Living with sensitive skin or allergies can make even simple tasks, like doing laundry, a source of frustration. The itchiness, redness, and discomfort caused by harsh chemicals and fragrances in laundry detergents are a common problem many people face. Finding a product that is both effective at cleaning and gentle on your skin feels like a constant search.
You don’t have to choose between a deep clean and comfort. Our comprehensive guide to the best hypoallergenic laundry detergents for sensitive skin is here to help. We’ve done the research for you, diving into fragrance-free detergents and analyzing real user feedback to find the best laundry soap for eczema and allergies. In this article, you will discover products that are tough on stains but completely safe for you and your family.
Table of Contents
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
all Free Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent
Ingredients: This formula is made with water, C12-15 alcohols ethoxylated, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium carbonate, and sodium cocoate, and is 100% free of perfumes and dyes.
When it comes to laundry care for sensitive skin, this detergent is a go-to for many. It is the #1 recommended detergent brand by dermatologists, allergists, and pediatricians for its hypoallergenic properties. Formulated to be gentle on skin, it also works to remove 99% of top everyday and seasonal allergens, such as dog and cat dander, dust mite matter, and pollen. It’s a reliable option that offers a powerful clean without causing irritation.
| Pros | Cons |
| Widely recommended by medical professionals for sensitive skin | May not be as effective on extremely tough or set-in stains compared to non-hypoallergenic detergents |
| Effective at removing common allergens | A small number of users have reported skin reactions despite its “Free Clear” designation |
| Works in all water temperatures and is safe for both high-efficiency (HE) and standard washing machines | |
| Readily available and often more affordable than other sensitive skin brands |
Price Range: $10-$45, depending on the size of the bottle and the retailer.
Snag It on AmazonTide Free and Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent
Ingredients: This formula contains water, cleaning agents (C10-16 pareth; sodium C10-16 alkylbenzenesulfonate), cleaning aids (polyethyleneimines alkoxylated), sud reducer (sodium salts of C12-18 fatty acids), and is free of dyes and perfumes.
As a well-known name in laundry care, Tide’s hypoallergenic formula lives up to its powerful reputation while being gentle on skin. It is recognized by the National Eczema Association and is dermatologist recommended, making it a reliable choice for families and individuals with sensitive skin, allergies, or eczema. It is formulated to provide a deep, effective clean without the use of harsh irritants. Many long-time users praise its ability to tackle tough stains with the same effectiveness as the original formula.
| Pros | Cons |
| Highly effective at removing a wide range of stains, from everyday dirt to stubborn messes | Some recent reviews mention a formula change, with a few users reporting skin reactions or a chemical smell |
| Works in both HE and standard washing machines and rinses completely, leaving no residue | May not be as eco-friendly as plant-based alternatives |
| One of the most trusted and widely available hypoallergenic detergents on the market |
Price Range: $10-$45, depending on the bottle size and retailer.
Snag It on AmazonSeventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Detergent
Ingredients: This formula contains plant-derived cleaning agents (laureth-6, sodium lauryl sulfate), a mineral-based viscosity modifier (sodium chloride), and plant-derived enzymes to help with stain removal (protease, amylase, mannanase). It is a USDA Certified Biobased Product.
For those who prioritize both skin sensitivity and environmental impact, Seventh Generation is a top choice. This plant-based, hypoallergenic formula is free of dyes, fragrances, and artificial brighteners, making it ideal for those with allergies and very sensitive skin. The brand’s commitment to sustainability, including using recycled materials in its packaging and never testing on animals, is a key selling point for a growing number of consumers.
| Pros | Cons |
| USDA Certified Biobased Product with a formula that is 97% plant-derived | May not be as effective on extremely tough or heavily soiled stains without pretreatment |
| Free from fragrances, dyes, and synthetic brighteners, making it a truly “free and clear” option | Lack of scent may leave clothes without the traditional “fresh” smell some users prefer |
| Effective on everyday stains and gentle on a wide variety of fabrics | |
| A leading brand in the eco-friendly and cruelty-free cleaning space |
Price Range: $15-$35, depending on the bottle size and retailer.
Snag It on AmazonArm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear
Ingredients: This formula is made with water, cleaning agents (C10-16 Alketh, Sodium Laureth Sulfate), and a powerful deodorizer, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). It is completely free of perfumes and dyes.
