Laundry Detergent and Other Products
People with psoriasis should steer clear of laundry detergents and other products that contain certain ingredients, says Dr. Levine.
“I recommend that patients with psoriasis avoid laundry detergents containing artificial scents, colorants, and bleach, as these can trigger flare-ups,” Levine says. “A good rule of thumb is: If a detergent contains bleach, is labeled as “brightening” or “softening,” or has a strong scent, it’s probably not the right choice.”
But Dr. Honda says that in his experience, laundry detergents typically don’t pose a problem for those with psoriasis.
“This is usually not an issue for patients with psoriasis,” he says. “It is more of an issue for patients with contact dermatitis or eczema.”
As far as choosing products based on how they’re labeled, Levine says the best bet for those with psoriasis is looking for detergents marked “fragrance-free.”
“‘Fragrance-free’ means no fragrances have been added at all. ‘Unscented’ products, on the other hand, may still contain masking fragrances designed to neutralize the chemical smell of the cleaning agents,” Levine says.
Products labeled as “free and clear” can also be good choices, as they mean fragrance-free with no dyes or perfumes and are usually free of optical brighteners, which are known irritants. But anything marketed as “hypoallergenic” isn’t reliable, as those products may still contain fragrance and other problematic ingredients, Levine says.
Another thing to look for on laundry products are the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) or National Eczema Association (NEA) seals of approval.
It can also help to use the least amount of detergent possible.
“A good rule of thumb for anyone is to use less detergent than the measurements listed on the label — for a regular or medium-size load, you really only need about 2 tablespoons of detergent,” says Levine. “This is especially true for those with psoriasis, who often experience irritation from residual detergent left on clothing after washing.”
At minimum, you shouldn’t use more than the suggested amount of detergent on the label.
“Using the recommended amount of detergent is best for less residue and for not overflowing your skin with suds,” says Honda.
Running your clothing through an extra rinse cycle and using white vinegar can sometimes help limit irritation from laundry products.
“Residual laundry detergent in fabric is an incredibly common (and underrecognized) contact irritant for psoriasis-prone skin,” Levine says. “Running an extra rinse cycle can help clear any lingering detergent from the fabric. Some people with psoriasis also use white vinegar as a rinse — it leaves no smell and softens clothes without the same risk of irritation as conventional fabric softeners.”
Dermatologist-recommended laundry detergents for people with psoriasis include Seventh Generation Free and Clear, All Free Clear, Tide Free and Gentle, and Arm and Hammer Sensitive Skin Free and Clear.
Those with psoriasis should avoid using fabric softener and dryer sheets, both of which can cause flare-ups.
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