Biokleen Laundry Liquid - Free & Clear

A fragrance-free and dye-free liquid laundry detergent that relies on Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and alcohol ethoxylates for cleaning, preserved with isothiazolinones.

Performance Rating: 3.2

This formula relies on a solid blend of surfactants, including Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and C12-16 Pareth-7, which provide good general cleaning power for dirt and oily soils. The inclusion of Lauramine Oxide and Cocamidopropyl Betaine aids in foam stability and lifting debris. However, the formulation lacks enzymes (such as protease or amylase), which significantly limits its ability to break down protein-based stains (like blood or grass) and starches compared to premium detergents. Sodium Carboxymethyl Inulin is a nice addition as an anti-redeposition agent to keep dirt suspended in the water.

Safety Rating: 2.9

While the product utilizes biodegradable surfactants, the inclusion of Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Benzisothiazolinone (BIT) is a significant downside for safety; these preservatives are known skin sensitizers and contact allergens. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate can also be a skin irritant in higher concentrations. On the positive side, the formula appears to be free of added dyes and fragrances (based on the provided list), which reduces the risk for some users, but the preservatives prevent a higher safety score.

Final Rating: 3.0

This is a decent mid-tier detergent suitable for light-to-medium everyday soil. It uses a competent surfactant system that will handle standard dirt and grease effectively. However, without enzymes for stain removal and containing allergenic preservatives (MIT/BIT), it falls short of being a top-tier performer or a truly hypoallergenic choice for sensitive skin.

Verdict

This liquid laundry detergent presents a formulation designed to strip away grease and grime through a robust surfactant system. The primary cleaning agents are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and C12-16 Pareth-7. SLS is a standard, high-foaming anionic surfactant known for its ability to cut through oily soils effectively. To balance the potential harshness of SLS, the formula includes Cocamidopropyl Betaine, an amphoteric surfactant often used to reduce skin irritation, and Lauramine Oxide, which aids in lifting dirt and stabilizing foam.

From a performance standpoint, the product includes Sodium Carboxymethyl Inulin, a plant-based polymer that functions as an anti-redeposition agent. This is a critical component that prevents the dirt lifted from your clothes from settling back onto the fabric before the rinse cycle completes. Additionally, Sodium Citrate serves as a water softener, which helps the surfactants perform better if you live in an area with hard water. The inclusion of Glycerin acts as a solvent and can help maintain the stability of the formula.

However, there are notable limitations to this ingredient list. The formula lacks enzymes such as protease or amylase. Enzymes are the heavy lifters required to break down biological stains like blood, grass, sweat, and food starches. Without them, this detergent is best suited for general maintenance washing rather than heavy-duty stain removal. You will likely need to pretreat tough spots manually.

A major selling point is the absence of fragrances and dyes, making it attractive to those who find scented laundry products overwhelming or irritating. However, the ‘hypoallergenic’ potential is complicated by the preservative system. The product uses Benzisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone. While effective at preventing mold and bacteria growth in the bottle, these synthetic preservatives are known contact allergens. Consequently, individuals who are specifically allergic to isothiazolinones may still experience a reaction despite the lack of perfume.

In summary, this is a capable detergent for everyday loads and offers a reprieve for those sensitive to scents. However, it relies on older preservative technology and lacks the enzymatic power found in premium formulations, making it less effective against complex stains.

Who Is This Product For?

Who Should Avoid This Product?

Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents & Carriers / 溶剂与载体

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent base for the detergent formulation.

Concerns: None.

Notes: The primary ingredient that dissolves other components.

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Solvent, enzyme stabilizer, and humectant.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Often derived from plant oils; helps maintain product texture.

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

🧪 C12-16 pareth-7 / C12-16 链烷醇聚醚-7

Purpose: Non-ionic surfactant that removes grease and oil stains.

Concerns: As an ethoxylated ingredient, it may contain traces of 1,4-dioxane or ethylene oxide.

Notes: Effective in hard water.

🧪 Sodium lauryl sulfate / 十二烷基硫酸钠

Purpose: Anionic surfactant that provides strong cleaning power and foaming.

Concerns: Can be a skin and eye irritant.

Notes: A very common detergent ingredient.

🧪 Cocamidopropyl betaine / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱

Purpose: Amphoteric surfactant used to boost foam and mildness.

Concerns: Potential allergen, often due to impurities produced during manufacturing.

Notes: Derived from coconut oil.

🧪 Lauramine oxide / 月桂胺氧化物

Purpose: Surfactant that stabilizes foam and aids in grease removal.

Concerns: Can be toxic to aquatic life.

Notes: Often used to modify viscosity and boost cleaning.

📁 Functional Additives / 功能性添加剂

🧪 Sodium chloride / 氯化钠

Purpose: Viscosity modifier used to thicken the liquid.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Common table salt.

🧪 Sodium carboxymethyl inulin / 羧甲基菊粉钠

Purpose: Anti-redeposition agent and water softener.

Concerns: None.

Notes: A biodegradable polymer usually derived from chicory roots.

🧪 Sodium citrate / 柠檬酸钠

Purpose: Builder (water softener) and pH adjuster.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Helps surfactants work better in hard water.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Prevents bacterial growth.

Concerns: Can be an irritant to skin and eyes at high concentrations.

Notes: Commonly used alternative to parabens.

🧪 Benzisothiazolinone / 苯并异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Antimicrobial preservative.

Concerns: Known skin sensitizer and environmental pollutant.

Notes: Effective against bacteria, yeasts, and molds.

🧪 Methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Powerful biocide preservative.

Concerns: Strong allergen; frequently linked to contact dermatitis.

Notes: Often used in combination with other isothiazolinones.