Best Laundry Detergent for Eczema: What to Look For (and What to Avoid)

If you're searching for the best laundry detergent for eczema, chances are you're tired of the guesswork.

Maybe your child has eczema and you're trying to remove every possible trigger from your home. Or perhaps you have sensitive skin yourself and are wondering whether your laundry detergent could be contributing to irritation.

I know that feeling all too well.

As a mum of two boys with eczema-prone skin, I spent years trying different laundry detergents that claimed to be "gentle" or "suitable for sensitive skin." Time after time, I found myself making the same compromise.

The detergents that were gentle on my boys' skin often didn't clean our clothes properly. Stains lingered, sports uniforms still smelled, and towels never seemed truly fresh.

The detergents that cleaned brilliantly? They often left my boys' skin irritated.

I remember thinking, why should families have to choose between clean clothes and comfortable skin?

That question sent me down a path of researching ingredients, understanding what actually matters in a laundry detergent for sensitive skin, and eventually creating Barekin.

Whether you choose Barekin or another brand, here's what I learnt.

Can Laundry Detergent Affect Eczema?

Eczema isn't caused by laundry detergent, but for some people, certain ingredients in detergents can irritate already sensitive skin.

After every wash, your clothes, sheets, towels and pyjamas spend hours in contact with your skin. That's why many people with eczema choose products that minimise unnecessary ingredients and are designed with sensitive skin in mind.

If you're concerned that your detergent may be irritating your skin, it's worth reviewing the ingredients rather than relying solely on marketing claims on the front of the packaging.

What Makes the Best Laundry Detergent for Eczema?

Not every product labelled "sensitive" is the same. Here are the features worth looking for.

Fragrance-Free

One of the first things many people look for is a fragrance-free detergent.

Fragrances—whether synthetic or naturally derived—can be irritating for some people with eczema or sensitive skin. A fragrance-free detergent contains no added fragrance, making it a popular choice for families trying to reduce potential irritants.

No Added Dyes

Dyes don't help clean your clothes.

Their purpose is simply to colour the product, so many people with sensitive skin prefer detergents without added dyes.

Cleans Effectively

Gentle shouldn't mean ineffective.

A good laundry detergent should still remove everyday dirt, sweat, body oils and food stains while being suitable for sensitive skin.

After all, clothes that aren't properly cleaned can hold onto substances you probably don't want sitting against your skin.

Dissolves Completely

Laundry detergent works best when it dissolves and rinses away properly.

Products that dissolve completely help ensure the detergent is evenly distributed throughout the wash, leaving clothes feeling clean and fresh.

Ingredients People with Eczema Often Try to Avoid

Everyone's skin is different, but many people with eczema choose to avoid products containing:

• Added fragrance
• Artificial dyes
• Optical brighteners
• Ingredients they already know their skin reacts to

If you're unsure what triggers your eczema, speak with your healthcare professional for personalised advice.

Fragrance-Free vs Unscented: They're Not the Same

This is one of the biggest misconceptions.

A product labelled unscented may still contain fragrance ingredients that are added to mask the smell of the raw ingredients.

A fragrance-free product contains no added fragrance at all.

If you're shopping for eczema-prone skin, it's worth checking the ingredient list rather than relying on the wording on the front of the pack.

Other Laundry Tips for Eczema-Prone Skin

Choosing the right detergent is only one part of the picture.

These simple habits may also help reduce skin irritation:

• Wash new clothes before wearing them.
• Follow the recommended detergent dosage.
• Avoid overloading your washing machine.
• Wash bedding regularly.
• Store clean laundry in a dry, well-ventilated space.

Why I Created Barekin

After years of searching, I realised I wasn't the only parent struggling to find a detergent that both cleaned well and suited sensitive skin.

That's why I created Barekin.

Barekin is a fragrance-free, dye-free laundry sheet that dissolves completely in the wash and is designed to deliver a powerful clean without unnecessary additives.

It's also recognised by Eczema Association Australasia (EAA) for suitability on eczema-prone skin, giving families extra confidence when choosing a laundry detergent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best laundry detergent for eczema?

The best laundry detergent for eczema is generally one that is fragrance-free, dye-free, cleans effectively and is suitable for sensitive skin. Because everyone's skin is different, what works best can vary from person to person.

Is fragrance-free better than unscented?

For people trying to minimise exposure to fragrance, yes. Fragrance-free means no fragrance has been added, whereas unscented products may still contain ingredients used to mask odours.

Can laundry detergent make eczema worse?

For some people, certain ingredients in laundry detergents may irritate sensitive skin or contribute to flare-ups. If you suspect your detergent is a trigger, consider trying a fragrance-free option and discuss ongoing concerns with your healthcare professional.

What laundry detergent is best for babies with eczema?

Many parents choose a fragrance-free, dye-free detergent designed for sensitive skin when washing baby clothes, bedding and towels.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best laundry detergent for eczema isn't about choosing the strongest cleaner or the most expensive brand.

It's about finding a product that effectively cleans your clothes while avoiding unnecessary ingredients that may irritate sensitive skin.

For our family, that search inspired Barekin. My hope is that whether you're washing tiny baby clothes, school uniforms or your own everyday essentials, you can feel confident knowing your laundry detergent is working with your skin—not against it.