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10 Best Laundry Detergents for Sensitive Skin UK 2022 | Ecover, Fairy and More
Laundry is just one of those parts of grown-up life that everyone has to do. However, if you suffer from sensitive or extremely dry skin, or are affected by eczema or allergies, it can be difficult to find a laundry detergent that doesn’t irritate your skin - adding extra stress to this weekly chore.
We know that everyone’s dermis is different, so we have prepared a buying guide for choosing a hypoallergenic washing powder, liquid, pod / capsule or tab for the most delicate of skins, whether for yourself, your child or baby. We’ve also compiled a list of our top 10 recommended products to buy in the UK, from Asda, Amazon, Tesco and Waitrose, including non-bio, dermatologically tested, completely unscented (as well as some scented) options, so you'll be sure to find something to meet your needs and requirements.
We know that everyone’s dermis is different, so we have prepared a buying guide for choosing a hypoallergenic washing powder, liquid, pod / capsule or tab for the most delicate of skins, whether for yourself, your child or baby. We’ve also compiled a list of our top 10 recommended products to buy in the UK, from Asda, Amazon, Tesco and Waitrose, including non-bio, dermatologically tested, completely unscented (as well as some scented) options, so you'll be sure to find something to meet your needs and requirements.
- Last updated: 15-08-2022
Table of Contents
How to Choose a Laundry Detergent for Sensitive Skin in the UK
Key Points to Consider
- To Make Sure All the Ingredients Are Kind to Sensitive Skin, Check the Label
- Based on Your Skin and Laundry Needs, Choose Between Liquid, Pods, Tabs and Powder
- If You Can't Find a Suitable Detergent, Seek Advice From a Doctor or Dermatologist
1. Check the Label to Make Sure All the Ingredients Are Kind to Sensitive Skin
Enzymes Are a Common Allergen so It's Best to Opt for Non-Bio Detergents
Most detergents available nowadays are “biological” detergents, meaning that they contain enzymes which help to break down the proteins which make up the stains found on clothing. They are therefore the most effective at cleaning clothes thoroughly.
However, the enzymes found in biological detergents are common allergens, so can irritate very sensitive skin. People who have easily-irritated skin should go for “non-bio” detergents instead; “non-bio” meaning that there are no enzymes found inside.
Avoid Perfumes and Fragrances Wherever Possible
Some common skin allergens and irritants found in detergents, as well as laundry softeners and cosmetics, are perfumes and fragrances. These are often added to washing powder and liquid in order to mask any unpleasant smells after washing.
Although some people can be fine with certain fragrances, the main problem with perfumed-added products is that the exact contents of the "perfume" does not have to be included in the ingredients, so some contain hidden allergens. For this reason, people with sensitive skin should either avoid fragrances completely or look for a product that claims it is hypoallergenic.
Softeners can be fragrance-free too, there are some included in our pick of the best fabric softeners.
Also Stay Away From Optical Brighteners and Dyes if You Find They Irritate Your Skin
Laundry detergents with dyes and optical brighteners should also probably be avoided by those with particularly sensitive skin conditions. Optical brighteners include chemicals which make clothes look whiter and brighter, without actually helping to clean them in any way. While this can be fantastic for white shirts, it’s not great for delicate skin.
2. Choose Between Liquid, Pods, Tabs and Powder Based on Skin Sensitivity and Your Laundry Needs
For sensitive skin, you want to make sure that there’s as little detergent left over on the clothes as possible, to avoid long periods of contact with the skin and subsequent irritation. Liquid detergents are easily rinsed from clothes, however they are not considered the most effective at removing stains. Pods / capsules (and the powder-equivalent 'tabs') are convenient and less messy, but you can’t adjust the dose.
Powders are excellent at removing stubborn dirt and stains from your clothing. However, they can have trouble dissolving at lower temperatures, so there’s a higher chance that residue will be left on your clothing. If you want to use powder, then check it is suitable for use at the temperature you like to wash at. Powders come packaged in just a cardboard box, so you don't generate any single-use plastic waste - hurrah!
