Fragrance-Free Detergent: A Safe Bet For Eczema Prone Skin?

People with eczema are often advised to avoid fragranced products, including detergents, fabric softeners and dryer sheets. However, some products labelled as 'unscented' may still contain fragrances to mask the scent of the chemicals in the detergent. Fragrance-free detergents are recommended for people with eczema, but it's important to be aware that other ingredients in detergents, such as dyes and preservatives, can also trigger eczema flare-ups.

Fragrance-free detergents are recommended for people with eczema

When buying laundry detergent, it is important to carefully read the labels and look for phrases such as "dye-free", "fragrance-free", and "hypoallergenic". The National Eczema Association (NEA) also recommends looking for products that are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.

In addition to fragrances, dyes and brighteners can also worsen eczema symptoms. Fabric softeners and dryer sheets are almost always fragranced and can introduce more chemicals that someone could be allergic to. For example, fabric softeners may contain methylisothiazolinone, a common allergen that can cause skin trouble.

To avoid triggering eczema, it is best to wear gloves when using soaps or detergents, such as when hand-washing clothes or doing the dishes.

Fragrances can trigger eczema flare-ups

The National Eczema Association (NEA) recommends looking for products that are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. When you buy laundry detergent, carefully read the labels to look for key phrases such as 'dye-free', 'fragrance-free' and 'hypoallergenic'.

Chemicals and other ingredients in many laundry detergents can irritate the sensitive skin of a person with eczema and cause flare-ups. Fragrances, perfumes, surfactants, and preservatives are common culprits that tend to trigger eczema flare-ups. Dyes and brighteners can also worsen your symptoms.

Fabric softeners may contain methylisothiazolinone, a common allergen that can cause real trouble for the skin.

''Unscented' products are not the same as 'fragrance-free''

People with eczema should avoid using fragranced products, including detergents, fabric softeners and dryer sheets. Even if they are organic or natural, fragrances can trigger eczema.

The National Eczema Association (NEA) recommends looking for products that are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. However, it is important to note that "unscented" is not the same as "fragrance-free". "Unscented" products are formulated to have no smell but can contain ingredients that have a smell that has been neutralised by other components. "Fragrance-free" products, on the other hand, cannot contain any ingredients that have been added to impart a smell. However, they may still contain ingredients that have a scent but are not added because of their scent, such as natural ingredients and essential oils. For example, a cream made with scented oil could still be labelled as fragrance-free because the purpose of the oil is to act as an emollient, not as a scent.

Therefore, if you have eczema, it is important to carefully read the labels of products and look for phrases such as "dye-free", "fragrance-free" and "hypoallergenic".

Dyes and brighteners can worsen eczema symptoms

While fragrance-free detergents are recommended for people with eczema, dyes and brighteners can also worsen eczema symptoms.

People with eczema are advised to avoid fragranced products, including detergents, fabric softeners, and dryer sheets. Even if these products are organic or natural, fragrances can trigger eczema flare-ups. However, it's important to note that some products labelled as "unscented" may still contain fragrances to mask the scent of chemicals in the detergent.

When choosing a laundry detergent, it is recommended to look for products that are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and dye-free. Dyes and brighteners in detergents can irritate the skin and activate the immune system, contributing to eczema symptoms such as red, itchy rashes.

The National Eczema Association (NEA) recommends using non-biological laundry detergents that are suitable for sensitive skin to help reduce future flare-ups. Additionally, wearing gloves when using soaps or detergents can help reduce direct skin contact with potential irritants.

Fabric softeners may contain methylisothiazolinone, a common allergen that can cause skin issues

People with eczema should avoid using fragranced products, including detergents, fabric softeners and dryer sheets. Even if a product is labelled as 'unscented', it may still contain fragrances used to mask the scent of the chemicals in the detergent.

Methylisothiazolinone was named Contact Allergen of the Year in 2013 by the American Contact Dermatitis Society. It is responsible for an 'epidemic' of contact allergic dermatitis. Allergy to methylisothiazolinone is extremely common.

The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety reviewed the literature and in July 2015 banned the use of methylisothiazolinone in Europe in all-new leave-on products and lowered the concentration for rinse-off products.

People with eczema should carefully read the labels on laundry detergents and look for key phrases such as "dye-free", "fragrance-free" and "hypoallergenic".

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