The Best Laundry Detergent for Sensitive Skin in Australia: What to Look For If You Have Eczema
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If you or your child has eczema-prone or sensitive skin, you probably think carefully about the products that come into direct contact with your skin.
But there is one product that is often overlooked: laundry detergent.
Your clothes, sheets, towels and pyjamas spend hours against your skin. If your laundry detergent contains fragrance, dyes or leaves detergent residue behind, it may be worth taking a closer look at what you're using.
So, what is the best laundry detergent for sensitive skin in Australia? And how can you wash clothes in a way that is more suitable for eczema-prone skin?
In this guide, we'll look at what to consider when choosing a detergent, why fragrance-free laundry products can be a better choice for sensitive skin, and practical tips for washing clothes for eczema-prone skin.
What is the best laundry detergent for sensitive skin in Australia?
The best laundry detergent for sensitive skin is generally one that minimises unnecessary ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin and rinses thoroughly from fabrics.
For people with eczema-prone skin, look for a laundry detergent that is:
- Fragrance-free
- Dye-free
- Free from unnecessary perfumes and fragrances
- Designed to rinse cleanly
- Suitable for your washing machine and preferred wash temperature
- Easy to dose correctly
- Designed for sensitive skin
It's also important to remember that everyone's skin is different. What works well for one person may not work for another.
If you're looking for a fragrance-free laundry detergent for sensitive skin, choosing a product specifically designed with sensitive skin in mind can be a simple place to start.
Why does fragrance matter for sensitive skin?
Fragrance is one of the first things many people consider when switching to a sensitive-skin laundry detergent.
Laundry products can contain perfumes and fragrance ingredients designed to make clothes smell fresh. However, if you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin, you may prefer to avoid added fragrance altogether.
This is particularly relevant because laundry detergent is used on clothing, bedding and towels that remain in contact with your skin for long periods.
That's why choosing a fragrance-free laundry detergent for sensitive skin can be an important part of creating a gentler laundry routine.
And fragrance-free doesn't have to mean your clothes smell "bad".
It simply means you're not adding perfume to make clean clothes smell fragranced.
Fragrance-free vs unscented laundry detergent: what's the difference?
You may have noticed the terms "fragrance-free" and "unscented" used on laundry products.
They aren't necessarily interchangeable.
Fragrance-free generally means the product has been formulated without added fragrance ingredients.
Unscented can sometimes mean that a product doesn't have a noticeable smell, but it doesn't automatically mean that no fragrance ingredients have been used.
If you're specifically trying to reduce exposure to fragrance, check the ingredient list and product claims rather than relying solely on the word "unscented".
For eczema-prone or sensitive skin, a genuinely fragrance-free laundry detergent may be the preferable option.
Is fragrance-free laundry detergent better for eczema?
There isn't one laundry detergent that will work for every person with eczema, and laundry detergent isn't a treatment for eczema.
However, reducing potential irritants in your laundry routine can be a sensible step for people with sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
Dermatologists and eczema organisations commonly recommend paying attention to products that come into contact with the skin, including laundry products.
If you're experiencing irritation and haven't considered your laundry routine, it may be worth experimenting with a fragrance-free detergent and seeing whether your skin responds differently.
What makes a laundry detergent eczema-friendly?
When people search for an eczema-safe laundry detergent in Australia, they're usually looking for something that is gentle, fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin.
There are a few things worth considering.
1. Fragrance-free
Fragrance is often one of the first ingredients sensitive-skin households choose to eliminate.
Look for a detergent that is genuinely fragrance-free rather than simply marketed as having a "fresh" or "clean" scent.
2. Dye-free
Dyes aren't necessary for cleaning clothes.
Choosing a dye-free laundry detergent can help simplify your laundry routine, particularly if you're trying to minimise unnecessary ingredients.
3. Rinses clean
The detergent doesn't just need to clean your clothes. It also needs to come out of them.
Detergent residue can remain on fabrics if too much product is used, the machine is overloaded, or the detergent doesn't dissolve and rinse effectively.
This is one reason how you use your detergent matters just as much as which detergent you choose.
4. Easy to measure
Using too much detergent doesn't necessarily make clothes cleaner.
In fact, excess detergent can make it more difficult to rinse your laundry thoroughly.
Pre-measured laundry sheets can make dosing simple because you're not pouring or guessing how much liquid or powder to use.
5. Suitable for sensitive skin
Look for products specifically developed for sensitive skin and, where relevant, recognised by reputable eczema organisations.
Barekin Laundry Sheets are recognised by the Eczema Association Australasia for suitability on eczema-prone skin.
How to wash clothes for eczema-prone skin
Choosing a suitable detergent is only one part of the equation.
Your washing routine can also make a difference.
Here are some simple steps to consider if you have eczema-prone or sensitive skin.
1. Choose a fragrance-free detergent
Start with the basics.
Switching to a fragrance-free laundry detergent for sensitive skin removes added perfume from the washing process.
If you're currently using a heavily fragranced detergent or fabric softener, consider removing these one at a time so you can see whether anything changes.
2. Don't use more detergent than necessary
More detergent doesn't equal cleaner clothes.
Using excessive amounts can make rinsing more difficult and may contribute to residue being left behind on fabrics.
Always follow the manufacturer's dosing instructions.
3. Don't overload your washing machine
Your clothes need enough space for water and detergent to move through the load properly.
An overloaded machine can make it harder for clothes to rinse thoroughly.
If your washing machine is packed completely full, consider leaving a little more room.
4. Use an appropriate wash cycle
Follow the care label on your clothing and choose an appropriate wash temperature and cycle.
