Member’s Mark Liquid Laundry Detergent, Fresh Scent

This is a highly effective, heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent formulated with an advanced multi-surfactant system and a trio of stain-fighting enzymes to tackle tough soils, brighten fabrics, and leave a fresh scent.

Performance Rating: 9.1

The high rating of 9.1/10 is justified by a powerful and comprehensive cleaning system. It utilizes a robust blend of anionic and nonionic surfactants, including sodium C10-16 alkylbenzenesulfonate, sodium laureth sulfate, and C12-15 alcohols ethoxylated, to tackle tough grease and dirt. The formula is further enhanced by a multi-enzyme cocktail consisting of protease, amylase, and mannanase that targets stubborn protein, starch, and gum-based stains. Additionally, anti-redeposition polymers like polyethyleneimine alkoxylated and sodium polyacrylate prevent soils from settling back onto fabrics, while fluorescent brightener 28 enhances fabric brightness.

Safety Rating: 4.0

The low safety rating of 4.0/10 is primarily driven by the inclusion of highly sensitizing preservatives, specifically methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT), which are notorious skin allergens and common contact dermatitis triggers. The presence of undisclosed fragrances and synthetic colorants further increases the potential for skin irritation. Additionally, ethanolamine derivatives like triethanolamine and ethanolamine pose irritation risks to the skin and eyes, while harsh surfactants like sodium laureth sulfate can strip skin lipids.

Final Rating: 6.5

The final rating of 6.5/10 reflects a stark compromise between exceptional cleaning efficiency and elevated chemical safety risks. While this formulation is an incredibly effective detergent capable of removing the toughest stains and brightening clothes, it contains several harsh skin irritants and strong allergens like MIT/CMIT and fragrances. Consequently, it is an excellent choice for heavy-duty laundry but is not recommended for individuals with sensitive skin, eczema, or allergies.

Verdict

This liquid laundry detergent represents a highly robust, conventional cleaning formula designed to handle heavy-duty laundry challenges with ease. At its core is a powerful combination of anionic and non-ionic surfactants, including sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), sodium C10-16 alkylbenzenesulfonate, and C12-15 alcohols ethoxylated. Together with the foam-boosting C8-18 fatty acid amide MEA, this multi-surfactant system excels at emulsifying oils, lifting stubborn grease, and suspending everyday dirt from fabric fibers. To ensure these surfactants perform at their peak, the formula utilizes effective water softeners and builders such as sodium citrate, MEA-citrate, and the eco-friendly chelator tetrasodium iminodisuccinate. These components bind hard-water minerals, allowing the washing agents to penetrate deeply and clean effectively. What elevates this detergent into the premium performance category is its advanced trio of active enzymes: protease, amylase, and mannanase. These enzymes specifically target and chemically break down tough organic stains—protease digests protein-based soils like blood and grass, amylase tackles starches and food spills, and mannanase targets stubborn guar gum and cosmetic residues. Backed by calcium chloride for enzyme stability, this blend ensures exceptional stain removal. Additionally, polymers like polyethyleneimine alkoxylated and sodium polyacrylate function as highly efficient anti-redeposition agents, keeping suspended soils trapped in the wash water so they do not settle back onto clean garments. Meanwhile, fluorescent brightener 28 sodium salt coats fibers to absorb UV light and emit a subtle blue glow, making whites appear dramatically brighter. Despite its exceptional cleaning prowess, this formulation has clear drawbacks for certain users. The inclusion of methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT) and methylisothiazolinone (MIT) as preservatives is a potential red flag. While these chemicals are highly effective at preventing bacterial growth in liquid formulas, they are well-documented skin sensitizers and contact allergens. When combined with synthetic fragrances and colorants, this detergent carries a higher risk of triggering contact dermatitis, redness, or itching. Therefore, while it is an absolute powerhouse for busy households dealing with heavily soiled clothes, it is not suitable for those with compromised skin barriers, eczema, or chemical sensitivities.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Surfactants / 表面活性剂

🧪 C12-15 alcohols ethoxylated / C12-15 醇聚氧乙烯醚

Purpose: Non-ionic surfactant that helps loosen and remove dirt, grease, and oily stains from fabrics.

