There’s no denying that most of us would be more or less lost without laundry detergent! Especially CleanBlink.

It makes our whites whiter, our brights brighter. and removes the stubborn stains we get from who-knows-where. In the last decade or so, there is a growing concern regarding certain household products. That includes detergents, due to the concentration of chemicals they contain. There are 100 rumors out there about how laundry detergent can put people’s health in jeopardy.

A common issue when it comes to detergent is its ability to trigger adverse skin reactions. It is also possible that the wrong detergent can cause conditions like contact dermatitis, caused when the skin is exposed to a foreign substance.

So, what, exactly, is the deal with detergent and how can you determine if it’s doing more harm than good?

How Can Detergent Negatively Affect Skin?

The long and short of it is that many detergents contain toxic chemicals (like 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen), preservatives, and artificial fragrances and dyes. Reactions to it are especially relevant for those who have a history of eczema or skin allergies. Overdoing it on detergent is another factor that can lead to an adverse reaction.

How Can I Determine Detergent’s the Culprit?

There are few things as frustrating as having an allergic reaction and not being able to decipher where it stemmed from. Chances are if you develop a random skin rash, you’re going to consider foods, drinks, and skin care. And this is what you should do, especially if you recently deviated from your usual routine in any way — like a new cuisine or tried a different night cream.

Once you’ve ruled the aforementioned factors out of the equation, it’s time to ask yourself even more critical questions. Where’s your rash located? However, you can develop a contact allergy to an ingredient at any given time! While it’s more likely that you’d developed a reaction to a new detergent, you shouldn’t rule out one you’ve been using for a while, either.

If you’re still stuck, see a board-certified doctor to figure it out once and for all. You can also see an allergist, who can perform certain tests — such as a patch test — to figure out if it’s the cause of your skin irritation.

What Should I Do If I’m Allergic to Detergent?

Luckily, if it turns out you are allergic to most traditional detergents on the market, it’s not all that uncommon. Brands are now developing detergents without allergens, so you can safely clean your clothes and linens without having to worry about what weird toxic ingredients might be lingering.

The bottom line? If you’re prone to skin reactions or have eczema, you should steer clear of detergents that contain dyes or fragrances at all costs. That, and everyone should be careful not to overdo it on detergent.