Seventh Generation Liquid Laundry Detergent - Sensitive Skin

An enzyme-powered liquid laundry detergent formulated with strong surfactants for effective stain removal, though it relies on synthetic preservatives that may irritate sensitive skin.

Performance Rating: 4.2

This formulation features a robust cleaning system driven by a triple-enzyme blend containing Protease, Amylase, and Mannanase, which effectively targets protein, starch, and gum-based stains. The surfactant system, combining anionic Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and non-ionic Laureth-6, provides strong oil and grease removal, while Sodium Citrate acts as a builder to enhance efficacy in hard water.

Safety Rating: 3.0

The product appears to be free of added fragrances and dyes, which significantly reduces the risk of irritation for many users. However, the inclusion of Methylisothiazolinone and Benzisothiazolinone heavily impacts the rating; these preservatives are well-documented skin sensitizers and allergens that are often restricted in strict ‘clean’ certification standards.

Final Rating: 3.7

This detergent strikes a balance between ‘green’ chemistry and heavy-duty performance. It avoids unnecessary optical brighteners and fragrances, focusing on raw cleaning power via enzymes and surfactants. It is a highly effective cleaner, but the use of isothiazolinone-based preservatives prevents it from achieving a perfect score due to potential allergen concerns.

Verdict

This liquid laundry detergent presents a formulation that aims to balance high-performance cleaning with plant-derived ingredients, although it stops short of being a truly hypoallergenic option. The core of its cleaning power lies in a robust enzyme blend featuring protease, amylase, and mannanase. These bio-active ingredients are excellent for breaking down specific organic stains, such as proteins found in blood or sweat, starches from food spills, and gum-based thickeners found in processed foods and cosmetics.

Supporting these enzymes are efficient surfactants like Laureth-6 and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). While SLS is sometimes criticized in natural beauty circles, it remains one of the most effective agents for lifting dirt and grease from fabrics. The inclusion of Sodium Oleate, a soap derived from olive oil or similar fats, adds a traditional cleaning element that helps manage oil-based soils. Furthermore, Sodium Citrate acts as a water softener, which boosts the efficacy of the detergent in hard water areas and helps prevent mineral buildup on clothes.

However, consumers should be aware of the preservation system used in this formula. The product contains Benzisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, often referred to as isothiazolinones. While these ingredients are highly effective at preventing bacterial growth within the bottle, they are also known contact allergens. They have been associated with contact dermatitis, meaning individuals with sensitive skin or existing allergies might react negatively to residue left on clothing.

Ultimately, this is a strong workhorse detergent suitable for households dealing with tough stains and varied laundry loads. It is likely to perform well in cold water washes thanks to its enzymatic content. However, due to the presence of sulfates and specific synthetic preservatives, it may not be the ideal choice for washing baby clothes or for individuals prone to eczema or skin irritation.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvent / 溶剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Provides a liquid base for the detergent and helps dissolve other ingredients.

Concerns: None.

Notes: The primary ingredient in liquid laundry detergents.

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

🧪 Laureth-6 / 月桂醇聚醚-6

Purpose: Non-ionic surfactant that helps remove greasy stains and soil.

Concerns: Ethoxylated ingredients can contain traces of 1,4-dioxane (a carcinogen), though purification processes usually minimize this.

Notes: Effective in various water temperatures.

🧪 Sodium lauryl sulfate / 十二烷基硫酸钠

Purpose: Anionic surfactant that creates lather and lifts dirt from fabrics.

Concerns: Can be a skin irritant; toxic to aquatic life.

Notes: A very common cleaning agent found in many personal care and household products.

🧪 Sodium oleate / 油酸钠

Purpose: A soap derived from olive oil or fats used for cleaning and controlling foam.

Concerns: Generally safe, but can be irritating in high concentrations.

Notes: Acts as a natural surfactant.

📁 Builders & pH Adjusters / 助洗剂与酸碱调节剂

🧪 Sodium citrate / 柠檬酸钠

Purpose: Water softener that binds minerals in hard water to help surfactants work better.

Concerns: None significant.

Notes: The salt of citric acid.

🧪 Citric acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: Adjusts pH balance and helps remove mineral buildup.

Concerns: Can be an eye irritant in pure form.

Notes: Often derived from citrus fruits or fermentation.

📁 Enzymes / 酶

🧪 Protease enzyme blend / 蛋白酶混合物

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

Concerns: Potential allergen/respiratory sensitizer for some individuals.

Notes: Biologically active protein.

🧪 Amylase enzyme blend / 淀粉酶混合物

Purpose: Breaks down starch-based stains like pasta sauces, chocolate, and gravy.

Concerns: Potential allergen/respiratory sensitizer.

Notes: Works specifically on carbohydrates.

🧪 Mannanase enzyme blend / 甘露聚糖酶混合物

Purpose: Breaks down mannan-based stains found in thickeners, gums, and some cosmetics.

Concerns: Potential allergen/respiratory sensitizer.

Notes: Targets polysaccharide gums.

📁 Stabilizers & Thickeners / 稳定剂与增稠剂

🧪 Sodium chloride / 氯化钠

Purpose: Modifies the viscosity (thickness) of the liquid.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Common table salt.

🧪 Calcium chloride / 氯化钙

Purpose: Stabilizes enzymes to ensure they remain active in the bottle.

Concerns: Can be irritating to eyes.

Notes: Crucial for maintaining the efficacy of the enzyme blend.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 Benzisothiazolinone / 苯并异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Prevents the growth of bacteria and mold in the product.

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

Notes: Commonly referred to as BIT.

🧪 Methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Prevents microbial growth to extend shelf life.

Concerns: Strong skin sensitizer and allergen; restricted in leave-on products but allowed in rinse-off products.

Notes: Commonly referred to as MIT.