Fragrance-Free vs Unscented Laundry Detergent: What's the Difference?

If you have eczema-prone or sensitive skin, you may already be looking for a laundry detergent without a strong scent.

But when you start reading laundry labels, two terms often appear:

Fragrance-free.

And unscented.

I used to assume they meant exactly the same thing.

They don't necessarily.

As a mum of two boys with eczema, understanding the difference changed the way I looked at the products washing our clothes, bedding, towels and pyjamas.

So, what is the difference between fragrance-free and unscented laundry detergent?

The Short Answer: Fragrance-Free vs Unscented Laundry Detergent

Fragrance-free laundry detergent is generally formulated without added fragrance to give the product or your laundry a scent.

Unscented laundry detergent is designed to have no noticeable scent, but the term does not necessarily tell you whether fragrance or masking ingredients have been used in the formulation.

If you are specifically trying to avoid added fragrance because of sensitive or eczema-prone skin, don't rely on the word "unscented" alone.

Check the individual product information and ingredient details provided by the manufacturer.

What Does Fragrance-Free Laundry Detergent Mean?

A fragrance-free laundry detergent is generally formulated without added fragrance for the purpose of scenting the product or your clothes.

In simple terms, fragrance isn't added to make your laundry smell like:

Fresh linen
Flowers
Lavender
Ocean breeze
Citrus

This was important to me because I eventually realised something incredibly simple:

Fragrance doesn't clean clothes.

We are so used to associating a strong "fresh laundry" smell with cleanliness that it can feel strange to wash clothes without perfume.

But clean laundry doesn't actually need to smell like anything.

For our family, I stopped chasing a strong laundry scent and started asking a different question:

What do I actually want sitting against my sons' skin every day?

What Does Unscented Laundry Detergent Mean?

"Unscented" generally means a product is intended to have no noticeable scent.

However, unscented does not necessarily mean fragrance-free.

Depending on the individual formulation, ingredients may be used to neutralise or mask the natural smell of a product.

This is why I don't assume that a product is fragrance-free simply because I can't smell it.

If avoiding added fragrance is important to you, look at the information supplied by the manufacturer and check whether the product is specifically described as fragrance-free.

Is Unscented the Same as Fragrance-Free?

No, unscented and fragrance-free do not necessarily mean the same thing.

An unscented product is designed to have no noticeable smell.

A fragrance-free product is generally formulated without fragrance being intentionally added to create a scent.

The exact formulation will vary between products, so always check the manufacturer's product and ingredient information.

For families managing eczema-prone or sensitive skin, this distinction may be worth understanding.

I wish I had understood it much earlier.

Why Does Fragrance Matter for Sensitive and Eczema-Prone Skin?

Eczema is complex.

There is no single trigger that applies to every person, and changing laundry detergent is not a cure for eczema.

For my sons, I have spent years looking at different potential triggers and environmental factors.

Food.

Pollen and grass.

Hot, humid weather.

Skincare.

And eventually, laundry.

What made me think differently about laundry was the amount of time our skin spends in contact with washed fabrics.

Think about it.

Pyjamas and bedding touch your child's skin throughout the night.

A school uniform may be worn for most of the day.

Clothes sit directly against the skin.

Towels come into contact with freshly washed skin.

For people with reactive skin, fragrance can be a potential source of irritation. This is one reason some families with sensitive or eczema-prone skin choose to simplify their routine and use fragrance-free products.

Can Unscented Laundry Detergent Still Contain Fragrance?

An unscented product may still contain ingredients used to mask or neutralise odour, depending on its formulation.

That doesn't mean every product labelled unscented contains fragrance.

It means the word "unscented" alone isn't enough to determine a product's complete formulation.

If you are specifically looking for laundry detergent without added fragrance, check whether the manufacturer clearly describes the product as fragrance-free and review the product information available.

This is particularly important if you are choosing products for a child or adult with known sensitivities.

What Should You Look for in a Fragrance-Free Laundry Detergent?

When I was searching for laundry products for our family, these were some of the things that became important to me.

1. Clear fragrance-free labelling

I wanted a product that clearly stated it was fragrance-free rather than relying on words such as "gentle" or "sensitive".

2. A product designed with sensitive skin in mind

If you have eczema-prone or sensitive skin, look at who the product has actually been created for.

3. Effective dissolution

Laundry detergent still needs to work within your washing routine.

I wanted a product designed to fully dissolve in the wash.

