Gain Original Liquid Laundry Detergent

A high-performance, heavy-duty laundry detergent utilizing a triple-enzyme system and a concentrated blend of surfactants to eliminate tough stains and odors.

Performance Rating: 4.6

This formula is a premium, high-efficiency detergent containing a robust blend of surfactants including LAS (Sodium and MEA C10-16 Alkylbenzenesulfonate), SLES, and Amine Oxide for superior grease and oil removal. The inclusion of a triple-enzyme system (Subtilisin for proteins, Amylase for starches, and Cellulase for fabric care/anti-pilling) ensures exceptional stain removal across various soil types. The presence of alkoxylated polyethyleneimines acts as a powerful soil release polymer, while Sodium Borate and Citrate provide effective water softening and enzyme stabilization, resulting in top-tier cleaning results.

Safety Rating: 3.0

The safety profile is typical for a conventional synthetic detergent. It contains Sodium Borate, which is under scrutiny for potential developmental effects, and Benzisothiazolinone, a common preservative known to be a skin sensitizer and allergen for some individuals. The presence of Ethanolamine and Fragrances may also pose risks for those with respiratory sensitivities or skin conditions like eczema. However, the use of Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate as a more biodegradable chelating agent is a positive safety and environmental inclusion compared to traditional EDTA.

Final Rating: 3.9

The product is an excellent performer that likely competes with the highest-rated name-brand detergents on the market. While it relies on synthetic chemicals and ingredients like isothiazolinone preservatives and borates that may concern eco-conscious or sensitive users, its cleaning efficacy is indisputable. It is a highly effective solution for heavy-duty laundry needs, balancing complex chemical engineering with standard industry safety precautions.

Verdict

This liquid laundry detergent is a sophisticated, heavy-duty formulation designed to tackle a wide spectrum of laundry challenges. The backbone of the formula consists of a robust surfactant system, including Sodium and MEA C10-16 Alkylbenzenesulfonate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). These ingredients work synergistically to emulsify fats, oils, and general grime, ensuring that dirt is lifted from fibers and suspended in the wash water. The inclusion of C10-16 Alketh and C10-16 Alkyldimethylamine Oxide further enhances the detergent’s ability to perform across different water temperatures, making it a versatile choice for both cold and hot cycles. One of the standout features of this product is its advanced enzyme profile. By incorporating Subtilisin (Protease), Amylase, and Cellulase, the detergent targets specific organic stains like blood, grass, food starches, and even helps to prevent fabric fuzzing or pilling. This multi-enzyme approach is characteristic of premium, high-efficiency detergents that provide professional-level cleaning results at home. Additionally, the formula uses Polyethyleneimines alkoxylated as a soil release polymer, which helps prevent soil from redepositing onto clean clothes during the wash cycle. To manage hard water issues, the detergent utilizes Sodium and MEA citrate along with Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, a more environmentally friendly chelating agent that prevents mineral interference with the cleaning process. The inclusion of Propylene Glycol and Alcohol acts as a solvent system to keep the concentrated formula stable and clear in the bottle, while Sodium Cumenesulfonate serves as a hydrotrope to ensure all ingredients remain perfectly blended. Hydrogenated Castor Oil is utilized as a rheology modifier, giving the liquid its characteristic pourable consistency. The stabilizing system for the enzymes is particularly well-engineered, using Calcium formate and Sodium Formate to ensure the biological catalysts remain active until they hit the water. This attention to chemical stability ensures that the detergent maintains its maximum cleaning potency even after months on the shelf. While highly effective, the complex mix of anionic surfactants can be harsh on the skin’s natural lipid barrier if the clothes are not rinsed thoroughly. The presence of Fragrances and the preservative Benzisothiazolinone may pose risks for individuals with sensitive skin or specific contact allergies. It is a quintessential example of modern chemical engineering in consumer goods, prioritizing efficiency, stain removal, and user convenience.

Who Is This Product For?

Who Should Avoid This Product?

Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents and Process Aids / 溶剂和助剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent and carrier for other ingredients.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Main component of liquid detergent.

🧪 Propylene Glycol / 丙二醇

Purpose: Solvent and stabilizer.

Concerns: Low toxicity, generally recognized as safe.

Notes: Helps maintain the liquid form.

🧪 Alcohol / 乙醇/酒精

Purpose: Solvent and viscosity adjuster.

Concerns: Highly flammable in pure form.

Notes: Commonly used to thin out the formula.

🧪 Ethanolamine / 乙醇胺

Purpose: Solvent and pH adjuster.

Concerns: Can be irritating to skin and respiratory system.

