compared to powder, they’re the superior option for those with sensitive skin. Pods are a suitable alternative, as well as ultra convenient.

Expert tip
Just because a laundry detergent says it's for sensitive skin does not mean that it is fragrance free. When choosing your detergent, remember to read reviews and ingredients.
BestReviews Cleaning Expert

Ingredients

Different people react to different ingredients, but here are a few common detergent culprits that may cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction:

  • Surfactants
  • Parabens
  • Dyes
  • Moisturizers
  • Fabric softeners
  • Solvents
  • Thickeners
  • Perfumes
  • Preservatives
  • Emulsifiers
  • Enzymes

Fragrances and dyes are far and away from the most common irritants in laundry detergent. When browsing laundry detergents for sensitive skin, choose formulas with the fewest ingredients. Picking a product with fewer ingredients reduces the likelihood that you’ll react to the product.

Cleaning power

Certain sensitive skin detergents have fewer ingredients than regular ones and are thus less effective when it comes to tackling stubborn stains. That’s not universally true of all skin-friendly detergents, however. We recommend checking online user reviews to discover what consumers have to say about a product’s cleaning abilities before you buy.

Features

Eco-friendly: Like regular detergents, there are sensitive-skin options available for the environmentally-conscious consumer. Eco-friendly detergents are often biodegradable, but the moniker isn’t a guarantee that a product isn’t harmful to the environment. The FDA does not regulate the term. Check for products labeled as USDA Organic if this feature is a top priority for you.

Water temperature: Using hot water is often recommended to remove allergens from clothing, but some people still prefer to opt for cold water cycles because they’re more energy-efficient and kinder to the environment. Carefully read product labels to find out whether the detergent dissolves best in hot or cold water, and make a selection that fits your laundry habits.

High-efficiency: Detergent labeled HE is designed for use in high-efficiency washers, which use less water than traditional washing machines. If you don’t use an HE-compatible detergent, it may not rinse off entirely during a cycle, which can leave behind itch-inducing residue.

Packaging: Like regular detergent, versions designed for sensitive skin are available in multiple types of packaging, including resealable bags, plastic canisters, and cardboard boxes.

Expert tip
Always close laundry detergent containers when you’re no longer using them.
BestReviews Cleaning Expert

Laundry detergent for sensitive skin prices

The cost of detergents for sensitive skin varies from $0.13 to $0.32 per load. Generally, in the world of laundry detergents, the higher the price, the better the quality. While powder is the least expensive option, we recommend opting for pods or liquid detergent if you’re battling skin irritation. They’re a little more expensive, but they typically leave behind less residue than powder. You’ll also discover that price varies wildly depending on the brand.

Tips

In addition to choosing a detergent for sensitive skin, there are a few other ways to prevent laundry products from causing a skin reaction.

  • Rinse your clothes thoroughly. Choose an extra rinse cycle, if available, to ensure your clothing is free of detergent residue.
  • Skip other laundry products. Other products could also be sources of irritation, such as dryer sheets, fabric softeners, and stain removers. Instead, opt for dryer balls to remove static, soften clothing, and reduce wrinkles.
  • Use natural stain removers. Opt for alternatives like baking soda or gentle dish soap to fight stubborn stains and prevent an allergic reaction.
  • Turn up the heat. Although it’s not the most eco-friendly solution, using very hot water for a load is a reliable way to rid your clothing of nasty allergens.
  • Sanitize your washing machine. Use a washing machine cleaner or baking soda and vinegar to rid your machine of detergent residue and soap scum.
  • Don’t overload your washing machine. An overloaded washer isn’t able to effectively rinse away detergent.
  • Wash new clothing before wearing. This will rid items of any lingering residue from the manufacturing process.
  • See a doctor. If your rash doesn’t improve after a few days or gets worse even after changing laundry detergents, make an appointment with a dermatologist.
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If you’re still struggling to find the right detergent formula for your sensitive skin, choose a baby-friendly detergent as an alternative.

FAQ

Q. I’m using a sensitive skin detergent and still noticing irritation. What’s going on?

A. Your laundry detergent may not be the cause of your rash or skin irritation, or your skin may have become infected. Either way, the safest choice is to visit a dermatologist for a diagnosis.

Expert tip
Store your laundry detergent in a dry area, especially if you use powdered or pod detergents.
BestReviews Cleaning Expert

Q. How do I know if I’m allergic to my laundry detergent?

A. it’s difficult to pinpoint laundry detergent as the definite culprit, but a bit of detective work will help you discover the cause of your skin allergy. Did your rash develop after changing your detergent? Is your rash located only on parts of the body covered by clothing? Are the affected areas located in spots where you’re often sweating through your clothes? The easiest way to figure out whether the detergent is the troublemaker is to stop using it. Wash your clothes in a gentle, sensitive-skin formula, and see if the problem goes away. If it persists, make an appointment to see a dermatologist.

Q. Why should I avoid scented products?

A. Some people are sensitive to perfumed products and strong scents. In severe cases, a simple whiff of a strong perfume can give people hives or an asthma attack. Strongly scented products can indeed cause real skin reactions, even those in your laundry detergents. The fresh meadow scent may seem appealing, but it’s also a likely source of skin irritation.