A conventional rinse aid formulated with synthetic surfactants and strong preservatives to accelerate drying and prevent water spots.
This formula utilizes a robust blend of non-ionic surfactants (C10-16 Alcohols Ethoxylated Propoxylated and Trideceth-3), which are highly effective at reducing surface tension to ensure fast drying and prevent water spots. The inclusion of Citric Acid helps neutralize alkaline detergent residues and combat hard water mineral deposits, while Sodium Cumene Sulfonate ensures the active ingredients remain stable in solution. Polyquaternium-2 adds a surface-modifying element to further assist in water sheeting.
The safety rating is significantly lowered by the presence of Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone. These are strong synthetic preservatives known to be potent allergens and skin sensitizers. Additionally, the product contains synthetic dyes (CI Acid Blue 9) and ethoxylated surfactants, which are less environmentally friendly than plant-based alternatives found in ‘green’ products.
This is a highly effective conventional rinse aid that will likely deliver excellent results in terms of shine and drying performance. However, its score is penalized due to the use of harsher chemical preservatives and synthetic additives. It is a utilitarian choice for performance, but not recommended for consumers seeking hypoallergenic or eco-conscious formulations.
This rinse aid formulation is a classic example of conventional cleaning chemistry focused strictly on the end result: dry, shiny dishes. The primary heavy lifters here are the alkoxylated alcohols and Trideceth-3. These are non-ionic surfactants specifically engineered to reduce the surface tension of water significantly. By doing so, they ensure that rinse water forms a thin, continuous sheet over your glassware and ceramics rather than beading up. This physical action is crucial because water beads are what eventually evaporate into stubborn calcium and magnesium spots.
To support these surfactants, Sodium Cumene Sulfonate is employed as a hydrotrope, ensuring the mixture remains a homogenous liquid and does not separate in the bottle. The inclusion of Citric Acid provides a dual benefit; it helps neutralize alkalinity from the detergent used in the previous cycle and assists in keeping hard water minerals soluble, preventing cloudy film on glasses. However, the chemical profile is far from natural. The product utilizes Polyquaternium-2, a synthetic polymer often found in personal care, to likely assist in surface modification or sheeting.
The most contentious ingredients are found at the end of the list. The preservation system relies on Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone. These are potent biocides that prevent bacterial growth in the bottle, but they are also well-documented skin sensitizers and environmental pollutants. While the rinse aid is diluted greatly during use, residues can remain, posing a risk to those with specific chemical sensitivities. Additionally, the inclusion of CI Acid Blue 9 serves a purely cosmetic purpose to give the liquid a blue tint, adding a synthetic dye where none is functionally required.
In summary, this product is a high-performance technical solution for wet dishes but scores low on eco-friendliness and biocompatibility due to its reliance on strong synthetic preservatives and dyes.
🧪 Water / 水
Purpose: Solvent/Base
Concerns: None.
Notes: The primary liquid carrier for the other ingredients.
🧪 C10-16 Alcohols Ethoxylated Propoxylated (C12-14 Alcohols Ethoxylated Propoxylated) / C10-16 醇乙氧基化丙氧基化物
Purpose: Non-ionic Surfactant / Rinse Agent
Concerns: Low concern, though ethoxylation process can theoretically leave trace contaminants (1,4-dioxane) if not purified.
Notes: A low-foaming surfactant that helps water sheet off surfaces to prevent spotting.
🧪 Trideceth-3 / 十三烷醇聚醚-3
Purpose: Surfactant / Emulsifier
Concerns: Potential for trace contamination from manufacturing (ethylene oxide/1,4-dioxane). Can be toxic to aquatic life.
Notes: Helps break down residues and improves wetting properties.
🧪 Sodium Cumene Sulfonate / 枯烯磺酸钠
Purpose: Hydrotrope
Concerns: Can be an eye and skin irritant in pure form.
Notes: Helps other ingredients dissolve in water and prevents the formula from separating.
🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸
Purpose: pH Adjuster / Chelating Agent
Concerns: May cause mild irritation to eyes or skin.
Notes: Helps remove hard water deposits (limescale) and maintains product acidity.
🧪 Polyquaternium-2 / 聚季铵盐-2
Purpose: Anti-spotting Agent / Surface Modifier
Concerns: Generally safe, but some quaternary compounds can be sensitizers.
Notes: A polymer that modifies the surface charge to assist in sheeting water and preventing spots.
🧪 Potassium Sorbate / 山梨酸钾
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: Generally considered safe (food grade), rare allergic reactions.
Notes: Inhibits mold and yeast growth.
🧪 Methylchloroisothiazolinone / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: Known skin sensitizer and allergen. Can cause contact dermatitis.
Notes: Often referred to as CMIT; usually used in a blend.
🧪 Methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: Strong allergen and sensitizer. Use is restricted in leave-on products, but common in rinse-off products.
Notes: Often referred to as MIT; works with CMIT to prevent bacterial growth.
🧪 CI Acid Blue 9 (Acid Blue 9) / 酸性蓝 9 (亮蓝 FCF)
Purpose: Dye
Concerns: Generally safe; also used in food.
Notes: Provides the blue color to the liquid.