Downy fabric treatment products

13 reports to CPSC, the latest made May 10, 2024. A report isn’t a recall.

Watch it to hear when CPSC publishes new reports about it. CPSC’s own search

Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. CPSC’s own search is on saferproducts.gov.

At a glance

From SaferProducts.gov, released Oct 25, 2026.

13reports to CPSC
May 10, 2024the latest report was made
May 12, 2011the earliest
13with the company’s comments

Brand: Downy
Maker: The Procter & Gamble CompanyMakers, importers or sellers, as the reports name them
Product: Fabric treatment productsCPSC’s product type: Fabric Treatment Products (code 952), in Home Maintenance and Structures: Household Chemicals, Paint, & Cleaning Products

Other ways the reports write the brand (7)

“Downey”, “Downey April Fresh Infusions, vanilla bean beads”, “Downey Calm”, “Downey lavender Jasmine”, “Downy Dryer Sheets”, “Downy Unstoppables” and “Downy and Bounce”

By month

2 reports from June 2023 to May 2024; the most in May 2024, 1. 11 earlier reports, since May 2011, are in the table.

The numbers, as a table

Reports to CPSC by the month each was made, newest first
Month	Reports
May 2024	1
April 2024	1
October 2021	1
May 2020	1
September 2019	1
July 2019	2
August 2018	1
November 2017	1
June 2017	1
December 2011	1
September 2011	1
May 2011	1

How badly anyone was hurt

Seen by a doctor or nurse 7 CPSC: Injury, Seen by Medical Professional
Hurt, no treatment 2 CPSC: Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received
Hurt, care not known 1 CPSC: Injury, Level of care not known
No one hurt 3 CPSC: Incident, No Injury

As each report says it, in short words; CPSC’s own words are under each.

The reports, as CPSC published them

Reports people made to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. CPSC publishes each one after sending it to the company named, and doesn’t guarantee they’re accurate. A report isn’t a recall.

Each report is the words of the person who made it, as CPSC published them. The company’s comments, where CPSC published any, are set apart as the company’s own.

CPSC, SaferProducts.gov public database export. Released Oct 25, 2026. Updated daily.

Seen by a doctor or nurse
Made May 10, 2024, sent to the company May 24, 2024, published by CPSC Jun 10, 2024

The product, in the report: fabric softener beads or dryer sheets

10/1/2021: The consumer began to feel ill, and it was determined that he was being exposed to the chemical odors from his neighbor’s clothes dryer exhaust. Since 10/2021 I have been harmed 29 times by this product.
The consumer has seen a pulmonologist, who diagnosed him with the loss of 25% of his lungs. A CT-Scan was also performed on the consumer. Confirming interstitial lung disease.
He has lung problems, difficulty breathing, and he’s been in constant pain. Healthy before this incident.
He also consulted an attorney and is considering action against his neighbor, and Proctor & Gamble.
The consumer said that the product contains chemicals, which are excessively strong and has permeated many areas of his home. The scent sticks to everything in his home as well as outside.
When the neighbor moved, no one lived there, and the consumer got better. However, when the neighbor was in the home, the Maryland Department Health, conducted tests in the neighbor’s home and identified that chemicals from the fabric softener were present.
The consumer has used dryer sheets in his life and was not harmed until he became exposed to this specific manufacturer’s brand and type of fabric softener. In 2021 to present day.
(2024) He also accidentally purchased this brand and type of fabric softener recently and it contributed his health effects.

Bought from
Target, Maryland
Where
Silver Spring, Maryland: Home/Apartment/Condominium
Who was involved
Male
The reporter’s relation to them
Unspecified
As this report names them
Brand Downey April Fresh Infusions, vanilla bean beads, made or sold by The Procter & Gamble Company
How badly, in CPSC’s words
Injury, Seen by Medical Professional

The company’s comments, in its own words

(6/3/2024) The Procter & Gamble Company: Thank you for reaching out to the Consumer Product Safety Commission regarding Downy. We’re so sorry to hear about your experience with your exposure to your neighbor’s clothes dryer exhaust and your recent accidental purchase and appreciate your ensuring this was brought to our attention. As a Company, we’re dedicated to making products that improve the lives of our consumers who use them, so it is important that we know. We also want to share that we thoroughly evaluate our products for safety when used as directed. As part of standard practice, we regularly monitor our products, as well as our consumer comments about them and we maintain an ongoing monitoring program for quality and safety.
Please be assured these comments have been shared with the appropriate people in our company.
We also know and respect that some consumers may have unique sensitivities to some of the ingredients used in everyday products and would recommend discussing concerns further with your medical professional. You can also access ingredient information for the products, including fragrances, by visiting www.smartlabel.org
We would like to know more about your experience and hope that you’ll contact us directly. We can be reached toll-free at (800) 688-7638 between the hours of 9 AM and 6 PM Eastern Monday through Friday or, 9 AM to 5:30 PM Eastern on Saturday. You can also reach out via https://downy.com/en-us/contact-us. We truly wish you the best.

