These Are the 6 Best Laundry Detergents for Sensitive Skin (2024)

When you toss your clothes in the wash, you might think all of the irritants are completely eliminated in the rinse cycle, but this isn't always the case. Detergents can contain ingredients like fragrances, dyes, surfactants, and preservatives, which may cause irritation.

The risk of chemicals remaining on clothes is low, says National Eczema Foundation "ecz-pert" and board-certified dermatologist, Dr. JiaDe (Jeff) Yu, "but this may depend on the efficiency of your washer, the amount of detergent you put in, how many clothes went into the wash, and how many rinses occurred." To be extra cautious, it's also recommended by the National Eczema Association to make use of an extra rinse cycle, just to be sure that all irritants are washed and drained away.

You may also want to use a laundry detergent with an ingredient list formulated for sensitive skin. We tested 29 different detergents in The Lab, and have compared and combined those results with previous data from our trusted at-home testers. We've narrowed down our list to laundry detergents specifically for sensitive skin.

Editor's Note: This review was revised in February 2024 to include updated buying considerations for our six favorite laundry detergents for sensitive skin.

What We Like

  • Effective stain removal and cleaning

  • Easy to find in stores, budget-friendly

  • No perfumes or dyes

  • Simple to use

What We Don't Like

  • Left one shirt feeling slightly stiff

  • Inconsistent measurements

Not only is All Free Clear Liquid 2x Concentrated formulated with zero perfumes or dyes, but In The Lab, we found it to be among the best stain-fighters out there. We were amazed by its ability to lift spots of chocolate and red wine (which proved tough for many of its competitors), and by how it left clothes with a light and subtle clean scent. Its wallet-friendly price is an added bonus. By our calculations, it's roughly $0.15 per load, well below the median we calculated from our set of 29 detergents ($0.25 per load).

It comes as a concentrated liquid detergent, with easy-to-follow measuring lines on the cap. We did find it a bit odd that the measurements for regular loads were listed in numbers, while large loads were not—but thanks to those aforementioned indicator lines, this was not a big deal. After washing, one garment (a white shirt) did come out slightly stiff, but the other tested items were soft and pliable, and the towel was noticeably fluffy.

In addition to our experience in The Lab, one of our at-home testers had positive things to say about All Free Clear's effectiveness for sensitive skin, too. "My 3-year-old daughter has eczema, and we usually wash her clothes separately from the rest of the family, because her skin can get easily irritated," she explains. But, with this detergent, "we felt totally comfortable tossing her clothes in with ours, and it did not irritate her skin one bit." All in all (pun intended), we were very impressed with All Free Clear's performance in The Lab and with our home tester, and easily recommend it as the Best Overall pick.

Type: Liquid | Scent: Unscented

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What We Like

  • No dyes or perfumes

  • Formulated specifically for sensitive skin

  • Rinses clean

What We Don't Like

  • Not a great stain remover on its own

Another excellent pick for those who are looking to fight odors and keep their skin happy is Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear. Like most of the well-known brand's products, the detergent contains baking soda, which some also use to clean surfaces around their homes (or to bake). The hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested formula doesn't have any perfumes, fragrances, or dyes, and it rinses totally clean. It's also certified by SkinSafe as Top Allergen Free, so you can rest assured that it's made without a number of known irritants, and is among the safest products on their scale.

In The Lab, we could smell a subtle chemical scent from the bottle, but after washing, everything smelled fresh and clean. It performed just okay on the stains, leaving traces behind on more than one piece of clothing. We're willing to forgive this, though, because our process didn't allow for pre-treating or use of an additional stain remover (but this does mean you'll want to be ready to add those steps to your home laundry routine if and when your clothes are especially soiled). But for regular washes and budget-conscious buyers with sensitive skin, we think it's a great choice. It can be found in a variety of container sizes, too, ranging from a standard 50-ounce bottle to 640 ounces, or 5 gallons, if you prefer to buy in bulk.

Type: Liquid |Scent: Unscented

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What We Like

  • Plant-based ingredients

  • Compatible with HE machines

  • Clothes felt soft and smelled clean after use

What We Don't Like

You won't find any dyes, synthetic fragrances, harsh chemicals, or artificial brighteners on the ingredients list of this laundry detergent. Seventh Generation's Free & Clear Laundry Detergent is a USDA Certified Biobased Product, meaning at least 97 percent of its plant-based ingredients are biologically renewable. As a result, the formula is not only gentle on the skin but is also good for the environment. It's also safe for use with a high-efficiency washing machine, so you can really double down on your eco-friendly laundry routine.

