Top 5 Eczema Detergents: Sensitive Skin Review Guide

Does your skin itch and flare up no matter what you do? If you live with eczema, you know the constant battle for calm, comfortable skin. Even something as simple as washing your clothes can feel like a high-stakes gamble. Picking the wrong laundry soap can turn soft fabrics into scratchy irritants, undoing all your hard work to manage your sensitive skin.

The supermarket aisle is overwhelming. Bottles promise “gentle” or “natural,” but what does that really mean for eczema sufferers? Many common detergents hide harsh chemicals, dyes, and strong perfumes that trigger painful flare-ups. Finding a detergent that cleans effectively without attacking your skin is a major source of frustration and worry for thousands of families.

This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what ingredients to look for—and what to avoid completely. By the end of this post, you will have the knowledge to confidently choose a washing detergent that supports, rather than sabotages, your eczema management plan.

Top Washing Detergent For Eczema Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1

ATTITUDE Baby Laundry Detergent Liquid, EWG Verified, Safe for Baby Clothes, Infant and Newborn, Vegan and Naturally Derived Washing Soap, HE Compatible, Unscented, 80 Loads, 67.6 Fl Oz

EWG VERIFIED & CLEAN INGREDIENTS: This baby laundry detergent is EWG Verified and made with clean ingredients that meet the Environmental Working Group’s strict health and safety standards, making it ideal for washing baby clothes.
NATURALLY-DERIVED FORMULA: Made with 98% natural-origin ingredients¹, this baby laundry soap cleans, refreshes, and removes odors and stains like grass and food. Available in 35, 40, and 80 loads.
UNSCENTED FORMULA: This baby laundry detergent newborn is unscented, ideal for sensitive noses. Its gentle formula is great for baby and suitable for the whole family.
EFFECTIVE ON ALL FABRICS: This baby detergent laundry works in all water temperatures and is safe for whites, colors and delicate fabrics like baby clothes, blankets, and cloth diapers. Compatible with both standard and High Efficiency (HE) machines.
VEGAN FORMULA & RECYCLABLE PACKAGING: This laundry detergent liquid is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and packaged in a recyclable HDPE #2 bottle, the easiest plastic to recycle. Ideal for conscious parents seeking a clean, sustainable baby laundry soap.

Bestseller No. 2

Laundry Detergent Sheets 260 Loads, Fresh Scent, Eco-Friendly Liquidless Soap Strips, Plant-Based, Hypoallergenic Washing Supplies

Super Value 260 Loads: Up to 260 loads of laundry sheets for as low as $0.04 a load, lower cost and last longer use then others', great value for money. (up to 260 small loads = 130 large loads)
Effective Cleaning: Our laundry detergent sheets are formulated with an ultra-concentrated formula, upgraded surfactants and biological enzymes and fresh-scented essences, which improves the dissolution speed of the laundry sheets and also helps to remove dirt and various stains from your clothes, keeping them clean and fresh
Gentle Formula：Contains natural botanicals that make our laundry detergent gentle and non-irritating, low foaming and non-phosphate, free of bleach, dyes or other irritants, safe for children and adults with sensitive skin, and suitable for various types of textiles
Eco-friendly: Biodegradable laundry detergent strips are environmentally friendly. The drawer-type recyclable box gives you easy access, and easy to store. Zero plastic no plastic pollution. Reduce your carbon footprint by reducing bulky plastic jars of detergent transportation
Convenient and Tidy: Convenient detergent sheets mean goodbye to cup measurements, no drips, no spills, each tablet is pre-cut, just put it in the washer with your clothes for cleaning, suitable for both traditional and HE washing machines

Bestseller No. 3

Anti-Allergy Laundry Detergent| Natural Allergy Free for Pet Dander Allergy & Pollen |For Sensitive Skin & Washing Baby Clothes |Unscented

