Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean HE Liquid Laundry Detergent

A robust, enzyme-rich laundry detergent designed for heavy-duty stain removal, featuring a highly complex fragrance system and strong preservatives.

Performance Rating: 4.5

This formulation represents a high-efficacy detergent. It features a robust multi-surfactant system (including Sodium Laureth Sulfate, TEA-LAS, and Ethoxylated Alcohols) capable of tackling greasy and particulate soils. The inclusion of a triple-enzyme blend (Protease, Amylase, Mannanase) ensures effective breakdown of protein, starch, and gum-based stains. Additionally, Polyethyleneimine Ethoxylate serves as a strong anti-redeposition agent to keep dirt suspended, and Disodium Distyrylbiphenyl Disulfonate acts as an optical brightener for maintaining fabric whiteness.

Safety Rating: 1.5

The safety profile is significantly compromised by multiple ingredients of concern. Most notably, it contains Butylphenyl Methylpropional (Lilial), a fragrance ingredient restricted or banned in several regions due to links to reproductive toxicity. The preservative system utilizes Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MIT), which are potent skin sensitizers, as well as 2-Bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (Bronopol), a known formaldehyde releaser. The extensive list of fragrance allergens further increases the risk of contact dermatitis.

Final Rating: 3.0

This product receives a mixed final score due to the polarization between its efficacy and ingredient safety. While it is likely an excellent cleaner suitable for heavily soiled laundry, the presence of reprotoxic candidates (Lilial), formaldehyde releasers, and strong allergens makes it a poor choice for health-conscious consumers or those with sensitive skin.

Verdict

This liquid laundry detergent is formulated as a heavy-hitting cleaning agent, prioritizing performance and scent longevity over gentleness. The backbone of the formula consists of effective surfactants like Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium C10-16 Alkylbenzenesulfonate, which are industry standards for lifting grease and particulate soil from fabrics. To augment this cleaning power, the inclusion of a triple-enzyme blend—Protease, Amylase, and Mannanase—is a significant positive. These enzymes specifically target proteins, starches, and gum-based stains, making this product highly capable of tackling food spills and biological messes. Furthermore, the addition of Disodium Distyrylbiphenyl Disulfonate, an optical brightener, ensures that whites appear more vibrant after washing. However, the formulation takes a controversial turn regarding its sensory and preservation profile. The ingredient list reveals an massive array of fragrance components, including Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Limonene, and Butylphenyl Methylpropional. While this guarantees a strong, lingering scent that many consumers enjoy, it represents a cocktail of potential contact allergens. The sheer volume of fragrance compounds increases the risk of dermatitis for sensitive individuals. Even more concerning for skin health is the preservative system. The product utilizes Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone (often referred to as MCI/MI), along with 2-Bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (Bronopol). These are potent preservatives that are notoriously sensitizing and are frequent causes of allergic skin reactions. Bronopol is also a formaldehyde-releasing agent, which some consumers actively avoid due to health concerns. In conclusion, this detergent is best suited for heavy soils on durable fabrics where stain removal is the top priority. It is not recommended for households with children, those with sensitive skin, or individuals looking for ‘clean’ or hypoallergenic formulations.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents and Carriers / 溶剂与载体

🧪 WATER / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: Base for liquid detergent.

🧪 Alcohol / 乙醇

Purpose: Solvent / Stabilizer

Concerns: Flammable in high concentrations; drying to skin.

Notes: Helps solubilize ingredients.

🧪 Propylene Glycol / 丙二醇

Purpose: Solvent / Enzyme Stabilizer

Concerns: Generally safe; potential mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Notes: Helps maintain liquid consistency and stabilize enzymes.

🧪 DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL / 双丙甘醇

Purpose: Solvent / Fragrance Carrier

Concerns: Low toxicity; generally considered safe.

Notes: Often used to dilute and carry fragrance oils.

📁 Surfactants / 表面活性剂

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

Purpose: Non-ionic Surfactant

Concerns: Aquatic toxicity in high concentrations.

Notes: Effective at removing grease and oil.

🧪 Sodium Laureth Sulfate / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Anionic Surfactant

Concerns: Potential for irritation; potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane (carcinogen) during manufacturing.

Notes: Common foaming and cleaning agent.

🧪 Benzenesulfonic acid, C10-16-alkyl derivs., compds. with triethanolamine / C10-16 烷基苯磺酸三乙醇胺盐

Purpose: Anionic Surfactant

Concerns: Potential skin irritant.

Notes: Neutralized form of LABSA; good cleaner.

🧪 Sodium C10-16 Alkylbenzenesulfonate / C10-16 烷基苯磺酸钠

Purpose: Anionic Surfactant

Concerns: Can be harsh on skin; environmental persistence concerns.

Notes: Primary workhorse surfactant for stain removal.

🧪 Sodium Cocoate / 椰油酸钠

Purpose: Soap / Surfactant

Concerns: None significant.

Notes: Derived from coconut oil; helps control foam and clean.

