Everyone can use fabric softener, but it’s exceptionally useful for certain people. If you or someone in your family has sensitive or delicate skin - perhaps you have a newborn baby, their skin is particularly delicate - then fabric softener is a great help because it gently softens the fibers of your garments. With Lenor's Burst of Sunshine Fabric Conditioner, you can breathe in the fresh scent of summer, no matter the season. When you use this fabric softener, all your clothes, bed sheets, and towels can enjoy the soft freshness and warm fragrances of linden blossom and calendula flowers with subtle notes of amber and Siam wood for up to a week. Just bought some Fairy gel. Used with Fairy fabric conditioner, and it smells amazing. The house smells so nice now.” (Recommended by Frozenintime)

Clothes that feel stiff after washing and drying need fabric softeners, while fabrics that feel static or need protection against stretching and discolouration need a fabric conditioner. When should I not use fabric softener/conditioner? Scent: There are plenty of different fragrances to choose from, including apple blossom, coconut or vanilla. When selecting a softener, think about your favourite scents and find a fabric softener with those ingredients. Alternatively, you might prefer a fragrance-free option.

2. Best budget fabric softener: Surcare Fabric Conditioner

We use Ecozone Bio Laundry Liquid with their tallow-free fabric softener.” (Suggested by Mumsnet user SimonJT) Our verdict

Cost per wash: 12p | Number of washes: 37 | Litres: 1L | Brand: Ecozone | Format: Liquid | Scent: Fresh | Skin type: Sensitive | Feature: Vegan-friendly, Approved by Allergy UK What we like Avoid harsh chemicals, added dyes, colourants and fragrances, and look for fabric softeners that are specifically designed to be suitable for sensitive skin. No, fabric softeners aren’t the same as fabric conditioners; although fabric softeners and fabric conditioners are two terms used interchangeably, they do have different functions and purposes. Cost per wash: 9p | Number of washes: 166 | Litres: 5L | Brand: Comfort | Format: Liquid | Scent: Fresh citrus | Skin type: Sensitive | Feature: British Skin Foundation Accredited, hypoallergenic What we like Ecozone's vegan-friendly and cruelty-free fabric conditioner is the perfect eco-friendly alternative, much like the best rotary washing lines and a set of clothes pegs are to tumble dryers. It is free from synthetic dyes, petrochemicals and tallow, which is rendered animal fat. Ecozone’s brand focuses on using only natural plant extract ingredients in their products, which means you can feel good about yourself whilst keeping the fibres of your clothes feeling smooth and soft.

Conclusion

What fabric softener is designed to do is to help your clothes stay looking nice and new for longer, while also making them feel beautifully soft against your skin, as they smooth out the fibers of your clothes. What’s more, they can also provide your garments with a captivating, fresh scent. I find the same, and I've had many washing machines over the years. I can smell [the fabric softener] when I bring the wet clothes out of the machine, but once they are dry, I don't smell anything. Then I tried Lenor Burst of Sunshine. It has a lovely scent that lasts for ages.” (Loved by Mumsnet user PivotPivotPivottt) Our verdict Opting for softeners that are free from colourants or fragrances can often prevent irritation for a lot of people. Cost per wash: 8p | Number of washes: 240 | Litres: 4.8L | Brand: Fairy | Format: Gel | Scent: Floral | Skin type: Sensitive-safe | Feature: Hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested What we like Many of us have our own favourite brand or scent of fabric softener anyway ( see our favourites here) and this can be combined with the Fairy Non-Bio pods for a pleasantly scented wash.

For most people with sensitive skin, the problem with fabric softeners tends to be the fragrances, colourants, or detergents, especially those that are artificial in nature or really strong. They have also been awarded the Skin Health Alliance seal, which indicates how safe they are for sensitive skin. In addition, it is worth looking out for fabric softeners that are free from added dyes. However, it is worth remembering that this is not a hard-and-fast rule as different people will have sensitivities to different chemicals, dyes and additives. As fabric softener makes clothing and fabrics softer, it can help out with skin sensitivities, allergies and complaints. However, some fabric softeners contain ingredients that can cause more problems than they solve. Type: Some fabric softeners and conditioners only use natural ingredients, while others are purely chemical. Both have advantages and disadvantages, and it comes down to personal preference when choosing the right one. Natural fabric softeners are gentle on fabrics, better for the environment, and more subtle in their scent. However, they may be more expensive. Chemical fabric softeners are often strongly scented (ideal for those who want fragranced fabrics) and are often cheaper due to being manufactured by larger companies. However, it’s worth noting that chemical softeners can reduce the absorbency of towels.

Isn’t it remarkable just how much washing you do in a week? A never-ending pile of dirty clothes is a familiar scene for most parents. That’s why the best fabric conditioner can be an essential addition to your family’s laundry load.

Cost per wash: 7p | Number of washes: 21 | Litres: 750ml | Brand: Surcare | Format: Liquid | Scent: Fragrance-Free | Skin type: Sensitive | Feature: Vegan-friendly, Fragrance Free, Allergy UK approved What we like Whether you've been looking for a fabric softener that works for you or you simply want to spend less money on one, some alternatives can help soften your clothing. Some you can try include:

Best Fabric Softener for Sensitive Skin in the UK

Kids love to get messy, which means your washing machine is always on the go. For extra cleaning power AND a just-washed smell with added freshness, Fairy has just the solution … Fairy Non Bio Platinum PODS® and Fairy Fresh Fabric Softener Let’s get one thing out of the way first: fabric softeners, fabric conditioners and fabric enhancers are all the same, and they're essential to use if you want to get more freshness or softness into your clothes. We're a Surcare household - both the washing powder and softener. My son has had no problems with his eczema since I started using it when he was five months old. His eczema was not very severe though, but it was troublesome." (Vetted by Mumsnet user PuffTheMagicDragon) Our verdict We love that this fabric softener helps to reduce static cling and has a soft floral scent. And who doesn’t love buying a big bottle of fabric softener that can last for up to 240 washes? That should see you through a few months of washing, at least. What can be the best alternative to fabric softeners? Some fabric softeners, such as Fairy Non-Bio, are made with super-mild perfumes that contain fewer perfume allergens. This is to minimise the risk of allergic skin reactions. Fairy Fabric Conditioner is dermatologically accredited by the Skin Health Alliance and its gentle formula will give you huggably soft clothes with a lovely, gentle scent that really lingers. Try the Sensitive Skin Dream Team for yourself by pairing Fairy Non Bio Washing Liquid Capsules with Fairy Fabric Softener – our softest combination for sensitive skin.