Do make sure your washing machine itself is squeaky-clean as mould spores are very irritative - check out our top washing machine cleaners.
3. Don't Be Afraid to Ask a Doctor or Dermatologist if You Can't Find a Suitable Detergent
While you may find the perfect laundry detergent for your skin straight away, it is more likely to involve some trial and error. Try experimenting with different products to find out which particular allergens you are allergic to. If you have a particularly serious skin condition with no room for experimentation, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor or dermatologist for their specialist opinion.
If your hands need some extra care, then check out our hand soaps for dry skin suggestions.
Compare the Best Laundry Detergents for Sensitive Skin
For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:
- Ecover - Zero Non-Bio Laundry Liquid for £6.50
- Waitrose - Essential Laundry Liquid Sensitive for £3.50
- Nimble - Laundry Lover for £6.10
- Fairy - Non-Bio Washing Powder for £10.00
- Simply Sensitive - Non-Bio Soluble Powder Soft-Tabs for £14.37
For a more in-depth look at the comprehensive top 10 selection, make sure to read on to learn more about the different types of laundry detergents for sensitive skin available and understand how our ranking was determined.
This article’s chosen EC site price listings are reflective of its publishing date.
| Image | 1  Ecover | 2  Waitrose | 3  Nimble | 4  Fairy | 5  Simply Sensitive | 6  Ecover | 7  Surcare | 8  Ecozone | 9  EcoGurus | 10  Presto! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Zero Non-Bio Laundry Liquid | Essential Laundry Liquid Sensitive | Laundry Lover | Non-Bio Washing Powder | Non-Bio Soluble Powder Soft-Tabs | Zero Non-Bio Washing Powder | Sensitive Non-Bio Laundry Powder | Concentrated Non-Bio Laundry Liquid | Eco Laundry Detergent | Sensitive Non-Bio Laundry Capsules |
| Features | A Cost-Effective Eco-Friendly Option Formulated for Those With Skin Allergies | A No-Frills Laundry Liquid That is Completely Fragrance-Free | Baby-Specific Laundry Detergent Which Leaves No Residue | A Gently Scented Formula From Fairy Approved by the Skin Health Alliance | UK-Made Eco Laundry Tabs With No Irritating Ingredients | Great at Removing Stains While Being Gentle on the Skin and the Earth | Fragrance-Free Powder Cleanliness for Delicate Skins | Scented Laundry Liquid That's Tough on Stains and Gentle on Skin and the Planet | A Premium Eco Product Which is Gentle on Skin But Tough on Stains Even at 30 Degrees | A Fantastic Value Bulk Buy for Busy Family Homes |
| Price | £6.50 | £3.50 | £6.10 | £10.00 | £14.37 | £6.72 | £6.25 | £12.99 | £14.95 | £24.89 |
| Type | Liquid | Liquid | Liquid | Powder | Tabs | Powder | Powder | Liquid | Liquid | Capsules / Pods |
| Non-Bio | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fragrance | Fragrance-Free | Fragrance-Free | No | No | Fragrance-Free | Fragrance-Free | Fragrance-Free | No | Fragrance-Free | No |
| Optical Brighteners | No | No | No | Yes - Optical Brighteners Included | No | No | Yes - Optical Brighteners Included | No | No | No |
| Expert Endorsement | British Allergy Foundation | Dermatologically Approved | - | Skin Health Alliance | National Eczema Society | British Allergy Foundation | Allergy UK | Allergy UK | - | Dermatologically Tested |
| Number of Washes | 42 Washes | 27 washes | 45 washes | 60 washes | 48 washes | 25 washes | 25 washes | 50 washes | 28 washes | (4 x 38) 152 washes |