Breathe Easy Once Again - The anti-allergy laundry detergent that removes common irritants without harsh chemicals, dyes, or fragrances. Rid your clothes and bedding of dust, pet dander, and pollen
It Works on Your Terms - Use on any wash cycle at any water temperature with the same powerful results. Tackle grease and stains effectively while breaking down allergy proteins. Clean up to 50 loads per bottle
Nature Knows Best – Toss out your chemical-filled laundry pods and opt for the natural way. Plant- and mineral-based formula offers a powerful cleanse without the use of allergy triggers like perfumes and dyes
Gentle on Sensitive Skin - The Ecology Works detergent is the safe laundry soap for those with sensitive or easily irritated skin. The formula is gentle on every skin type
The Responsible Choice - The Ecology Works is fully committed to providing solutions that keep the well-being of people and the planet at the forefront. Our products are thoughtfully designed to reduce waste and protect the environment

Bestseller No. 4

Charlie’s Soap Laundry Powder (50 Loads, 1 Pack) Hypoallergenic Deep Cleaning Washing Powder Detergent – Eco-Friendly, Safe, and Effective

ECO-FRIENDLY CLEANING POWER: Concentrated Laundry Powder works on all your laundry, from high-tech fabrics to delicates, washing away smells, stains, and left-behind residue from previous detergents.
HYPOALLERGENIC: Washing soda and powerful, natural ingredients work together to rinse fabrics completely and leave nothing on your clothes. The fragrance-free formula is ideal for those with sensitive skin and will not cover stains or odors with artificial brighteners or perfumes. Safe for hand washing.
CLOTH DIAPER FRIENDLY: This detergent is safe to use on baby fabrics, effectively deep cleaning cloth diapers and other baby clothes between wears.
LESS IS MORE: Each bag contains just four ingredients and one tablespoon per dose. No suds, just a deep clean that leaves fabric fresh and soft.
EPA SAFER CHOICE CERTIFIED: Charlie’s Soap laundry soap is certified safer for the environment and is septic safe. The eco-friendly formula helps remove fats, oils, greases, and odors from sewer lines, saving your town money and water.

Bestseller No. 5

Baby Laundry Detergent Sheets for Infant, Toddler and Newborns, 80 Loads, Unscented – Gentle for Sensitive Skin - Washing Detergent for Baby Clothes

Gentle on your baby’s skin - These laundry detergent sheets are specially designed for babies, with a formula that is free from harsh chemicals and fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin.
Convenient and mess-free - No more measuring, pouring, or spills! These laundry detergent sheets are pre-measured and dissolve quickly in water, making laundry time easier and less messy.
Effective cleaning power - Despite their gentle formula, these laundry detergent sheets are tough on stains and dirt, leaving your baby’s clothes clean and fresh.
Plastic-free packaging - Our laundry detergent sheets are made with environmentally friendly plastic-free packaging, so you can feel good about your purchase and its impact on the planet.
Versatile and travel-friendly - These laundry detergent sheets are great for use at home, but also perfect for travel and on-the-go laundry needs. They take up less space than liquid detergent and are easy to pack in your luggage.

Bestseller No. 6

FOREVER NEW Delicate Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent Powder - 6-8 Large Loads - Gentle washing detergent for Silk, Cashmere, Bra, Undergarments, Cotton, Wool, etc. - Unscented - 4oz

GENTLE CLEAN – Forever New detergent has a base of gentle ingredients, creating a highly effective formula that deep cleans and extends the life of your garments.
NO RESIDUE AFTERWARDS – The concentrated blend removes stains and soils while rinsing completely free from fabric, leaving no soap residue or damage to the thread fibers.
SAFE & FRIENDLY – Forever New products have no bleach, brighteners, dyes, phosphates, lanolin, or petroleum ingredients. All products are also certified as not being tested on any animals.
KEEP COLORS THEIR COLOR – Safe for colorfast clothing, but always test for colorfastness ahead of time just to be sure.
GENTLE & SAFE FOR YOUR SKIN – Dermatology tested to prevent irritation or skin reaction. It’s safe and gentle to use for all ages.

