Gain Original Liquid Laundry Detergent

This is a high-performance, heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent formulated with a powerful blend of surfactants, triple enzymes, and soil-suspension polymers to tackle stubborn stains and brighten fabrics.

Performance Rating: 9.4

This formula achieves an outstanding performance score due to a heavy-duty combination of surfactants, enzymes, and polymers. Key cleaning agents like Sodium and MEA C10-16 Alkylbenzenesulfonate, C10-16 Alketh, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) work synergistically to lift grease and organic soils. The addition of active enzymes—Subtilisin for proteins, Amylase for starches, and Cellulase for fabric smoothing—ensures deep stain removal. Furthermore, performance is boosted by soil-dispersing Polyethyleneimines alkoxylated and water-softening chelators like Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate and citrates, making it highly effective even in hard water.

Safety Rating: 4.6

The low safety rating is driven by multiple ingredients known for irritation, sensitization, and toxicity. Surfactants like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and linear alkylbenzene sulfonate are notorious skin and eye irritants. The formulation also contains Benzisothiazolinone (BIT), a potent synthetic preservative linked to contact dermatitis, and undisclosed Fragrances which are common allergens. Additionally, the inclusion of Sodium Borate raises health concerns due to its association with reproductive and developmental toxicity, while Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) poses a risk of trace contamination with the carcinogen 1,4-dioxane.

Final Rating: 7.0

With a final score of 7.0, this detergent is a highly potent cleaner that sacrifices ingredient safety for maximum efficacy. Its exceptional stain-fighting ability is powered by a robust mix of enzymes and harsh anionic surfactants. However, because it contains several well-known allergens, strong skin irritants, and developmental toxins, it is not suitable for individuals with sensitive skin, eczema, or those seeking a more eco-friendly, hypoallergenic product.

Verdict

This liquid laundry detergent represents a highly effective, premium-tier cleaning formula designed to tackle a wide variety of tough laundry challenges. At its core, the formulation relies on a robust combination of anionic and nonionic surfactants, including Sodium and MEA C10-16 Alkylbenzenesulfonate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), and C10-16 Alketh. This surfactant system works synergistically to break down oily, greasy soils and lift them from fabric fibers. It is further enhanced by C10-16 Alkyldimethylamine Oxide to boost foaming and overall cleaning power. What elevates this detergent into the high-performance category is its triple-enzyme system consisting of Subtilisin (protease), Amylase, and Cellulase. Subtilisin targets protein-based stains like blood, grass, and sweat, while amylase breaks down starch-based stains from foods like pasta and sauces. Cellulase plays a dual role; it not only removes tiny fabric pills to make cotton garments look newer but also aids in overall color care. These enzymes are kept stable and active in the bottle through a sophisticated stabilization matrix of Sodium Borate, Calcium Formate, and Sodium Formate. To prevent dirt from redepositing onto cleaned clothes, the formula incorporates alkoxylated polyethyleneimines, which trap suspended soil in the wash water. Water-softening chelators like Sodium Citrate and Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate assist in neutralizing hard water minerals, ensuring the surfactants work at peak efficiency regardless of your water quality. However, this advanced cleaning power comes with a few caveats. The inclusion of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Benzisothiazolinone (BIT), and synthetic fragrances and dyes means this detergent is not ideal for those with highly sensitive skin, eczema, or fragrance allergies. It is a powerful synthetic powerhouse designed for deep cleaning, but it may cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. In conclusion, this is an industry-standard, heavy-duty detergent that will reliably clean heavily soiled garments, restore brightness, and keep whites and colors looking vibrant. It is perfect for active households dealing with stubborn stains, but individuals with sensitive skin should opt for a gentler, dye-free, and fragrance-free alternative.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 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: Anionic surfactant that acts as the primary cleaning agent to remove dirt and oily stains.

Concerns: Can cause skin and eye irritation; harmful to aquatic life.

Notes: A highly effective and widely used detergent surfactant.

🧪 C10-16 Alketh / C10-16烷醇聚醚

Purpose: Nonionic surfactant that emulsifies oils and greasy stains.

Concerns: May cause mild skin and eye irritation; potential trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane from processing.

Notes: Also known as C10-16 alcohol ethoxylate, excellent for lifting grease.

🧪 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate / 十二烷基硫酸钠

Purpose: Anionic surfactant used for high-foaming cleaning and lathering.

Concerns: Known skin and eye irritant, especially at higher concentrations.

Notes: Commonly abbreviated as SLS, very effective at stripping oil.

🧪 Sodium Laureth Sulfate / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Anionic surfactant that acts as a gentle foaming and cleaning agent.

Concerns: Can cause skin/eye irritation; risk of 1,4-dioxane contamination from manufacturing.

Notes: Commonly known as SLES, slightly milder than SLS.

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

Purpose: Amphoteric/nonionic surfactant that stabilizes foam and boosts cleaning efficiency.

Concerns: Can cause serious eye damage and skin irritation; toxic to aquatic life.

Notes: Acts as a co-surfactant to improve overall formula performance.

📁 Solvents and Carriers / 溶剂与载体

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Liquid carrier and primary solvent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Dissolves and distributes all other active ingredients evenly.

🧪 Propylene Glycol / 丙二醇

Purpose: Solvent and viscosity controller.

