Are You Allergic To Your Laundry Detergent?

ARE YOU ALLERGIC TO YOUR DETERGENT?

Laundry detergents are a staple in every household, routinely used without much thought to the ingredients and potential allergens they contain. And while there's no better feeling than slipping into freshly washed sheets at night, there's nothing more disheartening than waking up the next morning covered in a rash. If this scenario sounds familiar, it's possible you could be allergic to your laundry detergent.

WHAT CAUSES AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO LAUNDRY DETERGENT

Laundry detergents typically contain a variety of chemicals, including synthetic fragrance or parfum, enzymes, optical brighteners, sodium lauryl sulphate and linear alkyl sodium sulfonates. These ingredients not only cause allergic reactions in some people but can also have negative effects on the environment. Additionally, some laundry detergents contain preservatives, such as formaldehyde and benzisothiazolinone, which can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

Here are four ingredients in common laundry products that we always look to avoid:

Synthetic fragrance (labeled as 'Fragrance/Parfum')
Sulphates (such as SLS)
Isothiazolinones
Optical brighteners/bleach related ingredients

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A LAUNDRY DETERGENT ALLERGY?

If you're allergic to your laundry detergent, you may experience a range of symptoms, including itching, redness, a rash, hives, swelling, sneezing, coughing or wheezing. These symptoms can vary in severity and may occur immediately after exposure or several hours later.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU THINK YOU'RE ALLERGIC TO YOUR LAUNDRY DETERGENT?

If you think you may be allergic to your laundry detergent, we suggest switching to a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free or natural alternative, made with plant-based ingredients that are free from harsh chemicals. In addition to changing your laundry detergent, we suggest avoiding fabric softeners and dryer sheets, as these products can also contain fragrances and chemicals that can trigger allergies.

PREVENTING LAUNDRY DETERGENT ALLERGIES

To prevent allergies in the future, we suggest reading the ingredients list on the back of labels carefully, avoiding the ingredients listed above. We also have a handy guide with 10 common chemicals and their health-related risks that might help you work out which ingredients to avoid.

EXPLORE THE JOURNAL

↳ Explore Our World

LINGERIE CARE GUIDE with Simone Pérèle

Care Guide

LINGERIE CARE GUIDE with Simone Pérèle

Lingerie is more than just clothing - it’s an intimate expression of femininity and a feeling of quiet confidence. These delicate pieces, worn closest to skin, are often made from fine fabrics like lace, silk, and satin. They require special attention to preserve their comfort, shape and softness.

↳ Read more

The Fragrance Guide

Scent focus

The Fragrance Guide

Scents have a power of persuasion stronger than that of words, appearances, emotions, or will. The persuasive power of scent can not be fended off, it enters us like breath into our lungs, it fills us up, imbues us totally...' Perfume by Patrick Suskind

↳ Read more

CART 0

Sorry, looks like we don't have enough of this product.

LINGERIE CARE GUIDE with Simone Pérèle

LINGERIE CARE GUIDE with Simone Pérèle

The Fragrance Guide

The Fragrance Guide

When should we send your message?

Currency

CART 0

Sorry, looks like we don't have enough of this product.

LINGERIE CARE GUIDE with Simone Pérèle

LINGERIE CARE GUIDE with Simone Pérèle

The Fragrance Guide

The Fragrance Guide

We use cookies