Bestseller No. 7

GENTLE: Most cleaners today use technologies that were developed almost 100 years ago. In fact, many common deep-cleaning formulas still rely on harmful, petroleum-based chemicals. Dirty Labs is different. Consciously formulated with nontoxic, biobased ingredients, our formulas are safe for sensitive skin and all clothing types. Dirty Labs is cruelty-free, vegan, hypoallergenic, and safe for babies and pets.
EFFECTIVE: For us, dirty-free cleaning is not just about clean ingredients. We formulate to get the job done, and we put our products through rigorous testing to ensure they’re strong enough for those who like to get really dirty. Phytolase, our advanced enzyme cleaning technology targets stains and odors at their source while being extra gentle for you, your clothes, and the planet. But don't just take our word for it see what our customers are saying.
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: At Dirty Labs - Less is More. By creating hyper-concentrated formulas, we greatly reduce our package sizes (and thus, our carbon footprint). Our bottles are made of aluminum and can be infinitely recycled. Our ingredients are responsibly sourced and created through biorenewable manufacturing processes. We examine every aspect of our product life cycles in order to achieve the safest, most sustainable solutions.
DIRECTIONS: Follow your garment care label and washing machine instructions. Measure with teaspoon or Dirty Labs silicone beaker (available separately, or with all 32 load bottles). For tough stains, pretreat directly to soil area and allow to sit for 5 minutes before washing. Our detergent is hyper-concentrated use as follows: 8ml for medium loads, 12ml for large loads, 16 ml for x-large loads.
SPECS: 21.6 fl oz = 80 loads. Free & Clear (Scent Free). Compatible with traditional and HE washers. Optimized for cold water. Certified EPA Safer Choice Partner. 97% USDA Biobased certified. No sulfates, dyes, parabens, preservatives, chlorine bleach, or CA Prop.65 Chemicals. Visit our store for more ingredients information.

Bestseller No. 8

YUCO Laundry Detergent Sheets Berry Scent 80 Loads Eco Laundry Soap Washer Sheet, Liquidless Washing Detergent Sheets for Laundry for Travel, Plastic Free, Hypoallergenic

Superior Cleaning & Stain Removal Power.Effectively eliminates tough stains like grease, wine, and dirt with concentrated plant-based enzymes. Our laundry sheets dissolve completely in both hot and cold water, leaving your clothes fresh and spotless—ideal for families, athletes, and busy lifestyles.
Eco-Friendly & Hypoallergenic Formula.Made with biodegradable ingredients, free from harsh chemicals, phosphates, and dyes. Safe for sensitive skin and gentle on fabrics and environmentally conscious—perfect for eco-aware households.
Ultra-Convenient & Pre-Measured Sheets.No more messy spills or measuring! Each pre-measured sheet delivers the perfect dose for standard to large loads. Simply toss one sheet into the drum before adding clothes—saving time and reducing waste.
Long-Lasting Freshness & Fabric Care.Infused with natural essential oils that provide a light, refreshing scent without overpowering odors. Helps preserve fabric softness, prevent static cling, and maintain color vibrancy wash after wash.
Highly Concentrated & Cost-Effective.Get up to 80 loads per compact, lightweight package. Compared to traditional liquid or powder detergents, our sheets reduce plastic waste by 90% and are ideal for travel, small spaces, and sustainable living.

Choosing the Right Washing Detergent for Eczema: A Simple Buying Guide

Living with eczema means every choice matters, even what you use to wash your clothes. Harsh detergents can trigger painful flare-ups. This guide helps you find the gentle cleaning power your skin needs.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping for eczema-friendly detergent, look for these specific features:

Hypoallergenic Certification: This label shows independent testing confirms the product minimizes allergic reactions.
Fragrance-Free: Scents, even natural ones, often contain chemicals that irritate sensitive skin. Always choose “fragrance-free,” not just “unscented.”
Dye-Free: Colors added to detergents serve no cleaning purpose but can cause itching.
Gentle Formulas: The detergent should clearly state it is made for sensitive skin or baby clothes.

