Tide Free and Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent

A robust liquid detergent featuring a quad-enzyme blend and a powerful mix of anionic and nonionic surfactants for comprehensive stain removal.

Performance Rating: 4.6

This formula represents a premium tier detergent configuration. It features a robust multi-surfactant system combining Anionic (LAS, SLS), Non-ionic (Alketh), and Amphoteric (Amine Oxide) agents to tackle grease and particulate soils effectively. Crucially, it includes a sophisticated four-enzyme blend (Subtilisin, Amylase, Cellulase, Mannanase) to break down proteins, starches, and gums. The addition of Polyethyleneimines (cleaning polymers) and Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate (chelant) ensures excellent soil suspension and performance in hard water.

Safety Rating: 3.3

The safety profile is standard for a heavy-duty conventional detergent. It contains Benzisothiazolinone, a preservative that is a known skin sensitizer and potential allergen. The use of strong surfactants like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Alkylbenzenesulfonate can be irritating to the skin and eyes in their concentrated form. On a positive note, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate is a biodegradable and more eco-friendly chelating agent compared to traditional phosphates or EDTA.

Final Rating: 4.2

This is a powerhouse formulation designed for maximum cleaning efficacy. The combination of varied enzymes, polymers, and a complex surfactant system makes it capable of removing the widest range of stains (from biological to oily). While it is top-tier for cleaning performance, individuals with sensitive skin should exercise caution due to the potent actives and preservative system used.

Verdict

This liquid laundry detergent represents a highly engineered formulation aiming for top-tier cleaning performance. At its core, the product utilizes a robust multi-surfactant system, combining Sodium C10-16 Alkylbenzenesulfonate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate with nonionic C10-16 Alketh. This specific blend allows the detergent to tackle both oily, greasy stains and particulate dirt effectively across various water temperatures. By mixing surfactant types, the formula ensures that soil is not only lifted from the fabric but also emulsified effectively in the wash water.

One of the most impressive aspects of this ingredients list is the inclusion of a comprehensive quad-enzyme complex. The presence of Subtilisin (protease) targets protein-based stains like grass and blood, while Amylase breaks down starchy food residues. The addition of Mannanase handles gum-based stains found in processed foods and cosmetics, and Cellulase helps maintain fabric integrity by removing micro-pills, keeping colors looking brighter for longer. This enzymatic action significantly boosts cleaning power without requiring harsh bleaching agents or excessive heat.

To ensure these active ingredients work efficiently, the formula includes Polyethyleneimines alkoxylated, a sophisticated polymer that prevents dirt from redepositing onto clothes during the wash cycle. This is crucial for preventing the graying of whites over time. Furthermore, the use of Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate and Sodium Citrate serves as effective, biodegradable water softeners that boost surfactant activity without the environmental impact associated with older phosphate-based builders.

However, consumers should be aware of the preservation system. The formula relies on Benzisothiazolinone, a standard synthetic preservative used to prevent bacterial growth within the bottle. While effective, it is a known sensitizer that can trigger contact dermatitis in individuals with specific chemical allergies. Additionally, the presence of Propylene Glycol and Alcohol acts as solvents to stabilize the liquid, which is standard practice for concentrated detergents but distinguishes this from purely natural formulations.

Overall, this is a high-performance detergent well-suited for families dealing with a wide variety of tough stains. It balances powerful synthetic cleaning agents with modern, eco-friendlier chelating agents, making it a strong contender for daily laundry needs, provided the user does not have a specific sensitivity to isothiazolinone preservatives.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents and Carriers / 溶剂和载体

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The liquid base of the detergent.

🧪 Propylene Glycol / 丙二醇

Purpose: Solvent and enzyme stabilizer

Concerns: Generally safe; low risk of irritation

Notes: Helps distribute ingredients and keeps enzymes stable in liquid form.

🧪 Alcohol / 乙醇

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: Flammable in high concentrations; drying to skin

Notes: Used to improve solubility and stability of the formula.

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

🧪 C10-16 Alketh / C10-16 醇聚醚

Purpose: Non-ionic surfactant

Concerns: Potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane or ethylene oxide during manufacturing

Notes: Excellent for removing grease and oil.

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

Purpose: Anionic surfactant

Concerns: Can be irritating to skin and eyes; aquatic toxicity concerns

Notes: A powerful cleaning agent for lifting dirt and stains.

🧪 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate / 十二烷基硫酸钠

Purpose: Anionic surfactant

Concerns: Known skin irritant; drying to skin

Notes: Provides strong foaming and cleaning action.

🧪 C10-16 Alkyldimethylamine Oxide / C10-16 烷基二甲基氧化胺

Purpose: Amphoteric surfactant

Concerns: Aquatic toxicity concerns in high concentrations

Notes: Boosts cleaning power and stabilizes foam.

🧪 Sodium Salts of C12-18 Fatty Acids / C12-18 脂肪酸钠盐

Purpose: Soap / Foam controller

Concerns: Low concern

Notes: Acts as a builder and prevents excessive foaming.

📁 Builders and Chelating Agents / 助洗剂和螯合剂

🧪 Sodium Citrate / 柠檬酸钠

Purpose: Water softener / Builder

Concerns: None (food grade safety)

Notes: Helps detergent work better in hard water.

🧪 Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate / 谷氨酸二乙酸四钠

Purpose: Chelating agent

Concerns: Low concern

Notes: A biodegradable alternative to phosphates and EDTA; boosts preservative efficacy.

🧪 Polyethyleneimines alkoxylated / 烷氧基化聚乙烯亚胺

Purpose: Cleaning polymer / Anti-redeposition agent

Concerns: Low environmental biodegradability

Notes: Traps dirt in the water so it does not settle back onto clothes.

📁 Stabilizers and Process Aids / 稳定剂和加工助剂

🧪 Sodium Cumenesulfonate / 枯烯磺酸钠

Purpose: Hydrotrope

Concerns: May cause eye irritation

Notes: Ensures the formula remains a uniform liquid and prevents separation.

🧪 Calcium formate / 甲酸钙

Purpose: Enzyme stabilizer

Concerns: Irritant in pure form

Notes: Helps maintain the activity of enzymes in the bottle.

📁 Enzymes / 酶制剂

🧪 Subtilisin / 枯草杆菌酶(蛋白酶)

Purpose: Protease enzyme

Concerns: Respiratory sensitizer; potential skin irritant

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

🧪 Amylase Enzyme / 淀粉酶

Purpose: Starch breakdown

Concerns: Respiratory sensitizer

Notes: Removes starch stains like pasta and potato.

🧪 Cellulase Enzyme / 纤维素酶

Purpose: Fabric care

Concerns: Respiratory sensitizer

Notes: Prevents pilling and keeps colors bright by trimming fibers.

🧪 Mannanase Enzyme / 甘露聚糖酶

Purpose: Stain remover

Concerns: Respiratory sensitizer

Notes: Targets gum-based stains like guar gum or food thickeners.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 Benzisothiazolinone / 苯并异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Known skin sensitizer and allergen; toxic to aquatic life

Notes: Prevents bacterial and fungal growth in the detergent bottle.