Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Laundry Detergent Free & Clear

A sophisticated fragrance-free laundry detergent powered by a five-enzyme blend and mild sugar-derived surfactants for deep cleaning without harsh chemicals.

Performance Rating: 4.3

This formulation boasts a sophisticated 5-enzyme blend (Protease, Amylase, Cellulase, Mannanase, Pectate lyase), which is exceptionally rare for eco-centric detergents and ensures superior removal of protein, starch, and fruit-based stains. The cleaning agents are primarily Alkyl Polyglucosides (APGs) (Lauryl glucoside, Caprylyl/Capryl glucoside) and sugar-based amides, which are effective but milder than traditional synthetic sulfates. The addition of Coconut fatty acid provides soap-based cleaning power, while Sodium citrate acts as a gentle builder to handle water hardness.

Safety Rating: 4.7

The safety profile is outstanding. It relies on plant-derived, non-ionic surfactants known for being gentle on the skin and readily biodegradable. The ingredient list suggests the product is fragrance-free and dye-free, minimizing the risk of contact dermatitis and making it suitable for sensitive skin. It avoids harsh solvents and preservatives (like isothiazolinones), utilizing safer alternatives like Propanediol and Glycerine.

Final Rating: 4.5

This product represents the ‘gold standard’ for modern green chemistry. It successfully bridges the gap between safety and efficacy by pairing gentle, renewable surfactants with high-performance enzymatic technology. It avoids common irritants found in conventional detergents without sacrificing the ability to tackle complex stains, making it an excellent choice for families and those with skin sensitivities.

Verdict

This liquid laundry detergent represents a premier example of modern green chemistry, effectively bridging the gap between gentle, plant-based safety and rigorous stain-fighting capability. The formulation stands out because it anchors its cleaning power in a sophisticated multi-enzyme blend containing Protease, Alpha-Amylase, Cellulase, Mannanase, and Pectate lyase. While many natural detergents struggle with heavy soiling, this specific combination targets a wide spectrum of difficult messes: Protease breaks down proteins like blood and grass, Alpha-Amylase tackles starchy foods, and Pectate lyase dissolves fruit-based stains. The addition of Cellulase is a premium touch, serving not just to clean, but to care for fibers by smoothing out micro-fibrils, effectively reviving colors and preventing pilling on cotton fabrics.

On the surfactant front, the product eschews aggressive sulfates (like SLS) for alkyl polyglucosides (APGs) such as Lauryl glucoside and Caprylyl/Capryl glucoside. Derived from sugars and fatty alcohols, these are among the mildest surfactants available, known for their excellent biodegradability and low irritation potential. They work in tandem with Coconut fatty acid, which acts as a traditional soap component, to lift soil from fabrics without stripping them or leaving harsh residues. This makes the detergent particularly suited for garments that sit close to the skin, such as underwear, sheets, and baby clothes.

Crucially, the ingredient list reveals a deliberate exclusion of synthetic fragrances, dyes, and optical brighteners. This fragrance-free profile is vital for individuals suffering from eczema, multiple chemical sensitivities, or asthma, as scents are a leading cause of contact dermatitis. The formulation relies on Propanediol and Propylene glycol as solvents and enzyme stabilizers; Propanediol, in particular, is often a skin-friendly, corn-derived alternative to petroleum-based glycols.

Sodium citrate is included as a builder to combat hard water minerals, ensuring the surfactants can foam and function efficiently even in difficult water conditions. While Potassium hydroxide and Sodium hydroxide are listed, they are technical necessities used to adjust pH and saponify the fatty acids into soap; they generally do not remain in their caustic form in the final product. Ultimately, this is a highly recommended detergent for health-conscious households, offering heavy-duty bio-enzymatic cleaning with a strict, hypoallergenic safety profile.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Surfactants (Cleaning Agents) / 表面活性剂(清洁剂)

🧪 Lauryl glucoside / 月桂基葡糖苷

Purpose: Mild non-ionic surfactant derived from plants that helps lift dirt.

Concerns: Generally considered safe and biodegradable.

Notes: A gentle cleanser often used in sensitive skin formulations.

🧪 Caprylyl/Capryl glucoside / 辛基/癸基葡糖苷

Purpose: Mild surfactant and solubilizer that helps mix ingredients.

Concerns: Low risk of irritation; biodegradable.

Notes: Effective at cleaning grease and oil.

🧪 Capryloyl/Caproyl methyl glucamide / 辛酰/癸酰甲基葡糖酰胺

Purpose: Sugar-based mild surfactant for cleaning and foaming.

Concerns: Generally safe and milder than sulfates.

Notes: Provides a creamy foam structure.

🧪 Coconut fatty acid / 椰子油脂肪酸

Purpose: Reacts with alkaline ingredients (hydroxides) to form soap; provides cleaning power.

Concerns: None in finished product; creates natural soap.

Notes: Used as the backbone for soap-based detergency.

📁 Solvents & Carriers / 溶剂和载体

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Liquid base that dissolves other ingredients.

Concerns: None.

Notes: The primary carrier for the formula.

🧪 Glycerine / 甘油

Purpose: Solvent and humectant; keeps the liquid stable and prevents drying out.

Concerns: None; recognized as safe.

Notes: Also helps protect fabrics and skin.

🧪 Propanediol / 丙二醇

Purpose: Solvent and viscosity controller; boosts preservative efficacy.

Concerns: Generally safe; often derived from corn sugar.

Notes: A more eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based glycols.

🧪 Propylene glycol / 丙二醇

Purpose: Solvent and enzyme stabilizer.

Concerns: Can be a skin irritant or allergen for some people (contact dermatitis).

Notes: Crucial for maintaining the stability of enzymes in liquid formulas.

📁 Enzymes / 酶制剂

🧪 Protease (Subtilisin) (aep) / 蛋白酶

Purpose: Breaks down protein-based stains (blood, grass, egg).

Concerns: Potential respiratory sensitizer if inhaled (mostly manufacturing risk); rare skin irritation.

Notes: Essential for bio-detergent efficacy.

🧪 Alpha-Amylase (aep) / α-淀粉酶

Purpose: Breaks down starch-based stains (pasta, potato, gravy).

Concerns: Potential sensitizer.

Notes: Works synergistically with other enzymes.

🧪 Cellulase (aep) / 纤维素酶

Purpose: Modifies cellulose fibers to remove pilling and brighten colors.

Concerns: Potential sensitizer.

Notes: Acts as a fabric care agent.

🧪 Mannanase / 甘露聚糖酶

Purpose: Breaks down mannan-based gums (food thickeners, guar gum).

Concerns: Potential sensitizer.

Notes: Targets specific difficult food stains.

🧪 Pectate lyase / 果胶裂解酶

Purpose: Breaks down pectin stains (fruit, jams, juices).

Concerns: Potential sensitizer.

Notes: Improves fruit stain removal performance.

📁 Builders & pH Adjusters / 助洗剂和pH调节剂

🧪 Sodium citrate / 柠檬酸钠

Purpose: Builder and water softener; chelates hard water minerals.

Concerns: None; generally safe and biodegradable.

Notes: Helps surfactants work better in hard water.

🧪 Potassium hydroxide / 氢氧化钾

Purpose: Strong base used to adjust pH or saponify fatty acids into soap.

Concerns: Corrosive in raw form; safe in neutralized finished product.

Notes: Likely used here to neutralize the Coconut fatty acid.

🧪 Sodium hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH adjuster and saponifying agent.

Concerns: Corrosive in raw form; safe in neutralized finished product.

Notes: Standard alkaline agent in detergents.