Is Your Laundry Detergent Making Your Hidradenitis Suppurativa Worse?
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If you live with Hidradenitis Suppurativa aka Acne Inversa aka HS, you already know you have to be a detective about your skin. You track diet, stress, hormones, and clothing fabrics. But have you ever stopped and wondered what's hiding in your laundry detergent and fabric softener?
Because here’s the truth: what you wash your clothes, towels, and sheets with might be doing your skin more harm than good.
At Soulajman.life, we believe healing isn’t just about what you put in your body, but also what touches your skin. Sometimes, the most overlooked things, like the detergent on your favorite T-shirt, can make a big difference in your comfort and flare frequency.
My Personal Experience 🌿
When I first started making changes to manage my HS, I focused mostly on diet and body products. But it wasn’t until I switched to non-toxic laundry care that I noticed a real difference in how my skin felt between washes. Less itchiness. Fewer random flares in areas that used to constantly feel inflamed.
But let me be honest: making the change was not easy. I love to smell good. I love for my clothes to smell yummy and delicious! Trust me when I say traditional detergents and fabric softeners had a chokehold over my life. It took YEARS to find what works for me and my skin. I didn't think it was possible to stop using the standard commercially available products and still get great-smelling clothes straight out of the wash.
But here is the good news: it is absolutely possible! Not only can you ditch the irritating chemicals, but you also have the power and the chance to create your own signature fragrance. Essential oils are some of our most underrated best friends in this process. It’s one of those small lifestyle tweaks that adds up, and it reminded me that healing really is wholistic.
Why Detergent is a Sneaky Culprit for HS
HS is a chronic inflammatory condition that tends to appear in sensitive areas where fabric friction is common (armpits, groin, under the breasts, between the thighs, etc.). Even after your clothes are rinsed, tiny, microscopic residue from detergent can stay embedded in the fibers, rubbing against those already delicate areas.
Here’s why that residue can cause so much chaos:
1. Fragrances and Perfumes
This is the number one offender. That "fresh linen" or "mountain spring" scent is created by a cocktail of chemicals. This chemical cocktail is literally designed to cling to your clothes and …your skin. For those of us living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa those synthetic fragrances can cause irritation and inflammation right where you least want it.
2. Dyes and Brighteners
Detergents often contain optical brighteners and blue dyes that make your white shirts look whiter. These compounds can be highly allergenic and harsh on sensitive skin, especially if you live with a skin condition. They don't just rinse away; they bond to the fabric, and your skin is then constantly rubbing against them.
3. Harsh Chemicals and Surfactants
Standard detergents use strong surfactants like SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) to strip away dirt. While they are effective at stripping away the dirt, they are also stripping away your skin’s natural barrier. This can leave you dry, itchy, and vulnerable to irritation or new flares. Preservatives (like MI/MCI) can also cause contact dermatitis, a skin reaction that’s easy to mistake for an HS flare.
4. Fabric Softeners and Dryers Sheets
If you use liquid fabric softener or dryer sheets, please stop immediately! They leave behind a waxy, fragrant coating meant to “soften” fabric. This residue is notoriously problematic for sensitive skin and can clog pores and hair follicles, a key factor in the development of HS abscesses.
Think about it: your clothes, undergarments, and sheets are in constant contact with your skin. So, if they’re coated in residue from irritating ingredients, you’re basically giving your HS no chance to breathe.
The Fix: How to "Detox" Your Laundry Routine for HS Friendly Skin
Switching your detergent isn't a cure, but it is one of the easiest and most impactful changes you can make to reduce irritation and support calmer skin.
|
Step |
Action Item |
The Skin/HS Benefit |
|
1. Switch to Free & Clear |
Immediately replace all your laundry products with those labeled "Free & Clear", "Hypoallergenic," or "Dermatologist Recommended." |
Eliminates nearly all fragrances, dyes, and harsh additives. Look for major brands like Tide, All, or Seventh Generation, but ensure the label explicitly says "Free & Clear." |
|
2. Double Rinse Everything |
Even with a sensitive detergent, run your wash cycle twice (or use your machine's extra rinse function) to ensure all soap residue is gone. |
Maximizes the removal of any trace irritants left in the fabric fibers. |
|
3. Ditch the Softeners |
Stop using liquid fabric softeners, scented dryer sheets, and dryer balls with added perfumes. |
Removes the waxy, pore-clogging film that coats fabric, reducing friction and irritation. |
|
4. Clean Your Machine |
Run an empty, hot cycle with a cup of white vinegar or a machine cleaner to flush out old detergent and softener residue from your washer. |
Prevents old, irritating chemicals from transferring back onto your freshly cleaned clothes. |
|
5. Try Natural Options |
If "Free & Clear" still causes issues, try plant-based alternatives like Ecos or use simple, single-ingredient cleaning agents like pure Borax or washing soda (often found in the laundry aisle). |
Provides the gentlest cleaning possible, relying on mineral or plant-based compounds. |
🧺 Recommended HS-Safe Laundry Detergents
These are gentle, low-irritant options that many people with sensitive skin or HS prefer. Always do a patch test & check for ingredients you know you react to.
All Free Clear (Liquid): Fragrance-free, dye-free, hypoallergenic. #1 choice by dermatologists for sensitive skin. Even “free & clear” doesn’t guarantee zero irritants still run an extra rinse.
Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear: Fragrance-free, dye-free; gentle formula marketed for sensitive skin. Works in HE and standard machines.
Seventh Generation Free & Clear: Plant-based, no dyes, no artificial fragrance. Great for everyday wash loads; for heavily soiled items may need a booster (vinegar and baking soda are great boosters).
ECOS Free & Clear: Ecologically minded, gentle for sensitive skin. Use lower temp settings, add extra rinse to reduce residue.
Defunkify Free & Clear: Non-toxic, unscented, biodegradable formula. Good for people wanting ultra-minimal ingredient lists.
Tips When Choosing and Using:
- Look carefully for “fragrance-free,” “dye-free,” “hypoallergenic,” or “for sensitive skin.”
- Always run an extra rinse cycle to flush out residual detergent.
- Steer clear of commercial fabric softeners or dryer sheets they coat fabrics with irritants. Adding a few drops of essential oils to wool dryer balls does a better job in my opinion.
- Periodically run a hot, empty wash with white vinegar or a machine-cleaning solution to clear out leftover detergent in your washer.
The Bottom Line
If you’re struggling with irritation that won’t quit, it might be time to look beyond your skincare and start with what’s touching your skin all day long. Making this simple switch to a sensitive laundry routine can significantly reduce the low-grade, constant irritation your skin experiences, potentially leading to fewer flares and a much calmer complexion.
At Soulajman.life, we believe healing happens from every angle from what you eat, to how you think, to what you wash your clothes with. What small change will you make this week to support your skin?