Notes: Also helps neutralize acidic surfactants.

🧪 Sodium Cumenesulfonate / 枯草磺酸钠

Purpose: Hydrotrope and solubilizer.

Concerns: Mild eye irritant.

Notes: Helps keep the formula clear and uniform.

📁 Surfactants / 表面活性剂

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

Purpose: Primary cleaning agent (surfactant).

Concerns: Skin and eye irritation.

Notes: A workhorse for removing greasy stains.

🧪 C10-16 Alketh / C10-16 醇聚醚

Purpose: Non-ionic surfactant for soil removal.

Concerns: Relatively low toxicity.

Notes: Effective on oily soils.

🧪 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate / 月桂基硫酸钠

Purpose: Cleaning and foaming agent.

Concerns: Known skin irritant at high concentrations.

Notes: Very common surfactant.

🧪 Sodium Laureth Sulfate / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸钠

Purpose: Cleaning and foaming agent.

Concerns: Possible 1,4-dioxane contamination during manufacturing.

Notes: Slightly milder than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.

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

Purpose: Cleaning booster and suds stabilizer.

Concerns: Skin and eye irritation.

Notes: Works well in combination with anionic surfactants.

📁 Enzymes and Stabilizers / 酶和稳定剂

🧪 Subtilisin / 枯草杆菌蛋白酶

Purpose: Breaks down protein-based stains like grass or blood.

Concerns: May cause respiratory allergies if inhaled in dust form.

Notes: An enzyme specifically for proteins.

🧪 Amylase enzyme / 淀粉酶

Purpose: Breaks down starch-based stains like pasta or chocolate.

Concerns: Potential respiratory sensitizer.

Notes: Targeted at carbohydrates.

🧪 Cellulase Enzyme / 纤维素酶

Purpose: Removes fuzz and pills from cotton fabrics.

Concerns: Potential respiratory sensitizer.

Notes: Helps keep clothes looking new.

🧪 Sodium Borate / 硼酸钠

Purpose: Enzyme stabilizer and pH buffer.

Concerns: Concerns regarding reproductive toxicity in high doses.

Notes: Also known as Borax.

🧪 Calcium formate / 甲酸钙

Purpose: Enzyme stabilizer.

Concerns: Minimal concerns at concentrations used.

Notes: Specifically stabilizes protease enzymes.

🧪 Sodium Formate / 甲酸钠

Purpose: Enzyme stabilizer.

Concerns: Low toxicity.

Notes: Often used in liquid detergents to prevent enzyme degradation.

📁 Builders and Chelating Agents / 助洗剂和螯合剂

🧪 Sodium and MEA citrate / 柠檬酸钠和单乙醇胺盐

Purpose: Water softener and builder.

Concerns: Minimal; biodegradable.

Notes: Helps surfactants work better in hard water.

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

Purpose: Chelating agent.

Concerns: Environmentally friendly alternative to EDTA.

Notes: Prevents mineral interference.

📁 Preservatives, Colorants, and Fragrances / 防腐剂、色素和香料

🧪 Fragrances / 香料

Purpose: Provides a pleasant scent.

Concerns: Common cause of skin allergies and sensitization.

Notes: Usually a complex mixture of many chemicals.

🧪 Benzisothiazolinone / 苯并异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative to prevent microbial growth.

Concerns: Skin sensitizer; can cause contact dermatitis.

Notes: Used to extend shelf life.

🧪 Polyoxyalkylene Substituted Chromophore (yellow) / 聚氧化烯烃取代的发色团(黄色)

Purpose: Dye for product appearance.

Concerns: Generally low toxicity.

Notes: Synthetic colorant.

🧪 Polyoxyalkylene Substituted Chromophore (Blue) / 聚氧化烯烃取代的发色团(蓝色)

Purpose: Dye for product appearance.

Concerns: Generally low toxicity.

Notes: Used to give the detergent its blue tint.

🧪 Alkoxylated Amine Substituted Triaryl Methane / 烷氧基化胺取代的三芳基甲烷

Purpose: Dye/Colorant.

Concerns: Synthetic chemical; potential environmental impact.

Notes: Often used for specific visual branding.

📁 Polymers and Structuring Agents / 聚合物和结构剂

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

Purpose: Soil release and suspension polymer.

Concerns: Slow biodegradation in the environment.

Notes: Prevents dirt from redepositing onto clothes.

🧪 Hydrogenated Castor Oil / 氢化蓖麻油

Purpose: Structuring agent and thickener.

Concerns: Very low toxicity; skin safe.

Notes: Controls the flow/viscosity of the liquid.