Gain Original Liquid Laundry Detergent

A high-performance liquid detergent featuring a robust blend of anionic surfactants and a triple-enzyme system designed to tackle tough protein and starch stains.

Performance Rating: 4.6

This formulation represents a top-tier cleaning system. It combines a robust multi-surfactant blend (Anionic LAS/SLS/SLES, Nonionic Alketh, and Amphoteric Amine Oxide) to handle a wide spectrum of oily and particulate soils. The inclusion of three enzyme types (Subtilisin for proteins, Amylase for starches, and Cellulase for fabric care) significantly boosts stain removal. Furthermore, Polyethyleneimines alkoxylated are high-performance polymers that prevent soil redeposition, ensuring whites stay white.

Safety Rating: 2.5

The product contains Benzisothiazolinone, a strong preservative and known skin sensitizer. It also utilizes Sodium Borate, which is scrutinized for potential reproductive toxicity, though common in detergents. The high concentration of strong surfactants (LAS, SLS) and synthetic fragrances poses a risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions for sensitive individuals. However, the use of Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate represents a safer, biodegradable choice for water softening compared to older phosphates or EDTA.

Final Rating: 3.9

This is a heavy-duty detergent engineered for maximum efficacy rather than mildness. While the safety score is impacted by the presence of potential allergens, irritants, and borates, the performance metrics are exceptional. It is highly recommended for tackling tough stains and general laundry needs, provided the user does not have specific chemical sensitivities.

Verdict

This liquid laundry detergent is formulated as a heavy-duty cleaner designed to tackle a wide spectrum of household stains. At its core, the product utilizes a robust surfactant system comprising Sodium and MEA C10-16 Alkylbenzenesulfonate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, and Sodium Laureth Sulfate. These anionic surfactants are excellent for lifting dirt and suspending oils. They are complemented by C10-16 Alketh and C10-16 Alkyldimethylamine Oxide, which assist in breaking down grease and provide foaming action. This multi-faceted approach ensures that the detergent is effective against both hydrophobic (oil-based) and hydrophilic (water-based) soils.

A significant strength of this formula is its enzymatic profile. The inclusion of Subtilisin, a protease enzyme, is critical for breaking down protein-based stains such as blood, grass, and egg. Amylase targets starch stains like pasta sauces and gravy, while Cellulase helps smooth cotton fibers and prevent pill formation, keeping fabrics looking newer for longer. This triple-enzyme action suggests that the detergent is capable of performing well in lower temperatures, where surfactants alone might struggle to remove complex biological stains.

To support cleaning efficacy in various water conditions, the formula includes builders and chelating agents like Sodium Borate, Sodium Citrate, and Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate. These ingredients bind to minerals in hard water, allowing the surfactants to focus on cleaning rather than reacting with calcium and magnesium. Propylene Glycol and Alcohol serve as solvents to keep the liquid stable and ensure the enzymes remain active during storage.

However, the ingredient list reveals several components that may not align with the needs of all consumers. The product contains Fragrances and synthetic dyes (Polyoxyalkylene Substituted Chromophores), which are common triggers for skin irritation and allergies. Additionally, the preservative Benzisothiazolinone is a known sensitizer; individuals with a history of contact dermatitis should be cautious. The presence of Sodium Borate might also be a concern for those strictly avoiding borates due to potential developmental toxicity concerns in high concentrations, although it acts as a crucial enzyme stabilizer here.

In summary, this product is a highly engineered conventional detergent. It prioritizes maximum cleaning power and stain removal through chemistry and biotechnology. It is an excellent choice for general laundry needs, particularly for active families or those dealing with tough food stains, but it may prove too harsh for those with delicate skin or a preference for fragrance-free, minimalist formulations.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Liquid base and consistency

Concerns: None

Notes: The primary carrier for ingredients.

🧪 Propylene Glycol / 丙二醇

Purpose: Solvent and enzyme stabilizer

Concerns: Generally safe, can be a mild irritant in high concentrations

Notes: Helps enzymes work at low temperatures.

🧪 Alcohol / 酒精 / 乙醇

Purpose: Solvent and stabilizer

Concerns: Flammable in pure form, drying to skin

Notes: Helps ingredients mix and prevents separation.

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

🧪 Sodium and MEA C10-16 Alkylbenzenesulfonate / C10-16 烷基苯磺酸钠和单乙醇胺盐

Purpose: Anionic surfactant for removing dirt and oil

Concerns: Can be irritating to eyes and skin

Notes: A primary cleaning agent (LAS).

