If you or someone in your family has sensitive skin, finding a good mild detergent is important for sensitive skin.
There are so many options out there, it’s hard to know which is best to choose. I have sorted through all of the green washed labels so that you don’t have to!
Let’s jump in to learn more about mild detergents and what is best for sensitive skin.
What is Mild Detergent?
These days there is a lot of marketing that makes it confusing to tell if what you are buying is actually what you think it is. If you or a family member has sensitive skin, you definitely understand the struggle.
In regular or non mild soaps there are chemical compounds called builders. These builders contain a chemical concoction that boosts the formula to remove stains, grease and dirt.
A mild detergent should not have these common builders:
- Phosphates
- Soda Ash/ Sodium Carbonate
- Sodium aluminosilicates
- Sodium Silicate
- Citric Acid
These ingredients can be harmful, especially to those with sensitive skin. If the detergent you are considering contains these ingredients you may want to keep looking.
What are the Benefits of Using Mild Detergents?
Mild detergents are great to use even if you do not have sensitive skin. Regular detergents can remove the natural oils and nutrients your skin needs.
For people with sensitive skin, using a mild detergent is an absolute must. The ingredients in regular detergents can flare up rashes and skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
Mild detergents do not contain the irritants that regular detergents do.
What are the Requirements of a Mild Detergent?
Okay, so now we know that mild detergents are the way to go, but how do we know what is technically a mild detergent?
Let’s walk through how to tell:
- Must have a pH level lower than 8
- Does not contain bleach
- Does not contain ingredients that are builders
- Does not contain ammonia
- Does not contain other common toxins
Why Would You Need Mild Detergents?
Why would someone need to use a mild detergent? There is nothing wrong with using mild detergents in general, but many people use them due to skin sensitivity.
Here are a few reasons for needing to use a mild detergent:
- For baby/toddler clothes
- Skin condition like eczema or psoriasis
- Sensitive skin
- Allergies to other detergents
- Wanting to keep more of the natural oils and nutrients
Keep in mind, you don’t have to have a reason for using a mild detergent. Just wanting to use something better for your skin is enough.
What are the Best Uses for Mild Detergents?
Mild detergents can be used just as you would a regular detergent. The difference is that they are easier on your body and skin.
What is the Difference Between Detergents and Soap?
You might be asking yourself, what is the difference between detergents and soap? Knowing the difference can be very beneficial when looking for a mild cleaning agent.
Chemically speaking, soap and detergents are similar. Both soap and detergents contain something called surfactants, which is great for cleaning grime and grease when put in water.
When being made, soaps and detergents are both mixed with a lipid substance, soaps are mixed with more natural fats (animal fat or vegetable oil), where detergents are mixed with man made or synthetic substances (like petroleum).
Common Mild Detergents
There are quite a few great brands of mild detergents out there! I have found great and reasonable options for areas all over the home, not just laundry.
Keep scrolling to learn about my favorites!
Washing Detergents
No matter if you are looking for a mild dish soap, dishwashing cleanser, laundry detergent, baby products or floor cleaner, I’ve got you covered.
All of these detergents are mild on your skin, yet work hard on grime, grease, sweat, spills, you name it! Sometimes with more mild detergents, you may need to soak your clothes/dishes a bit longer to allow them time to work.
If you are looking for a new detergent.. no matter what your reason is, these are for you!
Dawn
Dawn cuts through grease and grime on your dishes, but is gentle enough to help save wildlife caught in oil spills. I really love Dawn Gentle Clean for more sensitive skin, but Dawn in general is great to use!
Seventh Generation
Seventh Generation is a plant-based formula biodegradable liquid soap fights grease and powers through tough, dried-on food. This soap is dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic dishwashing soap formula made for sensitive skin.
I love that this soap is a fragrance free dish soap and 100 percent biodegradable formula dish liquid soap and 100 percent recycled bottle.
Dapple Baby
Dapple Baby Bottle & Dish Soap is specifically formulated to clean fat, protein and carbohydrate residue, which is commonly found in baby bottles with milk and formula film, and more broadly when cleaning the full family’s dishes.
Ecover
Blurb/link/button
BioKleen
Biokleen uses natural, plant based solutions in its commitment to planet Earth. This product is Safer Choice Certified.
Dishes rinse easily without any residue or spots left behind. Biokleen’s Free and Clear Liquid Dish Soap cuts through grease and burned-on foods to make cleaning your dishes easy.
All Free and Clear
All Free and Clear is the #1 recommended detergent brand by dermatologists, and pediatricians for sensitive skin. This concentrated formula delivers 2X more cleaning power in every drop vs standard detergents so you don’t have to use as much, while still being gentle on skin.
I love that it is unscented, fragrance free, and 100% free of perfumes & dyes.
Perisil
Persil Original laundry detergent delivers a powerful stain-fighting combination for a premium clean. Persil is great for everyday laundry, even activewear, and to help fight tough stains.
This concentrated formula delivers 2X more cleaning power in every drop vs standard Persil liquid detergent so you don’t have to use as much to experience premium clean.
Seventh Generation
The powerful quadruple-enzyme Seventh Generation washing detergent formula fights tough stains and leaves clothes fresh. I love the Free & Clear hypoallergenic laundry detergent pacs made for sensitive skin with 0 percent fragrances, dyes, or artificial brighteners.
This detergent is EPA Safer Choice Certified Product; clothes detergent designed with safety in mind.
Mild Nature
Mild by nature laundry detergent pods unscented quick and easy no measuring and no mess, no phosphates and no dyes. Mild by nature laundry detergent pods are convenient, pre-measured, and completely dissolve through the wash cycle.
These laundry detergent pods are formulated to be mild for people and the planet.
Dropps
These detergent pods harness the power of natural, mineral-based ingredients to cut through tough grease, residue and 24-hour stuck-on food, leaving your dishes and glassware sparkling clean and spotless every time you run your dishwasher.
The advanced formula dissolves quickly and effectively providing a powerful cleaning experience without the use of harsh chemicals, making it a great choice for anyone who wants a natural, effective clean.
Molly’s Suds
This detergent has the safe, simple, effective formula, packaged in easy-to-use laundry pods. One laundry pod per one load of clothes.
Specially formulated to fight the sweatiest, smelliest odors and to extend the life of your favorite activewear, athleisure clothing and other high-tech fabrics.
Aunt Fannie’s Floor Cleaner
Safely mop your floors clean with this concentrated all natural floor cleaner that breaks down dirt, food, grease and grime. Vinegar dissipates naturally, leaving a neutral scent that comes alive with our 100% essential oil blends.
Method Floor Cleaner
Bring beauty and shine back to your floors with this hard floor cleaner that cleans, shines and deodorizes floors. Convenient, shower-spray nozzle covers floors in fewer sweeps and helps avoid puddling.
Cleaner is designed to clean all kinds of floors, including wood, stone, tile and laminate. Fresh, nature-inspired, lemon ginger scent will bring a smile to your face. Nontoxic, plant-based formula is triclosan-free and is made with no animal testing.
Naturally it’s Clean
Our plant based enzyme formulation is specifically designed to rapidly biodegrade natural soils into its basic elements for easy and effective cleaning. And with regular use, continues to break down dirt even after each application. No rinsing required.
Simple Green
Simple Green safely cleans hardwood, laminate, tile and vinyl floors while leaving a fresh lemon-verbena scent.
It restores shine to granite, marble, travertine, quartz and slate and does not contain ammonia, chlorine, phthalates, phosphates or glycol-ethers.
Dr. Bronner’s
Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner is powerful & concentrated enough to clean floors, laundry, dishes, furniture, & cars—but gently formulated so it won’t irritate skin! The very best for home & Earth!
Mrs. Meyer’s Floor Cleaner
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Concentrate features gentle yet strong cleaning agents, while also providing a special, singular scent for your home. Lavender has long been prized for its original and clean floral scent. Such a pretty and reassuring herb!
This garden-inspired scented multi purpose cleaner effectively cleans non-porous multi-surfaces such as floors, counters, and surfaces in bathrooms, kitchens or any room.
Body and Hair Products
Mild body and hair products are important, especially if you have sensitive skin. The last think you want is to be applying harsh chemicals to your body.
Here are some of my favorite body and hair products.
Naturium Body Wash
This body wash is ultra gentle, skin-soothing sensitive skin body wash is formulated with mild surfactants and tea saponins that help calm skin while gently removing impurities. Cruelty free, paraben free, vegan, gluten free, fragrance free & non-toxic.
Made with the highest-quality botanical, earth & marine-based ingredients combined with non-toxic-to-skin alternatives & advanced science
Derma-B
A hypoallergenic fragrance-free moisturizing formula that provides care for sensitive and dry skin, and makes your body skin smooth, soft, and moisturized.
Skin-friendly naturally-derived Squalene and Witch Hazel leaf water gently and mildly soothe dry and tired skin and make it moisturized and soft.
Cetaphil Face Wash
Hydrates and soothes as it cleanses, preserving skin’s moisture barrier, even after repeat washes. The hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic formula is free of fragrances, parabens and sulfates.
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Cleanser
This Neutrogena cleanser is extraordinarily mild non-foaming cleanser washes away excess oil, dirt, bacteria and makeup and cleanses even the most dry and sensitive skin, including skin with acne, eczema or rosacea.
Cetaphil Face Lotion
The three-in-one facial moisturizer hydrates, nourishes and protects sensitive, combination skin. I love that it has broad spectrum SPF 35 protects against damaging UVA and UVB rays.
Edelweiss flower extract nourishes to repair the skin barrier for long lasting hydration.
How to Make Your Own Mild Detergent
If you’d try your hand at making your own detergent, it isn’t too difficult! Here is a great recipe from Fresh Mommy Blog!
- 1/2 cup Epsom Salt
- 1 1/2 cups Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda)
- 1 1/2 cups Sodium Carbonate (washing soda)
- 1/4 cup Sea Salt
- 20-25 drops Essential Oils (optional)
- Add all ingredients into your container and mix well. Be sure to incorporate essential oils, if you choose to use them and break up the clumps.
- It is recommended to store in a glass jar with a lid.
- Use 1 heaping tablespoons per load (2 for extra soiled or extremely large loads).
Frequently Asked Questions about Mild Detergents
There is a lot of information out there on mild detergents, and I want to help. Keep reading for my answers on the most frequently asked questions regarding mild detergents.
What is the most Mild Detergent
Charlie’s Soap Laundry Liquid is probably the most mild detergent. I come to this conclusion because it was awarded the EPA’s safe seal choice.
This means that the EPA saw that it had no harmful chemicals in the detergent, which is amazing for sensitive skin.
Is Tide Mild Detergent
No, I would not consider Tide to be a mild detergent. Unfortunately, Tide is a detergent that has a lot of harsh chemicals and builders in it.
What is a Mild Detergent for Washing Clothes?
A mild detergent for washing clothes doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals, builders, and has a pH below 8. There are quite a few out there and some really great options.
Always be sure to read the label to make sure you are getting what you think you are.
What is considered Mild Soap?
If you are looking for mild soap, you want something that:
- Non-Alkaline
- Netural pH
- Unperfumed
- Lanolin Free
Finding a good mild detergent is so important especially if you have sensitive skin. There is a lot of information out there on mild detergents that can be hard to weed through.
I hope that you found the information I presented helpful and easy to understand. Do you have a favorite mild detergent?
Let me know in the comments below!
