Here's something you'll wish you knew sooner: fabric care is skincare. The way you take care of the laundry in your home (towels, clothes linens) can make all the difference when it comes to how your skin looks and feels. You may have curated a meticulous 10-step routine, but still wake up with irritated, reactive skin. Why? Because the laundry detergent you use may be quietly working against you.
Think about it. What touches your skin more hours of the day than literally anything else? The clothes you wear (and, hopefully, often wash). If those clothes are washed in a detergent loaded with chemical irritants, your skin is bound to get irritated. So, why put your skin through it?
Our editors went ahead did the research (and the loads of laundry) so you don't have to. These are the 5 best laundry detergents for sensitive skin — all crafted with clean ingredients and proven against stains.
Before we get into our top 5 picks, here's a quick rundown on what to look for (and what to avoid) when shopping for a skin-friendly detergent.
Look for: Plant-based surfactants (surface-active agents), hypoallergenic formulas, fragrance-free or explicitly naturally-scented options, dermatologist-tested labels, and biodegradable ingredients.
Avoid: Synthetic fragrances (one of the biggest skin irritants), dyes & brighteners (chemical coatings that cling to fabric even after washing), phosphates, parabens, and SLS/SLES if your skin is particularly reactive.
Now, on to our top 5.
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This laundry detergent is one of the most popular detergents for sensitive skin for a reason. Made with plant based ingredients, it contains no dyes, artificial brighteners, or fragrances, and it is hypoallergenic. Even with all clean ingredients, Seventh Generation still lifts tough stains, and makes your laundry smell fresh and clean.
Why our editors love it: It's a safe, cost-efficient, and reliable choice that delivers every single time.
Hypoallergenic and mostly plant powered, this laundry detergent is not only great for sensitive skin, but also has a slightly sweet smell of coconut. This does not mean it is scented, which is not always gentle on one's skin, but rather ECOS uses coconut as a cleaning property. This means that whites are brightened, and colors are rejuvenated, all with a lovely fresh scent that is understated and perfect for summer.
Why our editors love it: It packs in all the gentleness of a fragrance-free formula, with an extra subtle freshness that won't do you any harm!
Basic and reliable, this is one of the most affordable options for laundry detergent. Filled with simply ingredients, with sodium being its' super power, it is tough on stubborn stains, and will clean your clothes thoroughly in all water temperatures. Additionally, it is blended with Arm and Hammer's Baking Soda, which is especially perfect for dirt stains. Despite its' tough aesthetic, this laundry detergent gets the job done, all while protecting your skin.
Why our editors love it: The most budget-friendly option on this list, yet packs a total punch! Great for tough stains and keeping clothes vibrant.
Although this laundry detergent does have clean ingredients, is hypoallergenic, and is awesome at lifting tough stains, what's even more appealing of this brand is that it was founded by a woman and is women-owned. Created by a pediatric nurse and mom, the goal was to have a gentle detergent safe enough for children's sensitive skin, but also able to really scrub out any stain that might appear. The clean ingredients are great for sensitive skin, and will make your laundry feel soft and smell great.
Why our editors love it: Highly concentrated and features a fun design. It's simple and aesthetically pleasing to display on your laundry room shelves.
Like Molly's Suds, this laundry detergent was also created by women, but this time women scientists. It has no artificial dyes, brighteners, or preservatives, and has a variety of lovely scent options. However, the secret weapon in this detergent that makes it work extraordinarily well against stains, is so simply it's crazy. Vinegar. Vinegar is surprisingly a powerful ingredient, and it shows with this detergent. Not only are the ingredients clean and safe for sensitive skin, but this brand also prides itself on being eco friendly. So do your skin and the planet a favor, and give 9 Elements a try.
Why our editors love it: Vinegar adds a kick to this formula that takes down stains with no problem.