Important Materials to Seek Out

The best detergents use ingredients that clean effectively without stripping the skin’s natural barrier.

Ingredients You Want:

Plant-Based Surfactants: These are the cleaning agents derived from sources like coconut oil. They lift dirt gently.
Natural Preservatives: If preservatives are needed, look for milder, naturally derived options.
Enzymes (Use Caution): Some people tolerate specific enzymes well for stain removal, but others react badly. Start with enzyme-free if you are highly sensitive.

Ingredients to Avoid (The Triggers):

Phthalates and Parabens: These are common chemicals that can be skin irritants.
Optical Brighteners: These chemicals make clothes look whiter by leaving a residue that reflects light—a residue your skin feels.
Sulfates (SLS/SLES): These powerful foaming agents can be too drying for eczema-prone skin.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

The quality of an eczema detergent depends on how well it balances cleaning power and skin safety.

Factors That Improve Quality:

High Purity: Fewer additives mean fewer chances for a reaction. High-quality brands focus on essential cleaning agents.
Concentrated Formulas: You use less product per load, which means less residue is left behind on the fabric.
pH Neutrality: Detergents close to a neutral pH level are less likely to disrupt the skin’s protective acid mantle.

Factors That Reduce Quality:

Harsh Bleaches or Whitening Agents: These aggressively strip the fabric, which can leave behind irritating residues.
Over-Foaming: Excessive suds usually mean you need to rinse longer, and if you don’t rinse enough, foam residue causes itching.

User Experience and Use Cases

A good eczema detergent should make laundry less stressful. Users often report that the best products leave clothes feeling soft, not stiff or scratchy.

Best Use Cases:

Baby Clothes: Always use the mildest formula available for newborns and infants with developing skin barriers.
Bedding: Since sheets touch your skin for hours, washing them weekly with a gentle detergent is crucial for nighttime comfort.
High-Sensitivity Loads: Use the extra rinse cycle setting on your machine when washing clothes for someone having an active eczema flare-up.

Remember to always follow the package directions for the correct amount. Using too much detergent is a common mistake that leads to residue buildup.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Eczema Detergents

Q: How do I know if a detergent is truly “dye-free”?

A: Look for clear or white liquid/powder. If the product has any color (blue, green, etc.), it contains dyes, even if the label is misleading.

Q: Can I use ‘Free and Clear’ baby detergent for adults?

A: Yes, baby detergents are often the safest choice because they are formulated to the highest standard of gentleness.

Q: Is liquid detergent better than powder for eczema?

A: Liquid often dissolves more easily in cold water, reducing the chance of undissolved granules sticking to clothes. However, some powders are excellent if they are pure and dye-free.

Q: Why do my clothes still itch after switching detergents?

A: Residue is the likely culprit. Try running an extra rinse cycle on your washing machine, or wash the item again using only hot water and vinegar (a natural fabric softener).

Q: Should I use fabric softener with eczema?

A: Generally, no. Fabric softeners leave a waxy coating on clothes that traps irritating chemicals. Use white vinegar in the softener dispenser instead for softness.

Q: Are natural soaps (like Castile soap) safe for washing eczema clothes?

A: Castile soap can work, but it often leaves a soap residue that can feel stiff or waxy on fabric. It is usually better to use a purpose-made, residue-free detergent.

Q: Do I need to change my water temperature settings?

A: Use the warmest water temperature that is safe for your fabric type, as hot water dissolves and rinses away detergent residues more effectively than cold water.

Q: How often should I buy new detergent?

A: Detergent quality doesn’t change much over time if stored properly. Focus on buying small to medium sizes to ensure you use it before the formula degrades.

Q: Can I use these detergents for hand-washing delicate items?

A: Yes, if the detergent is mild enough for machine washing, a small amount works well for hand-washing, provided you rinse thoroughly.

Q: Should I avoid biological detergents?

A: Yes. Biological detergents contain enzymes designed to break down protein stains. These enzymes can sometimes irritate sensitive skin, so stick to non-biological formulas.