Member’s Mark Plant Based Liquid Laundry Detergent, Lavender

This enzyme-powered liquid laundry detergent delivers robust cleaning action to tackle tough stains but contains strong preservatives and fragrances that may irritate sensitive skin.

Performance Rating: 8.8

The high performance rating of 8.8 is justified by a robust and comprehensive cleaning system. The formulation combines a strong anionic surfactant, sodium lauryl sulfate, with a non-ionic surfactant, C12-14 alcohols ethoxylated, which effectively target both oily and particulate soils. Additionally, it features an advanced triple-enzyme blend (protease, amylase, and mannanase) that actively breaks down tough organic stains such as proteins, starches, and food thickeners. Performance is further boosted by sodium citrate and trisodium dicarboxymethyl alaninate acting as effective chelators to tackle hard water, alongside sodium polyacrylate, which serves as an anti-redeposition agent to prevent loosened dirt from settling back onto fabrics.

Safety Rating: 4.6

The safety rating is limited to 4.6 primarily due to the inclusion of highly sensitizing ingredients. The formula utilizes a combination of isothiazolinone preservatives, including methylisothiazolinone (MIT), methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT), and benzisothiazolinone (BIT). These chemicals are notorious contact allergens and skin sensitizers capable of triggering allergic contact dermatitis. Furthermore, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a well-known skin irritant, and the inclusion of fragrance alongside the allergen limonene increases the likelihood of adverse respiratory and cutaneous reactions for sensitive users.

Final Rating: 6.7

The final rating of 6.7 represents a direct compromise between the detergent’s superior cleaning efficacy and its mediocre safety profile. While consumers can expect excellent stain removal and dirt suspension thanks to the highly effective surfactant and enzyme systems, those with sensitive skin, eczema, or allergies should exercise caution. The presence of harsh preservatives (MIT, CMIT, BIT) and potential irritants like SLS drags down what would otherwise be an outstanding, high-performing product, making it a powerful but potentially irritating choice.

Verdict

This liquid laundry detergent is formulated as a highly effective, heavy-duty cleaning agent designed to combat a wide variety of stubborn stains. Its core cleaning power comes from a potent blend of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and C12-14 alcohols ethoxylated, which work synergistically to lift grease, oil, and ground-in dirt from fabric fibers. Additionally, sodium cocoate (a coconut-derived soap) helps emulsify oily soils, ensuring a thorough, deep wash.

What sets this detergent apart is its advanced multi-enzyme blend, featuring protease, amylase, and mannanase. These bio-active enzymes specifically target and break down complex organic stains such as grass, blood, dairy, starches, and common food thickeners like guar gum. This makes the formula particularly adept at treating stubborn everyday spills, baby food, and heavily soiled garments. The inclusion of sodium citrate and trisodium dicarboxymethyl alaninate serves as an eco-friendly chelating and building system that softens hard water, preventing mineral buildup and allowing the active surfactants to perform at their absolute peak. Furthermore, sodium polyacrylate acts as an anti-redeposition polymer, ensuring that loosened dirt remains suspended in the wash water and does not settle back onto clean fabrics during the cycle.

However, despite its excellent cleaning profile, this formulation presents significant concerns for individuals with sensitive skin, eczema, or allergies. The preservative system relies heavily on isothiazolinones, specifically benzisothiazolinone (BIT), methylisothiazolinone (MI), and methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI). While this combination of preservatives is highly effective at preventing bacterial growth in water-based formulas, they are well-documented contact allergens and skin sensitizers. For many users, repeated exposure to these chemical preservatives can trigger redness, itching, or contact dermatitis.

This sensitivity risk is further compounded by the inclusion of synthetic fragrance and limonene, a volatile citrus allergen known to cause skin irritation when oxidized. Additionally, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) can be stripping and irritating if any microscopic residue remains on the fabric fibers after rinsing.

Ultimately, this detergent is a performance-driven powerhouse for stain removal, making it ideal for active households dealing with heavily soiled clothes, sports gear, and tough outdoor grime. However, those with delicate skin, infants, or known chemical sensitivities should exercise caution and likely opt for a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free alternative that is free from isothiazolinones.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents & Carriers / 溶剂与载体

🧪 water / 水

Purpose: Dissolves other ingredients and acts as a carrier for the detergent formula.

Concerns: None. It is completely safe and non-toxic.

Notes: Formulates the liquid base of the detergent.

📁 Surfactants / 表面活性剂

🧪 sodium lauryl sulfate / 月桂醇硫酸钠

Purpose: Primary anionic surfactant used to break surface tension, create lather, and lift dirt and oils from fabrics.

Concerns: Can cause skin and eye irritation, particularly at high concentrations or for individuals with sensitive skin.

Notes: A highly effective and biodegradable cleaning agent, though frequently associated with skin dryness or irritation.

