Parent’s Choice Baby Laundry Detergent

A surfactant-rich liquid detergent designed for general cleaning and grease removal, containing biodegradable chelators but lacking enzymes for biological stains.

Performance Rating: 3.4

This formulation utilizes a strong surfactant system combining Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Alkylbenzenesulfonate, and Ethoxylated Alcohols, which provides effective removal of general dirt and oily soils. The inclusion of Sodium Polyacrylate helps prevent dirt from resettling on clothes (anti-redeposition), and Tetrasodium Iminodisuccinate acts as a biodegradable water softener. However, the distinct absence of enzymes (such as protease or amylase) severely limits its ability to break down complex biological stains like blood, grass, or starch, placing it behind premium detergents in cleaning efficacy.

Safety Rating: 2.5

The safety profile is typical of conventional mid-tier detergents but raises concerns for sensitive individuals. It contains Benzisothiazolinone, a preservative known to be a skin sensitizer and potential allergen. The generic listing of Fragrances may mask phthalates or other irritants. Additionally, SLES is an ethoxylated ingredient which carries a risk of 1,4-dioxane contamination, although Tetrasodium Iminodisuccinate is a positive, safer alternative to older chelating agents.

Final Rating: 3.0

This is a standard, economy-grade liquid detergent. It relies heavily on chemical surfactants rather than biological enzymes, making it adequate for refreshing lightly soiled clothes but less effective on tough stains. The presence of synthetic fragrances and isothiazolinone preservatives reduces its suitability for those with sensitive skin or strict environmental criteria.

Verdict

This liquid laundry detergent represents a standard, surfactant-based formulation designed to handle a wide variety of everyday cleaning tasks. At the core of its cleaning power is a robust trio of surfactants: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium C10-16 Alkylbenzenesulfonate, and C12-15 Alcohols Ethoxylated. The first two are anionic surfactants, which are highly effective at lifting particulate soils and clay from fabrics, creating the foam and suds consumers often associate with cleaning. The addition of the ethoxylated alcohols, which are non-ionic surfactants, significantly boosts the formula’s ability to emulsify and remove greasy or oily stains that water alone cannot dissolve. This synergy ensures a comprehensive clean for mixed laundry loads ranging from synthetic gym wear to cotton linens.

To optimize the performance of these cleaning agents, the formula utilizes Sodium Carbonate and Tetrasodium Iminodisuccinate. Sodium Carbonate acts as a builder, maintaining a high pH environment that helps swell fibers to release dirt. Meanwhile, Tetrasodium Iminodisuccinate serves as a modern, biodegradable chelating agent. It sequesters metal ions found in hard water, preventing them from deactivating the surfactants. This makes the detergent effective even in areas with mineral-heavy water, ensuring that the cleaning agents can focus on the clothes rather than fighting the water itself. Additionally, Sodium Polyacrylate acts as an anti-redeposition agent, suspending dirt in the wash water so it doesn’t settle back onto the clothes, keeping whites from turning gray over time.

However, the product is not without its limitations. Most notably, the ingredient list reveals a lack of enzymes such as protease, amylase, or mannanase. Enzymes are the “heavy lifters” in premium detergents, specifically targeting biological stains like blood, sweat, grass, and food starches. Without them, this detergent relies solely on chemical surfactants, meaning it may struggle to fully remove tough protein-based stains without pre-treatment.

Finally, consumers must consider the safety profile regarding skin sensitivities. The inclusion of unspecified Fragrances provides a fresh scent but introduces potential allergens. More critically, the formula uses Benzisothiazolinone as a preservative. While effective at preventing bacterial growth in the bottle, this compound is a known sensitizer and can trigger allergic contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals. Combined with the strong degreasing action of the surfactants, this product is likely too harsh for those with eczema or highly sensitive skin. In summary, this is a capable detergent for general household use on non-biological stains, but it falls short for heavy stain removal and sensitive skin care.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvent / 溶剂

🧪 WATER / 水

Purpose: Acts as a liquid base to dissolve and mix other ingredients.

Concerns: None.

Notes: The most abundant ingredient in liquid detergents.

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

🧪 SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Anionic surfactant that lowers surface tension to remove dirt and oil.

Concerns: Can be irritating to skin and eyes; rarely contains traces of 1,4-dioxane.

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

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

Purpose: Strong anionic surfactant effective at lifting stains.

Concerns: Potential for skin irritation upon direct contact.

Notes: A workhorse ingredient in laundry detergents for heavy cleaning.

🧪 C12-15 ALCOHOLS ETHOXYLATED / C12-15 醇聚氧乙烯醚

Purpose: Non-ionic surfactant that helps emulsify grease and oil.

Concerns: Toxic to aquatic life if released directly; potential for byproduct contamination.

Notes: Effective in cold water and against oily stains.

🧪 FATTY ACIDS, C8-18 AND C18-UNSATURATED SODIUM SALTS / C8-18 及 C18 不饱和脂肪酸钠盐

Purpose: Soap component that aids in cleaning and controls suds generation.

Concerns: Low concern.

Notes: Derived from natural fats and oils.

📁 Builders and Chelating Agents / 助洗剂与螯合剂

🧪 SODIUM CARBONATE / 碳酸钠

Purpose: Adjusts pH levels and softens water to improve cleaning efficiency.

Concerns: Irritating to eyes and respiratory tract if dust is inhaled.

Notes: Also known as washing soda.

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

Purpose: Chelating agent that binds to minerals in hard water to prevent interference with surfactants.

Concerns: Low concern; generally considered safer than EDTA.

Notes: A biodegradable alternative to traditional chelators.

📁 Functional Additives / 功能性添加剂

🧪 SODIUM POLYACRYLATE / 聚丙烯酸钠

Purpose: Anti-redeposition agent and thickener; prevents dirt from settling back onto clothes.

Concerns: Not readily biodegradable.

Notes: Helps maintain the suspension of soil in the wash water.

📁 Fragrance and Preservatives / 香精与防腐剂

🧪 FRAGRANCES / 香精

Purpose: Adds a pleasant scent to the laundry.

Concerns: Common cause of skin allergies and contact dermatitis.

Notes: Specific composition is usually proprietary.

🧪 BENZISOTHIAZOLINONE / 苯并异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative that inhibits the growth of bacteria and mold in the product.

Concerns: A known skin sensitizer and allergen; toxic to aquatic life.

Notes: Commonly abbreviated as BIT; effective in liquid formulations.