Dreft Stage 1: Newborn Liquid Detergent

A high-performance liquid detergent formulated with a powerful enzyme trio and strong surfactants to tackle tough stains and grime.

Performance Rating: 4.4

This formulation features a robust multi-surfactant system combining Anionic (LAS, SLS), Nonionic (Alketh), and Amphoteric (Amine Oxide) agents, ensuring effectiveness against both particulate dirt and oily soils. The inclusion of three distinct enzymes (Subtilisin/Protease, Amylase, Cellulase) significantly boosts stain removal capabilities for proteins and starches, while Polyethyleneimines act as anti-redeposition agents to keep dirt suspended in the water.

Safety Rating: 3.0

While effective, the formula contains standard synthetic ingredients that may pose irritation risks. Benzisothiazolinone is a preservative known to be a potential skin sensitizer. The use of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium C10-16 Alkylbenzenesulfonate can be irritating to sensitive skin. Additionally, generic Fragrances are included without specific disclosure of allergens. However, the use of Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate represents a safer, biodegradable alternative to traditional chelating agents like EDTA.

Final Rating: 4.0

This is a strong, mainstream detergent designed for high efficacy. The combination of a complex surfactant blend and a triple-enzyme package makes it highly capable of handling tough laundry challenges. While it lacks the ‘clean label’ attributes of eco-friendly brands (due to the presence of synthetic fragrances and BIT), it earns a high rating for its superior cleaning potential relative to budget formulations.

Verdict

This liquid laundry detergent is engineered as a heavy-duty cleaner capable of addressing a wide variety of stubborn stains and soil types. The formula relies on a highly potent surfactant system, combining anionic cleaners like Sodium C10-16 Alkylbenzenesulfonate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate to vigorously lift particulate soil and suspend grime. These are complemented by C10-16 Alketh, a nonionic surfactant that excels at emulsifying oils and greases, ensuring that sebum and food fats are effectively washed away. This multi-pronged approach ensures a deep clean for standard fabrics, making it ideal for large families or active individuals. Significant cleaning power is added through the inclusion of bio-active ingredients. The trio of Subtilisin, Amylase, and Cellulase enzymes targets specific stain structures that surfactants alone often miss. Subtilisin breaks down proteins found in blood and grass; Amylase tackles starch-based stains like pasta sauces; and Cellulase works to smooth cotton fibers, reducing pilling and keeping colors vibrant over time. To support these active agents, Sodium Citrate and Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate act as water softeners. These builders sequester calcium and magnesium ions found in hard water, preventing mineral buildup from deactivating the surfactants and ensuring the detergent rinses clean. The formula is stabilized by solvents such as Propylene Glycol and Alcohol, which help maintain the liquid’s consistency and enzyme stability in the bottle. However, the safety profile regarding skin sensitivity warrants caution. The inclusion of Benzisothiazolinone, a synthetic preservative, is a known allergen that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals. Furthermore, the presence of generic Fragrances implies potential exposure to undisclosed allergens or irritants, which may trouble those with reactive skin or respiratory issues. The formula also utilizes Polyethyleneimines alkoxylated, a sophisticated polymer that acts as an anti-redeposition agent, ensuring that dirt suspended in the wash water does not settle back onto the clothes before the rinse cycle completes. In summary, this is a high-efficiency formulation best suited for tough laundry loads where stain removal is the priority. While it utilizes modern chemistry to deliver superior results, the presence of strong sulfates and specific preservatives means it is likely too harsh for delicates or for use by individuals with sensitive skin conditions.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvent / 溶剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Provides a liquid base for the product.

Concerns: None.

Notes: The primary ingredient in liquid detergents.

📁 Surfactants / 表面活性剂

🧪 C10-16 Alketh / C10-16 醇聚氧乙烯醚

Purpose: Non-ionic surfactant that removes greasy stains.

Concerns: May contain trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide (carcinogens) depending on manufacturing process.

Notes: Effective in various water temperatures.

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

Purpose: Anionic surfactant acting as the primary cleaning agent for dirt and particulate soils.

Concerns: Generally biodegradable, but can be toxic to aquatic life in concentrated forms.

Notes: Commonly known as LAS.

🧪 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate / 十二烷基硫酸钠

Purpose: Anionic surfactant providing cleaning power and foaming.

Concerns: Can be a skin and eye irritant.

Notes: Widely used in cleaning and personal care products.

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

Purpose: Soap; acts as a cleaning agent and foam regulator.

Concerns: Low concern.

Notes: Helps control sudsing in high-efficiency machines.

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

Purpose: Amphoteric surfactant that boosts cleaning and stabilizes foam.

Concerns: Generally safe in rinse-off products.

Notes: Effective on grease.

📁 Enzymes / 酶制剂

🧪 Subtilisin / 枯草杆菌蛋白酶

Purpose: Protease enzyme to break down protein-based stains (like grass or blood).

Concerns: Can cause respiratory sensitization or skin irritation if handled directly in pure form.

Notes: Essential for biological stain removal.

🧪 Amylase Enzyme / 淀粉酶

Purpose: Breaks down starch-based stains (like pasta or potato).

Concerns: Potential respiratory allergen.

Notes: Works specifically on carbohydrates.

🧪 Cellulase Enzyme / 纤维素酶

Purpose: Fabric care; removes micro-pilling to brighten colors and smooth fibers.

Concerns: Potential respiratory allergen.

Notes: Helps maintain fabric appearance.

📁 Builders & Stabilizers / 助洗剂与稳定剂

🧪 Sodium Citrate / 柠檬酸钠

Purpose: Water softener; binds calcium ions to help surfactants work better.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Derived from citric acid.

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

Purpose: Chelating agent used to improve cleaning efficiency and boost preservative activity.

Concerns: Low concern; biodegradable.

Notes: Often used as a greener alternative to EDTA.

🧪 Propylene Glycol / 丙二醇

Purpose: Solvent and enzyme stabilizer.

Concerns: Generally recognized as safe, though some people may have skin sensitivities.

Notes: Helps prevent enzymes from degrading in the bottle.

🧪 Alcohol / 乙醇

Purpose: Solvent to help mix ingredients and control viscosity.

Concerns: Flammable in pure form; drying to skin.

Notes: Usually Ethanol.

🧪 Sodium Cumenesulfonate / 枯烯磺酸钠

Purpose: Hydrotrope; prevents the formula from separating.

Concerns: Low concern in consumer dilutions.

Notes: Ensures the detergent remains a uniform liquid.

🧪 Calcium formate / 甲酸钙

Purpose: Stabilizes enzymes.

Concerns: Irritant to eyes and skin in pure form.

Notes: Crucial for maintaining enzyme shelf life.

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

Purpose: Cleaning polymer; keeps soil suspended in water to prevent it from redepositing on clothes.

Concerns: Low concern regarding human health; some environmental persistence concerns for polymers.

Notes: Enhances whiteness and cleanliness.

📁 Fragrance & Preservatives / 香精与防腐剂

🧪 Fragrances / 香精

Purpose: Adds scent to the laundry.

Concerns: Common cause of skin allergies and sensitivities; specific ingredients often undisclosed.

Notes: Improves sensory experience.

🧪 Benzisothiazolinone / 苯并异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative preventing bacterial and fungal growth.

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

Notes: Also known as BIT.