Tide Ultra OXI Boost High Efficiency Liquid Laundry Detergent

This is a high-performance heavy-duty liquid detergent formulated with a multi-enzyme system and potent surfactants to tackle tough stains and provide deep cleaning.

Performance Rating: 4.7

The formula utilizes a robust multi-surfactant system including LAS, SLS, and MEA Laureth Sulfate, which provides excellent grease and dirt removal. The inclusion of a full enzyme suite (Subtilisin, Amylase, Cellulase, and Mannanase) ensures effectiveness against a wide variety of stains such as protein, starch, and food gums. Additionally, alkoxylated polyethyleneimines act as powerful anti-redeposition agents, while chromophores (cyan and violet) provide a bluing effect to enhance fabric whiteness.

Safety Rating: 3.1

While effective, the formula contains Benzisothiazolinone, a preservative that can cause skin sensitization. Ethanolamine and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate are known irritants that may affect users with sensitive skin or respiratory issues. The presence of synthetic fragrances and polyoxyalkylene substituted chromophores further contributes to a higher potential for allergic reactions compared to ‘free and clear’ alternatives.

Final Rating: 4.1

This is a premium-tier detergent that prioritizes cleaning efficacy above all else. Its advanced chemical engineering provides professional-grade results on tough stains and fabric care through a synergistic blend of surfactants and enzymes. However, it is not ideal for those with sensitive skin or those seeking a minimalist chemical profile, as it relies heavily on synthetic builders, stabilizers, and preservatives.

Verdict

This detergent represents a highly effective, professional-grade cleaning solution designed to handle a wide variety of household laundry challenges. The core of the formula relies on a robust surfactant blend, including Sodium and MEA C10-16 Alkylbenzenesulfonate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which are excellent at emulsifying oils and lifting general dirt from fabrics. What sets this product apart from budget alternatives is its advanced four-enzyme complex: Subtilisin targets protein stains like blood or grass, Amylase breaks down starches from food spills, Cellulase helps maintain fabric appearance by removing micro-fibers, and Mannanase specifically addresses stubborn food thickeners and gums. Together, these enzymes provide a comprehensive stain-fighting profile that works efficiently even in cooler water temperatures. Beyond simple cleaning agents, the inclusion of alkoxylated polyethyleneimines serves as a powerful soil-suspension polymer, preventing dirt from redepositing onto clothes during the wash cycle. The presence of Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate acts as a sustainable chelating agent, softening hard water to ensure the surfactants remain effective. For those concerned about garment longevity, the inclusion of hydrogenated castor oil and various silicone derivatives like Dimethicone and Simethicone helps control sudsing and provides a degree of fabric conditioning, reducing friction and potential damage to fibers. However, the formula is quite chemically complex and intensive. The inclusion of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Fragrances makes it a potential irritant for those with extremely sensitive skin or conditions like eczema. Additionally, Benzisothiazolinone is a common preservative that, while effective at preventing microbial growth in the bottle, is a known contact allergen for a small percentage of the population. The use of polyoxyalkylene substituted chromophores (blue and violet dyes) is clearly intended to provide an optical brightening effect, making whites appear whiter, but these are purely cosmetic additions. In conclusion, this is a top-tier detergent for busy households dealing with significant soil levels and diverse organic stains. While it is not the most eco-neutral or natural choice on the market, its cleaning performance is undeniable. It is best suited for those who prioritize maximum stain removal and the convenience of a single product that can handle everything from gym clothes to kitchen linens. Users with sensitive skin should exercise caution or perform a patch test due to the high concentration of active cleaning agents and synthetic fragrances.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents and Stabilizers / 溶剂与稳定剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Main solvent used to dissolve other ingredients.

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the liquid detergent.

🧪 Alcohol / 乙醇

Purpose: Solvent and viscosity control.

Concerns: Highly flammable in pure form.

Notes: Helps maintain the stability of the formula.

🧪 Propylene Glycol / 丙二醇

Purpose: Solvent and enzyme stabilizer.

Concerns: Low toxicity, potential skin irritant for sensitive individuals.

Notes: Keeps the formula uniform.

🧪 Calcium formate / 甲酸钙

Purpose: Enzyme stabilizer.

Concerns: Minimal at used concentrations.

Notes: Helps enzymes remain active in liquid form.

📁 Surfactants / 表面活性剂

🧪 C10-16 Alketh / C10-16 醇聚醚

Purpose: Non-ionic surfactant for removing oily soils.

Concerns: Can cause skin and eye irritation.

Notes: Effective in various water temperatures.

🧪 Sodium and MEA C10-16 Alkylbenzenesulfonate / C10-16 烷基苯磺酸钠及单乙醇胺盐

Purpose: Anionic surfactant for heavy duty cleaning.

Concerns: Potential skin irritation and aquatic toxicity.

