Eczema and psoriasis are the two most commonly diagnosed skin disorders in the country, with millions affected each year. These conditions trigger painful surface irritation, inflammation, and flare-ups that only worsen if the skin is exposed to more chemicals. It is one of the main reasons dermatologists recommend switching to laundry detergents suitable for sensitive skin. Here are the top five picks that feature the best formulations deemed safe for regular use.

Factors to consider before comparing brands
Read certifications and labels
Check the labels to see if the products are determined safe for sensitive skin and if they are not a risk factor for psoriasis, eczema, or other contact skin disorders.

Check if the product is chemical free
It is better to buy detergents made with a plant-based formula free of additives, fragrances, coloring, preservatives, and other chemicals that can trigger contact symptoms.

Compare concentrations
There are many types of concentrated and unconcentrated formulations that may or may not work for all skin types. So, check to see if these products have the correct laboratory certifications.

Top 5 detergents to buy
Tide Free & Gentle™
Tide’s liquid detergent gets its seal of approval from both the National Psoriasis Foundation and the National Eczema Foundation, making it one of the top five picks in laundry brands. Tide Free & Gentle™ formula is dermatologically evaluated and approved for daily use. The liquid base helps prevent any fabric from triggering even worse flare-ups after a thorough wash. Older adults and seniors can benefit from sensitive skin and fabric formulations with a hypoallergenic base to minimize the risk of allergic reactions. Another great advantage of this gentle formula is that its base is free of harmful perfumes, fragrances, and dyes. You can get the 92 oz. bottle sufficient for approximately 64 loads from the official website for just $12.97.

All® Free Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent
All® Free Clear is one of the few potent laundry detergent formulations that gets the thumbs up from dermatologists, pediatricians, and allergists for safe use. Also recognized by the National Eczema Association, the hypoallergenic formula features its patented Stainlifters™ technology that is tough on the stains but gentle on the fabric. In addition, the liquid detergent doesn’t contain perfumes, artificial fragrances, or dyes that can trigger symptom flare-ups when the washed fabric comes in contact with the skin. All® Free Clear Liquid 82 oz. bottles sell for just over $18 on popular retail websites. You can also buy it from the official website and combine other hypoallergenic laundry products deemed safe for sensitive skin.

Seventh Generation
Seventh Generation laundry detergent is safe to use for sensitive skin, and the brand is eco-friendly as well. And when we say eco-friendly, we mean super sustainable packaging made with biodegradable materials. Seventh Generation’s laundry products are USDA Certified Biobased, EPA Safer Choice Certified, and Leaping Bunny Certified. This means all hypoallergenic products are environment friendly, and no animal testing is done to determine the formula’s efficacy or side effects. The EaseDose™ Ultra Concentrated Laundry Detergent 23 oz. bottle is priced at just $13.97 on the official website. One bottle is sufficient for washing roughly 66 loads of laundry. Deemed perfectly safe for sensitive skin, the potent formula is also available in three unique scents featuring Mango & Mandarin, Rose, and Lavender.

Earth Breeze Detergent
Earth Breeze laundry detergents are also sustainable and eco-friendly options you can consider as an alternative purchase to the Seventh Generation brand. The gentle formula is safe for daily use, certified for sensitive skin types, and suitable for all types of fabric wash cycles. In place of pods or the liquid formula, Earth Breeze detergent is manufactured in the form of sheets that come in biodegradable packaging. Meaning after every use, the materials dissolve and leave little to no residue in the wash discharge. These sheets have been determined safe to use for babies and older seniors who can safely wear the fabric after it has been washed and dried. Earth Breeze is available on the official brand website selling for $20 a pack, or you can even sign up for a monthly subscription to save more on the purchase. One pack of sheets is sufficient for up to 60 loads when used with HE washer and dryer units to get the best results.

Dreft® Pure Gentleness Liquid Detergent
If you are looking to use a special formula detergent suitable for fabrics worn by young toddlers and newborns, consider Dreft® Pure Gentleness Liquid detergent for daily use. Dreft Pure is the number one pediatrician-recommended hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formula made with plant-based raw materials. The detergent also contains no added dyes, brighteners, phosphates, or chlorine that you might find on the labels of regular wash detergents. But don’t let the gentle formulation fool you, as the potent liquid is tough on stains and dirt picked up by the fabric from all common surfaces around the house. Dreft® formula also works in all washing machines and is effective even in cold wash cycles, making it the ideal choice for washing soft lighter fabric. A single 46 oz. bottle costs $16.97 and is sufficient for 32 loads currently available across major retail websites.