The Acne-Safe Way to Do Laundry and Why It Matters

When it comes to clearing acne, most people focus on skincare, not laundry. But what about the fabrics that touch your skin every single day? Pillowcases, towels, and clothing can all harbor pore-clogging residue, bacteria, and irritating ingredients that make acne worse without you realizing it.

If you’ve been consistent with your skincare routine but still struggle with breakouts on your face, chest, or back, your laundry routine could be part of the problem. In this guide, you’ll learn how to do laundry the acne-safe way, why it matters, and which products can help you maintain clearer skin.

Why Laundry Matters for Acne

Your laundry products might be leaving behind more than just a fresh scent. Conventional detergents, fabric softeners, and dryer sheets can contain ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), fragrance, and waxy coating agents that cling to fabrics and clog pores. Over time, this buildup transfers to your skin through your clothes, towels, and bedding.

Since your skin spends hours every night pressed against your pillowcase, even a small amount of residue can contribute to breakouts. That’s why switching to an acne-safe laundry routine can make a real difference for acne-prone skin.

Acne-Safe Laundry Tips for Clearer Skin

1. Use an SLS-Free Detergent

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a foaming agent found in many laundry detergents, but it can strip the skin’s protective barrier and cause irritation. Choose a gentle, SLS-free detergent that cleans effectively without harsh chemicals or pore-clogging residue.

Acne-safe options:

• Seventh Generation Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent

• Molly’s Suds Original Laundry Powder

• Branch Basics Concentrate

2. Choose Unscented or Fragrance-Free Detergents

Synthetic fragrance is one of the most common irritants for acne-prone and sensitive skin. Instead of heavily scented products, look for “free & clear” detergents made for sensitive skin. They’re just as effective at cleaning but won’t leave behind irritating residue.

If you like your laundry to smell fresh, add a few drops of essential oil to wool dryer balls instead of using fragranced detergent.

3. Skip Fabric Softeners and Dryer Sheets

Fabric softeners and dryer sheets work by coating fabrics with a thin, waxy film. This coating traps residues that can clog pores and irritate acne-prone skin. Swap these for wool dryer balls to soften clothes and reduce static naturally.

Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the dryer balls for a clean, natural scent.

Try these:

• Smart Sheep Wool Dryer Balls

• Lavender Essential Oil

• Eucalyptus Essential Oil

4. Add White Vinegar to the Rinse Cycle

White vinegar is one of the best-kept secrets in an acne-safe laundry routine. Adding about ½ cup to the rinse cycle helps:

• Remove leftover detergent and residue

• Naturally soften fabrics

• Kill odor-causing bacteria

Once your laundry is dry, the vinegar scent disappears completely, leaving your fabrics fresh and clean.

5. Wash Pillowcases and Towels Frequently

Pillowcases collect oil, sweat, and skincare residue every night. Towels hold bacteria and product buildup, especially if you use them multiple times. To reduce breakouts, wash pillowcases 2 to 3 times per week and towels after every one to two uses. This simple habit can make a big difference in keeping your skin clear.

6. Freshen Linens Between Washes with Hypochlorous Acid

If you don’t have time to wash your pillowcase or sheets as often as you’d like, hypochlorous acid spray is an acne-safe solution that keeps fabrics fresh between washes. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a gentle, skin-safe antimicrobial that kills acne-causing bacteria and eliminates odor without bleaching or irritating fabrics.

Spray it on your pillowcase, bedding, or towels and let them air dry.

Recommended product:

• Briotech Hypochlorous Acid

• Spray Bottle

Bonus: Choose Acne-Safe Fabrics

Breathable, natural fabrics like cotton or bamboo allow for better airflow and reduce sweat buildup, which can help prevent body acne. Avoid synthetic fabrics whenever possible, especially for pillowcases and workout clothing.

Final Thoughts on Acne-Safe Laundry

Your acne-safe lifestyle doesn’t stop at skincare. Every fabric that touches your skin can impact your breakouts. Making simple laundry changes like using an SLS-free detergent, skipping fabric softener, adding vinegar to your rinse cycle, and misting your linens with hypochlorous acid can help support clearer, healthier skin.

Start small by swapping one product at a time, and you’ll see how much difference an acne-safe laundry routine can make!

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly believe are acne-safe and beneficial.