People with sensitive skin are typically forced to resort to special cleansers, lotions, and other gentle skin care formulas in order to safely clean their clothes. But part of the problem with these items, or DIY projects, is that they don’t always result in soft, or fresh smelling laundry. Which is part of the reason why people use laundry scent boosters.
However, the issue is that most of the popular laundry scent boosters carry harsh smells and synthetic fragrances, making it even more problematic for people with sensitive skin.
Luckily, we’ve done some research, and discovered 5 of the freshest laundry scent boosters for people with sensitive skin. This way you can bypass all the nasty chemicals that would naturally cause a reaction, and discover a more skin-sensitive solution for all your laundry needs.
What are Laundry Scent Boosters?
The main reason why somebody might need to use a laundry scent booster is to elicit different fragrances into the clothes. They essentially help to add natural fragrance to the fabrics, which overpowers the strange smell of chemicals used in the laundry detergents. Plus, no extra effort is needed from you because the laundry scent boosters are added along with the detergents while you’re washing your clothes.
However, this is where it becomes important to understand the difference between scent boosters, and fabric softeners. Scent boosting products are designed to make your clothes smell better, but they will not be able to soften the fabric fibers.
So, if your favorite shirt is wrinkled or your go-to pair of jeans looks a little rough around the edges, the scent boosting products won’t do much for you. They are simply used to help with the overall fragrance of the clothes.
It May Be Best to Avoid Scent Boosters if You Have Sensitive Skin…
Even though most sustainable laundry scent boosters offer a variety of advantages over typical laundry products, it might be best to avoid them entirely if you have sensitive skin. The truth of the matter is that conventional laundry scent boosters, and most scented products in general, can cause severe skin irritation.
The reason for this is because they are filled with toxic chemicals like synthetic fragrances, and sodium laureth sulfate. Which are known hormone disruptors and carcinogenic substances. Those with sensitive skin have a good chance of reacting negatively to harsh synthetic products such as these, resulting in symptoms such as itchiness, rashes, and redness.
So, even though the products we are about to mention can help people with sensitive skin, it might be best to just avoid scented laundry products in general if you fall into this category.
5 Best Laundry Scent Boosters for Sensitive Skin
1. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Scent Booster 
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Scent Booster is the top-rated scent booster for sensitive skin, and without question the best all-natural laundry alternative. It’s highly-concentrated formula is not only made with organic ingredients such as sea salt, essential oils, and plant-derived starch.
But it’s also made without the use of phthalates, artificial colors, and animal-derived ingredients. Plus, the refreshing lavender is renowned for its original and clean floral scent, and is inspired by natural gardens.
2. Gain Fireworks Laundry Scent Booster
Gain is a world-renowned brand, though what may be lesser known is their Gain Fireworks Laundry Scent Booster, and how beneficial it is for people with sensitive skin. Firstly, it delivers up to 12 weeks of lasting freshness to clothes and linens, and is specifically designed to work with just about any type of laundry detergent.
Also, it carries the original fragrance of Gaine, and can be safely used on all colors, fabrics, and in all washing machines. Quickly dissolving in hot or cold water. Above all else, it has little to no harmful ingredients, and industry-leading reviews.
3. Dreft Blissfuls Laundry Scent Booster Beads
The Draft Blissful Laundry Scent Booster Beads is another remarkable laundry scent booster that is perfect for those who deal with sensitive skin. This special formula in particular gives off the amazing baby fresh scent that can be used on any load, even with baby clothes.
Moreover, it’s an incredibly long lasting solution that is specifically designed to complement Draft detergent, and to completely dissolve in water. Most importantly, it is a natural laundry scent booster that is made without the use of phosphate, chlorine, and other harsh chemicals.
4. Purex Crystals In-Wash Fragrance and Scent Booster
Another extraordinary laundry scent booster for people with sensitive skin is the Purex Crystals In-Wash Fragrance and Scent Booster. First and foremost, this formula is safe to use for all loads including towels, activewear, and children’s sleepwear, and offers up to 12 weeks of freshness with it’s ‘Tahitian Breeze’ scent. Which is a unique mix of exotic flowers blended together with essential oils to give you a soothing touch of paradise with every load.
