Member’s Mark Plant Based Liquid Laundry Detergent, Lavender

A high-performance laundry detergent that combines a triple-enzyme blend with biodegradable chelants to provide a deep clean against tough organic stains and hard water minerals.

Performance Rating: 4.3

The product features a highly effective multi-enzyme complex consisting of protease, amylase, and mannanase, which target a wide range of stains including proteins, starches, and food gums. The surfactant system, combining Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and C12-14 alcohols ethoxylated, provides robust cleaning power against oils and grime. Additionally, the inclusion of trisodium dicarboxymethyl alaninate and sodium citrate serves as powerful chelating agents that enhance performance in hard water by preventing mineral interference.

Safety Rating: 2.4

The formula contains a ‘trio’ of isothiazolinone preservatives: Benzisothiazolinone (BIT), Methylisothiazolinone (MIT), and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT). These ingredients are potent skin sensitizers and are frequently associated with allergic contact dermatitis. The presence of fragrance and limonene further increases the risk for individuals with chemical sensitivities, despite the surfactants being standard industry components.

Final Rating: 3.4

Overall, this is a top-tier cleaning formulation that will likely outperform many budget detergents due to its enzyme-rich profile and high-quality builders. However, the reliance on aggressive preservative systems (MIT/CMIT) significantly lowers its appeal for households prioritizing skin safety or ‘clean’ ingredient labels. It is an excellent choice for heavy-duty laundry but should be used with caution by those with sensitive skin.

Verdict

This liquid laundry detergent represents a powerful cleaning solution that blends traditional surfactants with modern biotechnology. At its core, the formula utilizes Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and C12-14 alcohols ethoxylated, which provide robust degreasing and soil suspension capabilities. The addition of sodium cocoate helps regulate suds, making it suitable for both standard and high-efficiency (HE) washing machines. What sets this product apart is its triple-enzyme system consisting of protease, amylase, and mannanase. These enzymes target a wide spectrum of difficult stains, from protein-based blood and grass to starchy food residues and thickened sauces or cosmetics containing gums. The inclusion of Trisodium dicarboxymethyl alaninate serves as a modern, biodegradable chelating agent that boosts performance in hard water by sequestering minerals, ensuring that the surfactants remain effective. However, the preservation system is a point of significant consideration. The combination of Methylisothiazolinone (MIT), Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT), and Benzisothiazolinone (BIT) provides excellent shelf stability and protection against microbial growth, but these specific ingredients are well-known skin sensitizers. While they are rinsed away during the wash cycle, individuals with atopic dermatitis or pre-existing sensitivities to the isothiazolinone mix may experience adverse reactions. Furthermore, the presence of fragrance and limonene adds a pleasant scent but introduces additional potential allergens. The sodium polyacrylate acts as an effective anti-redeposition agent, keeping loosened dirt in the water and away from the fabric, while calcium chloride ensures the enzymes remain stable until they are activated in the wash. This is a highly technical formulation that offers superior cleaning power for tough loads. It successfully manages the challenges of hard water and diverse stain types. However, its reliance on a trio of isothiazolinone preservatives means it is not the most gentle option on the market. In addition to the surfactants and enzymes, the use of sodium citrate provides a natural way to adjust the pH and further assist in mineral management. This ensures that the water chemistry is optimized for the protease and amylase to break down large molecules into smaller, water-soluble pieces. The mannanase is a premium inclusion often found in top-tier brands, specifically targeting the guar gums used as thickeners in food and cosmetics, which often create invisible stains that attract dirt over time. For the average consumer with no known skin issues, this detergent will provide exceptional results and keep fabrics looking vibrant. For those with compromised skin barriers, the heavy reliance on synthetic preservatives and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate suggests a need for caution or an extra rinse cycle to ensure all residues are thoroughly removed from the textile fibers.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 water / 水

Purpose: Dissolves other ingredients and acts as a carrier

Concerns: None

Notes: The primary liquid base for the laundry detergent

📁 Surfactants / 表面活性剂

🧪 sodium lauryl sulfate / 十二烷基硫酸钠

Purpose: Anionic surfactant for removing oils and organic soils

Concerns: Known to cause skin irritation in some individuals

Notes: Highly effective cleaner common in household products

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

Purpose: Non-ionic surfactant for emulsifying grease and dirt

Concerns: Potential aquatic toxicity

Notes: Effective even at lower water temperatures

🧪 sodium cocoate / 椰油酸钠

Purpose: Soap-based cleaning agent and foam regulator

Concerns: Minimal; generally safe

Notes: Derived from the fatty acids found in coconut oil

📁 Builders and Chelating Agents / 助洗剂和螯合剂

🧪 sodium citrate / 柠檬酸钠

Purpose: Water softener and pH buffer

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps surfactants work effectively by sequestering hard water minerals

🧪 trisodium dicarboxymethyl alaninate / 甲基甘氨酸二乙酸三钠

Purpose: Chelating agent to prevent mineral scale

Concerns: None

Notes: A highly biodegradable and eco-friendly alternative to EDTA

📁 Enzymes / 酶

🧪 protease enzyme / 蛋白酶

Purpose: Breaks down protein-based stains like blood and grass

Concerns: Potential respiratory allergen

Notes: Commonly used in ‘bio’ detergents for heavy-duty cleaning

🧪 amylase enzyme / 淀粉酶

Purpose: Targets starch-based stains like chocolate or pasta

Concerns: Potential respiratory allergen

Notes: Effective against a wide range of food-based soils

🧪 mannanase enzyme / 甘露聚糖酶

Purpose: Degrades guar gum and mannan-based food thickeners

Concerns: Potential respiratory allergen

Notes: Effective against stains from ice cream, sauces, and makeup

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 benzisothiazolinone / 苯并异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Antimicrobial preservative to prevent spoilage

Concerns: May cause skin sensitization or allergic reactions

Notes: Commonly abbreviated as BIT

🧪 methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Broad-spectrum preservative for shelf-life stability

Concerns: Strong potential for contact dermatitis and skin allergy

Notes: Concentration is strictly regulated in many regions

🧪 methylchloroisothiazolinone / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative to inhibit growth of bacteria and fungi

Concerns: Known skin allergen

Notes: Usually used in a mixture with methylisothiazolinone

📁 Stabilizers and Additives / 稳定剂和添加剂

🧪 sodium polyacrylate / 聚丙烯酸钠

Purpose: Anti-redeposition agent and thickener

Concerns: Low biodegradability and environmental persistence

Notes: Prevents dirt from re-attaching to fabrics during the wash cycle

🧪 calcium chloride / 氯化钙

Purpose: Stabilizer for enzymes in liquid formulations

Concerns: None

Notes: Ensures enzymes remain active while sitting on the shelf

📁 Fragrances / 香精

🧪 fragrance / 香精

Purpose: Provides a pleasant scent to the detergent and laundry

Concerns: Can trigger asthma or skin allergies in sensitive users

Notes: Often a complex proprietary blend of chemicals

🧪 limonene / 柠檬烯

Purpose: Fragrance component and natural solvent

Concerns: Skin sensitizer if the product becomes oxidized

Notes: Found naturally in the rinds of citrus fruits