🧪 Benzene, C10-13 alkyl derivatives / C10-13 烷基苯

Purpose: Surfactant Precursor / Residue

Concerns: Aquatic toxicity.

Notes: Likely unreacted raw material (Linear Alkylbenzene) from the sulfonation process.

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

🧪 Sodium Citrate / 柠檬酸钠

Purpose: Water Softener / pH Adjuster

Concerns: None.

Notes: Eco-friendly builder.

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

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: None significant.

Notes: Biodegradable chelator used to bind heavy metal ions.

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

🧪 Polyethyleneimine Ethoxylate / 聚乙烯亚胺乙氧基化物

Purpose: Cleaning Polymer

Concerns: Biodegradability issues.

Notes: Helps suspend soil and prevent it from redepositing on clothes.

🧪 Modified Polycarboxylate / 改性聚羧酸盐

Purpose: Dispersant / Anti-redeposition

Concerns: Low biodegradability.

Notes: Prevents dirt from settling back onto fabrics.

🧪 DISODIUM DISTYRYLBIPHENYL DISULFONATE / 二苯乙烯基联苯二磺酸二钠

Purpose: Optical Brightener

Concerns: Photo-instability; potential allergic reaction in rare cases.

Notes: Makes clothes appear whiter by absorbing UV light and emitting blue light.

📁 Enzymes and Stabilizers / 酶制剂与稳定剂

🧪 Protease / 蛋白酶

Purpose: Enzyme

Concerns: Respiratory sensitizer if inhaled in powder form; skin irritation.

Notes: Breaks down protein-based stains (blood, grass, egg).

🧪 Amylase / 淀粉酶

Purpose: Enzyme

Concerns: Respiratory sensitizer.

Notes: Breaks down starch-based stains.

🧪 Mannanase / 甘露聚糖酶

Purpose: Enzyme

Concerns: Respiratory sensitizer.

Notes: Breaks down gum-based stains (e.g., guar gum in food).

🧪 CALCIUM CHLORIDE / 氯化钙

Purpose: Enzyme Stabilizer

Concerns: Irritant in high concentrations.

Notes: Essential for maintaining enzyme activity in the formula.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 2-BROMO-2-NITROPROPANE-1,3-DIOL / 2-溴-2-硝基丙烷-1,3-二醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Formaldehyde releaser; can form carcinogenic nitrosamines.

Notes: Commonly known as Bronopol.

🧪 Methylchloroisothiazolinone / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Strong skin sensitizer; causes contact dermatitis.

Notes: Part of a mixture often called Kathon CG.

🧪 Methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Strong skin sensitizer; causes contact dermatitis.

Notes: Often paired with Methylchloroisothiazolinone.

📁 Fragrance Ingredients / 香精香料成分

🧪 Fragrance / 香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: Potential allergen; proprietary mixture.

Notes: General term for the scent mixture.

🧪 BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL / 丁苯基甲基丙醛

Purpose: Fragrance

Concerns: Reprotoxic (CMR substance); Banned in cosmetics in the EU.

Notes: Also known as Lilial. Synthetic floral scent.

🧪 HEXYL CINNAMAL / 己基肉桂醛

Purpose: Fragrance

Concerns: Known allergen.

Notes: Jasmine-like scent.

🧪 Limonene / 柠檬烯

Purpose: Fragrance

Concerns: Skin irritant; hazardous to aquatic life; allergen.

Notes: Citrus scent.

🧪 LINALOOL / 芳樟醇

Purpose: Fragrance

Concerns: Allergen; can oxidize to form sensitizers.

Notes: Floral/Spicy scent.

🧪 COUMARIN / 香豆素

Purpose: Fragrance

Concerns: Allergen; restricted use.

Notes: Sweet, hay-like scent.

🧪 ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE / α-异甲基紫罗兰酮

Purpose: Fragrance

Concerns: Known allergen.

Notes: Woody, floral scent.

🧪 BENZYL SALICYLATE / 水杨酸苄酯

Purpose: Fragrance / UV Absorber

Concerns: Known allergen.

Notes: Floral scent.

🧪 HEXAMETHYLINDANOPYRAN / 六甲基茚满吡喃

Purpose: Fragrance

Concerns: Bioaccumulation; aquatic toxicity.

Notes: Also known as Galaxolide (synthetic musk).

🧪 Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil / 广藿香油

Purpose: Essential Oil / Fragrance

Concerns: Potential allergen.

Notes: Natural extract.

🧪 Other Fragrance Compounds / 其他香料化合物

Purpose: Fragrance Components

Concerns: Varies; mostly potential skin sensitizers.

Notes: Includes: CYCLAMEN ALDEHYDE, GAMMA-UNDECALACTONE, ANISALDEHYDE, METHYL ANTHRANILATE, BENZYL ACETATE, IONONE, BENZYL ACETONE, ACETYLCEDRENE, DELTA-DAMASCONE, etc.

📁 Others / 其他

🧪 Colorant / 着色剂

Purpose: Aesthetic

Concerns: None significant typically.

Notes: Gives the product its blue/colored appearance.