Persil Activewear Clean Liquid Detergent

A robust, high-efficiency formulation powered by a quad-enzyme complex and strong synthetic surfactants, designed for heavy stain removal but containing preservatives known to irritate sensitive skin.

Performance Rating: 4.6

This formula represents a top-tier heavy-duty detergent. It features a robust triple-surfactant system (Anionic LAS, SLES, and Nonionic Alcohol Ethoxylates) capable of tackling both particulate dirt and greasy soils. Crucially, it includes a comprehensive enzyme profile consisting of four types: Protease (protein stains), Amylase (starches), Mannanase (food gums), and Cellulase (fabric care and pilling reduction). The inclusion of advanced cleaning polymers (Polyethyleneimine alkoxylated) and soil release agents (Polypropylene terephthalate) further ensures that dirt is suspended and does not redeposit, leading to excellent whiteness maintenance.

Safety Rating: 2.1

While effective, the safety profile is typical of conventional detergents rather than sensitive-skin formulas. It relies on Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT) as preservatives, which are potent skin sensitizers and known allergens often avoided in hypoallergenic products. Additionally, the presence of Sodium Metaborate raises mild concerns regarding developmental toxicity, although it is standard for enzyme stabilization. The inclusion of generic Fragrance and optical brighteners may also trigger reactions in individuals with sensitive skin or eczema.

Final Rating: 3.7

This product is an cleaning powerhouse designed for maximum stain removal and fabric care. If the primary goal is removing tough stains and maintaining the look of clothes, this is an excellent choice. However, the use of isothiazolinone preservatives and synthetic fragrances significantly lowers the score for consumers prioritizing skin health or eco-friendliness. It is a highly effective product, but not recommended for sensitive skin or baby laundry.

Verdict

This liquid laundry detergent represents a classic, industrial-strength formulation designed for high-performance cleaning rather than gentleness or natural ingredients. At its core, the formula relies on a robust combination of anionic and nonionic surfactants, specifically Sodium C10-16 Alkylbenzenesulfonate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), and C12-15 Alcohols Ethoxylated. This trio creates a powerful grease-cutting engine capable of lifting heavy soils and oils from fabrics, ensuring that general grime is effectively suspended in the wash water.

The true strength of this product, however, lies in its biological components. The inclusion of a quad-enzyme complex—comprising Protease, Amylase, Mannanase, and Cellulase—elevates it above basic budget detergents. Protease breaks down proteins like blood or grass, while Amylase targets starches such as pasta sauces and chocolate. Mannanase handles tough gum-based stains found in processed foods and cosmetics, and Cellulase acts as a fabric care agent, shaving off microscopic pills on cotton fibers to restore color vibrancy and texture. Coupled with optical brighteners like Disodium Distyrylbiphenyl Disulfonate, this detergent is engineered to keep whites looking crisp and preventing the dreaded “dingy” look that develops over time.

Technically, the formula includes sophisticated polymers like Polypropylene Terephthalate and Polyethyleneimine Alkoxylated. These act as anti-redeposition agents and soil release polymers, particularly useful for synthetic fabrics, ensuring that dirt doesn’t settle back onto clothes before the rinse cycle completes. The inclusion of Tetrasodium Iminodisuccinate as a chelating agent helps soften water, allowing the surfactants to work efficiently even in hard water conditions.

Despite its cleaning prowess, the formulation takes a significant hit regarding skin safety. The presence of Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone is a major red flag for those with dermatological concerns. These preservatives are potent sensitizers and are frequently cited as causes of allergic contact dermatitis. Furthermore, the generic listing of Fragrance hides potential allergens, making it a risky choice for anyone with reactive skin. Ultimately, this detergent is a heavy-duty workhorse suitable for households dealing with stubborn biological stains and activewear, but it lacks the gentle touch required for baby clothes or those prone to eczema.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents and Carriers / 溶剂和载体

🧪 water / 水

Purpose: Base solvent to dissolve other ingredients

Concerns: None

Notes: The primary component of liquid detergent.

🧪 propylene glycol / 丙二醇

Purpose: Solvent and enzyme stabilizer

Concerns: Generally safe, but can cause skin irritation in very high concentrations

Notes: Helps maintain the liquid consistency and stability at various temperatures.

