Loved Downy Unstopables Lush Scent But Caused Daughter To Get Rash

by SR101 Reader

An SR101 reader shared her opinion of the "Lush scent" of Downy Unstopables (which is a lavender smell).

SR101 Reader says:

I found this at Walmart and tried it on a whim. I really liked the lavender scent and when it ran out I got more.


Unfortunately, I finally figured out that it was causing a body rash on my daughter. She isn't prone to skin rashes from products (in fact this was the first time ever) so perhaps there is something in it that is more irritating that the usual laundry products.

Anyway, I'm disappointed because I really did like the smell.

Taylor says:

Thanks for sharing your experience. Unfortunately, this is not the first time I've heard this product causes an allergic reaction.

Frankly, I'm not very surprised, mainly because the product is touted as a way to add a LOT of smell and scent to clothing. The more scent added the more likely even those not normally prone to allergic reactions will react adversely, especially since the scent is right next to the skin, which can be very sensitive.

Therefore, I suggest using all such scent adding products, especially those that will be used as part of your laundry supplies, to be used with caution until you determine whether all your family members can handle it.

Downy Unstopables Should Be Illegal

by SR101 Reader

I received this comment from a SR101 reader who has a definite opinion about Downy Unstopables.

SR101 Reader says:

We are above the laundry room in our building. One of our neighbors has unfortunately started using this product.

Every time they do the laundry the stench is overpowering and nauseating for a day or two afterwards, and causes everyone to have eye and sinus irritation.

We know it is the Unstopables because the wrappers are always on top of the garbage in the laundry when it happens.

The building owner already had the laundry room vented into the garage so it shouldn't be coming through apartment windows, but when Unstopables are used, it is still overpowering in the apartments.

Taylor says:

So sorry to hear that your neighbor's actions are causing you such problems, especially since he or she probably has not considered this possibility at all and most likely has no idea it's bothering you so much.

It reminds me of my mother, who is quite allergic to many things. Whenever a woman in church would come in and sit down in a pew close to her who had lots of perfume on my mom would have to get up and move away, or she would have such a bad allergic reaction she would be sick for several days. These little old ladies had no idea they were causing problems for others, but it was a problem just the same.

Unfortunately for you, you can't just move to a different church pew like my Mom could. I don't have any great suggestions for you because I have found that people who don't suffer from allergies don't seem to understand how badly various strong scents can effect people that have those allergies.

Perhaps you could nicely show your neighbor this web page, where I've gathered not only your review but many others where people across the country have been reporting allergic reactions to Downy Unstopables.

If you've used this product I would love to hear a review from you, good or bad. You can share your review here, or read other reviews that have already been submitted, along with my information about the product.

Be Careful With Downy Unstopables: Caused Itchy Rash

by RAM

RAM also shared their experience with this product.

RAM says:

I'm sitting here at 2:44am with a maddening itchy rash that has been with me 24 hours a day for over a week.

Its taken me that long to come to the realization that it coincides with our purchase of Downy Unstopables laundry scent booster.

They should put a warning on the label of this nasty product.

Taylor says:

Unfortunately your experience RAM is all too common. This page is getting longer and longer, unfortunately, with stories of these allergic reactions.

I'm sorry you've experienced this problem, and I hope now that you've identified the cause you can start the process of washing everything to remove this perfumy scent and get to feeling better soon.

My Granddaughter Had An Allergic Reaction As Well!

by Debbie

Debbie says:

My 7 year old granddaughter is also allergic to this product, and has been scratching and broken out in a rash since I began using it.

I realized that it was this and went to the computer to see if anyone else had the same problem, and found this page.

I do not know what is in it to cause the rash but unfortunately I will have to stop using it.

What is weird is I have an auto-immune disease and I have a VERY sensitive nose to odors and the first time I used this I thought that the smell was awful, and the first thought that came to mind was to try the other scent.

So I got out my coupon and was getting ready to go get some. Then I thought, maybe I will try it again. So I did and I liked it the second time.

Now I am half a bottle through the stuff and realizing that we have an allergy in the house.

Maybe when she is older we will have better luck.

Taylor says:

Hope your granddaughter feels better soon Debbie!

Stay Away From Downy Unstopables: I Wish I Had

by SR101 Reader

SR101 Reader says:

I am a stay at home mom of three, and I was looking for a way to "Boost" the smell of my kids clothes.

I used this product for two weeks and my daughter woke up with a sever allergic reaction, with hives all over her from head to toe.

I wish I would have reviewed this product before using it for my family.

