Hypoallergenic Laundry Soap

Hypoallergenic Laundry Soap – Whether it is you or your kids suffering, allergies are the worst! I know so many moms with kids that are sensitive to food coloring, detergents, peanuts, shellfish…… Allergies happen (just like laundry)! We have had our fair share of allergy symptoms in my house and I used to keep a supply of Claritin D on hand until I had surgery for a deviated septum. From watery, itchy eyes to skin rashes, we have seen it all either in our home or that of our friends. That is why so many people are looking into hypoallergenic laundry soap. If you suffer from allergies, you may well be allergic to your laundry soap. Allergies can start an any time, as you aren’t necessarily “born with them.” Hypoallergenic laundry soap is a type of laundry soap with fewer ingredients that may lead to allergic reactions. It is free of common allergens including fragrances and enzymes. You may need hypoallergenic laundry soap if you have any of the following symptoms: 

• Sensitive Skin or Rashes: The biggest way to tell that you are allergic to your laundry soap is if you are developing red rashes on your skin. These rashes may be itchy or uncomfortable depending on how severe your allergy is.
• Headaches: I found out my headaches weren’t just in my head. In fact, many fragrances and smells can trigger a migraine for me. If you suffer from headaches, see your doctor and find out if you need to switch to hypoallergenic laundry soap.
• Itchy Watery Eyes: If you have itchy or watery eyes all through the year, you may be allergic to your laundry soap. Pay attention to whether your eyes water more when you put on freshly cleaned laundry. If they do, it may not be just seasonal.
• Stuffy Nose: You might think a stuffy nose is a cold during winter months or seasonal allergies during spring and summer, but if you just can’t get rid of it, it may be something more. A stuffy nose that just doesn’t go away can signal an allergy to the laundry soap you use.
• A runny nose: Another allergy symptom is a runny nose. You may notice this more with your kids than yourself, but if a runny nose persists all year long, try switching your laundry soap.
• Eczema: Eczema is more a condition than a symptom, but if you have Eczema, using laundry soap with fragrances can make these symptoms worse especially in children. If you or your kids have been diagnosed with Eczema, I would suggest switching to hypoallergenic laundry soap.

If you have any of these symptoms, try fragrance-free, hypoallergenic laundry soaps:

• All Free Clear: Free of dyes and perfumes, All Free Clear is recommended for those suffering from Eczema. It has been recommended by the National Eczema Association.
• Seventh Generation Natural Laundry Detergent: With safer surfactants, Seventh Generation is gentler on the skin.
• Ecos Free & Clear: Ecos has become a top brand for people with sensitivities to fragrances.
• Pure & Gentle Soap’s Econcentrate Liquid Laundry: Free of dye and fragrance, Pure and Gentle is designed to remove allergens from clothing. It has safer surfactants making it gentler on the skin.
• The Honest Co Laundry Detergent: Neutral pH (non-irritating to skin and does not discolor clothing)

Many skin sensitivities, allergy symptoms, and headaches can all be tracked back to allergies. What other hypoallergenic laundry soaps have you tried? Have you considered making your own detergent?