6 Top-Rated Fabric Softener for Sensitive Skin
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If you want to make your laundry routine more hypoallergenic, you need a fabric softener for sensitive skin. Don’t know where to start? I’ve got you covered.
I took out fabric softeners from my laundry routine for quite a while after realizing how irritating they can be to my family’s skin. Sure, my laundry smells great, but the itching and irritation wasn’t worth it.
That was before I found fabric softeners specifically designed for sensitive skin. So, if you want to keep your clothes smelling great without all the harmful chemicals, these options are for you.
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Best Fabric Softeners for Sensitive Skin
Want a fabric softener that won’t irritate your skin but will still keep your garments fresh? Here are some options that I’ve tried and loved:
1. Seventh Generation Fabric Softener
The Seventh Generation Fabric Softener makes clothes incredibly soft and is excellent at static cling reduction. It’s also fragrance-free, which is perfect for those sensitive to smells. Towels and bedding feel especially cozy and fluffy. Plus, I find fewer wrinkles in my thinner sheets.
Of course, what really won me over is how gentle it is on sensitive skin. I’m always cautious with new products, but this one caused no irritation or allergic reactions at all. It is also certified by USDA Biobased and Leaping Bunny, meaning they use plant-based ingredients and don’t test their products on animals.
2. ATTITUDE Laundry Fabric Softener Liquid
This liquid fabric softener from ATTITUDE not only leaves my clothes feeling incredibly soft, but the gentle wildflower scent adds a lovely, light fragrance that isn’t overwhelming. It’s a perfect balance that keeps my laundry smelling fresh without any heavy perfumes.
What sets this product apart for me is its natural, hypoallergenic formula. I have sensitive skin, and many other fabric softeners cause irritation, but I haven’t had any issues with ATTITUDE. It’s made from mineral-based ingredients, and the fact that it’s eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and vegan is a big plus. The practical bottle design makes it easy to measure out just the right amount, and a little goes a long way for each cycle.
3. The Clean People Fabric Softener Sheets
Don’t want a big jug to clutter your laundry room? Want a fabric softener that you can pack in your suitcase? Try these natural dryer sheets from Clean People. These dryer sheets do an excellent job of reducing static and leaving clothes feeling soft and fresh, but what I love most is that they are made with natural ingredients.
The scent is subtle and pleasant, not overpowering like some other dryer sheets. This is especially important to me because I have sensitive skin, and I’ve had no issues with irritation. This laundry product is also biodegradable and environmentally friendly, which aligns with my commitment to using more sustainable cleaning products, and I love that there’s minimal residue in my washer.
4. Tru Earth Fabric Softener Strips
Here’s another great option if you prefer fabric softener sheets over liquid. These Tru Earth Eco-Strips Laundry Detergent Strips are unscented, fragrance-free strips that are incredibly convenient and easy to use—just toss one in with your laundry, and you’re good to go. They dissolve completely in both hot and cold water and leave no residue behind.
In my experience, these strips are truly hypoallergenic. Plus, they’re environmentally friendly, with zero-waste packaging and biodegradable ingredients.
5. MRS. MEYER’S CLEAN DAY Liquid Fabric Softener
This liquid fabric softener from Mrs. Meyers not only tackles static effectively but also leaves my clothes feeling super soft. The Honeysuckle scent is absolutely delightful—fresh and floral, but not overwhelming if you’re particular about strong scents.
I also love the peace of mind that comes with using a product made from plant-derived ingredients. It’s reassuring to know these sheets are free from harsh chemicals and artificial colors, especially since I want to avoid any nasty skin flare-ups. I also recommend buying the refills if you already have a dispenser to avoid extra plastic waste.
6. Arm & Hammer Light In-Wash Scent Booster
Arm & Hammer is one of my favorite brands for no-nonsense cleaning products, and it’s no surprise that I came to love their Light In-Wash Scent Booster. When used in my laundry, it really enhances the cleaning power of my regular detergent so it leaves clothes looking brighter and feeling cleaner.
Aside from leaving you with soft clothing and fluffier fabrics, it’s also great for tackling tough stains and odors but without all those harsh chemicals. There are no parabens, dyes, or heavy perfumes, just the natural power of pure baking soda.
What Ingredients Should You Avoid?
Similar to choosing laundry soap for sensitive skin, there are quite a few ingredients you should avoid when looking for a fabric softener that won’t cause havoc on your skin and overall health. According to Samara Geller at the Environmental Working Group (EWG), here are some of the chemicals you should avoid:
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats)
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats), such as distearyldimonium chloride and other “monium chloride” compounds, are commonly used in fabric softeners for their softening properties and to reduce static cling. However, these chemicals can pose significant health risks.
Geller reports that quats are known to trigger respiratory issues, including asthma, making them particularly hazardous for individuals with preexisting respiratory conditions. Additionally, exposure to quats has been linked to potential reproductive toxicity, which can affect fertility and reproductive health.
Fragrances
Fragrances in fabric softeners can be a hidden source of trouble, which is why non-toxic laundry detergents and fabric softeners tend to limit them or use natural sources. They often contain phthalates and synthetic musks like galaxolide.
Geller says, “Fragrance mixes can cause allergies, skin irritations such as dermatitis, difficulty breathing and potential reproductive harm.” They can also make conditions like eczema and dermatitis worse, similar to harsh fragrances in beauty care products.
Plus, these fragrances can worsen indoor air quality, leading to respiratory problems and allergic reactions. So, I suggest using a fabric softener or fabric conditioner with natural scents, such as those with natural essential oils. Make sure to read the labels and stay away from any harsh detergents.
Preservatives and Dyes
Finally, Gellar lists preservatives and artificial colors in fabric softeners as another concern. Preservatives like methylisothiazolinone and glutaral (glutaraldehyde) are often added to extend shelf life but can have harmful side effects. She asserts, “The most worrisome preservatives in fabric softeners include the potent skin allergen methylisothiazolinone, and glutaral, known to trigger asthma and skin allergies.”
Additionally, artificial colors such as D&C violet 2 are unnecessary additives that can also cause skin reactions and contribute to environmental pollution when washed away. For a safer choice, look for green products labeled as free from artificial preservatives and dyes.
Find a Better Fabric Softener Today
If your current fabric softener is doing more harm than good for your family’s sensitive skin, it’s time to make a switch to one with clean ingredients. Try the options we’ve spotlighted above and see which one works best for you!
You can also pair these options up with the best laundry soap for sensitive skin for the best results. When in doubt, try consulting dermatologists to find a detergent brand that won’t irritate any skin conditions you may have.