In The Lab, Seventh Generation left items smelling clean and feeling soft to the touch. However, we found that it was not as effective on stains as some of its competitors. After washing, we could still see parts of stains left behind, so you would want to take extra care to pre-treat spots accordingly. If you're already savvy with stain removal methods and value an eco-friendly formula that's gentle on skin, then it's still very much worth your consideration.

Type: Liquid | Scent: Free & Clear

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What We Like

  • Plant-based ingredients

  • Convenient to use

  • Recyclable packaging

What We Don't Like

  • Box isn't very durable at times

  • Stain removal abilities are average

If you prefer to ease and simplicity of pods, Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Detergent is a great option. You can get a box of 36, 64, or 160 pre-measured pods, which contain a gentle, liquid formula. Dropps doesn't use harsh chemicals, dyes, phosphates, or chlorine in its formula—just natural, eco-friendly, biodegradable ingredients. The list of ingredients includes earth-derived glycerin and other plant-based surfactants, which attract and pull out dirt and stains from fabrics, allowing them to be rinsed away. The EPA Safer Choice program, which helps identify products and ingredients that are safer for humans and the planet, approves the formula.

In The Lab, Dropps left items smelling fresh and clean, but not overwhelmingly so, and it had the towel feeling nice and fluffy. We found its stain-fighting abilities to be average, so as with our some of our other picks, you'd want to pre-treat or use your preferred stain remover. Another notable perk with Dropps is that the packaging is recyclable and compostable. However, it's in your best interest to keep the box of pods in a place where they can't get knocked or wet because it's not as durable as a plastic container of detergent.

Type: Pods | Scent: Unscented

What We Like

  • Easy to use and store

  • Clothes felt soft and smelled clean after use

  • Earth-derived ingredients

What We Don't Like

  • Average stain-fighting abilities

For a non-liquid option, consider Molly's Suds Unscented Laundry Detergent Powder. With earth-derived ingredients and zero fragrances, dyes, optical brighteners, or phosphates, it's ideal for those with sensitive skin. The brand also offers a variety of other scents and types, and for sensitive skin, their formula for babies may be of interest, too.

During testing, Molly's fared especially well in its overall simplicity and ease of use. The included scoop and design of the bag were small and straightforward, and the lightweight shape and size make it easy to store and use. We could even see it being convenient to grab and carry while shopping because it's not a huge, heavy jug like other options. We were also pleased with the scent because it left items smelling clean, but without added fragrance. Clothes felt nice and soft after washing, too. When it came to stain-fighting, it performed just okay, so we're also suggesting that you use it alongside your favorite stain-removal method. It's hard to beat the convenience and small footprint it leaves, both in your laundry room and sustainably speaking.

Type: Powder |Scent: Unscented

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What We Like

  • A little goes a long way

  • Good at removing stains

  • Scent isn't overpowering

What We Don't Like

  • On the expensive side

The Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Laundry Detergent formula is made up of plant-derived ingredients, including stain-fighting enzymes that effectively remove spots and stains from your fabrics. It's biodegradable, and it features a light, lavender scent, courtesy of essential oils. (Other scent options are also available, like honeysuckle and rosemary, if you'd prefer something different.) When we recently tested this in The Lab, it performed well—it was good but not necessarily great. We noticed that it did a nice job of keeping the white T-shirt white, and that the pleasant smell sets it apart, but we also found that clothes came out wrinkled after using it. Still, given our previous experience with home testers loving it and raving about its stain-fighting capabilities, we're giving it a stamp of approval.

This product is safe for use with high-efficiency washing machines and septic tanks. It's free of dyes, and dermatologist-tested. The formula is concentrated, so a little bit of this detergent goes a long way. It's recommended to use a half capful for regular-sized loads of laundry. Considering that this laundry detergent is more expensive than others, that's a real bonus.

Type: Liquid | Scent: Lavender

Final Verdict

Our top pick for a laundry detergent if you or someone in your household has sensitive skin is All Free Clear Liquid 2x Concentrated Laundry Detergent. We found it to be effective on stains, simple to use, and readily available for a budget-friendly price. Another wallet-friendly pick, Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear is easy on the environment and on skin, and it leaves clothes smelling clean and feeling soft to the touch.

How We Tested the Laundry Detergents

We've put 29 laundry detergents to the test in The Lab during a rigorous hands-on process.

