Tide Ultra OXI Boost High Efficiency Liquid Laundry Detergent

A high-performance synthetic detergent formulated with a potent mix of surfactants and a four-enzyme blend to tackle tough stains, though it relies on strong chemicals and fragrances.

Performance Rating: 4.8

This ingredient list represents a top-tier, heavy-duty formulation. It utilizes a robust multi-surfactant system (combining anionic LAS/SLS with non-ionic Alketh) to tackle grease and particulate soils. Crucially, it includes a sophisticated four-enzyme blend (Subtilisin, Amylase, Cellulase, and Mannanase) to break down proteins, starches, and gums. The inclusion of Polyethyleneimines alkoxylated serves as a specialized cleaning booster and anti-redeposition agent often found in premium detergents, ensuring dirt removed stays off the fabric.

Safety Rating: 2.5

This is a conventional synthetic formula containing ingredients that may trigger sensitivities. It uses Benzisothiazolinone as a preservative, which is a known skin sensitizer, alongside Fragrances and Dyes (Polyoxyalkylene Substituted Chromophores), which are common allergens. While Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate is a more eco-friendly chelator than older alternatives, the heavy reliance on synthetic surfactants and solvents makes it less ideal for sensitive skin or those seeking strictly non-toxic, plant-based options.

Final Rating: 4.0

This product is an cleaning powerhouse designed for maximum efficacy. The chemical profile strongly suggests it is a leading national brand capable of handling tough stains and cold-water washing. However, the rating is balanced by its standard safety profile, which prioritizes performance over hypoallergenic or green attributes. It is an excellent choice for dirty laundry but perhaps too aggressive for baby clothes or individuals with dermatitis.

Verdict

This liquid laundry detergent is formulated as a heavy-duty cleaning agent designed to tackle a wide variety of stubborn stains through a complex chemical profile. The ingredient list reveals a robust cocktail of anionic and nonionic surfactants, including Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Alkylbenzenesulfonates, which are the workhorses of modern laundry cleaning. These agents are excellent at lifting dirt and oil from fabrics, ensuring a deep clean for heavily soiled garments, though SLS can occasionally be drying or irritating to skin. One of the standout features is the inclusion of a comprehensive enzyme blend containing Subtilisin, Amylase, Cellulase, and Mannanase. This multi-enzyme approach targets specific biological stains such as proteins, starches, and gums, making it highly effective for families with messy eaters or active lifestyles. The addition of Cellulase specifically helps in maintaining fabric texture by breaking down micro-fibrils that cause fuzz and pilling, extending the look of new clothes. To prevent dirt from settling back onto clothes during the wash cycle, the formula utilizes Polyethyleneimines alkoxylated, a sophisticated anti-redeposition agent that keeps suspended soil in the water rather than depositing it back onto your fabrics. Additionally, the inclusion of Polyoxyalkylene Substituted Chromophores (cyan and violet) acts as a visual enhancer, providing a bluing effect intended to counteract yellowing and make whites appear significantly brighter. However, this impressive cleaning power comes with specific trade-offs regarding skin sensitivity. The product contains unspecified Fragrances and the preservative Benzisothiazolinone, both of which are known sensitizers that can trigger allergic reactions or contact dermatitis in individuals with eczema or highly sensitive skin. The presence of Ethanolamine and various solvents further indicates a potent synthetic base rather than a gentle, plant-derived approach. While Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate offers a biodegradable chelating option to assist with hard water, the overall profile is aggressive. In conclusion, this is a high-efficiency detergent best suited for general household laundry that requires aggressive stain removal and brightening. It excels at cleaning everyday grime and biological messes. However, those seeking a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, or strictly eco-friendly option might find the synthetic fragrances, strong surfactants, and preservatives less desirable. It balances raw cleaning efficacy with aesthetic benefits like brightening and scent, making it a reliable choice for standard loads but potentially too harsh for delicate skin or baby clothes.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents & Carriers / 溶剂与载体

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Liquid base and solvent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: The primary carrier for the formula.

🧪 Alcohol / 乙醇

Purpose: Solvent and formula stabilizer.

Concerns: Flammable in high concentrations; drying to skin.

Notes: Helps dissolve other ingredients.

🧪 Propylene Glycol / 丙二醇

Purpose: Solvent and enzyme stabilizer.

Concerns: Generally safe; potential skin irritant for sensitive individuals.

Notes: Helps maintain the activity of enzymes at low temperatures.

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

🧪 C10-16 Alketh / C10-16 醇聚醚

Purpose: Nonionic surfactant for removing grease and oil.

Concerns: Can be irritating to eyes and skin.

Notes: Effective in cold water.

🧪 Sodium and MEA C10-16 Alkylbenzenesulfonate / C10-16 烷基苯磺酸钠/乙醇胺盐

Purpose: Anionic surfactant; primary cleaning agent.

Concerns: Skin and eye irritant; not biodegradable under anaerobic conditions.

Notes: Often referred to as LAS; very common in laundry detergents.

🧪 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate / 十二烷基硫酸钠

Purpose: Anionic surfactant for cleaning and foaming.

