I am extremely sensitive to detergents and use Dreft.

For my husband and son with skin sensitivities I use Melaleuca brand.

7th Generation Free & Clear

Have you tried the Tide Ultra Stain Release FREE from Target? It works significantly better than the plain version.

I believe that Dreft makes a newer unscented product, too.

Let us know if you find anything.

What issues are you having with Tide F&G?

I’ve dealt with detergent issues all my life. You might find a detergent you tolerate but you can over time become allergic to that. Make sure that whatever detergent you use you are rinsing adequately. Good detergents have good rinsability but still each rinse is a serial dilution of the detergent and dirt. Even with a full fill rinse, it might take 3-4 to dilute it enough. We have used several different HE machines and the water barely pools under the clothing in some of them. I would estimate that one rinse diluted the detergent/dirt by about 50%. I use a wash (with detergent) and two rinses and then another short wash and two rinses to act as additional rinses for these machines. Anytime the rinse can be warm I do that too.

At home, I have a full fill machine and do a wash/ rinse, then an additional wash with a little sodium tripolyphosphate and a rinse.

If you don’t tolerate even breathing the detergent, consider a pod or having someone else put the detergent in. If you can close the door and ventilate that would help too. Your dryer may pull some of the fumes out if it is running.

^^ RE: HE and rinsing: Interesting point you bring up about the HE machines. I have a HE that has a deep water wash setting, and I always wash on the deep water setting and do a double rinse.

My DH has sensitivity to laundry detergent as well. The dermatologist recommended Sunlight.

Does the Sunlight have any optical brighteners? Asking because I"m always on the lookout for something better but don't want anything with OBs.

Sunlight laundry detergent is only available in Canada. The USA equivalent is ALL brand detergent.

ALL contains OBs. P&G has recently reformulated liquid Tide Free & Gentle and their new formula no longer contains OBs. Tide F&G pods and powder still contain OBs, it's just the liquid that doesn't.

Thanks, Littlegreeny!

I have ultra sensitive skin. I tried all the regular free and clear detergents, but reacted to every single one. Charlies Soap Detergent works the best by far for me. As it is a little mild, I always add a heaping tablespoon each of borax and STPP. Everything come out nice and clean.

Keep in mind that fabric softeners can be even worse than detergents for sensitive skin. I cannot use ANY. Dryer sheets are the worst. My dermatologist says they actually have a name for it - "Bounce dermatitis". I put a heaping tablespoon of citric acid powder or some white vinegar in where the fabric softener is supposed to go. It helps.

Best of luck in finding what works best for you!

@porkchop_z5b_MI

Cheer powder does not have any optical brighteners.

^^ Thanks. Unfortunately very difficult to locate it -- have tried.

I have mildly sensitive skin, not a huge issue. Luckily I've been OK with Tide Original powder and can find that at Costco...but I use the barest minimum amount that will clean clothes, and cannot remember the last time I did a load that would touch skin anyplace without setting the machine for a third rinse.

Sheets, towels, our clothing, all with an extra rinse. Maybe occasionally curtains (and shower curtains) or cleaning rags without one ;0)

Cheer powder seemed to have disappeared for a while. I had all but given up being able to find it. But it is back in stock at my WalMart so you might try looking for it again.

^^ Good to know - thanks!

I appreciate this post so much. Was just about to ask the same question. I've been having good luch with Arm & Hammer With Oxi liquid, but who knows how long that good luck will last. My European neighbor told me enzymes are a no-no in Europe because of itching problems. I'm going to try a non-enzyme detergent next. All your comments mean a lot.

Pat it looks like ALL F&C liquid is your best choice. It must have been recently reformulated because it now contains no OBs. My top pick for a detergent with enzymes would be Tide F&G liquid which also contains no OBs.

littlegreeny - ALL F&C didn't have OBs, then it did, and you are saying they're gone again? I wonder if consumer response fueled the decision to remove them? I will need to look at that brand again because it always worked well for me, but I wear so many dark colors in winter that I didn't want the premature OB fading effect on them.

@Cavimum and @Pat Z5or6 SEMich oops, sorry I'm incorrect. They are using a different OB now (Benzenesulfonic acid, 2,2'-(1 ,2-ethenediyl)bis[5-[[4-[(2-hydroxyethyl)methylamino]-6-(phenylamino)-1 ,3,5-triazin-2-yl]amino]-, sodium salt (1:2)).

Sorry, I thought this was a preservative but it's an OB.

Tide F&G liquid and Tide purclean have no OBs.

My husband has extremely sensitive skin and we order Good Home Company laundry detergent. He hasn’t complained about his clothes causing skin issues since we have been using it. It has no parabens, no sulfates and no phthalates and uses natural, plant based ingredients whenever possible. It is not cheap, so we are careful about how much we use. I have issues with perfume and fragrance and find their laundry detergent to be very mild, pleasant and not problematic.

littlegreeny - thank you! You Saved me from buying some.

littlegreeny, you are getting a great big smackin' kiss on top of your little green head right now, whether you can feel it or not. It came straight to you in Wisconsin, at lightning speed, through an invisible mask You are just the best. Like Cavimum, you saved me from buying the wrong thing tomorrow at Meijer. AND, you answered a question I was longing not to ask again. I love you.

Cavimum, I love you too.

Pat, you are so so sweet!!! I think I found the one you've been looking for! Have you tried the newish Ivory F&C liquid? It's free of enzymes and OBs. I believe it's only available at Walmart.

https://www.walmart.com/grocery/ip/Ivory-Free-Clear-Laundry-Detergent-Designed-For-Sensitive-Skin-138-fl-oz-96-loads/759267533

For everyone facing issues with sensitive skin, breakouts, rashes, headaches from all the fragrances, etc., please, please, please take a look at a company called Branch Basics. I cannot say enough good things about them. I had been using Melaleuca brand for about 8 years, when my husband started having some reactions to those products, plus I got tired of not being able to breathe when trying to clean the shower. Came upon BB from one of the Blogs I follow. That was over 4 years ago. I now use BB for everything. Laundry, dishwashing (both hand and machine), bathroom, windows, etc. I don’t buy any other cleaning product except borax. They are sold online, but it’s not a pyramid scheme or anything. And no, I don’t get anything for promoting them - I just really believe in the product. It really makes a difference. Check them out at

https://branchbasics.com/our-story/
They have a trial kit that’s only $5 (last I looked).

https://branchbasics.com/our-formula/

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