Concerns: Low toxicity, but can cause mild irritation in highly sensitive skin.

Notes: Helps maintain formula stability and prevents separation.

🧪 Alcohol / 乙醇

Purpose: Solvent and viscosity adjuster.

Concerns: In concentrated form, it is drying and flammable, but safe in consumer formulations.

Notes: Aids in formula clarity and quick drying.

📁 Builders, pH Adjusters, and Chelators / 助洗剂、pH调节剂及螯合剂

🧪 Sodium and MEA citrate / 柠檬酸钠和单乙醇胺盐

Purpose: Water softener (builder) and pH buffer.

Concerns: Very low safety concern; mild eye irritation in high amounts.

Notes: Binds to hard water minerals to allow surfactants to clean more effectively.

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

Purpose: Chelating agent.

Concerns: Low toxicity, mild eye and skin irritant.

Notes: A plant-derived, biodegradable alternative to EDTA.

🧪 Ethanolamine / 单乙醇胺

Purpose: pH adjuster and alkaline builder.

Concerns: Highly corrosive in concentrated form; risk of forming nitrosamines if formulated improperly.

Notes: Neutralizes acidic soils and maintains optimal wash pH.

🧪 Sodium Borate / 硼酸钠

Purpose: Enzyme stabilizer and pH buffer.

Concerns: Potential reproductive toxicity at very high exposure levels (listed as an SVHC in Europe).

Notes: Critical for keeping cleaning enzymes stable and active in liquid state.

📁 Enzymes / 酶制剂

🧪 Subtilisin / 枯草杆菌蛋白酶

Purpose: Protease enzyme that targets and breaks down protein-based stains like grass, blood, and food.

Concerns: Can be a respiratory sensitizer if inhaled (mostly a manufacturing worker concern); skin irritant.

Notes: Extremely effective at stain removal in lower water temperatures.

🧪 Amylase enzyme / 淀粉酶

Purpose: Enzyme that targets and breaks down starch-based stains like pasta and gravy.

Concerns: Potential respiratory sensitizer upon inhalation; mild skin irritant.

Notes: Prevents dirt from sticking to starches on the fabric.

🧪 Cellulase Enzyme / 纤维素酶

Purpose: Enzyme that shears away damaged microfibrils from cotton fabrics.

Concerns: Potential respiratory sensitizer; low risk of skin irritation.

Notes: Prevents pilling, restores color brightness, and keeps clothes soft.

📁 Polymeric Stabilizers, Structurants, and Auxiliaries / 高分子稳定、结构与辅助助剂

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

Purpose: Soil release polymer and anti-redeposition agent.

Concerns: Low acute toxicity; potential long-term environmental persistence depending on formulation.

Notes: Suspends dirt in wash water so it doesn’t settle back onto clean fabrics.

🧪 Sodium Cumenesulfonate / 枯烯磺酸钠

Purpose: Hydrotrope and processing aid.

Concerns: Mild skin and eye irritant.

Notes: Prevents formula separation under extreme cold or heat.

🧪 Hydrogenated Castor Oil / 氢化蓖麻油

Purpose: Structurant and viscosity modifier.

Concerns: Highly safe, biodegradable, and low toxicity.

Notes: Gives the liquid detergent its desired thickness and smooth feel.

🧪 Calcium formate / 甲酸钙

Purpose: Enzyme stabilizer.

Concerns: Low toxicity; concentrated powder can cause eye irritation.

Notes: Supplies calcium ions necessary to keep enzymes active during shelf-life.

🧪 Sodium Formate / 甲酸钠

Purpose: Enzyme stabilizer and buffering agent.

Concerns: Low toxicity; mild irritant.

Notes: Works in tandem with calcium formate to stabilize enzymes.

📁 Preservatives, Fragrances, and Colorants / 防腐剂、香精及着色剂

🧪 Benzisothiazolinone / 苯并异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative / biocide.

Concerns: Known skin sensitizer and allergen; highly toxic to aquatic organisms.

Notes: Commonly abbreviated as BIT, prevents bacterial and mold growth.

🧪 Fragrances / 香精

Purpose: Adds pleasant scent to the detergent and clothes.

Concerns: Common cause of allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, and respiratory sensitivity.

Notes: Proprietary blend of various synthetic or natural scent chemicals.

🧪 Polyoxyalkylene Substituted Chromophore (yellow) / 聚氧烯烃取代发色团(黄色)

Purpose: Polymeric colorant / yellow dye.

Concerns: Low toxicological hazard, but synthetic dye that may persist in wastewater.

Notes: Modified with polyoxyalkylene to be water-soluble and non-staining.

🧪 Polyoxyalkylene Substituted Chromophore (Blue) / 聚氧烯烃取代发色团(蓝色)

Purpose: Polymeric colorant / blue dye.

Concerns: Low toxicological hazard; persistent in the environment.

Notes: Provides the characteristic blue/green hue of many liquid detergents.

🧪 Alkoxylated Amine Substituted Triaryl Methane / 烷氧基胺取代三芳基甲烷

Purpose: Polymeric dye / colorant.

Concerns: Low acute toxicity, but synthetic petrochemical dye that does not biodegrade easily.

Notes: Acts as a wash-fast blue/violet dye that prevents staining on fabric.