Does your skin flare up after doing laundry? That itchy, red rash can turn a simple chore into a real struggle. Many people with eczema know this frustration well. Finding a laundry soap that cleans clothes without irritating sensitive skin feels almost impossible.
The problem is that regular detergents are full of harsh chemicals, strong perfumes, and dyes. These ingredients often trigger eczema, leaving skin dry and uncomfortable. You want clean clothes, but not at the cost of your skin’s health. It’s a constant battle between cleanliness and comfort.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what to look for in an eczema-friendly laundry soap. You will learn about ingredients to avoid and discover the best, gentlest options on the market. Get ready to wash your worries away and enjoy softer, calmer skin.
Top Laundry Soap For Eczema Recommendations
- One 105 fl oz bottle of ARM & HAMMER Sensitive Skin Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent, Free and Clear Detergent that cleans 105 medium loads when used as directed
- Dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic laundry detergent that's gentle on skin but tough on stains and odors, making it an ideal soap for sensitive skin
- Dye-free, worry-free detergent with no perfumes or preservatives is certified 100% by SkinSAFE (1), (1) Certified by SkinSAFE to exclude 100% of their topmost considered skin allergens. In partnership with SkinSAFEproducts.com
- With trusted ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda, this HE detergent is formulated to deeply clean clothes while being gentle on skin
- HE laundry detergent is concentrated with 2X powerful stain fighters in every load versus leading value detergent, making it an effective and efficient laundry detergent
- DEEP CLEAN: For a deep clean that's gentle on skin. Removes more stains than the leading Free detergent
- Free from dyes and perfumes for a laundry detergent that's gentle on your skin and clothes
- Hypoallergenic laundry detergent that's specially formulated to minimize the risk of skin irritation and allergies
- No matter what type of machine you have or the water temperature you prefer, Tide Free & Gentle ensures exceptional cleaning results every time
- Safe to use on all fabric types
- One 140 fl oz bottle of ARM & HAMMER Sensitive Skin Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent, Free and Clear Detergent that cleans 140 medium loads when used as directed
- Dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic laundry detergent that's gentle on skin but tough on stains and odors, making it an ideal soap for sensitive skin
- Dye-free, worry-free detergent with no perfumes or preservatives is certified 100% by SkinSAFE (1), (1) Certified by SkinSAFE to exclude 100% of their topmost considered skin allergens. In partnership with SkinSAFEproducts.com
- With trusted ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda, this HE detergent is formulated to deeply clean clothes while being gentle on skin
- HE laundry detergent is concentrated with 2X powerful stain fighters in every load versus leading value detergent, making it an effective and efficient laundry detergent
- all free clear is the #1 laundry detergent brand recommended by dermatologists, allergists and pediatricians for sensitive skin.100% free of perfumes and dyes, all free clear liquid laundry detergent provides an effective clean that's gentle on skin
- Now more concentrated. More cleaning power per drop* *vs previous 1.5oz dose formula. Removes impurities without leaving irritating residues** **Like dirt, body oil and allergens
- Use with all free clear fabric softener and dryer sheets for clean and soft clothes with static cling reduction in the dryer
- all free clear Original is Safer Choice certified which means it’s been recognized by the United States Environmental Protections Agency (EPA) to be better for you, your family and the planet
- all free clear Original includes biodegradable surfactants. Safe for septic systems. Works effectively, even in cold water. As always, contains no phosphates. Safe for all HE washing machines. - Includes one 82.5oz bottle, enough for 110 loads
- HYPOALLERGENIC CLEAN: Amazon Basics laundry detergent is hypoallergenic and free of perfumes and dyes
- LARGE CAPACITY: This liquid laundry detergent is super concentrated, allowing 2x more loads per bottle when comparing to standard laundry detergents
- SAFE FOR ALL MACHINES: This high efficiency laundry detergent is suitable for both standard and HE washers
- SAFE AND PHOSPHATE-FREE: This free and clear laundry detergent is phosphate-free and safe to use in both standard and high efficiency (HE) washing machines
- CONVENIENT REORDERING: Replenish your laundry supplies by asking, "Alexa, order fragrance free laundry detergent" with your Alexa device for simple restocking
- CLIMATE POSITIVE AND SUSTAINABLE - Not only is this laundry detergent formula effective and kind to sensitive skin, but it's also pH-balanced.