Concerns: Can cause eye and skin irritation in concentrated forms. Generally safe when diluted in wash water, but has environmental aquatic toxicity concerns if not properly treated.

Notes: Highly effective in a wide range of water temperatures.

🧪 sodium laureth sulfate / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Anionic surfactant that creates foam and helps remove greasy soils and dirt.

Concerns: May be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane (a suspected carcinogen) during manufacturing, though modern purification processes minimize this. Can be irritating to sensitive skin.

Notes: A very common foaming agent used across personal care and household cleaning products.

🧪 sodium C10-16 alkylbenzenesulfonate / C10-16 烷基苯磺酸钠

Purpose: High-performing anionic surfactant used for removing everyday dirt, clay, and oily stains.

Concerns: Can be highly irritating to skin and eyes in its raw form. Biodegradable but can be toxic to aquatic life.

Notes: One of the most widely used surfactants in laundry detergents worldwide due to its cost-effectiveness and powerful cleaning properties.

🧪 C8-18 fatty acid amide MEA / C8-18 脂肪酸单乙醇酰胺

Purpose: Foam booster and viscosity modifier; helps stabilize foam and thicken the liquid formula.

Concerns: Can contain traces of monoethanolamine (MEA) or diethanolamine (DEA) impurities. DEA is associated with potential carcinogenic risks.

Notes: Often derived from natural sources like coconut or palm kernel oil.

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

🧪 sodium citrate / 柠檬酸钠

Purpose: Water softener (builder) and pH buffer; binds to calcium and magnesium ions in hard water to prevent them from interfering with surfactant performance.

Concerns: Very low toxicity, highly biodegradable, and generally considered very safe for both human health and the environment.

Notes: Derived from citric acid; a preferred eco-friendly alternative to phosphates.

🧪 tetrasodium iminodisuccinate / 亚氨基二琥珀酸四钠

Purpose: Eco-friendly chelating agent and builder that binds heavy metal ions and softens water.

Concerns: Extremely low toxicity, non-irritating at typical use levels, and safe for the environment.

Notes: Readily biodegradable, often used as a green alternative to EDTA or phosphonates.

🧪 MEA-citrate / 单乙醇胺柠檬酸盐

Purpose: Builder and pH buffer; helps soften water and maintain the optimal alkaline pH for cleaning.

Concerns: Mild irritation potential; MEA can be irritating to skin and respiratory tract in high concentrations.

Notes: Formed by neutralizing citric acid with monoethanolamine (MEA).

📁 Solvents, pH Adjusters & Stabilizers / 溶剂、pH调节剂与稳定剂

🧪 water / 水

Purpose: Main solvent and liquid carrier that dissolves all other ingredients.

Concerns: No known health or environmental concerns.

Notes: Deionized or purified water is typically used to ensure product stability and prevent mineral interactions.

🧪 triethanolamine / 三乙醇胺

Purpose: pH adjuster and surfactant stabilizer; neutralizes acids to maintain the detergent’s alkaline balance.

Concerns: Can form nitrosamines (suspected carcinogens) if exposed to nitrosating agents. May cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Notes: Commonly used in low concentrations in liquid detergents.

🧪 ethanolamine / 乙醇胺

Purpose: Alkaline neutralizing agent and pH adjuster; works with fatty acids to form soaps in-situ and buffers the pH.

Concerns: Strong skin and respiratory irritant in raw form. Safe at diluted levels, but can cause contact allergies.

Notes: Often used in liquid detergents to neutralize anionic surfactants like alkylbenzene sulfonic acid.

