up&up Infant Toddler Liquid Laundry Detergent

A heavy-duty conventional detergent fortified with enzymes and optical brighteners for strong stain removal, but preserved with potentially irritating isothiazolinones.

Performance Rating: 4.2

This formula represents a robust, high-efficiency detergent. It utilizes a triple-surfactant system (Anionic LAS and SLES, plus Non-ionic ethoxylated alcohols), ensuring it handles oil, dirt, and particulate soils effectively. The inclusion of two enzymes (Protease for proteins and Amylase for starches) significantly boosts its stain-fighting capabilities compared to budget formulas. Additionally, polyethyleneimine alkoxylated and sodium polyacrylate act as effective anti-redeposition agents, preventing dirt from settling back onto clothes, while the fluorescent brightener ensures white maintenance.

Safety Rating: 2.2

The safety rating is lowered primarily due to the preservative system and synthetic additives. It contains Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT), which are potent allergens and known skin sensitizers; these are often avoided in hypoallergenic products. Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and ethoxylated alcohols raise minor concerns regarding potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane, though usually in trace amounts. The inclusion of generic fragrances may hide phthalates or other allergens, and Triethanolamine carries a risk of nitrosamine formation if not properly stabilized.

Final Rating: 3.4

This is a highly effective conventional detergent that prioritizes cleaning power over ingredient gentleness. While it will likely perform very well on tough stains and daily laundry, the chemical profile includes ingredients known to irritate sensitive skin (specifically the isothiazolinone preservatives and fragrances). It is an excellent choice for stain removal but a poor choice for those seeking non-toxic, eco-friendly, or hypoallergenic solutions.

Verdict

This liquid laundry detergent is formulated as a high-performance cleaner designed to tackle a wide variety of difficult stains. The backbone of its cleaning power lies in a robust surfactant system, combining Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Sodium C10-16 alkylbenzenesulfonate. These are powerful synthetic agents known for their ability to strip away oils and grease effectively. To complement these surfactants, the formula includes C12-15 alcohols ethoxylated, a non-ionic surfactant that excels at removing fatty soils at lower temperatures. A standout feature of this product is the inclusion of a dual-enzyme system comprising Protease and Amylase. These biological catalysts are essential for breaking down complex protein stains like grass or blood, and starchy residues such as pasta sauces, making the detergent highly effective for families with active lifestyles or messy eaters. Additionally, the presence of Fluorescent Brightener 5 ensures that white fabrics remain visually distinct and bright by masking natural yellowing. However, while the cleaning efficacy is likely high, the safety profile regarding skin sensitivity is concerning. The formulation relies on a combination of Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT) as preservatives. These compounds are potent antimicrobials but are also widely recognized as significant contact allergens that can cause dermatitis in sensitized individuals. When paired with generic Fragrances—which can contain undisclosed volatile organic compounds—the risk of skin irritation increases substantially. The inclusion of Sodium Polyacrylate and Polyethyleneimine alkoxylated helps suspend dirt in the wash water to prevent it from settling back onto clothes, yet these synthetic polymers are not ideal from an environmental standpoint. Ultimately, this detergent is a utilitarian choice for those prioritizing stain removal and whitening above all else. It will likely clean your clothes very well, but it is not recommended for households with babies, young children, or anyone with sensitive skin due to the harsh preservatives and synthetic fragrances employed.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 water / 水

Purpose: Acts as the liquid base and solvent for all other ingredients.

Concerns: None.

Notes: The primary component of liquid detergents.

📁 Surfactants / 表面活性剂

🧪 c12-15 alcohols ethoxylated / C12-15 醇聚醚

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

Concerns: May contain trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane depending on the manufacturing process.

Notes: Effective at low temperatures.

🧪 sodium laureth sulfate / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Anionic surfactant used for cleaning and creating foam.

Concerns: Can be irritating to skin and eyes; potential for trace contamination with 1,4-dioxane.

Notes: Commonly abbreviated as SLES.

🧪 sodium c10-16 alkylbenzenesulfonate / C10-16 烷基苯磺酸钠

Purpose: Anionic surfactant acting as a heavy-duty cleaner for particulate soils.

Concerns: Generally safe in diluted form, but concentrated form is an irritant.

Notes: A workhorse surfactant in laundry detergents.

🧪 fatty acids, c8-18 and c18-unsaturated sodium salts / C8-18 及 C18 不饱和脂肪酸钠盐

Purpose: Soap; acts as a cleaning agent and helps control foam levels.

Concerns: None significant.

Notes: Derived from natural oils or fats.

📁 Builders and pH Adjusters / 助洗剂和pH调节剂

🧪 sodium citrate / 柠檬酸钠

Purpose: Water softener (builder) that helps surfactants work better in hard water.

Concerns: None; widely used in food.

Notes: Also acts as a pH buffer.

🧪 triethanolamine / 三乙醇胺

Purpose: Neutralizes acidic ingredients (like fatty acids) and adjusts pH.

Concerns: Potential skin allergen and respiratory sensitizer in pure form.

Notes: Helps dissolve ingredients.

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

Purpose: Chelating agent that binds metal ions to improve cleaning efficiency.

Concerns: None significant.

Notes: A biodegradable alternative to traditional chelators like EDTA.

📁 Polymers and Anti-Redeposition Agents / 聚合物和抗再沉积剂

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

Purpose: Specialized cleaning polymer that suspends dirt and prevents it from settling back onto clothes.

Concerns: Synthetic polymer; environmental biodegradability varies.

Notes: Enhances stain removal.

🧪 sodium polyacrylate / 聚丙烯酸钠

Purpose: Dispersant that keeps soil particles suspended in the wash water.

Concerns: Poor biodegradability; contributes to microplastics issues.

Notes: Commonly used for anti-redeposition.

📁 Enzymes / 酶制剂

🧪 protease enzyme / 蛋白酶

Purpose: Biologically breaks down protein-based stains like blood, grass, and food.

Concerns: Potential respiratory sensitizer if inhaled (less likely in liquid form).

Notes: Essential for biological stain removal.

🧪 amylase enzyme / 淀粉酶

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

Concerns: Potential respiratory sensitizer.

Notes: Works synergistically with other enzymes.

📁 Functional Additives / 功能性添加剂

🧪 calcium chloride / 氯化钙

Purpose: Stabilizes enzymes to keep them active during storage.

Concerns: Irritant in high concentrations.

Notes: Salt compound.

🧪 fluorescent brightener 5 / 荧光增白剂 5

Purpose: Absorbs UV light and emits blue light to make clothes appear whiter.

Concerns: May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals; accumulates in the environment.

Notes: Optical brightener.

🧪 fragrances / 香精

Purpose: Adds a pleasant scent to the laundry.

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

Notes: Synthetic or natural aroma compounds.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Prevents bacteria and mold growth in the product.

Concerns: Strong skin sensitizer and allergen; restricted in leave-on products.

Notes: Often referred to as MIT.

🧪 methylchloroisothiazolinone / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Broad-spectrum preservative.

Concerns: Strong skin sensitizer and allergen.

Notes: Often used in combination with MIT (Kathon CG).