This detergent is a popular, budget-friendly choice that effectively combines powerful cleaning with gentle, hypoallergenic ingredients. Certified 100% by SkinSAFE, a resource developed in partnership with the Mayo Clinic, it is formulated to exclude many common skin allergens. The addition of Arm & Hammer’s trusted baking soda provides a natural deodorizing boost, helping to neutralize odors without relying on irritating fragrances. It’s a solid, reliable option that proves you don’t have to sacrifice a deep clean for skin safety.
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable and widely available, easy to find in most stores | Some recent user reviews report an unpleasant “fishy” or “chemical” odor in certain batches (though clothes often smell fine after washing) |
| Certified hypoallergenic by SkinSAFE and dermatologist-tested | May not be strong enough for the toughest stains compared to premium brands |
| Baking soda inclusion provides excellent odor-fighting power | |
| Great value option that is tough on dirt while gentle on skin |
Price Range: $8-$25, depending on the bottle size and retailer.
Snag It on AmazonPersil ProClean Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent
Ingredients: This formula contains cleaning agents (C10-16 Alcohol Ethoxylate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Alkylbenzene Sulfonate), enzymes for stain-fighting (Protease, Amylase, Mannanase, Cellulase), and is free of fragrances and dyes.
Persil ProClean Sensitive Skin offers a powerful cleaning performance that is comparable to its standard formula, but without the common irritants. It’s an excellent choice for those who need a tough stain-fighter but suffer from skin sensitivities. The detergent is formulated to be hypoallergenic, making it a reliable option for those with allergies or eczema. Many users praise its deep-cleaning capabilities, noting that it can remove stubborn stains where other sensitive skin detergents may fail.
| Pros | Cons |
| Widely regarded as a superior stain remover, often outperforming other hypoallergenic brands | Some users with chemical sensitivities report reactions despite the fragrance- and dye-free formula |
| Designed to work effectively in cold water, saving energy and being gentle on clothes | May not be as widely available or stocked as major brands like Tide or All |
| Many users with very sensitive skin and allergies report no issues |
Price Range: $10-$25, depending on the bottle size and retailer.
Snag It on AmazonPuracy Liquid Baby Laundry Detergent
Ingredients: This formula is made with plant-based ingredients, including a proprietary blend of four plant-based enzymes (Protease, Amylase, Mannanase, Lipase), and is free of fragrances, dyes, sulfates, parabens, and other harsh chemicals.
While marketed for babies, this detergent is a top-rated choice for anyone with ultra-sensitive skin. It was developed by doctors and chemists to be as gentle as possible while still delivering a powerful clean. The highly concentrated, plant-based formula uses a blend of enzymes to break down stains and is certified by SkinSAFE, a service that screens products for common allergens. Users with eczema and chronic skin conditions often recommend it as it leaves no irritating residue.
| Pros | Cons |
| Developed by doctors for sensitive skin with a focus on excluding common allergens | Small bottle size may feel inconvenient for large families, since it requires precise dosing per load |
| Highly concentrated formula means a small amount goes a long way, reducing waste and cost per load | May struggle with very old or set-in stains compared to traditional detergents |
| Uses a powerful enzyme blend to fight stains without harsh chemicals | |
| Safe for use on cloth diapers and other delicate fabrics |
Price Range: $15-$25, depending on the bottle size and retailer.
Snag It on AmazonMolly’s Suds Unscented Laundry Powder
Ingredients: This powder formula is made with only four earth-derived ingredients: sodium carbonate (from the Green River Basin in Wyoming), sodium bicarbonate, magnesium sulfate (heptahydrate), and unrefined sea salt.
Molly’s Suds takes a minimalist approach to laundry, making it an excellent option for those with the most sensitive and reactive skin. It was founded by a pediatric nurse and is lauded for its “less is more” philosophy, with no synthetic fragrances, dyes, or harsh chemicals. The simple, concentrated powder is known to be effective at cleaning everyday clothes without leaving any irritating residue behind. It’s a popular choice among parents and individuals who are allergic to the complex chemical blends found in many mainstream detergents.
| Pros | Cons |
| Made with only four simple, earth-derived ingredients for a clean and safe formula | May not be powerful enough to tackle very tough or set-in stains without pretreating |
| Concentrated formula provides a cost-effective solution per load | Powder can clump in the bag if not stored in an airtight container |
| Ideal for those with severe skin sensitivities, eczema, or Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) | Produces very few suds due to lack of surfactants, which may feel unusual for users of conventional detergents |
Price Range: $15-$25, depending on the bag size and retailer.
Snag It on Amazon
