What to Buy Healthy Home & Appliances The 11 Best Laundry Detergents for Sensitive Skin, Recommended by Dermatologist All Free Clear removes stains without irritating your skin. By Nsisong Asanga Nsisong Asanga Nsisong Asanga is a public health physician and field epidemiologist with several years of clinical and field experience. health's editorial guidelines Updated on April 8, 2024 Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Susan Bard, MD, is a board-certified general and procedural dermatologist with the American Board of Dermatology and a Fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery. learn more In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews How We Selected The Experts How to Avoid Irritation Who We Are We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Health / Kristin Kempa Studies show 60–70% of women and 50–60% of men have sensitive skin, yet most laundry detergents still contain irritating chemicals. If you have sensitive skin prone to irritation or are living with skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, or eczema, it can be hard to find a product that doesn't worsen your symptoms. People with sensitive skin should avoid fragrances and dyes in detergents. Other possible allergens, including surfactants or preservatives, can also be irritating in some people, suggests Jason Miller, MD, of Schweiger Dermatology Group in New Jersey. The easiest way to find these detergents is to look for fragrance-, dye-, and brightener-free products. Brands labeled “hypoallergenic,” “free and clear,” and “for sensitive skin” are a good place to start. To help you find the best laundry detergent, we consulted experts, conducted research, examined ingredients, and interviewed people with sensitive skin. A general and procedural dermatologist on our Medical Expert Board also reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy regarding what to look for in laundry detergents for sensitive skin, how to avoid irritation when using them, and how to identify a detergent allergy. Recall Alert Procter & Gamble recalled millions of laundry detergent pods on April 5, 2024. The recall applies to the pods packaged in flexible film bags distributed in the United States. The packaging can split near the zipper track, allowing children and other vulnerable populations easy access to the pods. If ingested, the pods can be dangerous and can also cause serious eye or skin injuries. The brands involved in the recall include: Tide Pods Gain Flings Ace Pods Ariel Pods This article never included any of the recalled products, but we wanted you to be aware. We care deeply about our readers' health and safety. How To Choose the Best Detergent Choosing the right detergent for your sensitive skin begins with knowing what to avoid and what to look for. Ingredients to avoid: You’ll want to avoid irritants such as dyes, fragrances, surfactants, and preservatives. These added chemicals do more harm than good. And while artificial fragrances smell good, they can irritate your skin, says Jeannette Graf, MD, board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Labels to look for: Check ingredients for potential allergens and go for products with fewer chemicals. Choose liquid detergents over powders and look for products recognized by skin care authorities like the National Eczema Association and the National Psoriasis Foundation. Our Top Picks Best Overall: All Free Clear Liquid 2x Concentrated Laundry Detergent at Amazon ($12) Jump to Review Best for Eczema: Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent at Amazon ($14) Jump to Review Best Eco-Friendly: Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent Packs - Free and Clear at Amazon ($21) Jump to Review Best Hypoallergenic: ECOS Liquid Laundry Detergent at Amazon ($27) Jump to Review Best Smelling: Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Plus Fresh Scent at Amazon ($17) Jump to Review Best Plant-Based: Method 4x Concentrated Laundry Detergent at Amazon ($13) Jump to Review Best Powder: Charlie's Soap Laundry Powder at Amazon ($55) Jump to Review Best for Removing Stains: Persil ProClean Original at Amazon ($26) Jump to Review Best Pod: Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Detergent at Amazon ($16) Jump to Review Best Sheets: Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets at Amazon ($15) Jump to Review Best Overall All Free Clear Liquid 2x Concentrated Laundry Detergent Amazon View On Amazon $12 View On Target $12 View On Walmart $5 Why We Like It All Free Clear Laundry Detergent is our best overall pick for sensitive skin because it’s endorsed by the National Eczema Association, affordable, hypoallergenic, and free from perfumes and dyes while still tough on stains and dander. Despite being a liquid detergent, it's not messy and is readily available from most stores. Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, recommends this product for people with sensitive skin and significant allergies, as it removes up to 99% of allergens such as pollen, dust mite matter, and pet dander. It's Worth Noting It doesn't contain softeners, so your clothes may be slightly stiff after a wash. And while its lack of perfume is great for mitigating skin reactions, you may miss the lingering fresh scent on your clothes after washing. Product details: Type: Liquid Scent: Unscented Dye-free: YesHypoallergenic: Yes Best for Eczema Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent Amazon View On Amazon $14 View On Target $13 View On Walmart $25 Why We Like It Most detergents for sensitive skin seem to trade irritation for washing ability, but Tide Free & Gentle Laundry Detergent checks both boxes. This product is made with minimal chemicals (just 13 on its ingredient list) and is designed to keep skin safe. Recognized by the National Eczema Association and National Psoriasis Foundation, it's a good start for anyone looking for a product designed especially for people with eczema. Gibran Shaikh, MD, a dermatologist with The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, recommends Tide Free & Gentle because it’s hypoallergenic and contains no dyes or perfumes, which is great for sensitive skin. It's available in two formulas for regular and high-efficiency washing machine use. It's Worth Noting Its unscented formula may be a turnoff to some who prefer a fresh scent, and its wide-mouth dispenser could get messy when you fill your detergent dispenser drawer. Product details: Type: Liquid Scent: Unscented Dye-free: YesHypoallergenic: Yes Best Eco-Friendly Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent Packs - Free and Clear Amazon View On Amazon $21 View On Target $14 View On Grove.co Why We Like It This Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent is gentle on sensitive skin while washing well. It’s our pick for the best eco-friendly detergent because it’s free from artificial fragrance, dye, and brighteners. Optical brighteners in detergents (ingredients used to make the color of your clothes appear brighter) are more likely to irritate sensitive skin and they're bad for the environment because they’re not biodegradable. Seventh Generation Concentrated detergent is USDA-certified as a 99% bio-based product, EPA Safer Choice certified, and has a cruelty-free seal from Leaping Bunny. Its customized bottle also helps you get the exact amount of detergent you need for each wash with minimal waste. It's Worth Noting Although its cost per load is higher than similar brands', if you want to care for your skin while preserving the planet, it's definitely worth considering. Product details: Type: Liquid Scent: Unscented Dye-free: YesHypoallergenic: Yes Best Hypoallergenic ECOS Liquid Laundry Detergent Amazon View On Amazon $27 View On Walmart $13 View On Home Depot $14 Why We Like It While most of the products on this list are hypoallergenic, ECOS Hypoallergenic Liquid Laundry Detergent is our top pick because it’s a powerful plant-based product that's both hypoallergenic and eco-friendly. It omits dye, formaldehyde, brighteners, and phthalates. Debra Jaliman, MD, board-certified dermatologist, assistant professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and author of the book "Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist," recommends this plant-based detergent because it has all the free + clean markers of a detergent that is good for people with skin sensitivities. We love that it’s completely vegan and features coconut as a lead ingredient. It's Worth Noting It smells of magnolia and lilies. If you’re not interested in botanical scents, we recommend an unscented detergent on this list. Product details: Type: Liquid Scent: Magnolia and lilyDye-free: YesHypoallergenic: Yes Best Smelling Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Plus Fresh Scent Walmart View On Amazon $17 View On Walmart $22 Why We Like It Arm & Hammer’s Sensitive Skin Plus Fresh Scent Laundry Detergent is great for people with sensitive skin who don’t want to give up a fresh, clean scent on their just-washed clothes. This product is designed to be gentle on your skin and tough on dirt and stains while leaving your clothes smelling their best. Elizabeth Mullans, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Uptown Dermatology, recommends this product because it's unlikely to lead to further irritation and has a 100% SkinSAFE rating. The product is dye-free and can be used with all washing machine types at all temperatures. It also has eco-friendly, recyclable packaging and hasn't been tested on animals. It's Worth Noting It may not be great at fully cleaning whites. We