Great Value Ultra Dish Liquid, Original

A standard, heavy-duty detergent featuring a powerful blend of sulfates for grease removal, but containing potential allergens like MIT/CMIT and synthetic dyes.

Performance Rating: 4.5

This formulation represents a heavy-duty conventional dish soap. It relies on a powerful trio of anionic surfactants—Sodium C10-16 Alkylbenzene Sulfonate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate—which act synergistically to cut through heavy grease and produce rich, stable foam. The inclusion of Tetrasodium EDTA serves as a chelating agent, ensuring the soap performs consistently well even in hard water conditions. Cocamidopropyl Betaine assists in stabilizing the foam.

Safety Rating: 1.8

The safety profile is low due to several ingredients of concern. Most notably, it contains Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone, which are potent preservatives known to be strong skin sensitizers and allergens. Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) carries a risk of contamination with 1,4-dioxane (a probable carcinogen) depending on manufacturing purity. The generic listing of Fragrance can hide phthalates and other allergens, while Tetrasodium EDTA is persistent in the environment and not readily biodegradable.

Final Rating: 3.1

This is a strictly utilitarian product. While it earns high marks for cleaning efficacy and grease removal, it is penalized significantly for its use of harsh chemicals. It is not recommended for those with sensitive skin or eczema due to the stripping nature of the sulfates and the allergenic potential of the preservatives. It is an effective cleaner, but far from a ‘clean’ label product.

Verdict

This dish soap formulation represents a classic, heavy-duty detergent designed primarily for maximum grease-cutting efficiency. At its core, the ingredient list relies on a robust combination of anionic surfactants, specifically Sodium C10-16 Alkylbenzene Sulfonate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). This “sulfate cocktail” guarantees a rich lather and the ability to strip away oils and stuck-on food particles with ease. While Cocamidopropyl Betaine is included as a milder co-surfactant to arguably soften the blow to the skin, the primary cleaning mechanism is undeniably aggressive, prioritizing shiny plates over soft hands.

To support these cleaning agents, the formula includes Sodium Xylene Sulfonate, a hydrotrope that ensures the solution remains uniform and functions well even in varying water temperatures. The addition of Tetrasodium EDTA is a practical choice for consumers living in areas with hard water, as it binds to minerals that would otherwise reduce the soap’s foaming capability. Citric Acid helps balance the pH, ensuring the product remains stable on the shelf.

However, users should approach this product with caution regarding skin health. The inclusion of unspecified Fragrance and the synthetic dye Blue 1 adds unnecessary chemical load that offers no cleaning benefit, serving only aesthetic purposes. More concerning is the presence of Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (often referred to as MIT/CMIT). While these are highly effective preservatives that prevent bacterial growth in the bottle, they are well-documented contact allergens. For individuals with compromised skin barriers or known sensitivities, these ingredients can trigger dermatitis or itchy rashes after prolonged exposure.

Ultimately, this product is a workhorse cleaner suitable for tackling the aftermath of a greasy heavy meal. It is not designed for the eco-conscious consumer or those seeking a hypoallergenic experience. If you prioritize cleaning power above all else and do not suffer from skin sensitivities, this will perform admirably. However, if you wash dishes frequently without gloves, the combination of strong sulfates and sensitizing preservatives suggests you should look for a gentler alternative.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Base / 基础成分

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent; serves as the liquid base for the formula.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Universal solvent used to dissolve other ingredients.

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

🧪 Sodium C10-16 Alkylbenzene Sulfonate / C10-16 烷基苯磺酸钠

Purpose: Anionic surfactant that breaks down grease and dirt.

Concerns: Can be drying to the skin; environmental persistence varies.

Notes: A workhorse ingredient for cutting grease.

🧪 Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Surfactant and foaming agent.

Concerns: Potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane (a carcinogen) during manufacturing, though usually monitored.

Notes: Milder than SLS; provides rich lather.

🧪 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) / 月桂醇硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Strong surfactant and cleaning agent.

Concerns: Known skin irritant if left on skin for prolonged periods.

Notes: Highly effective cleaner and foam producer.

🧪 Cocamidopropyl Betaine / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱

Purpose: Amphoteric surfactant; boosts foam and thickens formula.

Concerns: Generally mild, but impurities created during manufacturing can cause allergic reactions.

Notes: Often added to reduce the harshness of other sulfates.

📁 Viscosity Modifiers & Stabilizers / 粘度调节剂与稳定剂

🧪 Sodium Xylene Sulfonate / 二甲苯磺酸钠

Purpose: Hydrotrope; helps ensure all ingredients stay dissolved and mixed.

Concerns: Low concern; generally considered safe.

Notes: Prevents the formula from separating.

🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠(食盐)

Purpose: Viscosity adjuster; thickens the soap.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Simple table salt used to create the desired gel texture.

📁 Functional Additives / 功能性添加剂

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH adjuster.

Concerns: May cause eye irritation in concentrated forms.

Notes: Used to balance pH to be closer to neutral or skin-friendly levels.

🧪 Tetrasodium EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸四钠

Purpose: Chelating agent; binds metal ions in hard water.

Concerns: Environmental persistence; enhances penetration of other chemicals.

Notes: Helps the soap foam and clean effectively in hard water.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 Methylisothiazolinone / Methylchloroisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮 / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative to prevent bacterial and fungal growth.

Concerns: Known contact allergen and skin sensitizer.

Notes: Often referred to as Kathon CG; effective in very low concentrations.

📁 Aesthetic Agents / 美感剂(香精色素)

🧪 Fragrance / 香精

Purpose: Adds a pleasant scent.

Concerns: Common cause of allergic dermatitis; exact composition is often proprietary.

Notes: Can contain phthalates unless specified otherwise.

🧪 Blue 1 / 亮蓝 1

Purpose: Synthetic dye.

Concerns: Generally safe; some individuals may have sensitivities.

Notes: Gives the product its blue color.