12 Best Laundry Detergents for Sensitive Skin

All Free & Clear is touted as the number one recommended laundry detergent for sensitive skin by dermatologists, allergists and pediatricians. It’s gentle enough for babies and children who suffer from eczema since it’s hypoallergenic and completely free of dyes and perfumes. It also promises to remove 99 percent of everyday and seasonal allergens, dog and cat dander, dust mite matter, ragweed pollen and grass and tree pollen. Plus, it’s safe to use in all washing machines, including high efficiency (HE) washers.

“A laundry product labeled “Free & Clear” will usually tell you what ingredients it is free and clear of,” says Gagliardi. “Typically, this includes dyes and fragrances. Checking the ingredient list to see what’s in a product is important as you experiment with different products to find one that doesn’t irritate your skin,” she adds.

Pros

• Doesn’t irritate your skin
• Recommended by dermatologists, allergists and pediatricians
• Free & Clear ingredients

Cons

• Get’s very sticky

Arm & Hammer is a trusted brand that gets the job done when it comes to fighting stains and odors, and it won’t break the bank. Their sensitive skin detergent has been rated 100 percent by SkinSAFE, meaning it excludes 100 percent of their most concerning skin allergens and is made for sensitive skin. The unique, lower-sudsing formula rinses cleaner and is designed to work in both standard and HE washers. The 210-ounce container costs about 17 cents a load. That’s a great value!

Pros

• Great value
• SkinSAFE approved
• Lower-sudsing formula

Cons

• Strong scent

All of Cleancult’s laundry detergents are made from non-toxic, plant-based ingredients that are free from GMOs, parabens and phthalates. And while all of their products, including their scented versions, are made with safe and gentle ingredients, stick with their unscented detergent if you have especially sensitive skin.

One more thing to feel good about: Not only is Cleancult’s detergent eco-friendly, but their packaging is as well. Start by purchasing one of their reusable, shatter-resistant glass detergent bottles. Then each time you order your detergent, simply pour it from the 100 percent recyclable paper carton into your reusable glass bottle. And don’t worry if the bottle starts to look a little messy. It’s dishwasher safe! Cleancult also made our list of the best-smelling laundry detergents.

Pros

• Coconut scent
• Free of parabens and phthalates
• Safe ingredients

Cons

• Leave a mess on clothes

Seventh Generation Free & Clear is a biodegradable laundry detergent that fights tough stains without the use of fragrances, dyes and artificial brighteners. It’s also a USDA Certified Biobased Product, meaning that 96 percent of its ingredients are certified plant-based. You can wash your clothes knowing that you’re taking care of both your skin and the environment.

Pros

• USDA Certified
• Cleans very tough stains without any fragrances
• Can last up to 53 loads

Cons

• Strong scent

When it comes to washing those teeny tiny socks, hats and layettes, Dreft’s Stage 1 hypoallergenic laundry detergent is the safest bet. It’s specifically formulated for newborn babies, so it won’t irritate their delicate skin. This detergent has more than 20,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, with most users praising its gentleness and sweet baby scent. However, if you happen to have a more sensitive nose, it’s worth noting that several users find the scent to be a bit overpowering. That said, if you’re not overly bothered by smells, you can’t go wrong with this tried and true brand.

Pros

• Gentle detergent
• Cleans socks, hats and layettes nicely

Cons

• Strong scent

If you’re trying to be extra careful about what you use for your tiniest treasures, then you may want to try Noodle & Boo’s Ultra Safe Laundry Detergent. Its plant-based formula is made without any sulfates, dyes, formaldehyde, phosphates, phthalates, optical brighteners or 1.4-dioxane, so it’s biodegradable as well.