4. Effective everyday cleaning

I have two boys.

I didn't want to choose between sensitive-skin considerations and clothes that were actually clean.

5. Simple, convenient dosing

I also wanted to take the guesswork out of pouring laundry liquid or scooping powder.

That became one of the reasons laundry sheets made sense to me.

Why I Created Barekin Fragrance-Free Laundry Sheets

I created Barekin because I couldn't find the laundry product I wanted for our family.

I wanted something fragrance-free.

I wanted something designed for sensitive and eczema-prone skin.

I wanted a laundry sheet that fully dissolved in the wash.

And I needed it to clean the everyday laundry of a family with two young boys.

So I created Barekin.

Barekin is an Australian fragrance-free laundry sheet designed for sensitive and eczema-prone skin.

Barekin is recognised by Eczema Association Australasia for suitability on eczema-prone skin.

Each box contains 50 pre-measured laundry sheets. The sheets fully dissolve and can be used in hot or cold water and in front or top-loading washing machines.

There is no added fragrance to make your laundry smell like flowers, lavender or "fresh linen".

Because I don't believe laundry needs perfume to be clean.

Is Barekin Fragrance-Free or Unscented?

Barekin is fragrance-free.

Barekin is not simply marketed as an unscented laundry detergent.

Our laundry sheets are fragrance-free and designed for sensitive and eczema-prone skin.

This distinction is one of the reasons I created Barekin in the first place.

If you are an Australian family looking to reduce added fragrance in your laundry routine, Barekin was created with families like ours in mind.

👉 Shop Barekin fragrance-free laundry sheets

Where Can You Buy Fragrance-Free Laundry Detergent in Australia?

Barekin fragrance-free laundry sheets are available online across Australia at www.barekin.com.au.

You can purchase:

A single box of 50 laundry sheets
A 3-box bundle with free shipping
A 6-box bundle with free shipping

Barekin subscriptions are also available with 10% off recurring orders. Subscriptions can be paused, skipped or cancelled.

👉 Shop Barekin in Australia

Frequently Asked Questions About Fragrance-Free and Unscented Laundry Detergent

Is fragrance-free laundry detergent the same as unscented detergent?

No, not necessarily. Fragrance-free laundry detergent is generally formulated without added fragrance for scent, while unscented detergent is designed to have no noticeable smell. Check the individual product information and ingredient details if you specifically want to avoid added fragrance.

Can unscented laundry detergent contain fragrance?

Depending on the individual formulation, an unscented product may contain ingredients used to mask or neutralise odour. The term "unscented" alone does not necessarily tell you whether fragrance ingredients are present.

Is fragrance-free laundry detergent better for eczema-prone skin?

Eczema triggers vary between individuals. Fragrance can be a potential irritant for some people with sensitive or eczema-prone skin, so some families choose fragrance-free laundry products as part of simplifying their routine.

What laundry detergent should I use for eczema-prone skin?

Look for a laundry detergent designed with sensitive or eczema-prone skin in mind. You may also want to consider whether it is fragrance-free, suitable for your washing machine and effective at dissolving and cleaning. Seek individual medical advice for persistent eczema or skin irritation.

Are Barekin laundry sheets fragrance-free?

Yes. Barekin laundry sheets are fragrance-free and designed for sensitive and eczema-prone skin.

Is Barekin recognised by Eczema Association Australasia?

Yes. Barekin is recognised by Eczema Association Australasia for suitability on eczema-prone skin.

Is Barekin an Australian laundry brand?

Barekin is an Australian-owned small business founded by Sarah, an eczema mum of two boys. Barekin fragrance-free laundry sheets are available online across Australia.

Do Barekin laundry sheets fully dissolve?

Yes. Barekin laundry sheets are designed to fully dissolve in the wash and can be used in hot or cold water.

The Bottom Line: Fragrance-Free and Unscented Are Not Necessarily the Same

For years, I assumed that if a laundry product didn't smell strongly, fragrance wasn't something I needed to think about.

Now I know to look more closely.

Fragrance-free and unscented do not necessarily mean the same thing.

If you're specifically trying to avoid added fragrance, look for a product clearly described as fragrance-free and check the manufacturer's product information.

For our family, changing the way I looked at laundry became one part of a much bigger eczema journey.

And when I couldn't find the fragrance-free laundry product I wanted, I created Barekin.

🤍 Looking for fragrance-free laundry detergent for sensitive or eczema-prone skin in Australia?