INTRODUCTION: Dermatologists are becoming more aware of the
irritant and allergic potential of laundry
detergents that incorporate harsh
surfactants and potentially sensitizing ingredients. It is difficult however for the physician to distinguish one laundry
detergent from another because the only distinguishing feature advertised tends to be the lack of
dyes and fragrances. DESIGN: A new objective method was developed for measuring the harshness of laundry
detergents using a three-pronged laboratory testing approach consisting of
zein, corneosurfametry, and
cytokine testing. Combing these methods, a
Detergent Mildness Index was created which conveniently provides a single value by which products can be compared. RESULTS: A new mild laundry
detergent was formulated with ingredients carefully selected by dermatologists who are experts in con-tact
dermatitis. The irritancy potential of the formula was measured using the
Detergent mildness index score. Compared to 11 other commercial laundry
detergents marketed for sensitive skin, the new formula is measurably the mildest formula. DISCUSSION: The
Detergent Mildness Index provides dermatologists with an objective method to compare commercial laundry deter-gents. Currently the only method available is patch testing, this new test is able to more finely differentiate between products and thus enables more informed recommendations on laundry
detergent choices for their patients with sensitive skin.