Aside from being one of the cleanest detergents on the market, Noodle & Boo is also known for its signature fresh baby scent. Almost every single one of its five-star reviews describes the scent as “wonderful,” “amazing,” and even “heavenly.” Still worried it may be too strong? One user promises that it’s “not too heavy of a scent” while another assures us that it only “leaves a gentle scent.” Another shopper admitted, “I was concerned I wouldn’t like it because it initially has a really strong baby powder smell, but it actually smells really good after clothes are washed.”

Pros

• Fresh baby scent that last for days
• Cleans all stains
• Very gentle on clothes

Cons

• Reviewers complained about the price

Not sure which laundry detergent for sensitive skin to use on your high-thread-count sheets or pricey undergarments? Look no further than Heritage Park’s luxury detergent. This fragrance-free formula is certified hypoallergenic as well as dermatologist- and pediatrician-approved. It’s free from dyes, sulfates, phosphates, optical brighteners, chlorine bleach and caustic chemicals, but is still effective when it comes to removing odors and stains. Your most delicate fabrics are sure to hold up for years to come.

Heritage Park Laundry Detergent is Leaping Bunny Certified, which means that no animal testing occurred during development or production of their detergents. It’s even gone one step further to ensure that its suppliers have made the same pledge. The fact that it’s cruelty-free and biodegradable makes this product safe for people, animals and the environment.

Pros

• Dermatologist-tested detergent
• Free of dyes, sulfates, and caustic chemicals
• Affective in removing stains and odors
• Leaping Bunny Certified

Cons

• Can leave a mess

More than 14,000 people have given Persil ProClean detergent a five-star rating, with a large swath of users saying they have permanently switched over to Persil after years of using other leading brands. Specially formulated for sensitive skin, this dermatologist-tested laundry detergent for sensitive skin is completely free of dyes and perfumes. And while it’s gentle on skin, it’s still tough on stains, which makes it a perfect detergent for everyday use.

Pros

• Dermatologist-tested detergent
• Free of dyes and perfumes
• Can go up to 110 loads

Cons

• A little pricey
• Reviewers share they experience a leakage

If you or your washing machine happen to prefer powdered detergent, then this hypoallergenic, eco-friendly detergent from Charlie’s Soap is a excellent choice. Made using just four plant-based biodegradable ingredients, the formula is EPA Safer Choice certified, meaning it’s safer for the environment and your septic system. Charlie’s Soap recommends using just one tablespoon of the detergent to remove everything from old residue left by your previous detergent to grease, grass, red wine, blood and (calling all cloth diaper moms) poop. Happy washing! Just try to avoid these laundry mistakes.

Pros

• Plant-based detergent
• Can use a teaspoon for a small amount
• Can clean grease, grass, red wine, and blood stains perfectly
• EPA Safer Choice certified

Cons

• A little pricey

If you want to give special yet gentle attention to some of the pricier pieces in your wardrobe, try this luxurious laundry detergent for sensitive skin by The Laundress. Its unscented formula is allergen-free, plant-based and free of animal by-products and artificial coloring, so it won’t hurt your skin or your clothes. Don’t be deterred by the small bottle size. A little squirt goes a long way with this small but mighty bottle of concentrated detergent—it should last up to 32 wash loads, not to mention also look beautiful in the laundry room.

Pros

• Luxurious laundry detergent
• Unscented
• Plant-based

Cons

• Only can last up to 32 loads

If you like the convenience of a laundry detergent pod, you’ll love these EPA Safer Choice Certified powder pods. They’re made from naturally derived ingredients and are free of chlorine, dyes, optical brighteners and phosphates, making them a perfect and convenient choice for sensitive skin. The pods have several natural scent options, including birch branch, oak tree, olive leaf and rose. But, if you have sensitive skin, you’ll likely want to stick with rain, which is fragrance free.

Pros

• Powder pods
• Natural ingredients
• Natural scents

Cons

• Scent doesn’t last long

Looking for a gentle, hypoallergenic laundry detergent for sensitive skin that doesn’t smell like, well, nothing? Botanical Origin’s plant-based, sensitive laundry detergent is free from dyes and brighteners, but still tough on all of your classic stains—food, coffee, wine, you name it. But what we really love is that this gentle detergent is available in two scented options: orange blossom and citrus leaves, or fresh jasmine and wild lavender.

