02 Oct 2026
- Laundry detergent can irritate skin for some people
- Fragrance can be a trigger for some people
- smol Non-Bio Liquid and Capsules and smol Fragrance-Free Capsules are dermatologically tested and accredited by the Skin Health Alliance
- Fragrance-Free Capsules are recommended by Allergy UK
- Powerful stain removal at 20°C with less chemicals than the big brands¹
- smol Laundry Capsules come with a FREE TRIAL
Have you ever suffered from red, itchy skin after putting on freshly washed clothes?
Could your laundry detergent be the cause?
Well, yes.
Rashes do, of course, have lots of different triggers, but with detergent certainly being one of them, let’s take a closer look at what might actually be going on.
What, in laundry detergent, can irritate skin?
There isn't one universal "bad ingredient" in laundry detergent that can cause skin irritation.
And it’s worth noting that chemicals are not the enemy. Everything is a chemical. Chemistry is what gets your socks clean.
But individual ingredients or formulations can cause problems for some people with sensitive skin.
Fragrance.
Fragrance ingredients can trigger allergic contact dermatitis in those who are sensitive or allergic, and fragranced laundry products are one potential source of exposure.
If you know fragrance is a problem for you, a fragrance-free detergent can be a sensible choice (hello smol Fragrance-Free Laundry Capsule FREE TRIAL).
Detergents and surfactants.
Surfactants are hardworking cleaning ingredients that loosen dirt and help carry it away in the wash.
They're very useful.
But detergents themselves can act as skin irritants for some people, particularly with repeated or direct exposure.
Preservatives.
Preservatives help keep many products safe and stable, but some preservative ingredients can also be allergens for certain people.
Again, it's individual though.
Which laundry detergent is best for sensitive skin?
There's no single detergent that's right for absolutely everyone.
But if you're looking for something exceptionally gentle on skin, we've got you.
Both our Non-Bio Laundry Capsules and Fragrance-Free Non-Bio Laundry Capsules and also our Non Bio Laundry Liquid, are now part of the smol Sensitive range.
They're:
- Dermatologically tested
- Accredited by the Skin Health Alliance
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Powerful at tackling stains
- Vegan and approved by Cruelty Free International
- Packed in plastic-free cardboard or refillable bottles-for-life.
And they deliver powerful stain removal at 20°C with less chemicals than the big brands.¹
Worth noting also that our Fragrance-Free Capsules are not only accredited by The Skin Health Alliance, but they are also recommended by Allergy UK.
Sensitive skin? Meet the family.
In more good news, gentler cleaning for your skin doesn't stop at the washing machine when you switch to smol.
Our Sensitive range now stretches from clothes to dishes to hands, with every product dermatologically tested and accredited by the Skin Health Alliance.
Product | Fragrance? | Reassurance |
|---|---|---|
Citrus, white blossom & cedarwood | Skin Health Alliance accreditation | |
- | Skin Health Alliance accreditation and Allergy UK recommendation | |
Citrus, white blossom & cedarwood | Skin Health Alliance accreditation | |
Peach & Jasmine | Skin Health Alliance accreditation | |
Aloe Vera | Skin Health Alliance accreditation | |
Cucumber & Rose | Skin Health Alliance accreditation |
Less chemicals. Plenty of cleaning power.
Gentler doesn't mean giving dirt an easy ride.
Our concentrated Laundry Capsules are designed for powerful cleaning at 20°C with less chemicals than the big brands.¹
They’re thoughtfully formulated products that are exceptionally gentle on skin, without compromising on brilliant cleaning.
Laundry detergent & sensitive skin FAQs.
¹ See smol.com/our-claims
Catherine Green, Cleaning Expert
Catherine has been on a mission to revolutionise the way we tackle chores since the dawn of smol and is an advocate for making more sustainable living accessible to all, with a strong focus in cleaning that’s heavy on dirt, lighter on the planet and gentle on the skin. Catherine has tested hundreds of hacks to make tackling chores easier, safer, and better for the planet and our homes.
ABOUT OUR AUTHORS