- 100% VEGAN – Containing enough detergent for 100 loads of laundry, plant-powered ECOS Laundry Detergent is both cruelty-free and vegan, making it an ideal choice for planet-conscious households.
- PARABEN AND PHOSPHATE FREE - Unlike most conventional laundry detergents, ECOS does not contain any harsh chemicals or ingredients that can pollute water when it enters the ecosystem.
- DERMATOLOGIST-TESTED AND HYPOALLERGENIC - ECOS Laundry Detergent is an effective yet gentle cleaning solution for clothes that is suitable for families with skin allergies and sensitivities.
- MADE IN USA - Proudly made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients
- One 105 fl oz bottle of ARM & HAMMER Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent, Fresh Scent Liquid Laundry Detergent that cleans 105 medium loads when used as directed
- Dermatologist-tested laundry detergent that's gentle on skin but tough on stains and odors, making it an ideal soap for sensitive skin
- Dye-free detergent with a hypoallergenic fresh scent that has been tested by dermatologists and has passed four different clinical tests, so you can use this detergent worry-free
- With trusted ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda, this HE laundry detergent is formulated to deeply clean clothes while being gentle on skin
- HE laundry detergent is concentrated with 2X powerful stain fighters in every load versus leading value detergent, making it an effective and efficient laundry detergent
- FIGHTS ODOR AND STAINS: Hypoallergenic laundry detergent that delivers a powerful clean in every wash and has pre-treaters built right in
- HYPOALLERGENIC: From Tide, the #1 Laundry detergent brand used by dermatologists and certified by the National Eczema Association (NEA) and National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF)
- GENTLE ON SKIN: A formula free of irritating residues, including dyes and perfumes, and is gentle on sensitive skin
- WORKS IN COLD WATER: Works well in all washing machines and all water temperatures—even HE machines and cold water
- Includes one 132 fl oz bottle of Tide Free and Gentle Odor Refresh Laundry Detergent Liquid, enough for 94 loads
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Laundry Soap for Eczema
If you or someone in your family struggles with eczema, choosing the right laundry soap is a big deal. The wrong soap can cause itchy flare-ups. The right soap keeps skin calm and happy. This guide helps you find the best gentle wash for your clothes.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for eczema-friendly laundry soap, you need to focus on what the soap *doesn’t* have. These features are your first line of defense against irritation.
1. Hypoallergenic Certification
- Look for labels that say “Hypoallergenic.” This means the product is tested to cause fewer allergic reactions.
- Check for seals from groups like the National Eczema Association (NEA). This is a huge plus.
2. Free and Clear Formulas
- “Free and Clear” means the soap lacks dyes (colors) and perfumes (strong smells). These are the biggest irritants for sensitive skin.
- Never choose scented soaps if you have eczema.
3. Plant-Based Ingredients
- Soaps made from plant-derived ingredients are often gentler than those made with harsh chemicals.
- These ingredients break down easier and leave less residue on your clothes.
Important Materials: What to Avoid and What to Embrace
Understanding the ingredients list is crucial. Some materials feel good in the bottle but feel terrible on the skin.
Materials to Avoid (The “No-Fly Zone”)
- Sulfates (like SLS or SLES): These create lots of bubbles but strip natural oils from your skin, causing dryness.
- Optical Brighteners: These chemicals make white clothes look brighter under light, but they stay on the fabric and irritate eczema patches.
- Phosphates: These can be harsh and are sometimes left behind after rinsing.
