Many of us have experienced unpleasant reactions on our skin after using washing up products that contain harsh chemicals and these reactions can be highly frustrating and leave us feeling helpless and discouraged.
Washing up liquid is an important part of our daily washing up routine, and it can be much more challenging when our chosen washing up liquid causes an uncomfortable or painful reaction with our skin.
Luckily, there are now a number of excellent washing up liquids available that are both affordable and created specifically for sensitive skin. Most of these options are also environmentally conscious and plant-based or biodegradable.
Best Washing Up Liquid for Sensitive Skin in the UK
1. Ecover ZERO Washing Up Liquid
Scent: Fragrance-free
Bottle size: 450 ml
Ecover ZERO Washing Up Liquid is an environmentally conscious product that is created with sensitive skin in mind.
It comes in a fragrance-free formula that is gentle and does not overwhelm the senses with any added perfumes.
Ecover uses plant-based cleaning ingredients and a formula without added fragrances or colourings, making this product a good option for people with sensitive skin who prefer to avoid unnecessary additives.
The product is designed for washing your dishes, cutlery, glasses and other kitchen utensils, helping to remove grease and everyday food residues. It is also suitable for cleaning baby bottles and feeding equipment, provided everything is rinsed thoroughly afterwards.
There are also scented versions of Ecover washing-up liquid for those who prefer their dishwashing experience to include a fresh fragrance.
In addition, the bottle is recyclable, and Ecover places an emphasis on using plant-based ingredients and reducing the environmental impact of its cleaning products.
Some users may find that the fragrance-free formula is less appealing than scented alternatives, particularly if they prefer a fresh smell when washing up. However, this makes it a practical choice for those who are sensitive to perfumes.
It is one of the more specialist options on the list but is designed to leave dishes clean and free from grease, without the added fragrance that can linger after washing.
2. Bio-D Washing Up Liquid Fragrance-Free
Scent: Fragrance free
Bottle size: 5 litres
Bio D is a family-owned company that is working to create a cleaner environment for us all. They create products that are both affordable and environmentally responsible.
Their washing up liquid is available in bulk format and is both hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. The product is also concentrated, which allows it to work more effectively for less product used.
It’s also designed to have a low environmental impact and is plant-based and safe for all users, especially those with sensitive skin. In addition, the product is cruelty-free and vegan-friendly, and the container is fully recyclable.
Some users have mentioned that the clear colour of the liquid can make it more difficult to see the amount that is being poured out, which could mean that you are using more of the product than necessary.
3. Surcare Sensitive Washing Up Liquid
Scent: Fragrance free
Bottle size: 450 ml
Surcare Sensitive Washing Up Liquid is fragrance-free and approved by the British Allergy Foundation. It has been created with no enzymes, dyes, or acids, and has been dermatologically tested as well as approved.
This washing up liquid is gentle on delicate skin and is a great choice for anyone with either allergies or sensitive skin.
Many users reported that the product was gentle and had no negative reaction to their usually sensitive skin. It also added to the moisture on the users’ hands and prevented dry skin from occurring.
4. Miniml Washing Up Liquid
Scent: Apple
Bottle size: 400 ml
Miniml Refreshing Apple Washing Up Liquid is perfect for those who prefer a fresh, fruity scent for their washing up liquid. It has a natural apple fragrance as well as plant-based, biodegradable ingredients, and is made in the UK.
These are all factors that make this product appealing to environmentally conscious households, and you don’t have to worry about it being less effective as it will still work successfully on tough and built-up greasy areas.
This washing up liquid is designed to be gentle on your hands and is made with 99.5% natural-origin ingredients, without added phosphates, chlorine, SLS or parabens. In addition, the washing up liquid still manages to foam up nicely during the cleaning process.
5. Sonett Sensitive Washing Up Liquid
Scent: Fragrance free
Bottle size: 500 ml
Sonett Sensitive Washing Up Liquid is designed to be gentle on sensitive skin and is a good choice for those who prefer cleaning products without added fragrances.
This product has no scent and uses plant-based cleaning ingredients to help cut through the grease and grime that may remain caked onto your sink full of dishes.
The washing up liquid is a practical option for people who want to avoid perfumes and colourings, although those with particularly sensitive skin may still prefer to wear gloves when washing up.
Washing Up Liquid for Sensitive Skin FAQs
Can washing up liquid irritate my skin?
Yes! Everyone has unique skin types and some people’s skin can be irritated by the fragrances, dyes, and preservatives in laundry detergents. The chemicals in detergents can trigger dermatitis on more sensitive skin types and it can become necessary to use products without any harsh chemicals.
How do I know if I have sensitive skin?
There are various ways in which you will know that you have sensitive skin. There are several visible symptoms, such as dry skin, irritation, eczema, pimples, and redness. There are also a number of invisible symptoms, including burning, itching, and stinging.
Is my skin becoming more sensitive with age?
The answer to this is that our skin does tend to become more sensitive and more fragile as we get older. This happens because the epidermis or the surface layer of the skin begins to thin.
Can washing up liquid cause eczema?
It can’t cause eczema, but it is possible for your washing up liquid to trigger eczema symptoms. Everyone has different skin types and reactions to cleaning products will be different for each individual. Various soaps and detergents can easily trigger skin conditions, especially if they are not designed for sensitive skin.
Can washing up liquid be harmful?
Yes! As with most household cleaning products, it can be dangerous to ingest or have your eyes come into contact with washing up liquids, even if they have been created specifically for sensitive skin types. Ingesting large volumes of washing up liquids can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

An adventurous book lover with an animal obsession and a proclivity for travel and spontaneity. Used to passionately despise cleaning but has grown to enjoy it thanks to learning all the best tricks and shortcuts to guaranteeing a stress-free routine and a spotless home.