Plus, it was even voted the 2019 ‘Product of the Year’ in the laundry booster category, with a survey of more than 40,000 people in Kantar TNS.
5. Downy Infusions in-Wash Scent Booster Beads – Calm
Last but certainly not least we have the Downy Infusions In-Wash Scent Booster Beads. With soothing scents of lavender and vanilla bean, this comforting formula is easily one of the best fabric scent boosters on the market. Not only that but it is also safe to use on all types of fabrics, and washing machines, including HE.
With just one scoop of Downy In-Wash Scent Beads, you’ll be giving your clothes 12 weeks of long-lasting lavender and vanilla bean scent. Plus, all Downy Beads are affordable and eco-friendly, as they are entirely plant-based, and free of dyes, chlorine, and phosphates.
Everybody’s Skin Reacts Differently
Those with sensitive skin typically react negatively to harsh synthetic products, however, not everybody is going to react the same to each product. The unfortunate thing about the ‘fragrance industry’, is that it’s mostly unregulated, and so the ingredients are likely undisclosed. This way they can hide all of the harmful toxins and VOCs dwelling inside. Which makes things difficult for people who suffer from skin conditions, or are just sensitive to certain ingredients.
For example, some people who have sensitive skin will become irritated by scent boosters that have synthetic fragrances and dyes, while others might react to certain solvents, or surfactants. This is why it’s so important to be conscious of what you are reacting to, and how to eliminate it from your routine, but obviously this isn’t as easy for everyone.
Generally speaking, when you’re browsing for laundry scent boosters (or any laundry products for that matter), go with formulas that carry the least amount of ingredients. Picking products with fewer ingredients reduces the likelihood of you reacting negatively to whatever it is that causes you discomfort.
Make Your Own Sensitive Skin Laundry Scent Booster
If none of the aforementioned options seem to stick out to you, you can always just make your very own sensitive skin laundry scent booster! Maybe you have eczema-prone skin, or can’t seem to find a laundry scent booster within your budget or without certain, potentially harmful ingredients.
Regardless of the situation, you can make your very own laundry scent booster for sensitive skin with just two household ingredients; coarse kosher salt and essential oils. Just follow the steps below;
- Take the coarse kosher salt and pour it into an empty 16-32 Oz glass container until it is half-full. It works best with 16 oz Mason jars, old jelly jars, or old spaghetti jars, so long as it falls within this size limit, and has a lid.
- Next, take your essential oils (whichever scent you enjoy – lemon or lavender oils are generally considered to be the safest) and drip 8-12 drops of it onto the top of the salt.
- Then stir around the mixed solution to properly distribute the oil.
- From here, fill the rest of the jar with more coarse kosher salt, and drip 8-12 more drops of essential oils on top.
- Next, take the lid of the jar, screw it back on tightly, and let it sit overnight. You CAN use it directly after, but the scent will be much stronger and stick to your clothes better, if you let it sit for at least 8 hours first.
- Then simply use it like you would any other scent booster.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, laundry scent boosters are, without question, one of the most innovative products in the business. However, they are also mostly full of nasty chemicals and ingredients which can have tremendously negative impacts on people’s health, especially for those with sensitive skin.
While it can undoubtedly feel next to impossible to find the right solution when you fall into this category, hopefully this article has proven that there are natural skin-sensitive products out there. So long as you keep some of these items in mind, you should be able to find the optimal laundry scent booster in no time!
Jamie is the Founder of My Home Dwelling. He is a homeowner and enjoys sharing his homeowner tips with others. He has real estate experience working as a new home construction Realtor. Jamie has worked on numerous residential construction sites helping with interior and exterior renovations. He loves refinishing furniture, DIY home projects, and sharing his knowledge online.