Notes: Commonly known as LAS/HLAS.

🧪 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate / 月桂基硫酸钠

Purpose: Anionic surfactant for cleaning and foaming.

Concerns: Known skin and eye irritant.

Notes: Often abbreviated as SLS.

🧪 MEA Laureth Sulfate / 单乙醇胺月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯

Purpose: Anionic surfactant providing gentle cleaning.

Concerns: Potential 1,4-dioxane contamination during manufacturing.

Notes: More soluble than sodium versions.

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

Purpose: Amphoteric surfactant and foam booster.

Concerns: Skin and eye irritant.

Notes: Helps with grease removal.

🧪 Sodium and MEA salts of C12-18 fatty acids / C12-18 脂肪酸钠及单乙醇胺盐

Purpose: Natural surfactant (soap) and foam regulator.

Concerns: Minimal.

Notes: Acts as a natural anti-foaming agent.

📁 Enzymes / 酶

🧪 Subtilisin / 枯草杆菌蛋白酶

Purpose: Protease enzyme to break down protein stains.

Concerns: Potential respiratory allergen.

Notes: Targets stains like blood and grass.

🧪 Amylase enzyme / 淀粉酶

Purpose: Breaks down starch-based stains.

Concerns: Potential respiratory allergen.

Notes: Targets stains like pasta or baby food.

🧪 Cellulase Enzyme / 纤维素酶

Purpose: Fabric care and brightening.

Concerns: Potential respiratory allergen.

Notes: Removes micro-fibrils to prevent pilling.

🧪 Mannanase Enzyme / 甘露聚糖酶

Purpose: Breaks down guar gum and thickener stains.

Concerns: Potential respiratory allergen.

Notes: Targets food stains like ice cream or dressing.

📁 Cleaning Boosters and Chelators / 助洗剂与螯合剂

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

Purpose: Polymeric dispersant to prevent soil redeposition.

Concerns: Minimal.

Notes: Helps keep dirt in the water so it doesn’t settle back on clothes.

🧪 Sodium and MEA citrate / 柠檬酸钠及单乙醇胺盐

Purpose: Water softener and builder.

Concerns: Minimal.

Notes: Helps remove minerals from hard water.

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

Purpose: Biodegradable chelating agent.

Concerns: Minimal.

Notes: A greener alternative to EDTA.

🧪 Sodium Cumenesulfonate / 枯草磺酸钠

Purpose: Hydrotrope to keep the formula clear.

Concerns: Can cause skin irritation.

Notes: Ensures all ingredients remain dissolved.

📁 Process Aids and Aesthetics / 工艺助剂与感官添加剂

🧪 Ethanolamine / 单乙醇胺

Purpose: pH adjuster and surfactant neutralized salt.

Concerns: Can be irritating to skin and lungs.

Notes: Helps balance the acidity/alkalinity.

🧪 Fragrances / 香料

Purpose: Provides pleasant scent.

Concerns: Potential allergens and sensitizers.

Notes: Specific components are often proprietary.

🧪 Benzisothiazolinone / 苯并异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative to prevent microbial growth.

Concerns: Known skin sensitizer.

Notes: Commonly abbreviated as BIT.

🧪 Polyoxyalkylene Substituted Chromophore (cyan/violet) / 聚氧亚烷基取代发色团(青/紫)

Purpose: Colorants/Dyes.

Concerns: Minimal, but some may cause sensitivity.

Notes: Used for aesthetic color of the liquid.

🧪 Hydrogenated Castor Oil / 氢化蓖麻油

Purpose: Rheology modifier/structurant.

Concerns: Minimal.

Notes: Provides the desired thickness to the liquid.

📁 Defoamers and Finishing Agents / 消泡剂与整理剂

🧪 Simethicone / 二甲硅油混合物

Purpose: Antifoaming agent.

Concerns: Minimal.

Notes: Prevents excessive sudsing in the machine.

🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Antifoaming agent and fabric softening aid.

Concerns: Minimal.

Notes: A type of silicone.

🧪 Trimethylsiloxysilicate / 三甲基硅烷氧基硅酸酯

Purpose: Defoaming booster.

Concerns: Minimal.

Notes: Works with silicones to control foam.

🧪 Phenylpropyl Ethyl Methicone / 苯丙基乙基甲基硅油

Purpose: Defoamer and conditioning agent.

Concerns: Minimal.

Notes: Enhances the feel of fabrics.

🧪 Diethylenetriamine / 二乙烯三胺

Purpose: Chelant and stabilizer.

Concerns: Can be corrosive in high concentrations.

Notes: Used in very small amounts for stability.

🧪 Methyl di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate / 甲基二叔丁基羟基氢化肉桂酸酯

Purpose: Antioxidant.

Concerns: Minimal.

Notes: Prevents the degradation of the formula due to oxidation.