Great Value Ultimate Fresh Laundry Detergent, Original Clean

This is a high-efficiency, enzyme-powered liquid laundry detergent formulated with deep-cleaning surfactants, stain-targeting enzymes, and biodegradable chelating agents designed to provide an intensive clean and bright finish for everyday laundry.

Performance Rating: 8.7

This formulation achieves a strong 8.7/10 performance rating due to its robust blend of cleaning agents. The combination of anionic and non-ionic surfactants, including Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), C12-15 Alcohols Ethoxylated, and Sodium C10-16 Alkylbenzenesulfonate, provides exceptional grease, oil, and dirt removal. The inclusion of Protease and Amylase enzymes ensures targeted breakdown of tough protein and starch-based stains. Performance is further boosted by Sodium Citrate and Tetrasodium Iminodisuccinate acting as water-softening builders, while Sodium Polyacrylate and dehydrated starch polymers prevent soil redeposition. Finally, Fluorescent Brightener 5 enhances fabric brightness, and Calcium Chloride stabilizes the enzymes for long-lasting efficacy.

Safety Rating: 4.2

The low 4.2/10 safety rating is primarily driven by the inclusion of harsh preservatives and potential irritants. Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT) are notorious skin sensitizers and common triggers for contact dermatitis and allergic reactions. Additionally, the presence of undisclosed Fragrances and Colorants raises concerns for skin irritation and respiratory sensitivities. Surfactants like Sodium C10-16 Alkylbenzenesulfonate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) can be harsh on the skin, with SLES carrying a potential risk of 1,4-dioxane contamination during manufacturing. Triethanolamine also presents risks of irritation and potential nitrosamine formation.

Final Rating: 6.4

With a 6.4/10 final rating, this liquid laundry detergent represents a trade-off between outstanding cleaning efficacy and compromised ingredient safety. On one hand, its multi-surfactant system, active enzymes, and optical brighteners make it highly effective at tackling stubborn stains and keeping whites bright. On the other hand, the formulation relies heavily on aggressive preservatives like MIT/CMIT and potential allergens, making it less suitable for individuals with sensitive skin, eczema, or allergies. It is a powerful cleaning product that should be handled with care by those prone to skin sensitivities.

Verdict

This liquid laundry detergent offers a robust, highly effective multi-surfactant cleaning system. It blends potent anionic and non-ionic surfactants—such as Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Sodium C10-16 Alkylbenzenesulfonate, and C12-15 Alcohols Ethoxylated—to penetrate fabric fibers and effectively lift away grease, oil, and ground-in dirt. To complement this, Sodium Cocoate (a coconut-derived soap) is added to naturally regulate lather, ensuring that the formula remains low-sudsing and safe for high-efficiency (HE) as well as traditional washing machines.of the formula’s standout strengths is its active enzyme profile. By incorporating both Protease and Amylase enzymes, the detergent can biochemically target and dissolve stubborn organic stains, such as grass, blood, dairy, and starch-based food spills. These enzymes are stabilized using Calcium Chloride, ensuring they remain highly active in storage. For superior hard-water performance, the detergent features Tetrasodium Iminodisuccinate, an environmentally friendly, readily biodegradable chelating agent. This builder binds hard water minerals, preventing them from interfering with the surfactant cleaning action.ensure laundry comes out looking pristine, the formula integrates advanced anti-redeposition agents, including Sodium Polyacrylate and a specialized starch-dehydrated polymer complex. These ingredients suspend suspended soil in the wash water, preventing dirt from settling back onto clean fabrics. Additionally, Fluorescent Brightener 5 acts as an optical brightener, reflecting blue light to make fabrics appear whiter and more vibrant.its exceptional cleaning prowess, consumers should note the presence of strong chemical preservatives. The detergent uses Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT) to prevent microbial growth. These ingredients are notorious contact allergens and skin sensitizers. When combined with added synthetic fragrances and colorants, the risk of contact dermatitis, itching, and respiratory irritation is notably high for susceptible users., this detergent represents a powerful, performance-driven cleaning solution that excels at removing tough stains and keeping fabrics bright. However, the presence of harsh preservatives, artificial dyes, and synthetic perfumes means that those with sensitive skin should exercise caution or seek a hypoallergenic alternative.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvent / 溶剂

🧪 WATER / 水

Purpose: Solvent and carrier

Concerns: None

Notes: The liquid base that dissolves and distributes other ingredients.

