Ajax Ultra Lime + Vinegar

A standard, high-foaming dish soap that utilizes strong sulfates and vinegar for grease removal but relies on synthetic preservatives known to cause irritation.

Performance Rating: 4.5

This formulation relies on a robust surfactant system, primarily Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium C10-16 Alketh Sulfate, which are powerful anionic surfactants excellent for cutting heavy grease. The inclusion of Lauramidopropylamine Oxide serves as a strong foam stabilizer and booster, ensuring the suds last through a wash. Acetic Acid (Vinegar) aids in rinsing and helps prevent water spots, ensuring a streak-free shine. It is designed for heavy-duty cleaning.

Safety Rating: 2.1

The safety rating is significantly lowered by the presence of Methylisothiazolinone and Benzisothiazolinone, which are potent preservatives known to be strong skin sensitizers, contact allergens, and toxic to aquatic life. The use of generic Fragrance masks potential allergens and phthalates. Additionally, Sodium Laureth Sulfate is an ethoxylated ingredient, which carries a risk of 1,4-dioxane contamination. On a positive note, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate is a safer, biodegradable alternative to older chelating agents like EDTA.

Final Rating: 3.3

This dish soap is a utilitarian powerhouse, prioritizing cleaning efficacy over ingredient gentleness. While it achieves a high performance score due to its proven grease-fighting surfactant blend, it loses significant points in safety due to the use of isothiazolinone preservatives and synthetic fragrances. It is an excellent choice for tough grime but a poor choice for individuals with sensitive skin or eco-conscious consumers.

Verdict

This dish soap formulation represents a very standard, conventional approach to grease removal. At its core, the reliance on Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium C10-16 Alketh Sulfate ensures that the product will create a rich lather and effectively strip oil from pots and pans. These anionic surfactants are the workhorses of the industry, meaning this product will likely perform well for heavy-duty cleaning tasks. The addition of Lauramidopropylamine Oxide serves as a foam booster, ensuring that the bubbles last through the washing process.

However, the inclusion of Acetic Acid (Vinegar) appears to be largely cosmetic or for marketing appeal. While vinegar is a traditional cleaning agent, in a formula dominated by strong sulfates, its actual contribution to the cleaning power is likely minimal compared to the surfactants. It gives the product a “classic” or “home-remedy” feel, but users should understand that the heavy lifting is being done by the synthetic detergents, not the vinegar.

From a safety and skin health perspective, there are significant considerations. The formula uses Methylisothiazolinone and Benzisothiazolinone as preservatives. These ingredients are effective at preventing bacterial growth but are well-documented contact allergens. Individuals with sensitive skin or eczema might find these irritating, especially with frequent use without gloves. Furthermore, the generic listing of Fragrance hides potential phthalates or other allergens, lacking transparency for sensitive users.

The use of Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate as a chelating agent is a positive note, as it is generally considered more biodegradable than older alternatives like EDTA. This helps the soap perform in hard water without leaving scum.

Ultimately, this is a high-performance detergent designed for efficiency rather than gentleness or green chemistry. It will clean dishes thoroughly, but the harsh preservatives and sulfates suggest that wearing gloves is highly recommended. It lacks the skin-conditioning agents found in premium “hand-care” versions, focusing strictly on dissolving grease.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvent / 溶剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Provides a liquid base for the product; dilutes ingredients.

Concerns: None.

Notes: The primary ingredient in most liquid soaps.

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

🧪 Sodium Laureth Sulfate / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Removes grease and creates foam (anionic surfactant).

Concerns: Can be drying to the skin; potential for contamination with 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing (though usually controlled).

Notes: A milder alternative to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).

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

Purpose: Cleaning agent that helps lift dirt and oil.

Concerns: May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Notes: A variation of alcohol ethoxysulfate used for detergency.

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

Purpose: Boosts foam and stabilizes suds; helps break down grease.

Concerns: Generally safe, but can be a mild irritant.

Notes: An amphoteric surfactant often used to make foam creamier.

🧪 Poloxamer 124 / 泊洛沙姆 124

Purpose: Controls viscosity and acts as a mild cleanser.

Concerns: Low toxicity; generally considered safe.

Notes: A nonionic surfactant.

📁 Viscosity Adjusters / 粘度调节剂

🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠(食盐)

Purpose: Thickens the liquid to a desired consistency.

Concerns: None, though very high concentrations can be drying.

Notes: Common table salt.

📁 Chelating Agents / 螯合剂

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

Purpose: Softens water to boost cleaning performance; prevents mineral buildup.

Concerns: None prominent; generally considered safe.

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 in the bottle.

Concerns: A known contact allergen; can cause skin sensitization in some people.

Notes: Often abbreviated as MIT.

🧪 Benzisothiazolinone / 苯并异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Inhibits microbial growth.

Concerns: Potential skin allergen and irritant.

Notes: Often abbreviated as BIT; biodegradable.

📁 Functional Additives / 功能性添加剂

🧪 Fragrance / 香精

Purpose: Provides a pleasant scent.

Concerns: Can contain undefined chemicals; a common trigger for allergies or sensitivities.

Notes: Specific composition is usually proprietary.

🧪 Acetic Acid (Vinegar) / 乙酸(醋)

Purpose: Adjusts pH levels and aids in cutting grease.

Concerns: Acidic; pure forms are corrosive, but safe in diluted soap amounts.

Notes: Adds a grease-cutting boost.

🧪 Colorants / 着色剂

Purpose: Gives the product its specific color.

Concerns: Some synthetic dyes may be irritating to very sensitive skin.

Notes: Used purely for aesthetics.