Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story featured a detergent from The Laundress, which announced a recall impacting their product line citing “safety concerns” on Nov. 17.
If you have sensitive skin, you’re probably well-versed in the skin care products that work best for you. You might have even carefully selected fabrics that will cause the least irritation to reduce the probability of having a reaction. But have you ever thought about your laundry detergent? Choosing the right version of this household essential can be just as important as the body wash you use.
There are plenty of options to choose from in the laundry aisle, but Shop TODAY spoke to several laundry and skin care pros to find out what you should look for while shopping for a laundry detergent for sensitive skin.
What to look for in laundry detergents | Laundry detergents for sensitive skin to try | How we chose | Meet our experts
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What to look for in laundry detergents for sensitive skin
Check for certifications. Kristin DiNicolantonio, director of stakeholder communications at the American Cleaning Institute , recommends keeping an eye out for specific certifications when shopping for a laundry detergent for sensitive skin. These include being Certified Asthma and Allergy Friendly, National Eczema Association Accepted, National Psoriasis Foundation Recognized, Green Seal certified or Environmental Protection Agency Safer Choice certified.
Look for descriptors. Beyond certifications, DiNicolantonio recommends simply looking at descriptive words like “gentle,” “clear,” “sensitive skin” and “hypoallergenic” as indicators that the detergent will be suitable for your needs. While it’s not a guarantee that you won’t have an allergic reaction and sensitivities vary from person to person, she says they are designed to be more protective than others. Labels like “fragrance-free” and “dye-free” are also helpful.
Read the label. If you really want to make sure that the detergent will be suitable for you, DiNicolantonio says, “Always read the label/go online to determine the detergent’s ingredients.” You’ll likely see a long list of ingredients you’ve never heard of before but if one gives you pause, your best bet is to look it up to determine if it’s a good fit for your needs.
Consider the type of detergent. Nervous about detergent irritating your skin? Dr. Margarita Lolis, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, suggests using a liquid instead of a pod. “Liquid detergents are preferred over pods because you can control the amount of detergent used in contrast to pods, which are prepackaged. Pods also need to completely dissolve through the wash cycle. If they do not then they can leave residue, which can be irritating,” she says.
Know what to avoid. Lolis recommends avoiding sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). “They’re common surfactants in detergents and personal care products that can be harsh for sensitive skin. In addition, fragrances, dyes, and preservatives are known irritants that can lead to skin reactions,” she says.
Use the proper amount of detergent. When it comes to detergent, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner says less is always more. “It is important to pay attention to the directions that come with your detergent and use only as much as is recommended. Overdosing the wash can cause the cleansing molecules to become large between the weave of the garment. When it later comes in contact with the skin, this can lead to an irritation reaction. This can even happen if you were using a fragrance free, dye-free detergent,” he says. Dr Kiran Mian, a board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery, also recommends doing “an extra rinse cycle” to make sure all the residue gets washed off clothing.
Do a spot test. “My recommendation for those with sensitive skin is to do a test spot by washing a small piece of fabric or clothing to see if it causes any reactions,” Mian says.
Before you tackle the (physical or virtual) aisle, here are a few laundry detergents suitable for sensitive skin to start your search.
Laundry detergents for sensitive skin to try
Purex Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Reviewers praised the value for the price and the gentle formula
- A few reviewers had mixed opinions on its ability to handle tough stains
Size: 150 oz. | Number of laundry loads: 115 | Formulation: Liquid | Unscented? Yes
Get the most bang for your buck with Purex. This liquid detergent is unscented and made with hypoallergenic ingredients, making it gentle on sensitive skin.
MyKirei by Kao Easy-Spray Laundry Detergent
- The brand calls out its phosphate-free, “plant-powered” formula as safe for sensitive skin
- It’s formulated with fragrance
Size: 12.8 oz. | Number of laundry loads: 40 | Formulation: Spray| Unscented? No
Ditch messy powdered and liquid detergents with this spray bottle version. All you have to do is spray it into your washing machine and the brand says it “won’t leave behind residue and rinses cleanly and completely.”
Hex Performance Fragrance-Free Laundry Detergent
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- Per the brand, it's suitable for all washing machines and water temperatures
- Since it's designed for activewear, the performance could potentially vary on other articles of clothing
Size: 50 oz. | Number of laundry loads: 50 | Formulation: Liquid | Unscented? Yes
Designed to prolong the life of your activewear, this fragrance-free detergent boasts the ability to preserve performance, breathability, stretch and color. According to the description, it’s also dye- and paraben-free, hypoallergenic and made for sensitive skin.
Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent Packs, Free & Clear
- Good for sensitive skin
- Pods may not dissolve well
Size: 31.7 oz. | Number of laundry loads: 45 packs | Formulation: Pods | Unscented? No
"Containing enzyme-rich soap to help remove stains, this detergent is free of fragrance, dyes and artificial brighteners, making it good for those with sensitive skin," board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick says.
Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent
- Gentle on skin
- Package prone to leakage
Size: 144.5 oz. | Number of laundry loads: 107 | Formulation: Liquid | Unscented? Yes
This Arm & Hammer detergent with 5,000+ verified five-star ratings on Amazon sports a SkinSAFE seal and is described by the brand as “tough on dirt but gentle on skin.”
All Free Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent
- The value (94 loads) is wonderful for the price
- Some reviewers have voiced concerns about leakage that occurs when the package is being shipped
Size: 141 oz. | Number of laundry loads: 94 | Formulation: Liquid | Fragrance-free? Yes
Touting impressively high ratings on both Target and Walmart’s sites, several shoppers have said this detergent has become their go-to for sensitive skin. According to the brand, it’s unscented, hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.
The Honest Company Baby Laundry Fragrance-Free Detergent
- Has plant-derived ingredients
- It's not widely sold online
Size: 70 oz. | Number of laundry loads: Up to 50 | Formulation: Liquid | Unscented? Yes
This detergent from The Honest Company has several certifications, including National Eczema Association Accepted and EPA Safer Choice Approved. According to the brand, it's specially designed for sensitive skin.
Dreft Family-Friendly Liquid Detergent
- Many reviewers were pleased with its ability to remove stains
- Some reviewers had mixed opinions on its efficacy for sensitive skin
Size: 92 oz. | Number of laundry loads: 64 | Formulation: Liquid | Unscented? Yes
Another NEA-accepted pick, you might recognize Dreft for their popular baby detergent. This family-friendly version is hypoallergenic and made with zero percent dyes or phosphates, according to the brand.
Dropps Sensitive Skin Detergent Pods
- Good for sensitive skin
- Can be used on pet clothes
- Some reviewers had mixed opinions about the scent
Size: 64 pods | Number of laundry loads: Varies based on how dirty the load is | Formulation: Pods | Unscented? No
For a sustainable, earth-friendly option, try Dropps. The pods are made with plant-based ingredients, have sustainable packaging and are best for delicate fabrics like silk, cashmere and wool. The brand says it’s free of dyes, parabens, phosphates and phthalates.
Tide PODS Free & Gentle Laundry Detergent Pacs
- Ideal for sensitive skin
- Pods are easy to use
- Some pods don't fully dissolve
Size: 62 oz. | Number of laundry loads: 81 pacs | Formulation: Pods | Unscented? Yes
With an almost-perfect rating from over 25,000 verified Amazon shoppers, these hypoallergenic liquid pacs are designed to play the role of detergent, stain remover and color protector. The brand recommends using one pac for regular loads, two pacs for large loads and three pacs for extra-large loads.
EnviroKlenz Laundry Powder Detergent
- The hypoallergenic formula is gentle on fabrics and skin
- The number of laundry loads you get per package is somewhat low
Size: 400 g | Number of laundry loads: 20 | Formulation: Powder | Unscented? Yes
Made without fragrances, chemicals, dyes or artificial brighteners, this powdered detergent boasts the ability to “remove your most stubborn stains and smells.”
If you’re using a standard washing machine, the brand recommends adding one scoop of powder and filling with water before adding clothes. For high-efficiency machines, it’s recommended to add a 1/2 scoop along with your clothes.
Persil ProClean Power-Liquid Detergent
- Cleans clothing well
- Gentle on skin
- Produces a lot of suds
Size: 82.5 oz. | Number of laundry loads: 110 | Formulation: Liquid | Unscented? Yes
Consumer Reports called this detergent the “best for sensitive skin” in a ranking of best and worst laundry detergents from 2021 and reviewers seem to agree. The description says it’s dye-free and perfume-free.
Dirty Labs Bio Laundry Detergent
- The gentle formula is recognized by the National Eczema Association (NEA)
- Some customers were underwhelmed with its cleaning abilities
Size: 8.6 oz. | Number of laundry loads: 32 | Formulation: Liquid | Unscented? Yes
This sustainable option bears the NEA seal of acceptance and is a certified EPA Safer Choice Fragrance-Free Partner. One bottle can tackle 32 standard loads of laundry and it’s also septic-safe.
Tide Simply Clean & Sensitive Liquid Laundry Detergent
- OK for SE & standard machines
- Mixed reviews on scent
Size: 128 oz. | Number of laundry loads: 89 | Formulation: Liquid | Unscented? No
"This offers a deep clean as well as a cool cotton scent, while still being gentle on the skin, making it a great option for someone with sensitive skin who wants a scent," Garshick says.
How we chose the best laundry detergents for sensitive skin
Finding the right laundry detergent for your sensitive skin can take a bit of trial and error, but knowing which ingredients to look for and avoid can give you a leg up. We consulted several board-certified dermatologists and a cleaning pro to find out why detergent can irritate skin and also asked them to share their top picks for detergent for every budget.
Meet our experts
- Kristin DiNicolantonio is the director of stakeholder communications at the American Cleaning Institute.
- Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology and a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York Presbyterian-Cornell.
- Dr. Ranella Hirsch, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Boston.
- Dr. Margarita Lolis is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists.
- Dr Kiran Mian is a board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery.
- Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD, is the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology and an associate professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