CPSC report 20240510-00CD9-4727671. Submitter: Consumer Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
No one hurt
Made Apr 24, 2024, sent to the company May 8, 2024, published by CPSC May 22, 2024

The product, in the report: Downy Unstopables In Wash Scent Booster - 1.06 kg (37.5 oz)

I have purchased a Downy Unstopables in wash scent booster from Costco. The size is 1.06 kg (37.5 oz). Product SKU with all numbers 03700068293.
Safety Risk. The product container is unsafe and a hazard to a household. Issue stems from the cap on top of the bottle the product comes in. The container itself has groves for a twist cap however the cap its self has now groves to secure it to the bottle. It has 4 flemsy tooth hook that do not properly secure to the bottle and can easily be removed from the bottle. I had a friend over with their dog and it knocked over the bottle and the cap immediately shot off spilling the scent beads all over the floor. We were able to stop the animal from eating the beads but I cant imagine what this would have been like if a child got into it. Even if stored high.

Model
None
UPC
None
Serial number
None
Bought from
Costco
Bought
Mar 16, 2024, about then
Where
Mission, Kansas: Home/Apartment/Condominium
Who was involved
Unspecified
The reporter’s relation to them
Unspecified
As this report names them
Brand Downy, made or sold by The Procter & Gamble Company
How badly, in CPSC’s words
Incident, No Injury

The company’s comments, in its own words

(5/15/2024) The Procter & Gamble Company: Thank you for reaching out to the Consumer Product Safety Commission regarding Downy Unstopables. We’re so sorry to hear about this experience and appreciate your ensuring this was brought to our attention. As a company, we’re dedicated to making products and packages that improve the lives of our consumers who use them, so it is important that we know. We do extensive market research and consumer testing while designing our packaging, with the goal of producing high-quality and safe packaging that is still easy to use. I’m very sorry that wasn’t your experience with this packaging. We really do appreciate the feedback we receive; be assured these comments have been shared appropriately within the company, including with our Downy Packaging Team to consider for the future. Thank you again for taking the time to reach out.

CPSC report 20240424-7BDD5-2147339584. Submitter: Consumer Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
Seen by a doctor or nurse
Made Oct 6, 2021, sent to the company Oct 8, 2021, published by CPSC Nov 1, 2021

The product, in the report: Downey Fabric Softener Calm

Severe allergic reaction and itchy eye infection.

Bought from
Wal Mart
Bought
Jul 3, 2021, about then
Where
Collinsville, Alabama: Home/Apartment/Condominium
Who was involved
Age 67, Unspecified
The reporter’s relation to them
Self
As this report names them
Brand Downey Calm, made or sold by The Procter & Gamble Company
How badly, in CPSC’s words
Injury, Seen by Medical Professional

The company’s comments, in its own words

(10/19/2021) The Procter & Gamble Company: Thank you for bringing your experience when using Downy Infusions Fabric Softener; we’re sorry to hear of this. Please know nothing is more important to us than the safety of our consumers, and we take reports of this nature seriously. It is important to share that Downy products are formulated with great care and attention to safety. We carefully evaluate the safety of our products and ingredients before they go to market, using well-established safety assessment methods. These evaluations are a mandatory part of our product development process and begin during the early stages of a product’s design. In addition, we maintain an ongoing monitoring program for quality and safety because the safe use of our products is always our highest priority.
We understand some consumers may have unique sensitivities to ingredients used in everyday products. Identifying the reasons for your sensitivity to a consumer product ingredient can be difficult, so if needed, we suggest working with a medical professional regarding any medical concerns. In the meantime, we want to share that our formulations take into account our stringent internal safety standards for every ingredient. For consumers interested in the ingredients used in our products, we provide ingredient lists for many of our household products - including Downy -- that can be accessed at https://downy.com/en-us/fabric-softener/downy-infusion or https://www.smartlabel.org/
It is also important to share that we also make a fragrance and dye free fabric softener called Downy Free and Gentle in a liquid fabric softener format, which delivers the same softness and static control without the scent or added color.
Truly, the safety of the people who use our products is at the foundation of everything we do. We appreciate you reaching out and hope all is now well. If you have additional questions or concerns please contact us by phone toll-free at (800) 688-7638, between 9am and 6pm EST.
I hope this information is helpful and we wish you the best.