recommend saving this one for your colored clothing loads. Product details: Type: Liquid Scent: FreshDye-free: YesHypoallergenic: Yes Best Plant-Based Method 4x Concentrated Laundry Detergent Courtesy of Target View On Amazon $13 View On Target $15 View On Walmart $25 Why We Like It Method Liquid Laundry Detergent is a plant-based, hypoallergenic, biodegradable product designed to be gentle on your skin. Dr. Graf also recommends this product for patients with sensitive skin. In addition to the fragrance-free option, Free + Clear, it has a range of botanical scents, including lavender cypress, beach sage, and ginger mango. It has a concentrated formula, so a little goes a long way. It looks out for the planet as this product has not been tested on animals, and its bottle is made from recycled plastic. It's Worth Noting Only the Free + Clear option comes without dyes. If dyes have been known to irritate your skin, opt for the Free + Clear version. Product details: Type: Liquid Scent: Unscented and scented optionsDye-free: Dye-free and dye-inclusive options Hypoallergenic: Yes Best Powder Charlie's Soap Laundry Powder Amazon View On Amazon $55 View On Target $55 View On Walmart $33 Why We Like It While liquid detergents are often better for sensitive skin, a powder detergent can be more affordable and easier to ship. Charlie Soap Natural Laundry Powder is hypoallergenic and free from dyes and synthetic fragrances, which makes it unlikely to cause flare-ups or skin irritation. We also love that this product is eco-friendly. Charlie’s Soap laundry detergent is certified by the EPA Safer Choice, and unlike most powder detergents, it won’t leave a residue. A little goes a long way, so you can save money on an already affordable product in the long run. It’s Worth Noting If your water is unusually hard, it may not get your clothes as clean as you’d like. Product details: Type: Powder Scent: UnscentedDye-free: YesHypoallergenic: Yes Best for Removing Stains Persil ProClean Original Courtesy of Walmart View On Amazon $26 View On Target $13 View On Walmart $13 Why We Like It Detergents for sensitive skin typically struggle to remove stains and dirt. Persil ProClean Power Liquid Laundry Detergent Sensitive Skin is exceptional because it cleans effectively yet is unlikely to irritate your skin. It removes all kinds of stains, including red wine, proteins, and oils, which aren’t always easy to find in a formula for sensitive skin. It’s also great for heavily soiled clothes and removing strong odors. This product is dye- and perfume-free but has a strong scent. It combines the power of the original Persil detergent with a hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested formula. But doing this means compromise on both sides—it may still cause reactions, and it's not as strong as the regular formula. It works in cold water and with all kinds of washing machines. It's Worth Noting Some irritants, including sodium borate and polyethyleneimine, remain in the formula, so your skin may react to it, especially if you are sensitive to any of its ingredients. Product details: Type: LiquidScent: Intense freshDye-free: YesHypoallergenic: Yes Best Pod Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Detergent Amazon View On Amazon $16 View On Dropps.com $26 View On Thrive Market $15 Why We Like It Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Laundry Detergent was created for sensitive skin, pets, and babies. It’s famous for having no scent whatsoever. Made from plant-based ingredients, it cleans gently without exposing your skin to harmful chemicals. And it's free of fragrance, dye, enzymes, paraben, optical brighteners, phthalates, and phosphates. It's also not tested on animals, so it’s cruelty-free. If you’re partial to scented liquids, this detergent may take some time to get used to. It won’t leave any smell on your clothing, and you can toss the pods straight into the tub of your washing machine. Some users say they dissolve the pods in warm water to improve results. It's Worth Noting While these pods may work better for natural fabrics like wool, silk, and cashmere, they may not be the best for delicate or heavily soiled clothes. Product details: Type: PodsScent: UnscentedDye-free: YesHypoallergenic: Yes Best Sheets Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets Amazon View On Amazon $15 View On Walmart $23 View On Earthbreeze.com Why We Like It If you want an environment-friendly product, laundry detergent sheets may appeal to you more than liquids. They don't use plastic bottles, take up little to no space, and are easy to carry around. Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets are some of the best laundry detergent sheets for people with sensitive skin. The scent-free option is hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested. The product is also free from phthalates, phosphates, bleach, dyes, and parabens. We love that Earth Breeze’s laundry sheets are vegan, cruelty-free, and have a carbon-neutral footprint. In addition to its notable eco-friendly efforts, Earth Breeze has a social program that donates ten free loads to those in need with every purchase. There’s also a 100% product guarantee and refund if you aren’t completely pleased with your purchase. It's Worth Noting This product may not be the best for clothes that need deep cleaning, like athletic wear or uniforms. However, we think these sheets are a great option for washing everyday clothes. Product details: Type: SheetsScent: Unscented and scented optionsDye-free: YesHypoallergenic: Yes Best for Babies Dreft Liquid Baby Detergent Amazon View On Amazon $20 View On Target Why We Like It If your baby or child has sensitive skin, Dreft Pure Gentleness Laundry Detergent may be right for them. This product has a gentle, hypoallergenic, plant-based formula that pediatricians recommend. It contains no dyes, chlorine, phosphates, fragrances, or brighteners and works in all washing machines—even in cold water. This detergent is also made with renewable electricity and is recognized as an EPA Safer Choice product. It's Worth Noting Although this product is formulated for babies, some children may still react to its ingredients as it contains chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium borate. Also, it may not be as tough on stains as other baby laundry detergents. However, if your baby is experiencing skin reactions, we think a few stains are worth the trade. Product details: Type: LiquidScent: UnscentedDye-free: YesHypoallergenic: Yes How We Selected To find the best laundry detergent for sensitive skin, we spoke with seven dermatologists who are experts in their field to ask for their advice on what to consider when purchasing a detergent for sensitive skin. Based on their knowledge, they provided us with recommendations for products. Using their guidance, we analyzed the ingredients, reviews, and common concerns of individuals with sensitive skin to identify the top options available. The Experts Jason Miller, MD, of Schweiger Dermatology Group in New Jersey. Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, Hadley King, MD, board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Debra Jaliman, MD, board-certified dermatologist, assistant professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and author of the book "Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist," Jeannette Graf, MD, board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Elizabeth Mullans, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Uptown Dermatology Gibran Shaikh, MD, a dermatologist with The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York How to Avoid Irritation When Using Laundry Detergents A laundry detergent allergy—also called contact dermatitis— may look different for each person. Typically, it looks like a red, itchy rash in areas where the skin touches the clothing that has laundry residue. To avoid irritation when using detergents, there are some precautions you can take: Wear protective gear. cleaning gloves can be a barrier and protect your skin from direct contact with chemicals. Add an extra rinse. Whether you’re washing by hand or with a washing machine, an extra rinse can reduce the amount of chemicals left on the clothes and reduce your risk of being exposed to irritants. Use a hypoallergenic fabric conditioner. Fabric conditioners or softeners can make clothes less irritating to your skin. Measure detergent correctly. Aim to use the right amount; when in doubt, aim for a lower amount. Using the right amount of detergent makes it easier to rinse away and less likely to irritate you. Although the products we’ve shared are designed for sensitive skin, you cannot predict how your skin will respond to them until you try them. A product that has rave reviews may trigger or worsen your specific flare-up. It may take a while to find the perfect product for you. Sometimes, even a plant-based product may not work for you, and one considered stronger or irritating may be mild on your skin. Who We Are Dr. Nsisong Asanga is a physician, mother, and freelance writer. Her work has been published by WebMD, Verywell Health, Healthline, Insider, SELF, and other platforms. Nsisong has sensitive skin and cares for people who do. She loves to search for the best products and share tips to help others keep their skin healthy. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit 1 Source Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Do LH, Azizi N, Maibach H. Sensitive skin syndrome: An update. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2019;21(3):401-409. doi:10.1007/s40257-019-00499-7