When we stood at the household fair we noticed that a lot of visitors are allergic to detergent and/or fabric softener. Many have eventually found a solution in a product but then no longer dare to experiment further. Even though they still want to try a different scent or something new such as laundry sheets.
From experience we also know that most people who are allergic to certain ingredients or have eczema respond well to our detergents. This is partly because of the milder plant-based formula.
Why are some of us allergic to detergents?
Detergents contain a range of chemical ingredients that are meant to make our clothes clean and fresh. Think of fragrances, dyes, preservatives, and optical brighteners. These substances can, however, be a trigger for allergies in sensitive people. People with sensitive skin or existing allergies can experience symptoms such as itching, rash, redness, or even breathing problems after exposure to these chemicals.
Perfumes and fragrance ingredients
Added perfumes and fragrance ingredients in detergents and fabric softeners can be irritating for the airways and the skin. Most people are allergic to Limonene. Our scents contain little to no Limonene. They were also selected for this. Choose Spring Fresh, Lavender, Cloud Cover if you are allergic to this. Or of course the fragrance-free laundry sheets, these are also hypoallergenic.
Eczema and detergents
A particularly sensitive group of people are those who suffer from eczema. Eczema is a common skin condition characterized by red, itchy skin that can flake, crack, and bleed. For people with eczema, exposure to the chemicals in detergents can worsen the symptoms and even cause new flare-ups. It is important for people with eczema to be careful when choosing detergents and to avoid products that contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin. For this group of people we recommend our fragrance-free variant. Hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested for sensitive skin.
Solutions for allergies when washing laundry
Luckily there are several ways to prevent or reduce allergies caused by detergents:
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Choose hypoallergenic detergents: There are detergents on the market that are specially designed for people with sensitive skin, allergies, or eczema. These products often contain fewer harsh chemicals and no added fragrance ingredients.
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Use natural alternatives: Consider using natural detergents that are made from plant-based ingredients and free from artificial additives. Vinegar and baking soda can also serve as effective and environmentally friendly substitutes for traditional detergents.
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Rinse thoroughly: Make sure you rinse your clothes thoroughly after washing to remove any leftover detergent that can cause allergic reactions.
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Try alternative wash methods: If you notice that you still get allergic reactions, even after switching to hypoallergenic detergents, consider trying alternative wash methods, such as using dryer balls or washing at lower temperatures.
Washing laundry may seem like a harmless task, but for people with allergies, sensitive skin, or eczema it can be a potentially annoying source of irritation. Luckily there are alternatives, and with Cosmeau laundry sheets and plant-based fragrance boosters you have even more choice!
With our pledge for local production this year, we also make sure we have more control over the ingredients used throughout the chain.
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