CPSC report 20211006-57216-2147359277. Submitter: Consumer Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
Hurt, no treatment
Made May 12, 2020, sent to the company Sep 15, 2020, published by CPSC Sep 29, 2020

The product, in the report: Scented fabric dryer sheets

The consumer washes his bed spread every 2 days, because the dog slept on it. He estimates that the spread has been washed hundreds of times.
3/2019: A halogen light or an [REDACTED] fell on the bed spread off of a nearby table (unknown how). The halogen light was a reading light. The [REDACTED] that was on the table was being charged.
The consumer went down stairs for 10 minutes or less, and he noticed a lavender scent similar to an odor that is present when one is drying clothes. The consumer checked the laundry room, but he was not drying any clothes. He went back upstairs in his bed room and his entire bed was on fire. The bed spread was not burning, but there were flames rolling on the top of the bed spread.
He tried to pull off the bed spread, but was unable to. He burned his face, hands and a fleece jacket that he had on. The spread was tucked in on the sides of the bed and could not be removed due to the fire. He ran downstairs and got a large fire extinguisher. The flames were extremely high. He sprayed the extinguisher until he emptied it, but could not put out the fire. The bed comforter and pillows were burning at this point. He had to crawl out of the bedroom on his hands and knee due to the thick black smoke. He immediately called the fire department.
They arrived within 5 minutes and put out the fire. The upstairs in his home was totally black. The consumer had a [REDACTED] mattress on the bed. The upstairs of his home was a total loss and the downstairs area had extensive smoke damage. The fire department threw everything outside.
The consumer took a 4’ sheet and put it through the dryer with a bed sheet, approximately 25 times. The consumer went through a cycle of washing it and then drying it, each time. The consumer added detergent to the laundry. He also added a liquid fabric softener to the wash each time. He also added a fabric dryer sheet to the dryer each time.
After the experiment, the consumer scraped the residue from inside of his dryer and placed it in a cup and lit it. The fire was almost like lighting gun powder.
The consumer called the firm and reported his incident and his findings to them. The consumer received a letter from the manufacturer (Reference # [REDACTED]), Dated- 1/9/2020. The letter stated that they did not believe that it was their product that caused this problem. The firm asked for the entire boxes of the remaining dryer sheets that he had and he said no. He offered to send them a few from each box, but they wanted everything.
The consumer said he also discovered that children’s pajamas may meet the flammability regulations when they are purchased, but after they are washed approximately 20 - 25 times with the use of fabric dryer sheets, they can then easily catch fire.
NOTE: There was a white scaly film on the bed spread and the consumer said that it was the result of using this manufacturer’s brand of dryer sheets. The dog seemed to like the scent of the dryer sheets on the bed spread, which is one of the reasons he used them. He noticed the white scaly film in the past, but said that it smelled really good.
The consumer had 2 different boxes of fabric softeners by this manufacturer: Lavender scent & Water Lilly Jasmine scent.
The consumer did not see a physician for his injuries. He applied a burn cream to his arms. His face was blacken and the fire department offered to take him to the hospital, but he declined. The burns were superficial.
After the fire the consumer was diagnosed with an AFib, which was determined to be the result of stress from this incident. He has had to take medication for this incident.

UPC
37000-044369
Bought from
Hannaford Supermarket
Bought
Feb 16, 2019
Where
Stowe, Vermont: Home/Apartment/Condominium
Who was involved
Age 73, Male
The reporter’s relation to them
Self
As this report names them
Brand Downey lavender Jasmine, made or sold by The Procter & Gamble Company
How badly, in CPSC’s words
Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received

The company’s comments, in its own words

(9/24/2020) The Procter & Gamble Company: We appreciate you bringing this to the attention of the CPSC and P&G and for previously sharing with P&G that the fire occurred after a battery cell phone shorted out. Also, we appreciated the additional information shared with the CPSC regarding the halogen lamp that fell onto the bed and the superficial burn injuries that were sustained. This information was added to the report and shared with both our P&G Quality Assurance and Health & Safety Team.
Be assured, rigorous measures are in place during production to ensure high quality products. Our fabric care products are tested to meet specific standards and requirements to ensure safety, efficacy, identity, and overall product quality prior to release on the market. Therefore, it was important that we investigated your report.
Based on the nature of the complaint, we requested the product be returned for evaluation. While we received some sheets, we didn’t receive the packaging, and the production codes originally provided were not valid, so our Quality Assurance Team could only conduct a limited investigation. As background, we know fabric softener liquid or sheets do not make fabrics flammable. However, there is a phenomenon called “surface flash” that can occur with loosely woven, highly napped, all-cotton fabrics. The raised fibers of these fabrics can burn with a “flash” if exposed to an open flame. When surface flash occurs, the clothing’s base fiber does not burn; only the raised fibers burn. The flame, which has a very low temperature, goes out when all raised surface fibers are gone. Raised surface fibers can also be present even when a garment is new, prior to laundering. They are difficult to see, so you cannot always tell just by looking whether the garment is susceptible to surface flash. In some cases, over-drying, or brushing can raise surface fibers further. Surface flash can happen regardless of whether a fabric conditioner is used during laundering.
Again, we appreciated the opportunity to investigate this further and provide results to you via postal mail previously, and we encourage you to reach out anytime.