  • First, using detergent brand guidelines, we started wash cycles with previously-stained items: one each of a cotton T-shirt, athletic polyester T-shirt, terry cloth towel, and linen napkin were included, all marked with three to four stains that included jojoba oil, chocolate, foundation, mud, grass, and in the case of the linen napkin, spaghetti sauce. While the items were washed, duplicate fresh stains were created so we could compare results.
  • After wash and dry cycles, we assessed the overall cleaning and stain removal effectiveness of each laundry detergent.
  • We also carefully considered scent by smelling each item and noting whether it smelled clean or contained residual smells from the stains. A feel, or texture examination, was completed, allowing us to check for things like softness, fluffiness, and any other changes noticeable by touch.
  • Each product's ease of use was noted as well, and we rated how simple it was (or wasn't!) to measure and add detergent to washers.
  • After testing was completed, we considered the overall value of each product and determined whether we would recommend a detergent, and why.

This set of data was then shared with our editors, who assessed these insights alongside previously home-tested detergent data and separate research, all with careful attention to the needs of households that have one or more people with sensitive skin. The result was a thoroughly researched and tested list of laundry detergents for sensitive skin.

What to Look for in a Laundry Detergent for Sensitive Skin

Type

Laundry detergents come in several different forms; liquid, pod, powder, or sheet (and we have the first three represented on this list). The type that's best for you depends on personal preference, and what's most convenient for you. Think about your laundry routine, the size of your loads and whether the size varies, and where you do your laundry before making a purchase.

For example, liquid detergent can be more tailored to your load size, but it is often a messier option (our list has four to pick from). Pods, like Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Detergent, may be the best if you make frequent trips to the laundromat because they're portable. Dr. Yu notes, "Powder detergent probably contains fewer preservatives than liquid or pods since the latter two may be more likely to be contaminated by mold, bacteria, or viruses." For a powder option, we like Molly's Suds Laundry Detergent Powder.

Ingredients

The ingredient list will alert you to any irritants that might be in the formula. Common irritants can include: fragrances (otherwise known as "perfumes"), surfactants, dyes, and preservatives. The word "hypoallergenic" on a detergent's label may mean that it contains fewer triggering ingredients. However, it's always best to read through the ingredient list yourself, too.

Some detergents for sensitive skin are made of plant-based formulas, without the ingredients that may irritate skin. These formulas are often better for the environment, too. Among our favorites, you'll find plant-based and earth-derived ingredients with these picks: Seventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Detergent, Molly's Suds Laundry Detergent Powder, Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Detergent, and Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Lavender Laundry Detergent.

Testing and Certifications

When finding the right detergent for your sensitive skin, it's a good idea to see what dermatologists, pediatricians, and national organizations think of the product. Some products for sensitive skin are tested by medical professionals and will have a label telling you so.

Others, like Seventh Generation's Free & Clear Laundry Detergent, may be a USDA-Certified Biobased Product, so at least 97 percent of their plant-based ingredients are biologically renewable. You'll also see some, like Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Detergent, that are part of the EPA Safer Choice program. This program helps identify products and ingredients that are safer for humans and the planet, and it may be an important consideration for a household that is looking to make its laundry routine more sustainable and eco-friendly.

FAQ

  • How do you know if your laundry detergent is irritating your skin?

    You'll know if your laundry detergent is irritating your skin if you are seeing signs of an allergic reaction. Red skin, hot skin, irritation, itchiness, swelling, and rashes are all common symptoms. These symptoms can appear as soon you come in contact with freshly washed laundry, or they can appear hours later. Generally, these types of skin reactions are limited to the specific area where the irritant came in contact with your skin. If you feel the reactions are all over, and you've recently swapped your laundry detergent, it may be worth switching to see whether the symptoms disappear.

  • Are all detergents good for sensitive skin?

    In short, no. Many detergents have artificial fragrances, which is a common culprit of contact dermatitis. Preservatives are also a common trigger. If you know you have a sensitivity to fragrance or a specific preservative, it's important to look over the ingredient list of the detergent you're choosing to make sure they're not present.

  • How do you pick out a detergent for sensitive skin?

    Checking the ingredient list for irritants, such as fragrances, preservatives, or dyes, is always the best way to find a detergent for sensitive skin. Looking for claims like "gentle," "sensitive," "plant-based," and "hypoallergenic" is also a great way to narrow down your choices, but note that these are just a starting point, and your decision should not be solely made on these. Some detergents can also have seals from the National Eczema Association and the National Psoriasis Foundation, which can also be a great indicator that it's safe for sensitive skin.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Dena Ogden, commerce writer at The Spruce, updated this piece and contributed additional research. She's been writing professionally since 2016, and with The Spruce since August 2022, specializing in appliances, cleaning, and organizational topics. For this piece, she assessed insights from recent Lab tests of laundry detergent, assessed each recommended pick, and took into account expert insight.

