Living in Nigeria, where our clothing faces daily challenges from dust, heat, humidity, and constant movement due to the hustle and bustle, you’d know finding the perfect laundry detergent can feel like solving a complex puzzle – especially if you’ve got sensitive skin!
So, if you’re wondering what type of detergents to use for washing your clothes if you have a sensitive skin and the best laundry detergents for sensitive skin, then this quick guide is for you.
Without further delay, let’s begin!
What Makes Your Skin React?
Sensitive skin is like a highly sophisticated alarm system that goes off at the slightest hint of potential irritants. It’s not just being dramatic – it’s a real physiological response where your skin becomes hypersensitive to certain chemicals, fragrances, and substances that might seem harmless to others.
For many of us in Nigeria, sensitive skin isn’t just a random issue. Think about how our daily life can mess with our skin:
- Just like how you might inherit your mama’s smile or papa’s height, you can also inherit sensitive skin from your family.
- Our hot, humid climate can make skin act up faster than Lagos traffic during rush hour.
- From generator smoke to dust on the road, our environment is constantly throwing things at us that might cause skin irritation or sensitivity.
- Things like eczema, allergies, or even stress can make your skin more reactive or sensitive to laundry detergents.
- Some people’s skin is just more alert and quick to react, unlike others. Your skin might be reacting to a chemical in the detergent, but another person is not reactive to it.
Imagine your skin as a bouncer at a club: some bouncers are cool and friendly, while others will throw out anyone who looks slightly suspicious. For people with sensitive skin, that bouncer (your skin) is super strict about who gets to stay.
Common Irritants in Laundry Detergents
Many laundry detergents are a combination of chemicals that can wreak havoc on your skin if your skin sensitivity is high. Below is a breakdown of some of the most common troublemakers, which should influence your buying decision when next you’re getting a laundry detergent:
- Artificial Fragrances: Those pleasant smells aren’t as innocent as they seem. Synthetic fragrances are often complex mixtures of dozens of chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions. So, always go for detergents that have less artificial fragrance because you may not find a laundry detergent that is completely free of artificial fragrance.
- Harsh Preservatives: Chemicals like parabens and formaldehyde-releasing agents are added to extend product shelf life but can cause significant skin irritation. If your skin is reacting to the detergent you’re currently using, there are chances that the chemical preservative on the laundry detergent doesn’t suit you.
- Synthetic Dyes: The colors that you see in many detergents come from artificial dyes that can penetrate fabric and cause skin reactions. Even your hands are not safe if you’re doing your laundry by hand instead of using a washing machine, as your hands may become itchy after doing the laundry.
- Phosphates: While this chemical is very effective in washing, too much of it in your laundry detergent might cause skin irritation or sensitivity.
- Chlorine Bleach: Chlorine bleach is very effective for whitening but can be extremely harsh on the skin. If it comes in contact with the skin, it can cause severe chemical burns and irritation.
Best Laundry Detergents for Sensitive Skin
Let’s look at some of the best hypoallergenic laundry detergents that you can find around. A hypoallergenic laundry detergent is one that is produced to be mild and gentle on the skin. It contains fewer chemicals, dyes, or preservatives that cause skin irritation or sensitivity.
Top 5 Hypoallergenic Detergents in Nigeria
Finding the right detergent is like choosing the perfect travel companion – it needs to be reliable, gentle, and compatible with your skin so it doesn’t cause irritation.
- All Free Clear This brand is highly recommended by dermatologists, allergists, and pediatricians for sensitive skin, being free of perfumes and dyes. If your clothes or hands are always irritating or itching you after laundry, consider getting the All Free Clear laundry detergents. Ubuy Nigeria sells it.
- PureLove Known as a mild laundry detergent for sensitive skin, PureLove is a popular choice for baby and younger children’s clothes. If you have kids at home who have developed sensitivity to some laundry detergents, consider getting the PureLove laundry detergent from any supermarket close to you. You can get the PureLove detergent from Jumia.
- Green Ant This detergent features a gentle formula with biodegradable, plant-based ingredients, making it suitable for anyone experiencing constant irritation or sensitivity of the skin from laundry detergents.
- Aspira Viva Plus Aspira is a well-known detergent manufacturer in Nigeria, and their Viva Plus detergent is known for its effectiveness and suitability for various purposes in the house, including those with sensitive skin.
- So Klin This brand is another popular choice in Nigeria, known for its effectiveness and gentle approach to cleaning. Check for it in your local markets or supermarkets. Better still, order it online from Jumia or resellers.
What to Look for in a Laundry Detergent
Always look out for the ingredients on the labels of the laundry detergent you’re buying, as this is your first line of defense. If you find any of the following chemicals and compounds on the laundry detergent you’re buying, then you might want to reconsider. To get the best laundry detergents for sensitive skin:
- Parabens: Preservatives linked to hormone disruption
- Sulfates: Harsh cleaning agents that strip natural skin oils
- Formaldehyde: A known carcinogen and significant skin irritant
- Optical Brighteners: Chemicals that make clothes appear whiter but can cause allergic reactions
As you already know Certifications and Labels Matter. So, always be on the watch for labels on laundry detergents that shows:
- Dermatologically tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Fragrance-free
- Eco-friendly certifications
- Allergy UK or similar international skin-friendly certifications
How to Prevent Sensitive Skin Reactions
Your washing technique is just as crucial as the detergent you choose:
- Always rinse your clothes two or three times or until traces of the detergent are hard to find and no detergent residue remains on the clothing and hands.
- Avoid using fabric softeners. If at all you’d like to use a fabric softener, go for natural softeners like white vinegar.
- Wash new clothes before wearing
- Try using lukewarm water and see if it helps.
Choosing the Right Laundry Detergent
Always read labels on detergents like a pro. Treat those detergent labels like treasure maps. Here are some key things to look out for:
- Ingredient list
- Dermatological testing information
- Specific skin-friendly claims
- Allergen warnings
If you can’t find any of those on the label, you may need to check out other better options.
Where to Buy Laundry Detergents
Below are some of the places where you can buy your laundry detergents:
- Local supermarkets
- Online platforms (Jumia, Konga)
- Specialty health stores
- Pharmacy chains
- Directly from the brand’s website or social media handles
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