CPSC report 20200512-09F95-1979171. Submitter: Consumer Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
Hurt, care not known
Made Sep 9, 2019, sent to the company Sep 26, 2019, published by CPSC Oct 17, 2019

The product, in the report: downy fabric softener sheets

Next door neighbors have been using fabric softener dryer sheets for past ten years(STARTING IN 2010 AND CONTINUES TILL TODAY 9.9.2019 )and the fumes waft across the front of the house. I have not been able to suggest to use an alternative that will not affect my well being ( I get immediate headaches, nausea and generally am debilitated by the fumes). We went to mediation in front of an officer of the law, to try to convince them that I am very sensitive to these fumes, and would they please try to find an alternative. They have not, they think that these fumes and the use of their products is “ the way things are in the world” i.e. everybody uses it. I gave them a report how these chemical are especially toxic for their children. Putting a vent up thru their wall is costly, they say.

Where
west hills, California: Home/Apartment/Condominium
Who was involved
Age 65, Male
The reporter’s relation to them
Self
As this report names them
Brand Downy, made or sold by The Procter & Gamble Company
How badly, in CPSC’s words
Injury, Level of care not known

The company’s comments, in its own words

(10/8/2019) The Procter & Gamble Company: Thank you for bringing this report involving Downy Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets to our attention. We’re sorry to hear about what this consumer has experienced and can assure you that we take the report very seriously. We formulate our Downy products with great care and attention to safety, so it is important that we know of their experience. We carefully evaluate the safety of our products and ingredients before they go to market, using well-established safety assessment methods. These evaluations are a mandatory part of our product development process and begin during the early stages of a product’s design. In addition, we maintain an ongoing monitoring program for quality and safety because the safe use of our products is always our highest priority.
We understand some people may have unique sensitivities to some of the ingredients used in every day products and appreciated the opportunity to address the feedback provided by this consumer. Be assured that the report was shared internally and for consumers interested in learning more about the ingredients used in our Downy products, we provide ingredient lists -- that can be accessed by visiting http://www.smartlabel.org/. It is important to share that we also make a fragrance free version Downy Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets which delivers the same softness and static control without the scent.
Finally, we would appreciate the opportunity to engage further with the consumer through our Consumer Relations channels by phone toll-free at 1-800-688-7638, between 9am and 6pm EST. Communicating with the consumer directly via phone will allow us to better understand the experience with the use of our product.
Again, we appreciate the opportunity to address any concerns our consumers may have about our products. I hope this information provides reassurance and we thank you again for bringing this to our attention.

CPSC report 20190909-92A10-2147377772. Submitter: Consumer Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
Seen by a doctor or nurse
Made Jul 30, 2019, sent to the company Aug 7, 2019, published by CPSC Aug 28, 2019

The product, in the report: Downy Unstoppables fabric softener / scent booster

Downy Unstoppables fabric softener causes severe allergic reactions, including itching, rash, hives, throat swelling, and POSSIBLE DEATH while asleep.
I used a sealed trial package of downy unstoppables in my laundry (sheets and towels) and my girlfriend and I both had SEVERE allergic reactions. Her throat began swelling and she had difficulty breathing. Over 50% of my body has been covered in hives for two days.
Downy Unstoppables only lists three ingredients, which aren’t in fact ingredients at all, the are categories of ingredients (1) Perfume dispersant, 2) Perfume, and 3) Dye). I have no way to determine what I or my girlfriend am allergic to in this product, and after a quick google search have found tons and tons of stories about similar allergic reactions to this product.
Suggest: 1) ingredients are listed appropriately, 2) a WARNING is placed on the label.

Bought from
Walmart, Texas
Bought
Jul 15, 2019
Where
Fort Worth, Texas: Home/Apartment/Condominium
Who was involved
Age 48, Female
The reporter’s relation to them
My Spouse
As this report names them
Brand Downy Unstoppables, made or sold by The Procter & Gamble Company
How badly, in CPSC’s words
Injury, Seen by Medical Professional

