Not all detergents labelled “sensitive” are created equal. Understanding detergent formulation – including surfactant type, concentration, and testing for mildness – is essential to make evidence-based recommendations.1,2
What determines mildness in a detergent formulation?
Detergent mildness is not defined by a single ingredient or claim. It reflects how a formulation interacts with the skin barrier at multiple levels:
- Protein integrity, lipid disruption and inflammatory responses all influence how detergents interact with the skin.2
- Balanced surfactant systems can reduce irritation without compromising cleaning performance.1,3
- Evidence-based testing methods, such as the Detergent Mildness Index (DMI) – which combines zein testing, corneosurfametry and cytokine analysis – demonstrate measurable differences in skin compatibility between detergent formulations.2
Expert insight
Expert commentary from dermatologists and formulation scientists on the evidence behind sensitive-skin laundry care.
Sensitive skin needs the right laundry detergent
When advising patients with sensitive skin, knowing what to look for in a laundry detergent can support better skin outcomes and more informed clinical recommendations.
Cold Power Sensitive is the number 1 for mildness*4
Cold Power Sensitive achieved the highest Detergent Mildness Index, combining zein, cytokine, and corneosurfametry tests to demonstrate superior mildness*
• No added fragrances, dyes, enzymes
• No optical brighteners
• Uses less anionic surfactant*
• 41% reduction in cytokine inflammation response*
• Sensitive Choice® approved
• Formulated and dermatologically tested in Australia
• Tested on stains that are most commonly found in Australia laundry
*versus Australia's market-leading sensitive detergent
No Phosphates: This product contains no added phosphate. Levels below 0.5% may be present.
Biodegradable: Surfactants in all Cold Power liquids are readily biodegradable.
Recycling: All bottles are made with recyclable high density polyethylene.
Ingredients: Water, Sodium Laureth Ethoxylated Sulphate, Sodium Dodecyl Benzene Sulphonate, C12-18 Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Cocoate, Sodium Citrate, Phosphonic Acid, Sodium Salt (DTPMP), Isothiazolinones, Silicone Antifoam Agent.
Dermatologically tested: The dermatologically tested formula is specifically developed to be effective even in cold water washes.
- Crawford C, Zirwas MJ. Skinmed. 2014;12(1):23–31.
- Fowler JF Jr et al. J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(12):1235–123.
- Hall-Manning TJ et al. Food Chem Toxicol. 1998;36(3):233–8.
- Henkel. Data on File.