Seventh Generation Free & Clear Baby Laundry Detergent

A fragrance-free, heavy-duty liquid detergent fortified with a quad-enzyme blend to target specific protein, starch, and fruit stains.

Performance Rating: 4.3

This formula features a robust quad-enzyme blend (Protease, Pectinase, Amylase, Mannanase), which significantly enhances its ability to break down complex stains like proteins, starches, and gums compared to standard detergents. The surfactant system combines Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) (anionic) and Laureth-6 (non-ionic) to effectively tackle both particulate dirt and oily soils. Sodium Citrate serves as a water softener, boosting efficacy in hard water. The lack of optical brighteners means clothes may not appear artificially ‘whiter,’ but the actual cleaning power is high.

Safety Rating: 3.1

The product scores well for omitting fragrances and dyes, which are common irritants. Most ingredients are biodegradable. However, the rating is impacted by the use of Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Benzisothiazolinone (BIT); these preservatives are effective but are known skin sensitizers and allergens that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Additionally, Laureth-6 is an ethoxylated ingredient, which carries a theoretical risk of 1,4-dioxane contamination if not vacuum-stripped during manufacturing.

Final Rating: 3.8

This is a highly effective detergent that bridges the gap between ‘green’ cleaners and conventional heavy-duty brands. The inclusion of four distinct enzymes provides excellent cleaning performance for a plant-derived formula. It is a great choice for general households, though individuals with highly sensitive skin or specific allergies to isothiazolinones should approach with caution despite the fragrance-free label.

Verdict

This liquid laundry detergent presents a formidable cleaning profile hidden within a relatively simple ingredients list. The foundation of the formula relies on a mix of surfactants, specifically Laureth-6, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), and Sodium Oleate. While SLS is sometimes avoided in leave-on skincare due to potential irritation, in a laundry context where it is rinsed away, it serves as an excellent grease remover and foaming agent. The addition of Sodium Citrate acts as a builder to soften hard water, ensuring the surfactants work efficiently even in less-than-ideal water conditions. The true strength of this product lies in its bio-enzymatic package. Many budget detergents rely solely on surfactants, which struggle with complex organic stains. This formula, however, includes a comprehensive blend of four enzymes: Protease, Pectinase, Amylase, and Mannanase. Protease breaks down proteins like blood and grass; Amylase tackles starches found in pasta sauces; Pectinase targets fruit stains; and Mannanase handles gum-based thickeners often found in processed foods and cosmetics. This combination suggests that the detergent is capable of handling a wide variety of tough, everyday family stains without needing heavy bleaches. From a sensitivity standpoint, the product appears to be free of added fragrances and dyes. This is a significant benefit for individuals who suffer from respiratory sensitivities or those who prefer their laundry to smell neutral rather than perfumed. The absence of optical brighteners also makes it potentially safer for keeping dark colors from looking washed out over time. However, consumers must exercise caution regarding the preservatives used. The inclusion of Benzisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone is notable. These are effective at keeping the liquid shelf-stable, but they are also known contact allergens. While many people tolerate them fine, those with a history of eczema or specific contact dermatitis should be aware that these preservatives can trigger reactions in sensitized individuals. In summary, this is a high-performance detergent best suited for households dealing with food stains and biological messes. It balances powerful enzymatic cleaning with a fragrance-free base, though the choice of preservatives means it may not be suitable for the ultra-hypersensitive.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvent / 溶剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Liquid base and solvent for mixing other ingredients.

Concerns: None.

Notes: The primary component of liquid detergents.

📁 Surfactants / 表面活性剂

🧪 Laureth-6 / 月桂醇聚醚-6

Purpose: Non-ionic surfactant used to lift grease and oil stains.

Concerns: As an ethoxylated ingredient, there is a low risk of 1,4-dioxane contamination during manufacturing.

Notes: Effective at emulsifying oils.

🧪 Sodium lauryl sulfate / 十二烷基硫酸钠

Purpose: Anionic surfactant that provides cleaning power and foaming.

Concerns: Can be a skin irritant, especially in higher concentrations.

Notes: A very common detergent agent derived from coconut or palm oil.

🧪 Sodium oleate / 油酸钠

Purpose: A soap used for cleaning and controlling foam generation.

Concerns: Generally considered safe; low concern.

Notes: Helps manage sudsing in washing machines.

📁 Builders, pH Adjusters & Thickeners / 助洗剂、pH调节剂和增稠剂

🧪 Sodium citrate / 柠檬酸钠

Purpose: Water softener (builder) and pH buffer.

Concerns: None significant.

Notes: Helps surfactants work effectively in hard water by binding calcium ions.

🧪 Sodium chloride / 氯化钠

Purpose: Viscosity modifier (thickener).

Concerns: None.

Notes: Common table salt, used to adjust the thickness of the liquid.

🧪 Citric acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH adjuster and chelating aid.

Concerns: Can be an eye irritant in pure form.

Notes: Used to neutralize alkalinity and stabilize the formula.

📁 Enzymes / 酶制剂

🧪 Protease enzyme blend / 蛋白酶混合物

Purpose: Breaks down protein-based stains like blood, egg, and grass.

Concerns: Potential respiratory sensitizer/allergen.

Notes: Essential for biological stain removal.

🧪 Pectinase enzyme blend / 果胶酶混合物

Purpose: Breaks down pectin found in fruit and vegetable stains.

Concerns: Potential respiratory sensitizer/allergen.

Notes: Targets fruit-based stains.

🧪 Amylase enzyme blend / 淀粉酶混合物

Purpose: Breaks down starch stains like pasta, potatoes, and chocolate.

Concerns: Potential respiratory sensitizer/allergen.

Notes: Targets carbohydrate-based stains.

🧪 Mannanase enzyme blend / 甘露聚糖酶混合物

Purpose: Breaks down mannan gums used in processed foods and cosmetics.

Concerns: Potential respiratory sensitizer/allergen.

Notes: Removes tough food additives and gum stains.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 Benzisothiazolinone / 苯并异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Antimicrobial preservative.

Concerns: Known skin sensitizer and allergen; toxic to aquatic life.

Notes: Prevents bacteria and mold growth in the bottle.

🧪 Methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Antimicrobial preservative.

Concerns: Strong skin sensitizer and allergen; often cited in contact dermatitis cases.

Notes: Often used in combination with Benzisothiazolinone.