The company’s comments, in its own words

(8/16/2019) The Procter & Gamble Company: Thank you for bringing this report involving Downy Unstoppables In-Wash Scent Booster to our attention. We’re sorry to hear about what this consumer and his girlfriend has experienced and can assure you that we take the report very seriously. We formulate our Downy products with great care and attention to safety, so it is important that we know of their experience. We carefully evaluate the safety of our products and ingredients before they go to market, using well-established safety assessment methods. These evaluations are a mandatory part of our product development process and begin during the early stages of a product’s design. In addition, we maintain an ongoing monitoring program for quality and safety because the safe use of our products is always our highest priority.
We understand some people may have unique sensitivities to some of the ingredients used in every day products and appreciated the opportunity to address the feedback provided by this consumer. Be assured that the report was shared internally and for consumers interested in learning more about the ingredients used in our Downy products, we provide ingredient lists -- that can be accessed by visiting http://www.smartlabel.org/. Also, to find the ingredient information to be even more useful, Procter & Gamble has committed to disclose all fragrance ingredients by end of 2019. If a consumer aware of specific ingredient sensitivity, we encourage them to call Consumer Relations and find a product that would meet their needs.
Finally, we would appreciate the opportunity to engage further with the consumer through our Consumer Relations channels by phone toll-free at 1-800-688-7638, between 9am and 6pm EST. Communicating with the consumer directly via phone will allow us to better understand the experience with the use of our product.
Again, we appreciate the opportunity to address any concerns our consumers may have about our products. I hope this information provides reassurance and we thank you again for bringing this to our attention.

CPSC report 20190730-0BE9D-2147379560. Submitter: Consumer Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
No one hurt
Made Jul 16, 2019, sent to the company Aug 9, 2019, published by CPSC Aug 30, 2019

The product, in the report: Downey Unstoppable fabric softener

Submitter says that the product has a very strong fragrance that she cannot tolerate. Caller was at the gym and noticed a strong scent that came upon her. Submitter lost her balance and became very dizzy and nauseas. There are two women in the gym who use the product. When they entered the gym it made the caller very sick and she had to move away.
Does not have an issue with normal fabric softener but this product seems to cause some kind of reaction to the submitter.

Bought from
Does not own the product
Where
Bridgeville, Pennsylvania: Unspecified
Who was involved
Female
The reporter’s relation to them
Self
As this report names them
Brand Downey, made or sold by The Procter & Gamble Company
How badly, in CPSC’s words
Incident, No Injury

The company’s comments, in its own words

(8/20/2019) The Procter & Gamble Company: Thank you for bringing this report involving Downy Unstoppables Fabric Enhancers to our attention. We’re sorry to hear about what this consumer has experienced and can assure you that we take the report very seriously. We formulate our Downy products with great care and attention to safety, so it is important that we know of their experience. We carefully evaluate the safety of our products and ingredients before they go to market, using well-established safety assessment methods. These evaluations are a mandatory part of our product development process and begin during the early stages of a product’s design. In addition, we maintain an ongoing monitoring program for quality and safety because the safe use of our products is always our highest priority.
We understand some people may have unique sensitivities to some of the ingredients used in every day products and appreciated the opportunity to address the feedback provided by this consumer. Be assured that the report was shared internally and for consumers interested in learning more about the ingredients used in our Downy products, we provide ingredient lists -- that can be accessed by visiting http://www.smartlabel.org/.
Finally, we would appreciate the opportunity to engage further with the consumer through our Consumer Relations channels by phone toll-free at 1-800-688-7638, between 9am and 6pm EST. Communicating with the consumer directly via phone will allow us to better understand the experience with the use of our product.
Again, we appreciate the opportunity to address any concerns our consumers may have about our products. I hope this information provides reassurance and we thank you again for bringing this to our attention.

CPSC report 20190716-70563-1888652. Submitter: Consumer Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
Hurt, no treatment
Made Aug 21, 2018, sent to the company Aug 29, 2018, published by CPSC Sep 13, 2018

The product, in the report: This product is a fabric softner.

I think i have issues with many fabric softners but for sure Downey fabric softners, because my mom uses them on her clothes. Everytime i smell these, i get angry and i lose my concentration. My nose gets runny and i feel really bad as i were getting a sense of doom! It has been like this since 2015. These scented products have disrupted my life i was once living. I have to use a 3m mask when my neighbors use laundry detergent or when their air freshner smells go into my house. I cannot be around people that smell like this or many perfumes. I strongly believe i have developed a sensitivity after being exposed to [REDACTED] cleaning product and [REDACTED] plug ins that my nephew used to use in the house when he was living here for about a year or so. I don’t purchase or use these products anymore but my neighbors use them and other people use them and im affected by these. I can’t be anywhere consistently except locked in my room. I feel as if im in a jail cell because of these products.