🧪 C12-14 alcohols ethoxylated / C12-14脂肪醇聚氧乙烯醚

Purpose: Non-ionic surfactant that helps remove greasy stains and soil while stabilizing the detergent formulation.

Concerns: May contain trace manufacturing impurities like 1,4-dioxane or ethylene oxide, which are potential carcinogens.

Notes: Highly effective in cold water and hard water conditions; readily biodegradable.

🧪 sodium cocoate / 椰油酸钠

Purpose: A natural surfactant and soap derived from coconut oil that helps cleanse fabric and control excessive foam.

Concerns: Generally safe with minimal health concerns, though it can cause mild skin irritation in highly concentrated forms.

Notes: An eco-friendly, plant-based, and renewable alternative to synthetic surfactants.

📁 Chelating Agents & Builders / 螯合剂与助洗剂

🧪 sodium citrate / 柠檬酸钠

Purpose: Acts as a builder and water softener by binding to hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium, enhancing washing efficacy.

Concerns: Extremely safe with no major health or environmental concerns.

Notes: Biodegradable, non-toxic, and derived from citric acid.

🧪 trisodium dicarboxymethyl alaninate / 二羧甲基丙氨酸三钠

Purpose: An eco-friendly chelating agent that prevents scale formation and keeps mineral deposits from settling on fabrics and washing machine components.

Concerns: Very low toxicity and highly safe for human health.

Notes: Also known as MGDA, it is a readily biodegradable alternative to traditional chelators like EDTA and phosphates.

📁 Enzymes / 酶制剂

🧪 protease enzyme / 蛋白酶

Purpose: Breaks down protein-based stains such as blood, grass, and food.

Concerns: May cause respiratory irritation if inhaled as dust or aerosol (mostly during manufacturing); can trigger mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Notes: Enables effective stain removal at lower washing temperatures.

🧪 amylase enzyme / 淀粉酶

Purpose: Targets and breaks down starch-based stains such as pasta, gravy, and chocolate.

Concerns: Can act as a potential respiratory allergen when inhaled in occupational environments.

Notes: Boosts cold-water cleaning performance for food stains.

🧪 mannanase enzyme / 甘露聚糖酶

Purpose: Specifically targets and breaks down mannan-based stains, which come from common food thickeners and cosmetics (like guar gum).

Concerns: Potential respiratory allergen, though posing low risk in consumer-ready liquid detergent formulations.

Notes: Highly specific enzyme designed to lift stubborn food stains and prevent fabric graying.

📁 Stabilizers & Dispersants / 稳定剂与分散剂

🧪 sodium polyacrylate / 聚丙烯酸钠

Purpose: Acts as a dispersant and anti-redeposition agent to keep lifted dirt suspended in water, preventing it from settling back onto clothes.

Concerns: Poorly biodegradable in the environment, though generally non-toxic to aquatic life.

Notes: Maintains laundry brightness by preventing soil redeposition.

🧪 calcium chloride / 氯化钙

Purpose: Enzyme stabilizer that prevents enzymes from degrading and losing activity while in liquid storage.

Concerns: Very low hazard in diluted product forms, though the raw powder can cause skin and eye irritation.

Notes: Provides calcium ions essential for the structural stability of the protease enzyme.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 benzisothiazolinone / 苯并异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Synthetic preservative used to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold within the detergent bottle.

Concerns: A known skin sensitizer and contact allergen; can cause allergic contact dermatitis.

Notes: Commonly used in household products in small, regulated quantities to prolong shelf life.

🧪 methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Strong preservative used to protect the formula against microbial contamination.

Concerns: High risk of skin sensitization and contact allergy. Subject to strict concentration limits in many consumer products.

Notes: Widely used but controversial due to its high allergenicity; often used in combination with other preservatives.

🧪 methylchloroisothiazolinone / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Highly effective preservative used to inhibit bacterial and fungal growth, often in combination with methylisothiazolinone.

Concerns: Strong allergen and skin sensitizer that can cause severe skin irritation and contact dermatitis in sensitive people.

Notes: Commonly referred to as CMIT, its use is strictly regulated to minimize allergic reactions.

📁 Fragrances & Allergens / 香精与过敏原

🧪 fragrance / 香精

Purpose: Provides a pleasant scent to the detergent and masks the chemical odors of other ingredients.

Concerns: Often contains a proprietary mixture of chemicals that may trigger asthma, skin allergies, or act as endocrine disruptors.

Notes: One of the leading causes of irritation for individuals with eczema or sensitive skin.

🧪 limonene / 柠檬烯

Purpose: A naturally derived fragrance compound that imparts a citrus scent and can assist as a mild solvent.

Concerns: A recognized skin allergen, especially when oxidized upon exposure to air.

Notes: Commonly found in natural essential oils (like lemon and orange peel); listed separately on ingredient labels because of its allergenic potential.