🧪 C10-16 Alketh / C10-16 醇聚醚

Purpose: Non-ionic surfactant for grease removal

Concerns: Low concern, generally biodegradable

Notes: Effective on greasy stains.

🧪 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate / 十二烷基硫酸钠

Purpose: Surfactant and foaming agent

Concerns: Skin and eye irritation

Notes: Commonly known as SLS.

🧪 Sodium Laureth Sulfate / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Surfactant, provides cleaning and foaming

Concerns: Possible contamination with 1,4-dioxane (usually removed in manufacturing)

Notes: Milder than SLS; commonly known as SLES.

🧪 C10-16 Alkyldimethylamine Oxide / C10-16 烷基二甲基氧化胺

Purpose: Surfactant and foam stabilizer

Concerns: Aquatic toxicity in high concentrations

Notes: Helps break down grease.

📁 Enzymes / 酶 / 酵素

🧪 Subtilisin / 枯草杆菌蛋白酶

Purpose: Protease enzyme to break down protein stains

Concerns: Respiratory sensitizer, potential skin irritant

Notes: Effective on blood, grass, and egg stains.

🧪 Amylase enzyme / 淀粉酶

Purpose: Breaks down starch stains

Concerns: Respiratory sensitizer

Notes: Effective on pasta, potato, and sauce stains.

🧪 Cellulase Enzyme / 纤维素酶

Purpose: Fabric care and color maintenance

Concerns: Respiratory sensitizer

Notes: Prevents pilling and fuzz on cotton.

📁 Builders and Chelants / 助洗剂和螯合剂

🧪 Sodium and MEA citrate / 柠檬酸钠和单乙醇胺盐

Purpose: Water softener and pH buffer

Concerns: None generally

Notes: Helps cleaning agents work better in hard water.

🧪 Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate / 谷氨酸二乙酸四钠

Purpose: Chelating agent

Concerns: Low concern

Notes: Biodegradable alternative to phosphates/EDTA; binds metal ions.

📁 Stabilizers and Performance Polymers / 稳定剂和性能聚合物

🧪 Sodium Borate / 硼酸钠

Purpose: Enzyme stabilizer and buffer

Concerns: Potential reproductive toxicity classification in EU; skin irritant

Notes: Also known as Borax.

🧪 Sodium Cumenesulfonate / 枯烯磺酸钠

Purpose: Hydrotrope

Concerns: Irritant

Notes: Helps dissolve other ingredients into the liquid.

🧪 Calcium formate / 甲酸钙

Purpose: Enzyme stabilizer

Concerns: Eye irritant

Notes: Keeps enzymes active in the bottle.

🧪 Sodium Formate / 甲酸钠

Purpose: Stabilizer

Concerns: Low concern

Notes: Secondary stabilizer.

🧪 Polyethyleneimines alkoxylated / 烷氧基化聚乙烯亚胺

Purpose: Anti-redeposition polymer

Concerns: Low environmental degradability

Notes: Keeps dirt suspended in water so it doesn’t settle back on clothes.

🧪 Hydrogenated Castor Oil / 氢化蓖麻油

Purpose: Rheology modifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Adjusts thickness and helps control suds.

📁 pH Adjusters / pH调节剂

🧪 Ethanolamine / 乙醇胺

Purpose: pH adjuster and solvent

Concerns: Respiratory and skin irritant; asthmagen

Notes: Ensures the detergent is alkaline enough to clean.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 Benzisothiazolinone / 苯并异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Skin sensitizer; potential allergen

Notes: Prevents bacterial growth in the bottle.

📁 Fragrances and Colorants / 香精和色素

🧪 Fragrances / 香精

Purpose: Adds scent

Concerns: Common cause of skin allergies and contact dermatitis

Notes: Specific composition is usually proprietary.

🧪 Polyoxyalkylene Substituted Chromophore (yellow) / 聚氧化烯取代发色团(黄)

Purpose: Colorant

Concerns: Low concern

Notes: Provides the yellow hue to the liquid.

🧪 Polyoxyalkylene Substituted Chromophore (Blue) / 聚氧化烯取代发色团(蓝)

Purpose: Colorant

Concerns: Low concern

Notes: Provides the blue hue to the liquid.

🧪 Alkoxylated Amine Substituted Triaryl Methane / 烷氧基化胺取代三芳基甲烷

Purpose: Colorant or Whitening Agent

Concerns: Low concern

Notes: Likely a bluing agent to make whites appear brighter.