🧪 calcium chloride / 氯化钙

Purpose: Enzyme stabilizer; provides calcium ions which are essential to maintain the structural stability and activity of enzymes in liquid formulas.

Concerns: Low hazard at typical formulation levels; can be irritating in concentrated dust form.

Notes: Simple inorganic salt.

📁 Performance Enhancers & Polymers / 性能提升剂与聚合物

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

Purpose: Soil release polymer and anti-redeposition agent; prevents suspended dirt in the wash water from settling back onto fabrics.

Concerns: May persist in the environment (poor biodegradability). Low acute toxicity to humans.

Notes: Often used in premium detergents to boost stain removal and maintain fabric brightness over multiple washes.

🧪 sodium polyacrylate / 聚丙烯酸钠

Purpose: Dispersing agent and anti-redeposition polymer; keeps dirt suspended in water and prevents limescale buildup.

Concerns: Poorly biodegradable, though it is removed during wastewater treatment by settling into sludge. Low toxicity to humans.

Notes: Also acts as a thickener and rheology modifier for liquid detergents.

🧪 fluorescent brightener 28 sodium salt / 荧光增白剂 28 钠盐

Purpose: Optical brightener; absorbs ultraviolet light and emits blue light, making white fabrics appear brighter and yellowing less noticeable.

Concerns: Can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It is highly persistent in the environment and may bioaccumulate or impact aquatic ecosystems.

Notes: Does not actually clean clothes, but alters how light reflects off them to create a visual illusion of cleanliness.

📁 Enzymes / 酶制剂

🧪 protease enzyme / 蛋白酶

Purpose: Targets and breaks down protein-based stains such as blood, grass, milk, and baby food.

Concerns: Can be a respiratory sensitizer if inhaled as a dust (primarily a risk during manufacturing). Can cause skin irritation on prolonged contact.

Notes: Highly effective at lower wash temperatures, contributing to energy-saving cold-water washes.

🧪 amylase enzyme / 淀粉酶

Purpose: Breaks down starch-based stains like gravy, chocolate, pasta sauces, and baby food.

Concerns: Potential allergen/sensitizer upon inhalation (manufacturing risk); generally safe for consumers when formulated into liquid.

Notes: Helps keep fabrics looking clean by removing invisible starch residues that attract dirt.

🧪 mannanase enzyme / 甘露聚糖酶

Purpose: Breaks down mannan-based stains from food thickeners and stabilizers commonly found in ice cream, salad dressings, and cosmetics.

Concerns: Similar to other enzymes, can act as a mild irritant or respiratory sensitizer under specific exposure conditions.

Notes: Targets tough, sticky, and often colorless food stains that trap dirt.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Broad-spectrum preservative that prevents bacterial and fungal growth, extending the product’s shelf life.

Concerns: A well-known skin sensitizer and allergen that can trigger contact dermatitis or eczema.

Notes: Strictly regulated in leave-on and rinse-off cosmetics, but still commonly used in household products.

🧪 methylchloroisothiazolinone / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Strong preservative used in combination with MIT to prevent microbial contamination.

Concerns: Highly sensitizing to the skin and can cause contact allergies. Highly toxic to aquatic life.

Notes: Usually kept at very low parts-per-million (ppm) levels in laundry detergents to minimize skin irritation risks.

📁 Aesthetics / 美学与感官调理剂

🧪 fragrances / 香精

Purpose: Masks chemical odors and imparts a pleasant scent to the detergent and washed laundry.

Concerns: One of the leading causes of skin sensitization and allergic reactions. Many individual fragrance ingredients do not need to be disclosed on the label.

Notes: Can contain synthetic compounds or natural essential oils.

🧪 colorants / 着色剂

Purpose: Adds visual appeal to the detergent liquid and helps differentiate product variants.

Concerns: Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals; some synthetic dyes have environmental persistence issues.

Notes: Purely aesthetic and serves no functional cleaning purpose.