Materials to Embrace (The “Gentle Crew”)
- Natural Surfactants: These are the cleaning agents. Look for coconut-derived or sugar-derived cleaners. They clean well without being too aggressive.
- Enzymes (Use with Caution): Some modern formulas use enzymes to fight stains naturally. While great for cleaning, some very sensitive people react to them. Test a small load first.
- Simple Preservatives: Look for very mild preservatives, as completely preservative-free soaps can spoil quickly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the soap affects how much rinsing is needed and how clean your clothes truly are.
Factors That Improve Quality (Better Cleaning, Less Residue)
- High Concentration: Concentrated formulas mean you use less soap per load. Less soap means less residue left in the fabric.
- Good Rinsing Action: The best eczema soaps rinse out completely during the washing machine cycle.
Factors That Reduce Quality (Higher Irritation Risk)
- High Suds Levels: Too many suds equal poor rinsing. A low-sudsing formula is usually better for sensitive skin, even if it doesn’t look as bubbly.
- Overuse of Fillers: Cheap soaps often use lots of fillers that don’t clean but definitely stick to your clothes, making them itchy later.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the soap matters as much as what you buy.
The Washing Process
- Use Cold Water: Hot water can “set” any remaining soap residue deeper into the fabric fibers. Cold water helps rinse things out better.
- Extra Rinse Cycle: Always run an extra rinse cycle, especially if you use a High-Efficiency (HE) machine. This ensures all soap is gone.
- Dosing: Never use more soap than the bottle recommends, even if the clothes look dirty. More soap equals more irritation risk.
Use Cases
- Infant/Baby Eczema: Use the mildest, most basic formula available. Babies have the thinnest skin.
- Severe Eczema: Consider switching to laundry soap specifically designed for dermatologists’ recommendations, often found in medical supply sections.
- General Family Use: If only one person has eczema, wash their clothes separately using the gentle soap. This keeps irritants out of the main family wash.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Eczema Laundry Soap
Q: Can I just use baby shampoo instead of laundry soap?
A: You can use it for a very small, immediate load in a pinch. However, baby shampoo is not designed to remove body oils, sweat, and tough dirt from clothing fibers. It is not a long-term solution.
Q: Do I need special detergent for HE washing machines?
A: Yes. If you have an HE machine, you must use detergents labeled “HE.” These formulas create low suds, which is actually perfect for eczema sufferers because low suds rinse out more completely.
Q: Should I use liquid or powder detergent?
A: Liquid detergents are often preferred for eczema. Powders sometimes don’t dissolve fully in cold water, leaving little gritty particles on your clothing.
Q: How long does it take to notice if a new soap is working?
A: Give a new soap about three to four full wash cycles. Your skin needs time to recover from the previous harsh detergent residue.
Q: Is ‘Natural’ always better than ‘Free and Clear’?
A: Not always. Some “natural” soaps use essential oils (like lavender) that are highly irritating. Always prioritize “Free and Clear” over just “Natural.”
Q: What about soaking clothes before washing?
A: Soaking clothes in plain, cool water before washing can help lift some surface irritants and dirt, making the main wash cycle more effective with less soap needed.
Q: Should I use dryer sheets?
A: Absolutely not. Dryer sheets are packed with perfumes and chemicals. Use wool dryer balls instead, or simply air-dry clothes when possible.
Q: Does bleach help remove irritants?
A: No. Chlorine bleach is very harsh and will severely irritate eczema. Use oxygen-based brighteners sparingly, if at all, and only if your doctor approves.
Q: Can I use fabric softener?
A: Fabric softeners coat fibers with chemicals that cause itching. Avoid them completely. If you need softness, use white distilled vinegar in the rinse cycle; it naturally softens fabric and rinses clean.
Q: Where is the best place to buy eczema laundry soap?
A: Look in the sensitive skin aisle of major supermarkets. Pharmacies, online retailers, and health food stores also stock specialized, highly recommended brands.