Model
April Fresh scent
UPC
O3700107767
Bought from
Home Depot
Where
Stockton, California: Home/Apartment/Condominium
Who was involved
Age 28, Male
The reporter’s relation to them
Self
As this report names them
Brand Downy, made or sold by The Procter & Gamble Company
How badly, in CPSC’s words
Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received

The company’s comments, in its own words

(9/5/2018) The Procter & Gamble Company: Thank you for reaching out regarding Downy and other consumer products we manufacture at P&G. We appreciate you making us aware of your concerns and regret any discomfort you may have experienced.
Nothing matters more to us than the safety of our consumers. We carefully evaluate the safety of our products and ingredients before they go to market, using well-established safety assessment methods. These evaluations are a mandatory part of our product development process and begin during the early stages of a product’s design. In addition, we maintain an ongoing monitoring program for quality and safety because the safe use of our products is always our highest priority.
We understand some consumers may have unique sensitivities to some of the ingredients used in every day products, including fragrance. Identifying the reasons for a sensitivity to a consumer product ingredient can be difficult, so we suggest a consumer work further with their health care provider regarding any medical concerns.
The safety of the people who use our products is at the foundation of everything we do, and we appreciate the opportunity to address any issues consumers may have with our products. We shared this report internally, and we encourage consumers to contact us directly with any concerns.
If you’re interested in additional details about the ingredients used in our products and the safety of those ingredients, we provide ingredient lists and lots of other helpful information for many of our products on our Corporate website at https://pgproductsafety.com/productsafety/ You may also want to visit http://smartlabel.pg.com/00037000107767.html#ingredients for additional information specific to Downy. SmartLabel™ is an industry website featuring information on hundreds of food, beverage, household, and personal care products made by various manufacturers. Thanks again for bringing this to our attention.

CPSC report 20180821-93AD6-2147386053. Submitter: Consumer Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
No one hurt
Made Nov 1, 2017, sent to the company Dec 7, 2017, published by CPSC Dec 21, 2017

The product, in the report: In Jan 2016 I began to notice intense itching that would lead to sores all over my body. I began seeing doctors to find out what was wrong. After 7 doctors, numerous test & wrong diagnosis, I went to [REDACTED]. Finally, I discovered thru [REDACTED], that I am allergic to Methylisothiazolinone & Methyldibromo Glutaronitrile. Trying to rid my life of products that contain these preservatives is proving to be difficult if not impossible. Even some of the prescription medicines that I had tried before the correct diagnosis contained Methylisothiazolinone. After switching brands of laundry detergent & discontinuing use of fabric softener that I have used for over 40 years, I found some relief. Then my grandson sat in my lap and hugged me and I had a very bad reaction and decided that it was from his clothes being washed with products that contained Methylisothiazolinone. Most shampoos, soaps, dishwashing liquid, laundry items, cosmetics, paints, etc contain these preservatives. My life is miserable - I can’t sleep for itching. My skin is ugly and embarrassing. I was an attractive woman, & now I am ashamed of my skin. I always have sores & the medicine can only be used for 2 weeks at the time. While the medicine is helpful, it is not a cure all & I remain in agony. I urge, plead for the ban of these preservatives in the US as Europe has done. I wonder why this has become so wide spread in recent years. I can no longer use products that I have used all of my life. Please help!

Severe allergic reaction to household products containing Methylisothiazolinone or Methyldibromo Glutaronitrile. Products include shampoos, laundry detergents, fabric softners, dishwashing liquid, dishwasher detergent, hand soaps, body wash, cosmetics, paints, glues

Bought from
Walmart, Georgia
Where
Leesburg, Georgia: Home/Apartment/Condominium
Who was involved
Age 53, Female
The reporter’s relation to them
Self
As this report names them
Brand Downy, made or sold by The Procter & Gamble Company
How badly, in CPSC’s words
Incident, No Injury

The company’s comments, in its own words

(12/14/2017) The Procter & Gamble Company: Thank you for reaching out regarding Downy and other consumer products we manufacture at P&G. We appreciate you making us aware of your concerns and regret any discomfort you may have experienced. Nothing matters more to us than the safety of our consumers. We want you to be able to use and enjoy our products in full confidence of their quality and performance, and we take the recent information about allergies related to commonly-used preservatives very seriously. We carefully evaluate the safety of our products and ingredients before they go to market, using well-established safety assessment methods. These evaluations are a mandatory part of our product development process and begin during the early stages of a product’s design. In addition, we maintain an ongoing monitoring program for quality and safety because the safe use of our products is always our highest priority.
We select only the safest ingredients possible and use them for their intended purpose. Preservatives are necessary in most consumer products to prevent the growth of bacteria or other microorganisms that can create an unsafe product. We use great care when formulating our products, and we consult independent experts to ensure we are aware of the latest scientific information related to our ingredients. Additionally, we closely evaluate comments we receive from consumers to learn about their experiences in using our products. We take any health concerns reported to us very seriously, and they are reviewed by a team of health professionals. We understand some consumers may have unique sensitivities to some of the ingredients used in every day products. Identifying the reasons for a sensitivity to a consumer product ingredient can be difficult, so we suggest a consumer works further with their health care provider regarding any medical concerns. Independent safety experts and dermatologists agree that the very small amount of the ingredients of concern is well within the safety ranges for these materials before use, during use, and remains within that range after rinsing. The safety of the people who use our products is at the foundation of everything we do, and we appreciate the opportunity to address any issues consumers may have with our products. We shared this report internally, and we encourage consumers to contact us directly with any concerns. If you’re interested in additional details about the ingredients used in our products and the safety of those ingredients, we provide ingredient lists and lots of other helpful information for many of our products on our Corporate website at www.pgproductsafety.com You may also want to visit http://www.smartlabel.org/products -- an independent website featuring information on hundreds of food, beverage, household, and personal care products made by various manufacturers. Thanks again for bringing this to our attention.

