While laundry detergents are a common household item used on a regular basis, the ingredients and potential allergens they contain are often overlooked.  For some individuals, exposure to certain chemicals found in laundry products can trigger an allergic reaction, such as itching, redness or a rash.  If you experience these symptoms, 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 devastating effects on the environment.  Additionally, some laundry detergents contain preservatives, such as formaldehyde and benzisothiazolinone, which can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. 

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 synthetic fragrances and 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. 

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