Great Value Ultimate Fresh Laundry Detergent, Original Clean

A powerful enzymatic detergent formulated with a complex blend of synthetic surfactants and optical brighteners to tackle tough stains and brighten fabrics.

Performance Rating: 4.3

This formulation boasts a robust surfactant system combining anionic (Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium C10-16 Alkylbenzenesulfonate) and non-ionic (C12-15 Alcohols Ethoxylated) agents, which effectively tackle both grease and particulate soil. The inclusion of dual enzymes (Protease and Amylase) provides targeted breakdown of protein and starch-based stains. Furthermore, the presence of Fluorescent Brightener 5 and specific polymers ensures fabric whiteness is maintained and prevents soil redeposition during the wash.

Safety Rating: 2.1

The score is impacted by the use of Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone, preservatives that are known strong skin sensitizers and can cause contact dermatitis. Additionally, the product contains generic Fragrances, which often hide phthalates or allergens, and ethoxylated ingredients (SLES), which pose a risk of 1,4-dioxane contamination. It is likely irritating to those with sensitive skin.

Final Rating: 3.3

This is a high-performance detergent capable of competing with top-tier commercial brands due to its comprehensive cleaning chemistry. However, it relies on harsh preservatives and synthetic additives that compromise its safety profile for users with sensitive skin or eco-conscious preferences. It is an excellent choice for stain removal but a poor choice for hypoallergenic needs.

Verdict

This liquid laundry detergent is engineered as a high-performance cleaner, utilizing a multi-faceted approach to textile hygiene. The formulation relies heavily on a robust surfactant system, specifically combining C12-15 Alcohols Ethoxylated, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, and Sodium C10-16 Alkylbenzenesulfonate. This trio ensures that both oil-based grease and particulate dirt are effectively emulsified and removed from fabric fibers. To assist these cleaning agents, Sodium Citrate and Tetrasodium Iminodisuccinate act as chelators, sequestering hard water minerals that might otherwise inhibit the detergent’s efficacy.

The standout feature of this formula is the inclusion of bio-active enzymes. The presence of Protease and Amylase transforms this from a simple soap into a stain-fighting powerhouse. Protease specifically targets protein structures found in blood, sweat, and grass, while Amylase degrades starchy residues like pasta sauces or gravy. This enzymatic action allows for cleaner clothes even at lower wash temperatures. Furthermore, the addition of Fluorescent Brightener 5 helps to visually enhance white fabrics, countering the natural yellowing that occurs over time.

However, the ingredient profile poses significant concerns regarding skin sensitivity. The product contains unspecified Fragrances and Colorants, which serve no functional cleaning purpose and are among the most common allergens in household products. More critically, the preservation system utilizes Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT). These compounds are known sensitizers and are frequently associated with allergic contact dermatitis. While they effectively prevent the product from spoiling, they make this detergent a poor choice for baby clothes or anyone with compromised skin barriers.

In summary, this product is designed for efficacy over mildness. It is an excellent choice for tackling heavy soils and maintaining the visual brightness of garments. However, due to the harsh nature of the preservatives and synthetic fragrances, it should be used with caution by those with sensitive skin. It represents a conventional chemical detergent that prioritizes aggressive cleaning power.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 WATER / 水

Purpose: Solvent base for the detergent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: The primary carrier for all other ingredients.

📁 Surfactants / 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 potential carcinogen) due to the ethoxylation process.

Notes: Effective at low temperatures.

🧪 SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Anionic surfactant responsible for foaming and cleaning.

Concerns: Can be a skin irritant; potential for 1,4-dioxane contamination.

Notes: Commonly known as SLES.

🧪 SODIUM C10-16 ALKYLBENZENESULFONATE / C10-16 烷基苯磺酸钠

Purpose: Anionic surfactant providing strong cleaning power against particulate soil.

Concerns: Can be irritating to skin and eyes; biodegradability varies by specific structure.

Notes: A workhorse surfactant in laundry detergents.

🧪 SODIUM COCOATE / 椰油酸钠

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

Concerns: Generally safe.

Notes: Acts as a defoamer in some formulations.

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

🧪 SODIUM CITRATE / 柠檬酸钠

Purpose: Water softener (builder) that binds calcium and magnesium ions.

Concerns: None; generally recognized as safe.

Notes: Helps surfactants work better in hard water.

🧪 TRIETHANOLAMINE / 三乙醇胺

Purpose: pH adjuster and surfactant neutralizer.

Concerns: Potential respiratory allergen; can form nitrosamines (carcinogens) if combined with nitrosating agents.

Notes: Helps maintain product stability.

🧪 TETRASODIUM IMINODISUCCINATE / 亚氨基二琥珀酸四钠

Purpose: Chelating agent used to bind metal ions.

Concerns: Low concern.

Notes: A biodegradable alternative to older chelators like EDTA.

📁 Polymers / 聚合物

🧪 SYRUPS HYDROLYZED STARCH DEHYDRATED POLYMERS WITH METHACRYLIC ACID AND ALKENYL BENZENE / 改性淀粉聚合物

Purpose: Soil release polymer or anti-redeposition agent.

Concerns: Low concern regarding toxicity.

Notes: Prevents dirt from resettling on clothes during the wash.

🧪 SODIUM POLYACRYLATE / 聚丙烯酸钠

Purpose: Dispersant and anti-redeposition agent.

Concerns: Not readily biodegradable.

Notes: Suspends dirt particles in the water.

📁 Enzymes / 酶制剂

🧪 PROTEASE ENZYME / 蛋白酶

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

Concerns: Can cause respiratory sensitization if inhaled in powder/aerosol form.

Notes: Essential for biological stain removal.

🧪 AMYLASE ENZYME / 淀粉酶

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

Concerns: Potential respiratory sensitizer.

Notes: Works specifically on carbohydrates.

📁 Aesthetic Agents / 感官调节剂

🧪 FLUORESCENT BRIGHTENER 5 / 荧光增白剂 5

Purpose: Optical brightener that absorbs UV light and emits blue light to make clothes appear whiter.

Concerns: Can accumulate in the environment; potential for skin reaction in sensitive individuals.

Notes: Does not clean, only alters visual perception.

🧪 FRAGRANCES / 香精

Purpose: Provides a pleasant scent to the detergent and laundry.

Concerns: Common cause of skin irritation and contact dermatitis.

Notes: Specific chemical composition is often proprietary.

🧪 COLORANTS / 着色剂

Purpose: Gives the detergent liquid a specific color.

Concerns: Some dyes can be skin irritants.

Notes: Purely aesthetic.

📁 Stabilizers / 稳定剂

🧪 CALCIUM CHLORIDE / 氯化钙

Purpose: Enzyme stabilizer.

Concerns: Can be irritating in high concentrations.

Notes: Helps maintain the activity of enzymes in the liquid formulation.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE / 甲基异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative to prevent bacterial growth.

Concerns: Known 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: Preservative with strong antimicrobial properties.

Concerns: Strong allergen and skin sensitizer.

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