None of us are ever really “itching” to do the laundry, and neither would you want to be.
If you are one of the many people (like me) living with a sensitive skin condition, it’s super vital to take the necessary steps to keep your skin as healthy and free as possible from irritants.
When looking and searching for a sensitive washing powder, there are so many options. How do you know which one is going to be right for you? The search gets even trickier when you need to take sensitive skin into consideration.
Simply, there are two main factors that should be at the top of your criteria - a detergent that is free from perfumes and artificial colours and one which has been specifically designed for sensitive skin.
The truth is there are so many products hitting your supermarket shelves that have so many ingredients added to them that don’t need to be there. They may smell pretty, but it’s important to note that all of the artificial fragrances and colours can have a detrimental effect on your body. If they aren’t adding to the quality of the wash, then why do we need them?
There are such a wide range of laundry detergent manufacturers out there claiming to be made with sensitive skin in mind. It’s one thing to talk the talk, but can they walk the walk?
There are companies out there releasing low-irritant versions of their products. Usually, they have simply substituted or omitted the common suspects such as colours and scents.
Whilst this is a positive move for our itch-prone friends, and removing these ingredients typically will not have any impact on the quality of your spin cycle, there are usually a host of other annoying potential skin irritants lurking in the background that sneak into the bottle.
Some ingredients that could bring on a nightmare for the sensitive skinned folk among us are simply seen as non-negotiables for most manufacturers, as achieving the same results without them is put in the “too hard basket” and they make the final cut after all.
If you experience sensitive skin but long for an easy, breezy laundry experience, then let’s explore the nasties to avoid when searching for the best washing powder.
Enzymes
When it comes to the speedy removal of stains, the biological catalysts known as enzymes do the job nicely. They can target specific types of stains effectively, such as blood, protein, grass or starch. Whilst they do a great job, they can put the sensitive skin sufferers in an uncomfortable position, so they are definitely best to avoid if you are prone to skin irritation.
Optical Brighteners
Fluorescers are fascinating chemicals which absorb UV light and turn it into blue light. When optical brighteners are added to your laundry cycle, they make your clothing appear much brighter and whiter. Fun fact though - they don’t actually aid in the dirt removal process. They are probably best to avoid if you have sensitive skin.
Top tips for a more sensitive laundry experience
Everyone's skin is different. This means it may take some trial and error to find a detergent that works for you.
Whether it’s protection for a little one’s sensitive skin or your own, it’s incredibly important to keep sensitive skin in mind when you’re doing the laundry. If your skin is prone to skin irritation and allergies, then the last thing you want is to irritate it further by using a heavily fragranced laundry detergent or placing rough clothes against it. Don’t worry though, just a few simple changes to your laundry routine can make a big difference to your skin - and your comfort level!
Rinse and repeat
Finding a detergent you like that also works for your sensitive skin is just one part of the story. It's important to rinse your clothes thoroughly, in order to remove every little trace of detergent - as any residue can have an irritating effect on your skin. If your washing machine has a programmable option for a second spin cycle, then it may be a good idea to take advantage of it.
Reduce the amount of detergent you use
You may need to experiment with this one, but it's important to get the ratio of detergent per clothes right. Modern detergents are quite concentrated, so chances are you need less than you think.
For example, putting in your usual amount for a full load, simply to wash a couple of urgent things will likely lead to extra detergent residue, which you want to try and avoid.
Washing machines with a high rinse score are a great idea if you're in the market for a new one. The higher the rinse score, the more detergent they remove from each wash.
Wash before wear
As excited as you may be to show off your brand new clothes, it's important to wash them first. There are a number of potential irritants that may be active on the fabric, following the production process. Eliminate the risk by taking the time to put them in the wash before you wear them. This is important for everyone, but particularly for babies.
Don't skip the softener
Fabric softener conditions and smooths the fabric fibres in your clothes, which makes them softer and gentler on your skin. Eliminate any awful scratchy feeling and the possible irritation it brings with it, by using a gentle fabric softener.
Sensitivity for the whole family
It's no secret that babies have the most sensitive skin, and there are laundry products out there marketed specifically for babies. But are they necessary? The simple answer is no.
A laundry detergent that meets the sensitivity criteria correctly - that contains no colours or perfumes and created in a mild formula specifically for those with sensitive skin conditions, will be suitable for the entire family.
Seek advice where needed
If you or anyone in your family develop a persistent skin condition and have tried a number of detergents, be sure to consult a medical professional who will be able to run necessary tests and provide a diagnosis and treatment.
Enter Hudstone
With almost 40 years in the washing powder game, proudly owned and operated within Australia, at Hudstone, we know what it takes to create the best products for you, your family and the environment.
Each and every product in our range has been carefully and lovingly crafted with only the most essential and premium of ingredients, for a better and brighter wash every time.
Every washing powder in our range is non-toxic, biodegradable, safe to use and environmentally friendly. We are suitable for vegans and we have never and will never test on animals.
What we leave out is just as important as what we put in - unlike many products you would find stocked on the shelves of your supermarket chains, we choose not to use any nasty bits such as irritants, fillers or synthetic fragrances.
Despite being different from your run-of-the-mill commercial laundry detergents, there is absolutely no question of our wash quality. We are often asked just how our products can achieve such brilliant results without any of the typical ingredients. Our customers keep coming back for more, and you don’t have to look very far to see all of their positive feedback.
Is this the best washing powder for sensitive skin?
At Hudstone, all of our washing powders are safe for sensitive skin conditions, and we even have a carefully crafted sensitive blend which is extra mild and could in face be the best washing powder for sensitive skin.
We are completely transparent with all of our formulas and ingredients, as we have absolutely nothing to hide. Our Sensitive Washing Powder (Super Concentrate) contains alkaline mineral salt, nonionic and anionic surfactant.
It has been lovingly created with the most sensitive of skin in mind, such as those with existing skin conditions and even babies.
We have chosen to omit all fragrances and essential oils from this blend, meaning it can do its job without posing any threat to your sensitive skin.
We sell our sensitive blend in various quantities - suitable for all families and lifestyles.
- 2kg, averaging 80 top loader and 160 front loader cycles
- 4kg, averaging 160 top loader and 320 front loader cycles
- 6kg, averaging 240 top loader and 480 front loader cycles
- 8kg, averaging 320 top loader and 640 front loader cycles
- 10kg, averaging 400 top loader and 800 front loader cycles
For the best results, we would recommend using it alongside our all-purpose spray and pre-soaker, which is guaranteed to eradicate even the toughest of stains.
We believe this may just be the best washing powder for sensitive skin. But you don’t need to take our word for it. You will find plenty of excellent reviews on our website, from people who are well and truly converted to our brand.
