As someone with sensitive skin, I know how hard it can be to find an eco-friendly laundry detergent that gets clothes clean without causing irritation. Through trial and error, I’ve discovered some great options that are gentle on my skin while also being better for the environment. Here’s my guide to the best eco-friendly laundry detergents for sensitive skin:
Why Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents?
Conventional laundry detergents often contain harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and other ingredients that can be irritating. Eco-friendly detergents avoid these problematic components and instead use plant-based, biodegradable ingredients. This makes them gentler on sensitive skin.
Eco-friendly detergents are also better for the environment as they don’t contain chemicals that pollute waterways. Many are graywater-safe, meaning the wash water can be reused for other purposes like watering plants. With eco-friendly detergents, I can keep my clothes clean and reduce my environmental impact.
What to Look For
When choosing an eco-friendly detergent for sensitive skin, here are some key things I look for:
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Plant-based ingredients: Detergents made from plants like coconut oil, soy, etc. tend to be more gentle. They clean using the power of nature.
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Fragrance-free: Artificial fragrances are common irritants, so I avoid detergents containing them.
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Dermatologist-tested: I look for detergents that have been tested and approved for sensitive skin. This gives me confidence they won’t cause issues.
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No added dyes: Dyes have no cleaning function and can provoke reactions, so they’re best avoided.
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Hypoallergenic: Detergents labeled hypoallergenic are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
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Graywater-safe: Graywater-safe detergents contain biodegradable ingredients that won’t harm plants or soil. This allows me to reuse the wash water in my garden.
The Best Eco-Friendly Detergents For Sensitive Skin
Based on my experience, here are my top picks for eco-friendly laundry detergents that are gentle on sensitive skin:
Puracy Natural Laundry Detergent
- Plant-based, biodegradable formula
- Dermatologist tested for sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free, dye-free, and hypoallergenic
- Graywater-safe
- Effective at removing odors and stains
I’ve had great results with Puracy. It gets my clothes clean without any skin irritation. The fragrance-free formula is perfect for my sensitivities.
Seventh Generation Free & Clear Detergent
- Uses plant-derived cleansing agents
- Fragrance-free and dye-free
- Not tested on animals
- Greenwater-safe certification
- Removes stains without lingering residue
Seventh Generation is a leader in eco-friendly products. Their Free & Clear detergent is specially designed for sensitive skin. It cleans effectively while avoiding harsh chemicals.
Molly’s Suds Laundry Detergent
- Contains natural ingredients like coconut oil and essential oils
- Fragrance-free, dye-free, hypoallergenic
- Certified cruelty-free and vegan
- Biodegradable formula
- Specifically formulated for sensitive skin
I like that Molly’s Suds uses natural coconut oil for cleaning power. It’s an all-around gentle and effective eco-friendly detergent.
Tips for Laundering With Sensitive Skin
When doing laundry, I also follow these tips to prevent reactions:
- Use scent-free dryer sheets or wool dryer balls instead of fragranced sheets.
- Skip the fabric softener, as it often contains irritants.
- Double rinse clothes to remove all detergent residue.
- Wash new clothes first before wearing to remove excess dye.
- Wash with cold or warm water instead of hot, which can worsen skin sensitivity.
The Bottom Line
It is possible to find an eco-friendly laundry detergent that keeps clothes fresh and clean without inflaming sensitive skin. I highly recommend any of my top picks, as I’ve had great results with them. With the right detergent and smart laundering practices, I’ve been able to go green while keeping my sensitive skin happy.
