What is Eczema?
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy, flaky, and bumpy patches of skin. It can range from mildly uncomfortable (like occasional itching) to really severe (think fluid-filled blisters). According to the National Eczema Association, around 31.5 million people in the U.S. suffer from some form of eczema. That’s roughly 10% of the U.S. population!
While genetics, stress, and environment can all play a role in triggering eczema, one of the most commonly overlooked culprits are the household products we use every single day, including your laundry detergent.
How Laundry Detergent Can Trigger Eczema
Laundry detergent is designed to break down and remove dirt, sweat, and oils from fabric. But many conventional detergents can also contain harsh ingredients known to irritate sensitive skin:
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Fragrances and dyes: These additives make clothes smell fresh or look bright, but they can also be common skin irritants. So you should opt for formulas that are free of fragrances and dyes.
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Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS): A common ingredient in traditional laundry detergents (and other cleaning products), SLS is highly effective at removing dirt and oils. But it’s derived from lauryl alcohol which can be irritating to allergy-prone people, or those with sensitive skin. Instead, check the label to make sure the detergent is SLS-free.
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Optical brighteners: While these chemicals make whites appear whiter, they can linger on fabrics and rub off on skin. Choose detergents that are made without optical brighteners for an extra boost of confidence.
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Residue build-up: A detergent that doesn’t fully rinse away may leave behind irritants that directly touch your skin all day.
Want to lighten your mental load? Skip the guesswork by knowing that all Dropps detergents rinse clean and are made without dyes, SLS, and optical brighteners to be less irritating for people (and kinder to the planet).
Why the NEA Seal of Acceptance™ Matters
When your skin’s natural barrier is compromised, as it is with eczema, irritants like the ones mentioned above can easily trigger itching, redness, and flare-ups.
The National Eczema Association (NEA) awards its Seal of Acceptance™ to products that are free from ingredients known to irritate eczema-prone skin. Dropps Unscented Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent proudly carry this seal, so you can trust that it meets the strict standards of NEA’s leading dermatologists, allergists, and eczema experts.
The NEA rigorously tests products for sensitivity, irritation, and toxicity, and all NEA-accepted products undergo a thorough review of ingredients and formulation to ensure they’re less likely to provoke irritation. Using an NEA-accepted detergent means:
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It’s been tested and approved by skin experts
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It cleans effectively without harsh residues
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It’s safe for the whole family (even the littlest members)
Make the Switch to Ditch the Itch
If you or someone in your family struggles with eczema, switching to an NEA-approved detergent is an easy way to give your skin a break. Look for the NEA Seal of Acceptance™, just like the one found on our Unscented Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent Pods, it’s your assurance that the detergent has been vetted for sensitive skin safety. Because healthy skin starts with what touches it first, even your laundry.