Rather than using artificial perfumes, the formula is infused with essential oils for a natural, fresh scent that won’t overstay its welcome. I can personally verify that Botanical Origin detergent fills the whole laundry room with a fresh citrus scent that rivals a diffuser. Oh, and the fabric softener is also free of parabens and smells just as good.

Pros

• Gentle detergent for sensitive skin
• Plant-based
• Comes in two scents
• Infused with essential oils

Cons

• Always run out of stock

What to look for in a laundry detergent for sensitive skin

When searching for a new detergent, there are a few things Gagliardi wants you to keep in mind. Look for products labeled “free and clear,” says Gagliardi, “and double check the ingredient list to ensure there is no added fragrance or colorant in the product.”

Dr. Yadav also suggests keeping an eye out for certain keywords like hypoallergenic or dermatologist-recommended. “Look for seals of approval from organizations like the National Eczema Association,” she adds. Here are three more features to keep in mind.

• Type: In general, the form of the detergent shouldn’t matter, shares Gagliardi. The absence of fragrance or colorant is what you are looking for, she explains.
  
• Ingredients: “Fragrance and colorant are two ingredients that add aesthetic value favored by many consumers, but they can be irritating to some with sensitive skin,” explains Gagliardi. “Removing these ingredients from the formula to accommodate people with sensitive skin, while retaining the other components, won’t compromise cleaning performance.”
• Testing and certifications: Gagliardi advises checking the specific purpose of the certification, rather than merely confirming its presence. Some certifications may only require payment to the organization. “If you choose to purchase certified products, make sure they are from an organization that you trust,” she says.

How we found the best laundry detergents for sensitive skin

To find the best and most effective laundry detergents, we consulted with dermatologists as well as Clorox’s in-house scientist to determine what makes a detergent safe for sensitive skin. We tested numerous options ourselves and reviewed customer feedback and reviews to ensure general consumer satisfaction. Additionally, we made sure to include selections for every budget and need.

Why you should trust us

As a freelance writer for Reader’s Digest, I specialize in finding the best products that resonate with consumers. My writing portfolio includes contributions to WE TV, PopSugar, U.S. News & World Report and Gourmet Insider. With a background as a Certified Literacy Specialist and former teacher, I’m passionate about empowering readers to make informed choices.

For this article, we consulted experts in laundry detergent and skin care. Mary Gagliardi, known as Dr. Laundry, has more than 24 years of experience in laundry product research and development for Clorox. Geeta Yadav, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology. Dr. Erum N. Ilyas, a board-certified dermatologist focusing on adult and pediatric medical dermatology, also provided insights.

FAQ

What is the difference between free and clear and regular detergent?

According to Dr. Yadav, free and clear indicates that it doesn’t include common allergens like fragrances or the dyes found in many detergents.

Is liquid detergent better for sensitive skin?

“It depends on the fragrance used in the formulation and if there is any added colorant, combined with the unique sensitivity of the individual, not the form,” explains Gagliardi.

Will laundry detergent for sensitive skin actually get clothes clean?

The short answer is yes. “But remember not to use more than what is recommended,” advises Dr. Yadav. “Using too much detergent will actually leave your clothes dirty,” she explains. “Excess detergent in the fabric leaves streaks of detergent residue and makes them feel sticky or grimy.”

Is all free and clear detergent safe for babies?

Detergents labeled as free and clear are an excellent option for washing your baby’s clothes. “For babies, garments and accessories often accumulate significant staining and residue,” says Dr. Ilyas, who also collaborates with P&G Fabric Care. Using a laundry detergent for their clothing is likely necessary to ensure proper cleaning, she notes, and free and clear options get the job done.