Detergents for “sensitive skin” are popular with consumers, but UFC-Que Choisir reveals that they contain allergens.
Exotic flower, alpine freshness, floral bouquet… The scent of laundry detergents is often what helps us to choose between the dozens of different products presented on the shelf. Labels are also important. For a third of consumers, skin-friendly, “sensitive” or “sensitive” formulations are the products of choice.
Now, underlines the new UFC-What to choose survey, allergens are “impossible to avoid by relying on advertising and packaging.”
The consumer defense association researched the presence of 26 allergenic fragrances that must appear on the list of ingredients if they are added at a certain concentration. They also tested for the presence of 3 preservatives known to be irritating to the skin.
These lab tests were then compared to what is written on the labels. Twenty liquid detergents and ecological capsules, from major brands or private labels were put to the test.
Results: Even detergents displaying “sensitive skin” contain allergens. Among the 3 bad students, UFC-Que Choisir counts 2 detergents from major brands. These products, among the best-selling on the market, contain methylisothiazolinone (MIT) – a preservative that is starting to disappear from cosmetics because of its allergenic properties -, and benzizothiazolinone (BIT).
Prefer organic
For their part, liquid pods cannot do without these allergenic substances. Molecules which are, again, sometimes absent from the labels. Worse, for one of the capsule detergents, UFC-Que Choose found that the pods did not resist compression. However, passing this safety test is essential to be marketed following numerous cases of child poisoning. The association has already referred the General Directorate for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control.
On the other hand, ecological brands are doing well. They “are exemplary from a health point of view, they are completely free of fragrance and allergenic preservatives”. They are therefore the ideal alternative for very reactive skin. Only downside: they wash really less well than traditional detergents. To avoid allergies, it will therefore be necessary to put a little elbow grease in it.
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