Taylor says:

I hope your daughter feels better soon, and sorry she had to go through this.

Hopefully your warning will help others avoid this same problem who are sensitive to scent.

I Really Loved It But It Caused My Husband To Develop A Rash

by SR101 Reader

SR101 Reader says:

I really loved the Downy Unstopables as it kept sheets and clothes scented for a long time.

I have never been satisfied with softener sheets or liquid softener because the smell never lasts.

However, once I started using this my husband had a small rash on his chin and over the course of two weeks of using the product, he developed a rash on his entire face and it spread to his body.

We saw the doctor today thinking it was hives or shingles, but no, he said the Downy is the most likely culprit.

I hope there is a way for them to change the formula, because it was a great product, but we can no loner use it.

Taylor says:

Thanks for sharing your experience with me, and I hope your husband feels better soon.

Be careful to do a couple of extra rinses of your clothing for a while to remove all the scent from the Downy Unstopables, so they don't continue to both your husband's allergies.

Unfortunately, I'm not sure a formula change will help with these allergic reactions many people are experiencing with this product, mainly because it is the excessive scent which some people love that causes the problem. Some people's bodies are just especially sensitive to it, unfortunately.

Wish We Hadn't Gotten The Free Sample - Not Worth The Trip To The ER

by Kandy
(Fostoria, Ohio)

Here's another story about this product causing an allergic reaction.

Kandy says:

We got a free sample of Downy Unstopables in the mail and my wife washed her nurse uniforms in it.

When she got to work everyone noticed her breaking out in hives and we had to take a trip to the emergency room for an allergic reaction to the product.

Taylor says:

Sorry to hear about that. Hope your wife feels better soon!

It doesn't sound like this free sample was truly very "free" for you since you've now got medical expenses from it, unfortunately. :(

Very Severe Allergic Reaction To Unstopables

by Riley

My son had a very severe allergic reaction to this product.

It really scared me because he was having difficulty breathing, lots of coughing, sore throat, hives all over his body and his knees and elbows were swollen.

I took him to the ER and they gave him very strong benadryl but the hives were not going away.

Once I realized it was this product, and washed everything he could possibly come in contact with, he started getting better.

Definately staying away from this product....

Don't buy this product!!!

by SR101 Reader

I have eczema and frequently get rashes, so a little break out is nothing new for me.

I started using this product about 3 weeks ago and two weeks ago started to develop hives. I didn't put 2 and 2 together until I had to go to my doctor for steroids. Then I started googling and many people have written to complain.

This shouldn't be on the market.

Strong Allergy Reaction To This In Wash Scent Booster

by Harvey
(Southern California)

Harvey shared his experience with this in wash scent booster.

Harvey says:

This is the first time that this ever happened to me, actually last night. I woke up in the middle of the night and was itching all over and saw myself in the mirror with a ton of red marks (looked like maps of red color embossed skin rashes) all over my arms, shoulder, torso and legs.

I thought some sort of invisible bug has bitten me all over. I took a shower and applied Hydrocortisone cream to all the red itchy spots and I took one pill of antihistamine.

I thought about what was different that day. Was it something I ate or maybe flea bites from my dogs? And then I remembered that I just bought a new comforter and washed it with my regular laundry detergent with a cup of Downy Unstopables (for extra freshness!!)

I had been using this product for about 3 months, but mainly with loads that require an extra boost of freshness (gym related stuff). And as you all know Downy is great with that.

Needless to say I tossed the comforter aside and the sheets were replaced. The good news is that I woke up with no more symptoms, not a single trace.

Today I washed the comforter to rinse out any residue of Downy and I noticed, after handling the comforter from the washer to the dryer, yet again I had red marks on my hands. I guess I do have an allergic reaction to this product. Too bad because I love using it.

Taylor says:

Harvey, it does sound like you had an allergic reaction to something, and based on your experience of touching the comforter again and again getting a reaction I think you're right to assume it has something to do with that.

I'm not quite sure it was the Downy Unstopables you had the reaction to yet though, although that is a definite possibility. The only reason I say this is because you had used this product previously, granted only on certain products, but without an allergic reaction.

I would wash the comforter several times with hot water and extra detergent to remove any residue from the Downy Unstoppables and then try using the comforter again. See if you still have issues, or if it seems to be better.

Unfortunately, sometimes figuring out what you're allergic to is a process of trial and error, and it is better to avoid stuff that can cause allergic reactions if you're especially prone. I would say, because of the high amount of scent in this product, this would be one to avoid if you're unable to pinpoint the exact problem, just to be on the safe side.

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