Can Laundry Detergent Make Eczema Worse?
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If you’re dealing with eczema or sensitive skin, you’ve probably spent hours researching creams, ingredients, foods, routines, and triggers.
I know I did.
As a mum of two boys with eczema, I was constantly trying to figure out what was causing flare ups and irritation. Every time my son’s skin would calm down, another flare up would send me straight back into research mode.
I thought I was focusing on the right things.
I was buying “sensitive” products, avoiding obvious irritants, trying different creams, and doing everything I could to help his skin feel calm.
But what I didn’t realise at the time was this:
It’s Not Just What You Put ON Your Skin
It’s also what touches your skin all day.
That includes:
- Clothes
- Bedding
- Towels
- School uniforms
- Pyjamas
- Anything washed in detergent
And for eczema-prone or sensitive skin, that can make a bigger difference than many people realise.
Can Laundry Detergent Trigger Eczema?
For some people, yes.
Many traditional laundry powders and liquids contain:
- Fragrance
- Strong surfactants
- Dyes
- Preservatives
- Essential oils
Even products labelled “sensitive” can still contain fragrance or ingredients that may irritate reactive skin.
But it’s not just about the ingredients.
One of the biggest things I learnt was that some detergents don’t fully rinse out during the wash.
That means detergent residue can remain in clothes, bedding, and fabrics — sitting against the skin all day.
For eczema-prone skin, that constant contact can contribute to irritation.
Signs Your Laundry Detergent May Be Irritating Your Skin
Everyone’s skin is different, but some signs that laundry detergent may be contributing to irritation include:
- Itchy skin after getting dressed
- Eczema flare ups after washing bedding or clothes
- Skin irritation that seems worse in certain fabrics
- Clothing feeling stiff or heavily fragranced after washing
Of course, eczema is complex and there are many possible triggers, including weather, food, allergens, stress, pollen, grass, and genetics.
But laundry is one of those everyday things that can easily be overlooked.
Why We Switched to Laundry Sheets
After researching more deeply into what was touching my son’s skin every day, I started looking for alternatives to traditional powders and liquids.
That’s what eventually led me to laundry sheets.
Unlike many traditional detergents, laundry sheets are designed to dissolve completely in the wash.
For us, that made more sense.
I also wanted something:
- Fragrance-free
- Simple
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Mess-free
- Easy to use
Why I Created Barekin
Barekin was created because I struggled to find a laundry detergent that aligned with everything I was looking for as an eczema mum.
Even many “sensitive” options still contained fragrance or left clothes feeling heavily scented.
So I created Barekin — fragrance-free laundry sheets designed for sensitive and eczema-prone skin.
Our laundry sheets fully dissolve in the wash, so nothing irritating is left sitting on clothes.
Why Families Choose Barekin
- Fragrance-free
- Designed for sensitive and eczema-prone skin
- Fully dissolves in the wash
- No messy liquids or powders
- Suitable for front and top loaders
- Hot and cold water compatible
- Lightweight and easy to store
Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference
When you’re dealing with eczema, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed trying to figure out what’s causing flare ups.
I know how exhausting the constant trial and error can feel.
And while there’s no single fix for eczema, looking at the everyday things touching your skin — including laundry detergent — can be an important piece of the puzzle.
Looking for a Fragrance-Free Laundry Detergent for Eczema-Prone Skin?
If you’ve been struggling to find a laundry detergent that works for sensitive skin, Barekin was created with families like yours in mind.
Shop Barekin fragrance-free laundry sheets here: