Everyone loves a soft and fluffy towel against their skin and that’s all thanks to fabric softener. It does most of the heavy lifting. It keeps your clothes looking, feeling, and smelling great. More to the point, hypoallergenic fabric softeners are formulated to soften and freshen fabric and are used to prevent allergies and contact dermatitis.
What Is So Important About Hypoallergenic Softener & What’s Wrong With Casual Fabric Softener?
Regular fabric softeners can cause skin allergies. If you have ever had an itch after putting on fresh clothes, this could be the culprit. However, that is just a mild reaction. Many people suffer severe reactions which means they seek alternatives.
Did you know that some fabric softeners contain animal products, irritating fragrances and harsh chemicals? These are often the culprits of allergic reactions. Doesn’t sound very pleasant, does it?
Other reasons people invest in a hypoallergenic fabric softener could be that the regular ones are more flammable, a concern for many, but especially parents with newborns.
It should come as no surprise then why people choose hypoallergenic fabric softeners over regular ones. They are designed to avoid all the aforementioned issues because of the particular formulation of ingredients in exact ratios so that you have a reduced risk of allergic reactions.
So with that in mind, what should you look out for when you are wanting to buy hypoallergenic fabric softener?
How Should You Choose Hypoallergenic Fabric Softeners?
1. Always check the labels on your clothes.
You might be surprised that some clothing labels say not to use fabric softener and that’s because the waxy coating can interfere with moisture-wicking and absorption properties.
2. Be sure to ask yourself if you feel comfortable with the ingredients added to the product.
There are some ingredients that can trigger allergies. This means you have to pay attention when doing your laundry, a pain perhaps but less trouble than treating an allergic reaction!
3. It can come down to choice, do you want organic or natural ingredients?
Both of these have their own benefits, however not everything that is organic is hypoallergenic. Certain fragrances, such as those from strong essential oils, may be both organic and natural yet can still trigger allergies. The benefit to natural and organic alternatives is that there are usually fewer harsh chemicals so it’s just a matter of finding the balance that works for you and your family.
4. Pay attention to the hazard and precautionary statements on the fabric softeners.
For example, it may look like this:
H315 – Causes skin irritation
H319 – Causes serious eye irritation
EUH 210 – Safety data sheet available on request
A puzzle to remember maybe? So jot this list down and pin it somewhere you will see it next laundry day.
What Are The Things You Should Avoid With Fabric Softeners?
If you suspect you have an allergy to fabric softener then you should check the descriptions on the bottle yes even the small print. Most people don’t ever look at the contents they are using on their bodies. You must if you want to avoid an allergic reaction.
- Benzyl Acetate
- Benzyl Alcohol
- Ethanol
- Limonene
- A-Terpineol
- Camphor
Also, be mindful to avoid overusing the fabric softener, especially when washing towels. Be mindful of the types of materials you are washing and if a fabric softener is even needed. When it comes to your little newborns especially, avoid using regular fabric softener on their items if you want to be on the safe side.
Why is Hypoallergenic Fabric Softener for Babies Important?
Let’s look into the risks for newborns a little deeper. Normally mothers will wonder when they can start washing their baby’s items with the rest of their family members.
Pediatric Dermatologist Joan Tamburro, says,
“There is no set time. It depends on your infant’s skin and family history, A child who has skin problems may be more prone to laundry detergent reactions. A family history of atopic dermatitis (eczema) also may put your infant at higher risk.”
Even as the babies grow up they can still develop skin irritations and allergic contact dermatitis. This is unpleasant for both mother and child and stressful for a baby that cannot explain and tell you its skin is burning.
Hypoallergenic fabric softeners for sensitive skin may be a solution to help avoid skin irritations altogether. It’s not something that can be 100% guaranteed though since allergies very much depend on each individual’s sensitivities.
Can You Prevent a Rash by Using Hypoallergenic Fabric Softener for Allergies?
A rash can be stopped by using dye-free, fragrance-free detergents and allergy-free fabric softeners. However, some other tips are to ensure you rinse items twice and absolutely keep to the one detergent.
Basically, if you know you have one that works and it doesn’t cause additional problems, stick with it. Your family will thank you.
8 Hypoallergenic Fabric Softeners for Sensitive Skin
Wondering which brands and products are worth looking into? Here are eight great examples of hypoallergenic fabric softeners to start with.
1.
Bounce
This is a great brand and its dryer sheets make the process mess-free. They fight more static, repel more lint and pet hair, and add more softness. More importantly, Bounce is dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic, and free from dye and perfume.
2.
Presto
It’s main features besides being hypoallergenic are, Presto is dermatologically tested and is free of dyes and perfumes. It is also gentle on sensitive skin.
3.
Method
Method is a naturally derived fabric softener. Its hypoallergenic formula works in all washers. It reduces static and if you love fluffy towels, Method will arrange that for you.
4.
Ultra Snuggle Sensitive
This product is gentle on your skin as well as being hypoallergenic. It leaves a fresh scent and again gives you that fluffy towel feeling. Ultra is also dermatologically tested and free of dyes.
5.
Downy Ultra Concentrated
This hypoallergenic fabric softener with dermatologist approval is also suited for sensitive skin. It protects fabrics from stretching, fading, and fuzz while fighting static cling.
6.
Lenor
This popular brand of hypoallergenic softener will leave your laundry soft and fresh for days. Your clothes will be soft and comfortable to wear as well as suitable for sensitive skin.
7.
Tide
Tide is considered a 3 in 1 technology featuring a detergent, stain remover and color protector. This is an added benefit after being hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested.
8.
Wool Works
Wool Works is hypoallergenic and safe for you and your baby. It’s made from 100% Pure Organic Premium New Zealand Wool. It’s from natural resources with no fillers, chemicals or additives.
Now you should have a good overview of hypoallergenic fabric softeners for allergies and sensitive skin and what to look for to ensure your whole family is safe and wrapped up in pure fluffy goodness!
