This is a minimalist, fragrance-free liquid laundry detergent formulated with a blend of dual surfactants, a biodegradable water softener, and anti-redeposition agents, making it an excellent choice for sensitive skin and standard/HE washing machines.
The formulation earns a 7.5/10 performance rating due to its solid foundation of cleaning agents. The combination of C12-15 alcohols ethoxylated (a nonionic surfactant) and sodium laureth sulfate (an anionic surfactant) provides effective removal of both greasy and particulate soils. This is supported by sodium carbonate and tetrasodium iminodisuccinate, which act as builders to soften hard water and maximize surfactant efficiency, while sodium polyacrylate prevents soil redeposition on fabrics. However, the lack of stain-fighting enzymes (such as protease or amylase) prevents this detergent from reaching a top-tier performance level.
A 7.4/10 safety rating is assigned because the formula balances relatively safe ingredients with a few potential irritants. While it features tetrasodium iminodisuccinate, an eco-friendly and biodegradable chelating agent, it also contains sodium laureth sulfate, which can be irritating to sensitive skin. Additionally, sodium carbonate increases alkalinity and can cause mild irritation, while benzisothiazolinone is a synthetic preservative known to be a skin sensitizer that may trigger allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
The final rating of 7.5/10 represents a highly competent, mid-range detergent that strikes a good balance between efficacy and safety. It delivers reliable daily cleaning power using a proven surfactant-builder system, though it falls short of premium status due to the absence of enzymes. On the safety front, it maintains a respectable profile by incorporating biodegradable ingredients, though consumers with sensitive skin should remain cautious of the potential irritants and the preservative benzisothiazolinone.
This ingredient profile represents the foundation of a highly effective, fragrance-free liquid laundry detergent—most notably recognized as the classic formulation for all® free clear. By entirely omitting artificial dyes, masking fragrances, and essential oils, this formula drastically lowers the risk of contact allergies, making it a staple for households with sensitive skin. The cleaning power is driven by a balanced surfactant system consisting of C12-15 alcohols ethoxylated (a nonionic surfactant) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES, an anionic surfactant). While SLES sometimes draws caution, it is chemically distinct from the harsher sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS); SLES provides dense, soil-lifting foam while being far gentler on both fabric fibers and human skin. The supporting ingredients are exceptionally well-thought-out. Sodium carbonate (washing soda) provides the necessary alkaline buffer to break down acidic organic stains like sweat and grease. Meanwhile, tetrasodium iminodisuccinate acts as a modern, highly biodegradable chelating agent. This represents a significant environmental upgrade over traditional EDTA, effectively binding hard water minerals (like calcium and magnesium) so they do not interfere with the active cleansers. To keep clothes looking vibrant, sodium polyacrylate acts as an anti-redeposition agent, keeping suspended dirt trapped in the wash water so it does not settle back onto fabrics during the rinse cycle. Additionally, sodium cocoate, a soap derived from coconut oil, helps regulate foam levels to ensure compatibility with high-efficiency (HE) washing machines. Despite these sensitive-skin credentials, users should be aware of a few specific chemical choices. The formula contains benzisothiazolinone (BIT), a synthetic biocide used to prevent bacterial and fungal spoilage in the bottle. While necessary for shelf life, BIT is a recognized skin sensitizer and contact allergen for a small subset of the population. Furthermore, purists seeking a 100% plant-derived, USDA-certified biobased product may object to the inclusion of synthetic petroleum-derived polymers like sodium polyacrylate and ethoxylated surfactants. In conclusion, this detergent represents a stellar, clinically sound compromise between industrial-strength stain removal and skin-conscious formulation. It is highly efficient in both hot and cold water, works flawlessly in HE machines, and remains one of the most reliable options on the market for keeping clothes thoroughly clean without triggering flare-ups of eczema or psoriasis.
🧪 water / 水
Purpose: Acts as a liquid carrier and solvent to dissolve and disperse other ingredients.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Essential base component of liquid detergents.
🧪 C12-15 alcohols ethoxylated / C12-15 醇聚氧乙烯醚
Purpose: Nonionic surfactant that helps lift oil, grease, and dirt from fabrics.
Concerns: Can cause skin and eye irritation in high concentrations; toxic to aquatic organisms.
Notes: Highly effective at removing oily stains and fully biodegradable.
🧪 sodium laureth sulfate / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠
Purpose: Anionic surfactant providing excellent cleaning power and foaming action.
Concerns: Potential skin and eye irritation; risk of trace contamination with 1,4-dioxane during ethoxylation.
Notes: Commonly known as SLES, widely used in household cleaners.
🧪 sodium cocoate / 椰油酸钠
Purpose: Soap derived from coconut oil, used as a surfactant, cleaning agent, and foam regulator.
Concerns: Generally safe with very low toxicity; mild skin irritant in concentrated forms.
Notes: Bio-based and readily biodegradable ingredient.
🧪 sodium carbonate / 碳酸钠
Purpose: Builder and pH adjuster that increases alkalinity to improve cleaning efficiency and softens water.
Concerns: Highly alkaline, which can cause skin and eye irritation in concentrated forms.
Notes: Also known as washing soda or soda ash.
🧪 tetrasodium iminodisuccinate / 亚氨基二琥珀酸四钠
Purpose: Biodegradable chelating agent that binds calcium and magnesium ions to prevent them from interfering with surfactant performance.
Concerns: Very low toxicity and considered environmentally safe.
Notes: An eco-friendly alternative to traditional chelating agents like EDTA or NTA.
🧪 sodium polyacrylate / 聚丙烯酸钠
Purpose: Dispersing agent and anti-redeposition agent that keeps suspended soil from resettling onto clean clothes during the wash.
Concerns: Not readily biodegradable, though it has very low toxicity and is generally safe.
Notes: Enhances overall detergent efficiency by preventing graying of fabrics.
🧪 benzisothiazolinone / 苯并异噻唑啉酮
Purpose: Isothiazolinone-based preservative that prevents bacterial and fungal growth in the liquid formulation.
Concerns: Known skin sensitizer that can cause contact dermatitis and allergic reactions; toxic to aquatic life.
Notes: Often abbreviated as BIT; used in low concentrations to ensure product shelf life.