Barekin Laundry Sheets are designed to work in both hot and cold water and in front-loading and top-loading washing machines.
5. Skip fabric softener if you have sensitive skin
Fabric softener is designed to leave a coating on fibres to make fabrics feel softer and smell fragranced.
For households dealing with eczema-prone skin, you may prefer to simplify your routine by skipping fabric softener altogether.
Your detergent already has the job of cleaning your clothes.
6. Wash new clothes before wearing them
New clothes can have residues from manufacturing, packaging and handling.
Washing new clothing before wearing it gives you an opportunity to remove anything that may be sitting on the fabric.
This can be particularly useful for babies and children with sensitive skin.
7. Pay attention to bedding and towels
Don't just think about clothing.
Sheets, pillowcases, towels and blankets can spend a significant amount of time against your skin.
If you're changing your laundry detergent because of sensitive skin, make sure you're using your new routine for these items too.
Could detergent residue be irritating your skin?
If you're using a large amount of detergent, your washing machine is overloaded, or your detergent isn't rinsing well, some product may remain on fabrics.
You might notice:
- Clothes feeling stiff or coated
- Irritation appearing in areas where clothing sits closely against the skin
- A strong detergent smell after washing
- Clothes feeling slippery or soapy
- Skin becoming itchy after wearing freshly washed clothes
These symptoms don't necessarily mean your detergent is the cause of your skin irritation. Eczema has many triggers, and it's important not to assume that laundry products are responsible.
However, if you've ruled out other factors, reviewing your laundry routine can be worthwhile.
Why we created Barekin Laundry Sheets
Barekin was created after seeing firsthand how difficult it can be to manage eczema-prone skin in a family.
We wanted to rethink an everyday product that families use constantly: laundry detergent.
Barekin Laundry Sheets are:
- Fragrance-free
- Dye-free
- Pre-measured
- Lightweight and mess-free
- Suitable for front and top loaders
- Designed to fully dissolve in the wash
- Designed for eczema-prone and sensitive skin
- Recognised by the Eczema Association Australasia for suitability on eczema-prone skin
- Suitable for hot or cold water
Instead of measuring powder or pouring liquid detergent, you simply take a sheet and place it in the washing machine.
No plastic jug. No measuring. No heavy bottle.
Just a pre-measured sheet that dissolves in the wash.
Are laundry sheets better than liquid or powder detergent?
Laundry sheets aren't automatically better for everyone.
However, they can offer some practical advantages, particularly if you're trying to simplify your laundry routine.
Because Barekin sheets are pre-measured, there's no need to estimate how much liquid or powder to use.
They're also lightweight, compact and don't require a bulky plastic bottle.
Most importantly for sensitive-skin households, Barekin was specifically developed without added fragrance or dyes and designed to rinse cleanly.
What should you look for when choosing an eczema-friendly laundry detergent?
If you're comparing laundry detergents for sensitive skin, here's a simple checklist:
Look for:
- Fragrance-free formulation
- Dye-free formulation
- Clear ingredient information
- Appropriate dosing instructions
- Good rinsing performance
- Recognition or testing from reputable organisations where available
- A product designed for sensitive skin
Consider avoiding:
- Strongly fragranced detergents
- Heavily fragranced fabric softeners
- Overloading your washing machine
- Products that leave noticeable residue on fabrics
- Using excessive amounts of detergent
Frequently asked questions
What is the best laundry detergent for eczema-prone skin?
There isn't one detergent that is best for every person with eczema. However, a fragrance-free, dye-free detergent designed for sensitive skin can be a good option to consider. Barekin Laundry Sheets were specifically developed for eczema-prone and sensitive skin and are recognised by the Eczema Association Australasia for suitability on eczema-prone skin.
Is fragrance-free detergent better for sensitive skin?
Fragrance-free detergent can be a useful choice for people with sensitive or eczema-prone skin because it avoids added fragrance, which can be an irritant for some people.
What laundry detergent is eczema safe in Australia?
When looking for an eczema-friendly laundry detergent in Australia, look for a fragrance-free, dye-free product designed for sensitive skin. Barekin Laundry Sheets are made in Australia for Australian families and are recognised by the Eczema Association Australasia for suitability on eczema-prone skin.
How should I wash clothes for eczema-prone skin?
Use a fragrance-free detergent, avoid using more detergent than recommended, don't overload your washing machine, skip heavily fragranced fabric softeners and ensure clothes are thoroughly rinsed.
Should I use fabric softener if my child has eczema?
Many families with eczema-prone skin choose to avoid fragranced fabric softeners. Fabric softener isn't necessary for cleaning clothes, and removing it can help simplify your laundry routine.
Can laundry detergent cause eczema?
Laundry detergent doesn't cause eczema itself, but ingredients in laundry products may irritate sensitive skin or trigger symptoms in some people. If you're experiencing irritation, consider reviewing your laundry products alongside other potential triggers.
A simpler laundry routine for sensitive skin
When you're managing eczema, there are already enough things to think about.
Your laundry routine doesn't need to be complicated.
Choosing a fragrance-free laundry detergent for sensitive skin, using the correct amount of detergent, avoiding unnecessary fragranced products and making sure your clothes rinse thoroughly are simple changes that can help create a more sensitive-skin-friendly laundry routine.
And if you're looking for a laundry detergent for eczema-prone skin in Australia, Barekin was created specifically with families like yours in mind.
Fragrance-free. Dye-free. No bulky bottles. Just a simple laundry sheet designed with sensitive skin in mind.