Best fragrance‑free laundry detergents (UK)
Laundry touches your skin all day. If you’re sensitive to scent, detergent is the highest-impact swap.
Last updated: January 25, 2026
What to look for
- Fragrance-free (not “natural fragrance”).
- Simple ingredient lists.
- Realistic dosing (avoid residue).
Common mistake
Overdosing detergent. More isn’t cleaner — it often leaves residue.
Easy comfort win
Wash bedding/towels fragrance-free and add an extra rinse for a week.
Top options (shortlist)
Pick one route: sensitive-skin baseline, refill-friendly, or easy mainstream.
Best for sensitive skin: Surcare 0%
Best overallWidely available in the UK and a common sensitive-household baseline.
- 0% fragrance/dyes/enzymes
- Great for bedding and towels
- Add an extra rinse for comfort
Best refill-friendly: Bio-D
Best forOften sold in larger sizes/refills — great if you want to reduce plastic and keep things simple.
- Check local refill shops
- Good for regular washing
- Stick to recommended dosing
Best mainstream: Ecover ZERO
Best valueEasy to repurchase and a straightforward fragrance-free swap.
- Fragrance-free (avoid “natural fragrance”)
- Consider refills to cut plastic
| Pick | Best for | Watch-out | Start tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensitive-skin baseline | Irritation from scent/dyes | Overdosing leaves residue | Use less than you think + add an extra rinse for bedding |
| Refill-friendly option | Reducing plastic + repeat buying | Check the exact fragrance-free variant | Find a local refill shop or buy larger sizes |
| Mainstream fragrance-free | Easy availability | Don’t confuse with “natural fragrance" | Wash towels/bedding fragrance-free for a week |
FAQ
Is “natural fragrance” the same as fragrance-free?
No. “Natural fragrance” can still contain sensitising compounds. If scent is an issue, choose products labelled fragrance-free.
Why does my laundry still smell after switching?
Fragrance can linger in fabrics and in the washing machine. Run a hot maintenance wash, clean the drawer/seal, and consider an extra rinse for a week or two.
Shortlist (buyer-friendly)
Curated searches so you can compare sizes and prices.
Ecover ZERO (fragrance-free)
Mainstream favouriteFragrance-free detergent designed for sensitive skin.
- Fragrance-free
- Easy to repurchase in the UK
- Consider refills to cut plastic
Surcare 0% Non‑Bio
Sensitive skinA popular sensitive-skin option with wide UK availability.
- 0% fragrance/dyes/enzymes
- Great for bedding and towels
Bio‑D Fragrance Free
Refill-friendlyOften available in larger sizes and refills.
- Fragrance-free
- Check local refill shops
- Good for regular washing
Miniml Non‑Bio (sensitive)
Budget refillOften found in refill formats; check the sensitive/fragrance-free variant.
- Look for sensitive variants
- Refill options can reduce waste
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