Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflammation, persistent itching, and noticeable dryness. For people managing this condition, the skin’s natural protective barrier is often compromised, making it highly susceptible to environmental triggers. Many household products that remain in constant contact with the skin are a concern for those who experience regular flare-ups. This includes the laundry detergent used daily to clean clothing, bedding, and towels.
Understanding How Detergent Affects Skin
Laundry detergent does not typically cause the underlying, chronic condition of eczema, which is often genetic. Instead, these products commonly act as a trigger, causing a flare-up of existing atopic dermatitis or leading to a separate condition called contact dermatitis. The primary mechanism of irritation involves detergent residue that remains on fabric even after a wash cycle. Since clothing and bedding are in contact with the skin nearly all day, this constant exposure leads to ongoing irritation.
The most frequent reaction is Irritant Contact Dermatitis (ICD), where detergent chemicals strip away the skin’s natural surface oils, known as lipids. This process physically damages the skin barrier, making it more permeable and allowing moisture to escape and irritants to enter. The resulting dryness, inflammation, and itchiness are the hallmarks of an eczema flare-up, which can peak within minutes or hours of contact.
A less common reaction is Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD), which is an immune system response to a specific allergen in the detergent. Unlike ICD, ACD requires a period of sensitization and is a true allergy, often taking 24 to 96 hours to peak after exposure. Detergent residue left on clothes is the main culprit for both types of reactions, trapping the offending chemicals directly against the skin.
Specific Detergent Ingredients That Cause Irritation
Many ingredients necessary for a detergent’s cleaning power can also be harsh on sensitive skin.
Fragrances and Dyes
Synthetic fragrances are consistently reported as common triggers for both irritation and allergic reactions. These scents, often listed vaguely as “parfum,” are complex chemical mixtures that can cause contact dermatitis. Dyes and colorants are purely aesthetic additions that serve no cleaning function but can penetrate fabric fibers and are known irritants for sensitive individuals.
Preservatives
Preservatives are used to prevent microbial growth and extend the shelf life of liquid formulas. Methylisothiazolinone (MI) and its relative, Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), are potent allergens that have caused a significant rise in allergic contact dermatitis cases. Exposure from detergent residue on clothing can sensitize the skin over time, leading to increasingly severe reactions.
Surfactants and Brighteners
Harsh surfactants, such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), are responsible for lifting stains but actively break down oils and weaken the skin’s protective lipid layer. Optical brighteners are synthetic chemicals added to make fabrics appear whiter by reflecting light. These chemicals cling heavily to fabric and are not fully removed by the rinse cycle, resulting in constant skin contact.
Fabric softeners and dryer sheets are also often problematic, as they frequently contain high concentrations of fragrances and sometimes preservatives like MI. These additives are deposited directly onto the clothes, increasing the risk of skin reaction.
Actionable Steps for Sensitive Skin
The most immediate step to minimize exposure is to select detergents labeled as “Free and Clear” or hypoallergenic, which generally means they lack fragrances and dyes. Since these terms are not fully regulated, reviewing the ingredient list for known allergens like methylisothiazolinone is still required. Liquid detergents are often recommended over powders because powder formulas can sometimes leave behind more solid residue on clothing.
Proper washing machine technique can significantly reduce the amount of residue remaining on fabrics. Always use an extra rinse cycle to ensure the detergent is thoroughly removed from the load. It is also important to use the correct detergent dosage, as using more than the recommended amount increases the potential for residue buildup without improving cleaning.
Washing all new clothes before wearing is advisable to remove any manufacturing chemicals or sizing agents applied to the fabric. If symptoms persist after switching to a gentle detergent, consult a dermatologist for further investigation. A dermatologist can perform patch testing, a method used to precisely identify the specific chemical allergen causing the immune reaction.