Laundry Detergent Component May Weaken Skin Barrier, Potentially Contributing to Skin Conditions

Recent research conducted by Arturo O. Rinaldi and a team at the Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF) has unveiled a concerning link between laundry detergents and their impact on the skin's protective barrier. The study suggests that the sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) component in laundry detergents may compromise the skin's integrity and potentially contribute to the development of atopic conditions.

This study was published in Allergy. The investigation involved the use of C57BL/6 mice, which were exposed to two common household laundry detergents, denoted as detergents A and B, at varying dilutions (1:100, 1:1000, and 1:10,000 with phosphate-buffered saline [PBS]). These detergents were applied via a skin patch for 4 hours. Notably, the exposure resulted in a marked reduction in electric impedance and increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), indicating a weakening of the skin barrier.

The study's RNA sequencing analysis revealed a reduction in the expression of genes crucial for maintaining the skin's barrier integrity. In contrast, genes linked to lipid metabolic processes, keratinization, and epidermal cell differentiation were upregulated. Proteomics analysis showed a downregulation of proteins associated with cell adhesion and an upregulation of proinflammatory proteins.

The findings suggest that laundry detergents, particularly SDS, can significantly impact the integrity of the epidermal barrier. The study emphasizes the importance of further research to assess the long-term effects of detergents on the skin barrier, particularly in individuals with existing skin conditions.

Understanding the potential consequences of everyday products like laundry detergents on skin health is essential for maintaining and preserving the skin's protective function. This research serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of skin care and the need for ongoing investigation into the products we use in our daily lives.

Reference:

Rinaldi, AO, Li, M, Barletta, E, et al. Household laundry detergents disrupt barrier integrity and induce inflammation in mouse and human skin. Allergy. 2023; 00: 1-13. doi:10.1111/all.15891.