📁 Surfactants / 表面活性剂

🧪 C12-15 ALCOHOLS ETHOXYLATED / C12-15 醇聚氧乙烯醚

Purpose: Nonionic surfactant

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

Notes: Effectively removes oily and greasy soils from fabrics.

🧪 SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Anionic surfactant and foaming agent

Concerns: Can cause skin irritation; potential trace contamination of 1,4-dioxane.

Notes: Highly effective at breaking down grease and oil; creates rich foam.

🧪 SODIUM C10-16 ALKYLBENZENESULFONATE / C10-16 烷基苯磺酸钠

Purpose: Anionic surfactant

Concerns: Skin and eye irritant; toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.

Notes: A workhorse cleansing agent that removes particulate dirt and stains.

🧪 SODIUM COCOATE / 椰油酸钠

Purpose: Anionic surfactant and foam regulator

Concerns: Generally safe; can dry skin in concentrated amounts.

Notes: A soap derived from coconut oil that helps wash away dirt and control excess foaming.

📁 Builders & pH Adjusters / 助洗剂与pH调节剂

🧪 SODIUM CITRATE / 柠檬酸钠

Purpose: Water softener, builder, and pH buffer

Concerns: Minimal; potential mild skin or eye irritation in raw form.

Notes: Binds metal ions in hard water to prevent them from interfering with detergents.

🧪 TRIETHANOLAMINE / 三乙醇胺

Purpose: pH adjuster and surfactant stabilizer

Concerns: Potential skin sensitizer and allergen; can form carcinogenic nitrosamines if combined with nitrites.

Notes: Neutralizes acids to balance pH and helps stabilize the formula.

🧪 TETRASODIUM IMINODISUCCINATE / 亚氨基二琥珀酸四钠

Purpose: Chelating agent

Concerns: Low toxicity; environmentally safe.

Notes: Biodegradable alternative to EDTA that binds calcium and magnesium ions.

📁 Dispersants & Polymers / 分散剂与聚合物

🧪 SODIUM POLYACRYLATE / 聚丙烯酸钠

Purpose: Anti-redeposition agent and dispersant

Concerns: Slowly biodegradable, but has low environmental toxicity.

Notes: Keeps suspended soil from settling back onto fabrics during the wash cycle.

🧪 SYRUPS HYDROLYZED STARCH DEHYDRATED POLYMERS WITH METHACRYLIC ACID AND ALKENYL BENZENE / 水解淀粉脱水糖浆与甲基丙烯酸和烯基苯的聚合物

Purpose: Soil release polymer and anti-redeposition agent

Concerns: Low toxicity.

Notes: A plant-derived hybrid polymer used to suspend soil and prevent soil redeposition.

📁 Enzymes & Stabilizers / 酶及稳定剂

🧪 PROTEASE ENZYME / 蛋白酶

Purpose: Stain remover

Concerns: Can be a respiratory sensitizer in raw form (primarily a manufacturing hazard).

Notes: Target and break down protein-based stains like blood, sweat, and food.

🧪 AMYLASE ENZYME / 淀粉酶

Purpose: Stain remover

Concerns: Can be a respiratory sensitizer in raw form.

Notes: Breaks down starch-based stains like gravy, baby food, and starch paste.

🧪 CALCIUM CHLORIDE / 氯化钙

Purpose: Enzyme stabilizer

Concerns: Irritant in raw form; safe at formulation levels.

Notes: Calcium ions help protect enzymes from degrading in the liquid formulation.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE / 甲基异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Strong skin sensitizer; potential allergen; toxic to aquatic life.

Notes: Used in small amounts to prevent bacterial growth and extend shelf life.

🧪 METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Strong skin sensitizer and contact allergen; toxic to aquatic life.

Notes: Often paired with Methylisothiazolinone to prevent fungal and bacterial growth.

📁 Aesthetics & Performance Additives / 外观与性能添加剂

🧪 FRAGRANCES / 香精

Purpose: Scenting agent

Concerns: Common cause of skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Notes: Provides a pleasant scent to mask chemical odors and freshen laundry.

🧪 COLORANTS / 着色剂

Purpose: Aesthetic dye

Concerns: Certain synthetic dyes can trigger contact allergies in sensitive skin.

Notes: Gives the detergent its signature color.

🧪 FLUORESCENT BRIGHTENER 5 / 荧光增白剂 5

Purpose: Optical brightener

Concerns: Can cause skin irritation in sensitive people; slowly biodegradable.

Notes: Absorbs ultraviolet light and emits blue light, making white fabrics look brighter.