📁 Surfactants (Cleaning Agents) / 表面活性剂

🧪 C12-15 alcohols ethoxylated / C12-15 醇聚醚

Purpose: Non-ionic surfactant for removing grease and oil

Concerns: May contain traces of 1,4-dioxane (a carcinogen) due to manufacturing process; toxic to aquatic life

Notes: Effective at emulsifying oily soils.

🧪 sodium C10-16 alkylbenzenesulfonate / C10-16 烷基苯磺酸钠

Purpose: Anionic surfactant for general cleaning

Concerns: Can be a skin irritant

Notes: A workhorse surfactant in laundry detergents.

🧪 sodium laureth sulfate / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Anionic surfactant for cleaning and foaming

Concerns: Potential for 1,4-dioxane contamination; skin irritant

Notes: Commonly known as SLES.

🧪 sodium cocoate / 椰油酸钠

Purpose: Soap derived from coconut oil; cleans and controls foam

Concerns: None significant

Notes: A natural-based soap ingredient.

📁 Cleaning Aids, Builders, and Stabilizers / 助洗剂、聚合物和稳定剂

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

Purpose: Cleaning polymer; prevents dirt from redepositing on clothes

Concerns: Low concern for consumers

Notes: Enhances cleaning efficiency.

🧪 sodium metaborate / 偏硼酸钠

Purpose: Enzyme stabilizer and buffer

Concerns: Boron compounds are linked to potential reproductive toxicity concerns

Notes: Keeps enzymes active in the bottle.

🧪 polypropylene terephthalate / 聚对苯二甲酸丙二醇酯

Purpose: Soil release polymer

Concerns: Synthetic polymer; environmental persistence

Notes: Helps release stains from polyester fabrics.

🧪 hydrophobically modified acrylate/styrene copolymer / 疏水改性丙烯酸酯/苯乙烯共聚物

Purpose: Opacifier or suspension aid

Concerns: Synthetic polymer

Notes: Gives the liquid a creamy or opaque appearance.

🧪 tetrasodium iminodisuccinate / 亚氨基二琥珀酸四钠

Purpose: Chelating agent (water softener)

Concerns: Low concern; biodegradable

Notes: Binds to hard water minerals to improve cleaning.

🧪 sodium citrate / 柠檬酸钠

Purpose: Builder and pH adjuster

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps soften water and maintain pH.

📁 Enzymes / 酶制剂

🧪 Protease enzyme / 蛋白酶

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

Concerns: Can cause respiratory sensitization or allergies

Notes: Essential for biological stain removal.

🧪 amylase enzyme / 淀粉酶

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

Concerns: Can cause respiratory sensitization or allergies

Notes: Works specifically on carbohydrates.

🧪 mannanase enzyme / 甘露聚糖酶

Purpose: Breaks down gum-based stains (guar gum, food thickeners)

Concerns: Can cause respiratory sensitization or allergies

Notes: Targets specific food additives.

🧪 cellulase enzyme / 纤维素酶

Purpose: Fabric care; removes fuzz and pills from cotton

Concerns: Can cause respiratory sensitization or allergies

Notes: Maintains color brightness and fabric texture.

📁 Optical Brighteners / 荧光增白剂

🧪 disodium distyrylbiphenyl disulfonate / 二苯乙烯基联苯二磺酸二钠

Purpose: Makes whites appear whiter by absorbing UV light and emitting blue light

Concerns: Can accumulate in the environment; potentially photo-toxic

Notes: Stays on the fabric after washing.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Prevents bacterial and fungal growth

Concerns: Strong skin sensitizer; known allergen

Notes: Often referred to as MIT.

🧪 methylchloroisothiazolinone / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Prevents bacterial and fungal growth

Concerns: Strong skin sensitizer; known allergen

Notes: Often used in combination with MIT; referred to as CMIT.

📁 Aesthetics / 感官添加剂

🧪 Fragrance / 香精

Purpose: Adds scent to the laundry

Concerns: Common cause of contact dermatitis; specific chemical composition is usually undisclosed

Notes: Provides the ‘fresh’ smell.

🧪 POLYMERIC COLORANT - BLUE / 高分子着色剂 - 蓝

Purpose: Dye to color the product

Concerns: Generally low concern

Notes: Purely aesthetic to make the liquid look blue.