Concerns: Skin irritant; can strip natural oils.

Notes: Commonly known as SLS.

🧪 MEA Laureth Sulfate / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯乙醇胺盐

Purpose: Anionic surfactant.

Concerns: Potential for contamination with 1,4-dioxane (manufacturing byproduct).

Notes: Gentler than SLS.

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

Purpose: Amphoteric surfactant; foam stabilizer and grease cutter.

Concerns: Aquatic toxicity.

Notes: Helps break down greasy stains.

🧪 Sodium and MEA salts of C12-18 fatty acids / C12-18 脂肪酸钠/乙醇胺盐

Purpose: Soap; cleaning and suds suppression.

Concerns: None significantly in this context.

Notes: Acts as a defoamer in the wash liquor.

📁 Builders, Chelators & pH Adjusters / 助洗剂、螯合剂与pH调节剂

🧪 Sodium and MEA citrate / 柠檬酸钠/乙醇胺盐

Purpose: Water softener (builder).

Concerns: Low concern.

Notes: Helps surfactants 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 EDTA/phosphates; binds metal ions.

🧪 Ethanolamine / 乙醇胺

Purpose: pH adjuster and solvent.

Concerns: Respiratory and skin irritant in pure form.

Notes: Also known as MEA; helps neutralize fatty acids.

🧪 Sodium Cumenesulfonate / 枯烯磺酸钠

Purpose: Hydrotrope.

Concerns: May cause eye irritation.

Notes: Helps dissolve ingredients ensuring the liquid remains clear and uniform.

🧪 Diethylenetriamine / 二乙烯三胺

Purpose: Processing aid/buffer.

Concerns: Sensitizer; skin corrosion in pure form.

Notes: Often present as a minute structural component or impurity in chelating agents.

📁 Enzymes / 酶制剂

🧪 Subtilisin / 枯草杆菌酶

Purpose: Protease enzyme.

Concerns: Respiratory sensitizer; skin irritation.

Notes: Breaks down protein stains like blood and grass.

🧪 Amylase enzyme / 淀粉酶

Purpose: Starch-breaking enzyme.

Concerns: Respiratory sensitizer.

Notes: Removes starchy food stains like pasta or potatoes.

🧪 Cellulase Enzyme / 纤维素酶

Purpose: Fabric care enzyme.

Concerns: Respiratory sensitizer.

Notes: Removes fuzz and pills from cotton fabrics; brightens colors.

🧪 Mannanase Enzyme / 甘露聚糖酶

Purpose: Stain removal enzyme.

Concerns: Respiratory sensitizer.

Notes: Targets gum-based stains like guar gum or ice cream.

📁 Polymers & Performance Aids / 聚合物与性能助剂

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

Purpose: Cleaning polymer.

Concerns: Low concern in finished product.

Notes: Suspends soil in water to prevent it from redepositing on clothes.

🧪 Hydrogenated Castor Oil / 氢化蓖麻油

Purpose: Rheology modifier.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Provides structure and thickness to the liquid detergent.

📁 Stabilizers & Preservatives / 稳定剂与防腐剂

🧪 Calcium formate / 甲酸钙

Purpose: Enzyme stabilizer.

Concerns: Eye irritant in pure form.

Notes: Keeps enzymes active during storage.

🧪 Methyl di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate / 甲基二叔丁基羟基氢化肉桂酸酯

Purpose: Antioxidant.

Concerns: Low concern.

Notes: Protects formula ingredients from oxidation.

🧪 Benzisothiazolinone / 苯并异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative.

Concerns: Skin sensitizer; allergen.

Notes: Prevents bacterial growth in the bottle.

📁 Suds Suppressors (Defoamers) / 消泡剂

🧪 Phenylpropyl Ethyl Methicone / 苯丙基乙基聚甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Silicone defoamer.

Concerns: Low concern.

Notes: Controls foam generation.

🧪 Simethicone / 西甲硅油

Purpose: Anti-foaming agent.

Concerns: Low concern.

Notes: Prevents excessive sudsing in washing machines.

🧪 Trimethylsiloxysilicate / 三甲基硅烷氧基硅酸酯

Purpose: Silicone resin.

Concerns: Low concern.

Notes: Aids in foam control.

🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Silicone fluid.

Concerns: Low concern.

Notes: General antifoaming and lubricating agent.

📁 Aesthetics (Fragrance & Color) / 感官调节剂 (香氛与色素)

🧪 Fragrances / 香精

Purpose: Scent.

Concerns: Common cause of contact dermatitis; potential respiratory irritant.

Notes: Adds fresh smell to laundry.

🧪 Polyoxyalkylene Substituted Chromophore (cyan) / 聚氧化烯取代发色团 (青色)

Purpose: Colorant.

Concerns: Low concern.

Notes: Non-staining polymeric dye (Liquitint).

🧪 Polyoxyalkylene Substituted Chromophore (violet) / 聚氧化烯取代发色团 (紫色)

Purpose: Colorant/Optical brightener effect.

Concerns: Low concern.

Notes: Non-staining polymeric dye; helps counteract yellowing.