Our Experts:

  • Dr. JiaDe (Jeff) Yu, an NEA "ecz-pert" and board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained pediatric dermatologist specializing in allergic contact dermatitis and occupational dermatitis in adults and children.
  • Theresa Holland also contributed to this story. Holland is a Portland-based toddler mom and professional writer with inherently sensitive skin and substantial experience researching, reviewing, and writing about household products.
These Are the 6 Best Laundry Detergents for Sensitive Skin (2024)

FAQs

These Are the 6 Best Laundry Detergents for Sensitive Skin? ›

all Free Clear is the #1 recommended detergent brand by dermatologists, allergists and pediatricians for sensitive skin. 100% free of perfumes and dyes, all Free Clear is Tough on Stains, Gentle on Skin.

What laundry detergent do dermatologists recommend? ›

all Free Clear is the #1 recommended detergent brand by dermatologists, allergists and pediatricians for sensitive skin. 100% free of perfumes and dyes, all Free Clear is Tough on Stains, Gentle on Skin.

What is the best laundry detergent to use if you have allergies? ›

Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergent

It's also certified by SkinSafe as Top Allergen Free, so you can rest assured that it's made without a number of known irritants, and is among the safest products on their scale.

What is the healthiest laundry detergent to use? ›

No matter which detergent you choose, follow those handy laundry symbols on your clothing labels.
  • Safest laundry detergent overall: Molly's Suds Unscented Detergent Powder.
  • Best powder: Charlie's Soap Laundry Powder.
  • Best detergent pods: Dropps Detergent Pods.
  • Best detergent sheets: Grove Co.
Apr 14, 2024

Is Persil better than Tide? ›

On average, Persil removes an average of 2% more stains than Tide detergents—and that's why it's our top-ranked liquid laundry detergent. Persil has been on sale in the U.S. since mid-2015, but it has long been a best-selling laundry detergent in Europe.

What is the number 1 detergent in the world? ›

Tide's Double Power refers to the superior formulation vs. Tide Naturals. Tide, a unit of Procter and Gamble, is the World's Oldest and Most Trusted Detergent brand and is the Market Leader in 23 Countries around the world.

What is America's #1 detergent? ›

America's favorite detergent, Tide, has every laundry detergent you need - whether it's HE detergent or Tide PODS® with Febreze. Learn More. Our heritage - celebrating the last 75 years.

Is arm & hammer better than Tide? ›

With a lineup that includes additives like Oxi-Clean or Febreze, Tide maintains its edge for those who want their wardrobe to emerge victorious against grime. In the opposite corner stands Arm & Hammer, flexing its natural components. For families sensitive to fragrances or strong detergents, it's a savior.

Is Woolite good for sensitive skin? ›

Especially my delicates. It's very mild so it's good for sensitive skin.

What are most people allergic to in laundry detergent? ›

Fragrances are often a primary culprit. Although they're designed to give your clothes a fresh scent, these fragrances can irritate the skin in some people, leading to allergic reactions. This is why you'll often find products labeled 'fragrance-free' that are usually better for sensitive skin.

What is the most gentle laundry detergent for eczema? ›

Laundry Detergents for Eczema, as Recommended by Members
  • All Free Clear Pure Liquid Detergent.
  • Purex Free and Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent.
  • Seventh Generation Free and Clear Laundry Detergent.
  • Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear Detergent.
  • Fairy Non Biological Stain Powder.
Mar 22, 2022

What are the symptoms of detergent allergy? ›

Symptoms may include:
  • red rash.
  • mild to severe itching.
  • blisters that may ooze or crust over.
  • bumps.
  • dry, cracking, or scaly skin.
  • tender skin.
  • burning skin.
  • swelling.
Apr 9, 2018

How do I choose laundry detergent for eczema and allergic prone skin? ›

Choose products (from detergents to fabric softeners) that are hypoallergenic, free of dyes and fragrances, and formulated for sensitive skin. Try liquid products, as they tend to leave fewer residues than powders. Consider using a liquid fabric softener.

What ingredient in detergent irritates skin? ›

Many products contain harsh chemicals (like 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen), preservatives, and artificial fragrances and dyes, all of which can aggravate the skin. “There are a lot of potential allergens in laundry detergents,” says Marie Leger, MD, Ph.

Is Tide free and gentle as good as regular Tide? ›

A: Both will give you the Tide clean you love, but are free of dyes and perfumes. Our Tide Simply line is made with a different formulation of cleaning ingredients, and doesn't contain specific stain-targeting enzymes.

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