Amazon Basics Concentrated Liquid Laundry Detergent, Free of Perfumes & Clear of Dyes

A high-efficiency enzymatic detergent formulated with optical brighteners and synthetic surfactants, but preserved with potentially allergenic isothiazolinones.

Performance Rating: 3.9

The formula includes a dual-enzyme system consisting of Protease and Amylase, which provides excellent breakdown capabilities for protein (blood, grass) and starch (pasta, gravy) stains. The primary surfactant, C12-15 Alcohols Ethoxylated, is a nonionic surfactant effective at emulsifying oily soils. Tetrasodium Iminodisuccinate acts as a strong, biodegradable chelating agent to soften water and boost surfactant efficiency. However, the lack of anionic surfactants (like SDS or SLES) may slightly reduce lifting power on particulate dirt (mud/clay) compared to heavy-duty premium detergents.

Safety Rating: 2.3

The safety rating is significantly impacted by the use of Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Benzisothiazolinone (BIT); these preservatives are well-documented skin sensitizers and common contact allergens. The generic listing of Fragrances obscures potential phthalates or additional allergens. Furthermore, Ethoxylated alcohols carry a potential risk of trace 1,4-dioxane contamination, a concern for those strictly monitoring synthetic chemical byproducts.

Final Rating: 3.1

This is a functional mid-tier detergent that prioritizes cleaning efficacy through the use of enzymes and effective degreasers. While it will perform well on daily laundry and biological stains, the formulation is not ‘clean’ by modern safety standards. The presence of isothiazolinone preservatives makes it unsuitable for individuals with sensitive skin, eczema, or for washing baby clothes.

Verdict

This liquid laundry detergent presents a formulation that prioritizes heavy-duty cleaning power and stain removal over skin gentleness. The backbone of its cleaning capability comes from C12-15 Alcohols Ethoxylated, a non-ionic surfactant that is particularly effective at emulsifying grease and oily soils. This surfactant action is significantly boosted by a dual-enzyme system containing Protease and Amylase. Protease is essential for breaking down protein-based stains like grass, blood, and sweat, while Amylase targets starchy residues such as pasta sauces and gravy. Consequently, this product is technically well-equipped to handle mixed laundry loads containing varied food and biological stains. The formula also includes sophisticated additives for aesthetic maintenance. Tetrasodium Iminodisuccinate acts as a biodegradable chelating agent to neutralize hard water ions, helping the detergent foam and clean effectively. Meanwhile, 1,4-Diphenylbutadiyne functions as an optical brightener, which absorbs UV light and reflects it as blue light, making white fabrics appear brighter and masking yellowing. The addition of Modified Styrene/Acrylic Polymer serves as an anti-redeposition agent, ensuring that dirt suspended in the water does not settle back onto the clothes. However, the chemical profile raises significant concerns for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies. The product relies on Fragrances, a broad category that can hide numerous allergens, and a preservation system consisting of Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Benzisothiazolinone (BIT). These isothiazolinone preservatives are notorious sensitizers and are frequently linked to allergic contact dermatitis. While they are effective at stopping bacterial growth in the bottle, they pose a risk of irritation to the skin, even in rinse-off products. Furthermore, Sodium Hydroxide is a caustic agent used to adjust pH, adding to the harsh nature of the concentrate. Ultimately, this is a performance-driven chemical detergent. It is suitable for tackling tough grime on work clothes or standard adult laundry but is not recommended for those seeking a hypoallergenic option. The combination of strong enzymes, synthetic fragrances, and aggressive preservatives makes it a risky choice for intimate apparel or bedding used by those with eczema.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents & Carriers / 溶剂与载体

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The liquid base of the detergent.

🧪 Ethanol / 乙醇

Purpose: Solvent / Stabilizer

Concerns: Low concern in finished product; flammable in pure form

Notes: Helps mix ingredients and stabilize enzymes.

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

🧪 C12-15 Alcohols Ethoxylated / C12-15 醇聚醚

Purpose: Non-ionic Surfactant

Concerns: Can cause skin and eye irritation; toxic to aquatic life

Notes: Effective at removing oily stains and grease.

📁 Chelating Agents / 螯合剂

🧪 Tetrasodium Iminodisuccinate / 亚氨基二琥珀酸四钠

Purpose: Water Softener / Chelator

Concerns: Low concern

Notes: Binds to minerals in hard water to improve cleaning efficiency; biodegradable.

📁 Polymers & Optical Brighteners / 聚合物与荧光增白剂

🧪 2-Propenoic Acid, Telomer / 丙烯酸端聚物

Purpose: Anti-redeposition Agent

Concerns: Low concern

Notes: Prevents dirt from settling back onto clothes during the wash.

🧪 1,4-Diphenylbutadiyne / 1,4-二苯基丁二炔

Purpose: Optical Brightener

Concerns: Potential skin irritation; environmental persistence

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

🧪 Modified Styrene/Acrylic Polymer / 改性苯乙烯/丙烯酸聚合物

Purpose: Opacifier / Anti-redeposition

Concerns: Low concern

Notes: Often used to give the liquid a creamy, opaque appearance.

📁 Enzymes / 酶制剂

🧪 Protease Enzyme / 蛋白酶

Purpose: Stain Remover (Proteins)

Concerns: Respiratory sensitizer; skin irritant

Notes: Breaks down protein-based stains like grass, blood, and sweat.

🧪 Amylase Enzyme / 淀粉酶

Purpose: Stain Remover (Starches)

Concerns: Respiratory sensitizer

Notes: Breaks down starch-based stains like pasta, potatoes, and chocolate.

📁 pH Adjusters / pH调节剂

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Corrosive in concentrated form; skin irritant

Notes: Used to optimize the pH for cleaning performance.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 Methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Strong skin allergen/sensitizer; aquatic toxicity

Notes: Prevents bacterial growth in the bottle.

🧪 Benzisothiazolinone / 苯并异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Skin sensitizer; eye irritant

Notes: Often used in combination with other preservatives to extend shelf life.

📁 Fragrances / 香精

🧪 Fragrances / 香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: Common cause of contact dermatitis and allergies

Notes: Adds a pleasant smell to laundry.