| Volume | 1.5 L | 960 ml | 1 L | 3.9 kg | 1.25 kg | 1.8 kg | 1.625 kg | 2 L | 2 L | 4 x 1 kg |
| Link |
10 Best Laundry Detergents for Sensitive Skin in the UK
This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
1
Ecover Zero Non-Bio Laundry Liquid
£6.50
| Type | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Non-Bio | Yes |
| Fragrance | Fragrance-Free |
| Optical Brighteners | No |
| Expert Endorsement | British Allergy Foundation |
| Number of Washes | 42 Washes |
| Volume | 1.5 L |
2
WaitroseEssential Laundry Liquid Sensitive
£3.50
| Type | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Non-Bio | Yes |
| Fragrance | Fragrance-Free |
| Optical Brighteners | No |
| Expert Endorsement | Dermatologically Approved |
| Number of Washes | 27 washes |
| Volume | 960 ml |
3
NimbleLaundry Lover
£6.10
| Type | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Non-Bio | Yes |
| Fragrance | No |
| Optical Brighteners | No |
| Expert Endorsement | - |
| Number of Washes | 45 washes |
| Volume | 1 L |
4
Fairy Non-Bio Washing Powder
£10.00
| Type | Powder |
|---|---|
| Non-Bio | Yes |
| Fragrance | No |
| Optical Brighteners | Yes - Optical Brighteners Included |
| Expert Endorsement | Skin Health Alliance |
| Number of Washes | 60 washes |
| Volume | 3.9 kg |
5
Simply Sensitive Non-Bio Soluble Powder Soft-Tabs
£14.37
| Type | Tabs |
|---|---|
| Non-Bio | Yes |
| Fragrance | Fragrance-Free |
| Optical Brighteners | No |
| Expert Endorsement | National Eczema Society |
| Number of Washes | 48 washes |
| Volume | 1.25 kg |
6
Ecover Zero Non-Bio Washing Powder
£6.72
| Type | Powder |
|---|---|
| Non-Bio | Yes |
| Fragrance | Fragrance-Free |
| Optical Brighteners | No |
| Expert Endorsement | British Allergy Foundation |
| Number of Washes | 25 washes |
| Volume | 1.8 kg |
7
Surcare Sensitive Non-Bio Laundry Powder
£6.25
| Type | Powder |
|---|---|
| Non-Bio | Yes |
| Fragrance | Fragrance-Free |
| Optical Brighteners | Yes - Optical Brighteners Included |
| Expert Endorsement | Allergy UK |
| Number of Washes | 25 washes |
| Volume | 1.625 kg |
8
Ecozone Concentrated Non-Bio Laundry Liquid
£12.99
| Type | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Non-Bio | Yes |
| Fragrance | No |
| Optical Brighteners | No |
| Expert Endorsement | Allergy UK |
| Number of Washes | 50 washes |
| Volume | 2 L |
9
EcoGurusEco Laundry Detergent
£14.95
| Type | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Non-Bio | Yes |
| Fragrance | Fragrance-Free |
| Optical Brighteners | No |
| Expert Endorsement | - |
| Number of Washes | 28 washes |
| Volume | 2 L |
10
Presto! Sensitive Non-Bio Laundry Capsules
4 Pack
£24.89
| Type | Capsules / Pods |
|---|---|
| Non-Bio | Yes |
| Fragrance | No |
| Optical Brighteners | No |
| Expert Endorsement | Dermatologically Tested |
| Number of Washes | (4 x 38) 152 washes |
| Volume | 4 x 1 kg |
Laundry Tips for People With Sensitive Skin
Firstly, make sure that you avoid putting too much detergent into the machine, which could leave a troublesome residue on clothing. You also want to make sure that your clothes are rinsed of detergent completely, so one more rinse cycle could help if you want to be extra cautious.
Secondly, you’ll want to wash any new clothes after purchasing them. You don’t know what kind of detergent has been used on them before, so washing them with your own hypoallergenic detergent will let you wear your new clothes with confidence.
Additional Links
Written and researched by Brigid Bernard
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