CPSC report 20171101-8AF1A-2147396315. Submitter: Consumer Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
Seen by a doctor or nurse
Made Jun 23, 2017, sent to the company Aug 24, 2017, published by CPSC Sep 11, 2017

The product, in the report: Downy Dryer sheets. Scented and unscented varieties.

Whenever I am exposed to Downy dryer sheets I develop headaches, dizziness, confusion, and fatigue. This seems to occur more often with the scented version. I am concerned because these products are in wide use and difficult to avoid. They are also difficult to remove. If I do much as sit on a chair where someone has used this product and it ends up on my clothes it’s almost impossible to remove. Please look into the chemicals that are being used in these products and their safety. I am not the only person who has this reaction to said products.

Model
Downy Dryer Sheets
Where
Ann Arbor, Michigan: Home/Apartment/Condominium
Who was involved
Age 36, Male
The reporter’s relation to them
Self
As this report names them
Brand Downy Dryer Sheets, made or sold by The Procter & Gamble Company
How badly, in CPSC’s words
Injury, Seen by Medical Professional

The company’s comments, in its own words

(8/31/2017) The Procter & Gamble Company: Thank you for reaching out regarding Downy. We appreciate you sharing your concerns with us and regret any discomfort you may have experienced.
Please know we take consumer input and comments very seriously. Downy products are formulated with great care and attention to safety and quality. We carefully evaluate the safety of our products and ingredients before they go to market, using well-established safety assessment methods. These evaluations are a mandatory part of our product development process and begin during the early stages of a product’s design. In addition, we maintain an ongoing monitoring program for quality and safety because the safe use of our products is always our highest priority.
We know consumer preferences and consumer needs vary. Some consumers prefer scented products, while others, -- like you -- might prefer unscented products. To serve the wide range of consumer needs, we offer a variety of products and versions, some of which are fragrance-free. Two examples are Tide Free & Gentle laundry detergent and Bounce Free and Gentle fabric softener dryer sheets. If you’re interested in additional information about the ingredients used in our products, we provide ingredient lists on our website: www.pgproductsafety.com
We shared this report internally, and we encourage you to contact us directly with any concerns so we can follow through on your experience. Thanks again for bringing this report to our attention.

CPSC report 20170623-86EC0-2147399468. Submitter: Consumer Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
Seen by a doctor or nurse
Made Dec 3, 2011, sent to the company Dec 12, 2011, published by CPSC Jan 4, 2012

The product, in the report: Downey Fabric softner and drier sheets

I recently moved next door to a neighbor that uses Downey clothes dryer sheets and fabric softner which cause me to have asthma attacks whenever the vapors cross into my outdoor area. The disgustingly strong perfumed odor from her drier vent permeates my living space and makes me wheeze and have headaches and skin redness. It’s definately the Downey fabric softner products as she admits using them and the perfume stench can be verified at the store. My neighbor will not desist from using these products after I explained nicely my problem.
Searching the internet for information on the chemicals in dyer softner products much is written on how shockingly unsafe and unhealthy they are. Considering that they are nonessential products why are they not better regulated for safety besides being a public nuisance?
I have had to go to my primary care physician for cortisone injections plus additional inhalers to help me cope with living next to this toxic annoying stench.

Where
St. Petersburg, Florida: Home/Apartment/Condominium
Who was involved
Age 64, Female
The reporter’s relation to them
Unspecified
As this report names them
Brand Downey, made or sold by The Procter & Gamble Company
How badly, in CPSC’s words
Injury, Seen by Medical Professional

The company’s comments, in its own words

(12/16/2011) The Procter & Gamble Company: We’re very sorry to hear you experienced an allergic reaction when exposed to the scent of fabric softener coming from your neighbor’s dryer vent. Please be assured we’re deeply committed to the health and safety of our consumers – nothing is more important than ensuring the safety of our products.
Determining the cause of an allergy can be very difficult, so we encourage you to consult with your physician, especially if the condition does not go away in a few days or if it is severe. However, we would like to reassure you that all of our fabric softener products are formulated with the greatest care and utmost attention to safety. The formulations take into account our stringent internal safety standards for every ingredient. For further assurance, allergic contact sensitization testing has also been conducted with many formulations, with and without perfume.
Again, we’re really sorry to hear of your experience. We’d like to better understand what happened, so we ask you to contact us directly by calling our Consumer Care Line at 1-866-607-5535. We appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns and hope to hear from you soon.

