Fragrance-Free Laundry Detergent: Why It Matters for Sensitive Skin and Eczema
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When my eldest son developed eczema, I spent countless hours researching creams, moisturisers and skincare routines.
Like many parents, I assumed that was where the answer was.
But over time, I realised something that completely changed the way I thought about eczema.
It isn't just what you put on your skin.
It's also what touches your skin every single day.
That includes:
- Clothing
- Bedding
- Towels
- School uniforms
- Pyjamas
Which means your laundry detergent plays a much bigger role than many people realise.
Why Is Fragrance a Problem for Sensitive Skin?
Fragrance is one of the most common ingredients added to laundry detergents.
Its purpose isn't to clean clothes.
It's simply there to make them smell fresh.
For people with healthy skin, this may not cause any issues.
However, for people with sensitive or eczema-prone skin, fragrance can be an unnecessary irritant.
That's why many dermatologists and eczema organisations recommend choosing fragrance-free skincare and laundry products where possible.
"Sensitive" Doesn't Always Mean Fragrance-Free
One of the biggest surprises for me was discovering that products labelled:
- Sensitive
- Gentle
- Baby
- Natural
can still contain fragrance.
Some also contain essential oils or botanical fragrances that still provide scent.
If you're shopping for laundry detergent for eczema-prone skin, don't rely on the marketing on the front of the pack.
Always check whether the product is actually labelled fragrance-free.
Why What Stays on Clothes Matters
Laundry detergent doesn't disappear the moment the wash cycle finishes.
If detergent doesn't rinse away effectively, small amounts may remain on fabrics.
That means your clothes, bedding and towels are sitting against your skin for hours every day.
When you're managing eczema, reducing unnecessary skin contact with potential irritants can be an important part of your routine.
What to Look For in a Laundry Detergent for Sensitive Skin
When choosing a detergent, look for one that is:
✔ Fragrance-free
✔ Suitable for sensitive skin
✔ Effective in hot and cold washes
✔ Easy to use
✔ Designed to dissolve completely during the wash
Why I Created Barekin
After trying product after product, I couldn't find a laundry detergent that gave me confidence.
Many products marketed as "sensitive" still contained fragrance.
Others cleaned well but weren't designed with sensitive skin in mind.
As an eczema mum, I wanted something simple.
That's why I created Barekin.
Barekin laundry sheets are:
- Fragrance-free
- Designed for sensitive and eczema-prone skin
- Fully dissolve during the wash
- Suitable for front and top-loading washing machines
- Lightweight and mess-free
Barekin was created because I wanted Australian families to have another option—one designed with sensitive skin in mind, without compromising on cleaning performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fragrance-free laundry detergent better for eczema?
Many people with eczema choose fragrance-free laundry detergents because fragrance is a common source of irritation for sensitive skin. Every person is different, so it's important to find what works for your individual skin and discuss persistent symptoms with your healthcare professional.
What does fragrance-free mean?
Fragrance-free means a product has not had fragrance added to create a scent. This differs from "unscented", which can sometimes include ingredients used to mask odours.
Is fragrance-free the same as unscented?
Not always.
A product labelled "unscented" may still contain fragrance ingredients that neutralise or mask odours. If avoiding fragrance is important to you, look specifically for products labelled "fragrance-free".
Final Thoughts
Managing eczema can feel overwhelming.
I know because I've been there.
Sometimes it's the small everyday choices—like what touches your skin all day—that deserve a closer look.
If you're searching for a fragrance-free laundry detergent designed for sensitive and eczema-prone skin, Barekin was created with families like ours in mind.
👉 Explore Barekin's fragrance-free laundry sheets at www.barekin.com.au