Palmolive Ultra Oxy Power Degreaser

A heavy-duty dish detergent formulated with a potent blend of anionic surfactants for cutting grease, but containing synthetic preservatives and fragrances that may irritate skin.

Performance Rating: 4.5

This formula utilizes a robust multi-surfactant system combining anionic surfactants like Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate with amphoteric agents like Lauramidopropylamine Oxide. This blend is highly effective for cutting grease and generating stable foam. The inclusion of Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate aids in cleaning efficiency by mitigating the effects of hard water.

Safety Rating: 2.1

The safety score is impacted by the presence of Methylisothiazolinone and Benzisothiazolinone, preservatives that are well-documented skin sensitizers and allergens. The use of Sodium Laureth Sulfate and other ethoxylated ingredients carries a risk of 1,4-dioxane contamination, a potential carcinogen. Additionally, generic Fragrance can hide undisclosed allergens, and the strong surfactants may be irritating or drying to sensitive skin.

Final Rating: 3.3

This product is a cleaning powerhouse typical of major commercial brands, offering excellent efficacy against tough grease and food residue. However, the trade-off for this performance is a lower safety profile due to the inclusion of potential allergens and strong synthetic chemicals. It is recommended for heavy-duty cleaning but is less suitable for individuals with sensitive skin or those seeking eco-friendly alternatives.

Verdict

This formulation is a quintessential example of a modern, heavy-duty detergent designed to attack grease aggressively. The primary cleaning engine runs on a complex blend of anionic surfactants, specifically Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate. These are industrial-standard ingredients chosen for their ability to lower the surface tension of water rapidly, allowing the solution to penetrate baked-on food and emulsify oils effectively. The addition of Sodium C10-16 Alketh Sulfate and C9-11 Alketh-8 further broadens the spectrum of soils this soap can tackle, ensuring that everything from animal fats to vegetable oils is lifted from cookware. To satisfy consumer expectations for visual performance, Lauramidopropylamine Oxide is included to boost foam height and stability, creating those long-lasting suds that many associate with cleaning power. However, while the cleaning metrics are high, the product scores poorly on skin compatibility and toxicity transparency. The preservation system relies on Methylisothiazolinone and Benzisothiazolinone, widely recognized as some of the most potent contact allergens in the personal care industry. In leave-on products, these are largely banned or restricted, but in rinse-off products like dish soap, they remain common despite the risk of causing contact dermatitis or “dishpan hands.” This risk is compounded by the presence of Alcohol Denat., a solvent that helps stabilize the formula but simultaneously strips the lipid barrier of the skin, leading to dryness and irritation. Furthermore, the inclusion of generic Fragrance and Colorants adds aesthetic appeal but introduces unnecessary chemical exposure without contributing to the actual cleaning process. These additives are frequent triggers for respiratory sensitivities and skin rashes. It is worth noting the inclusion of Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, a biodegradable chelating agent that helps the soap work in hard water; this is a more eco-conscious choice compared to older chelators like EDTA. Despite this small nod to sustainability, the overall profile is chemically harsh. It is a product built for performance, not protection. It will leave dishes squeaky clean, but without the barrier protection of rubber gloves, it is likely to leave hands red, dry, and irritated over time.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Water / Eau / 水

Purpose: Base solvent to dissolve other ingredients

Concerns: None

Notes: The primary volume of the product

🧪 Alcohol Denat. / 变性乙醇

Purpose: Solvent, viscosity controller, prevents bacterial growth

Concerns: Can be drying to skin; flammable

Notes: Helps keep the formula stable and clear

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

🧪 Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate / 十二烷基苯磺酸钠

Purpose: Strong grease remover and foaming agent

Concerns: Can be drying or irritating to sensitive skin

Notes: A very common anionic surfactant in household detergents

🧪 Sodium Laureth Sulfate / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Primary foaming and cleaning agent

Concerns: Potential for skin irritation; low risk of 1,4-dioxane contamination (manufacturing byproduct)

Notes: Milder than SLS; effective in hard water

🧪 Sodium C10-16 Alketh Sulfate / C10-16 烷醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Cleaning agent

Concerns: Skin irritation potential similar to SLES

Notes: A variation of Sodium Laureth Sulfate derived from C10-16 alcohols

🧪 Lauramidopropylamine Oxide / 月桂酰胺丙基氧化胺

Purpose: Foam booster and stabilizer, grease cutter

Concerns: Low concern; mild irritant

Notes: An amphoteric surfactant that helps suds last longer

🧪 C9-11 Alketh-8 / C9-11 链烷醇聚醚-8

Purpose: Emulsifier, grease remover

Concerns: Low concern

Notes: Non-ionic surfactant; helps remove oily soils

🧪 Deceth-8 / 癸醇聚醚-8

Purpose: Wetting agent, cleaner

Concerns: Low concern

Notes: Non-ionic surfactant

🧪 Poloxamer 124 / 泊洛沙姆 124

Purpose: Mild cleanser, solubilizer

Concerns: None significant

Notes: Helps dissolve other ingredients and improve texture

📁 Chelating Agents / 螯合剂

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

Purpose: Water softener, boosts preservative efficacy

Concerns: None significant

Notes: A biodegradable, eco-friendly alternative to EDTA

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 Methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Prevents bacterial and fungal growth

Concerns: Known skin sensitizer and allergen; can cause contact dermatitis

Notes: Effective against bacteria but restricted in leave-on products

🧪 Benzisothiazolinone / 苯并异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Antimicrobial preservative

Concerns: Potential skin sensitizer and irritant

Notes: Commonly used in cleaning products; often paired with Methylisothiazolinone

📁 Fragrance & Additives / 香精和添加剂

🧪 Fragrance / Parfum / 香精

Purpose: Provides scent to mask chemical odors

Concerns: May contain undisclosed allergens or phthalates

Notes: Specific chemical composition is usually a trade secret

🧪 Colorants / 着色剂

Purpose: Aesthetic visual appeal

Concerns: Generally safe; cosmetic only

Notes: Gives the soap its specific color