CPSC report 20111203-77741-2147472720. Submitter: Consumer Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
Seen by a doctor or nurse
Made Sep 29, 2011, sent to the company Oct 7, 2011, published by CPSC Oct 31, 2011

The product, in the report: Downy Fabric Softener

This product fabric softener is being used by many people in the belief that they are somehow making their clothes softer and more pleasurable smelling. When in reality they are exposing themselves and others to many chemicals that make those of us sensitive/allergic to it sick. I have suffered many symptoms from the exposure to this product, including, headches, nausea, asthma like symptoms of restricted breathing and chest congestion, inflamed sinuses. After many years of suffering with these symptoms have come to the conslusion with absolute certainty that these fabric softener products are the culprit.

Bought from
Wal-Mart, Arizona
Where
Payson, Arizona: Home/Apartment/Condominium
Who was involved
Age 37, Male
The reporter’s relation to them
Self
As this report names them
Brand Downy, made or sold by The Procter & Gamble Company
How badly, in CPSC’s words
Injury, Seen by Medical Professional

The company’s comments, in its own words

(10/19/2011) The Procter & Gamble Company: We’re very sorry you attribute the symptoms you’ve experienced due to exposure to the scent of Downy Fabric Softener. Please be assured we’re deeply committed to the health and well-being of our consumers – nothing is more important than ensuring the safety of our products. Determining the cause of your symptoms can be very difficult, so we encourage you to consult with your physician, especially if they do not go away in a few days or if they are severe. However, we would like to reassure you that all of our fabric softener products are formulated with the greatest care and utmost attention to safety. The formulations take into account our stringent internal safety standards for every ingredient. For further assurance, allergic contact sensitization testing has also been conducted with many formulations, with and without perfume.
Again, we’re really sorry to hear of your experience. We’d like to better understand what happened, so we ask you to contact us directly by calling our Consumer Care Line at 1-866-607-5535. We appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns and hear from you soon.

CPSC report 20110929-1C8DF-1203797. Submitter: Consumer Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
Seen by a doctor or nurse
Made May 12, 2011, published by CPSC Jul 7, 2011

The product, in the report: Fragrance loaded Downy and Bounce

Consumer wanted to report that her husband is suffering from adverse affects derived from fragrance loaded downy and bounce. The consumer is not a purchaser of these products. She stated that her neighbors use these products and the airborne chemicals of these products causes her husband to suffer from sore blisters on his hands, red rash, sore throat. He also suffers from asthmatic symptoms although he doesn’t have asthma and swelling of his eyes. Doctors have advised her husband to avoid this product although it is quite difficult. She has tried to call the manufacturer who has given her mixed messages, none of which pertain in a removal of this product from the market. The consumer has spoken to the CPO of MI who in then turn referred her to CPSC. She felt it was imperative to report this product.

Where
Lansing, Michigan: Home/Apartment/Condominium
Who was involved
Age 43, Male
The reporter’s relation to them
My Spouse
As this report names them
Brand Downy and Bounce, made or sold by The Procter & Gamble Company
How badly, in CPSC’s words
Injury, Seen by Medical Professional

The company’s comments, in its own words

(6/30/2011) The Procter & Gamble Company: We’re very sorry to hear of your husband’s experience when exposed to what you believe to be Bounce and Downy fabric softeners. As a company, we’re deeply committed to the health and well-being of our consumers – nothing is more important than ensuring the safety of our products. All of our products go through rigorous scientific evaluations before going to market and are continually monitored for safety once available to the public. Additionally, we are committed to ensuring our products comply with laws and regulations in each of the markets where they are sold.
Determining the cause of an allergy can be very difficult, so we encourage your husband to consult with his physician again. However, we would like to reassure you that all of our fabric softener products are formulated with the greatest care and utmost attention to safety. The formulations take into account our stringent internal safety standards for every ingredient. For further assurance, allergic contact sensitization testing has also been conducted with many formulations, with and without perfume.
Again, we’re really sorry to hear of this experience and we appreciate the time you’ve taken to bring this to our attention. If there’s anything we can do to help further, please contact us directly by calling our Consumer Care Line at 1-866-607-5535.

CPSC report 20110512-FEBE9-1182432. Submitter: Consumer Search for it on SaferProducts.gov

CPSC’s disclaimer

Disclaimer: CPSC does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of the Publicly Available Consumer Product Safety Information Database on SaferProducts.gov, particularly with respect to information submitted by people outside of CPSC.

Word for word, from the disclaimer in CPSC’s export.

Sources

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, SaferProducts.gov public database export.

Released Oct 25, 2026 and checked Oct 25, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.

Reports of harm are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), on SaferProducts.gov. CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record.

Downy fabric treatment products

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