Amazon Basics Concentrated Liquid Laundry Detergent, Free of Perfumes & Clear of Dyes

An enzyme-boosted liquid laundry detergent formulated with biodegradable chelators and advanced surfactants for effective everyday stain removal.

Performance Rating: 7.4

The formula demonstrates solid cleaning capabilities through a balanced combination of active ingredients. The primary workhorse is C12-15 alcohols ethoxylated, an effective nonionic surfactant that cuts through greasy and oily soils. Cleaning efficacy is significantly enhanced by a multi-enzyme blend of protease enzyme and amylase enzyme, which break down complex protein and starch stains. Additionally, tetrasodium iminodisuccinate acts as an efficient chelating agent to soften wash water, while 2-propenoic acid, telomer and modified styrene/acrylic polymer prevent soil redeposition. The inclusion of 1,4-diphenylbutadiyne aids fabric brightness, though the lack of lipid-targeting enzymes or anionic surfactants keeps performance within a moderately high tier.

Safety Rating: 5.8

The safety profile is noticeably constrained by several known sensitizers and irritants. The most prominent concerns stem from the preservative system containing methylisothiazolinone and benzisothiazolinone, both of which are recognized contact allergens and potential skin sensitizers. Additionally, the inclusion of unspecified fragrances presents allergy and irritation risks for sensitive individuals, while sodium hydroxide is a strong alkaline agent used for pH regulation. Although tetrasodium iminodisuccinate provides a mild, readily biodegradable alternative to conventional chelators and ethanol functions safely as a processing aid, the presence of potent isothiazolinones and ethoxylated compounds results in a moderate safety rating.

Final Rating: 6.8

Overall, the detergent represents a capable everyday cleaner with distinct formulation trade-offs. Its solid cleaning power is driven by a functional nonionic surfactant, targeted stain-fighting enzymes, and modern water-softening builders that work effectively across varied laundry conditions. However, this functional efficacy is tempered by the inclusion of harsh isothiazolinone preservatives and synthetic fragrances, which pose sensitization and dermatitis risks for vulnerable users. The integration of eco-friendly chelators helps modernize the formula, but the formulation’s reliance on allergenic preservatives and standard ethoxylates places the overall product squarely in an above-average, dependable middle-tier bracket.

Verdict

The formulation is anchored by C12-15 alcohols ethoxylated, a versatile and effective non-ionic surfactant capable of lifting greasy residues and suspended soils across both warm and cold wash cycles. Boosted by the dual-action power of protease and amylase enzymes, the detergent efficiently breaks down challenging biological stains, including blood, sweat, gravies, and complex food starches. Furthermore, the inclusion of 2-propenoic acid telomer serves as an essential anti-redeposition polymer, ensuring that dislodged soil particles remain suspended in the wash water rather than redepositing onto your clean garments.

To guarantee consistent cleaning efficiency regardless of local water hardness, the recipe features tetrasodium iminodisuccinate, an environmentally friendly and readily biodegradable chelator that sequesters calcium and magnesium ions. Ethanol and sodium hydroxide work in tandem to optimize the formula’s viscosity, buffer pH levels, and maintain the biological stability of the active enzymes during storage. Meanwhile, the modified styrene/acrylic polymer assists in suspension stability while preventing gradual fabric graying, keeping white and colored garments looking fresh and vibrant through repetitive laundering cycles across everyday household wash loads.

Despite its commendable soil-lifting capabilities, the ingredient roster includes additives that may pose challenges for sensitive individuals. The presence of added fragrances paired with methylisothiazolinone and benzisothiazolinone creates a notable risk profile for contact allergies. These isothiazolinone-class preservatives are notorious sensitizers known to trigger contact dermatitis, itching, and skin irritation, particularly when micro-residues linger on fabric weaves after the rinse cycle. Consequently, individuals with pre-existing skin barrier compromises or heightened chemical sensitivities should approach this specific blend with measured caution.

In summary, this liquid detergent is a robust, enzyme-powered cleaning solution engineered to tackle demanding household stains, athletic apparel, and everyday laundry with high efficiency. Its combination of biodegradable water softeners, targeted stain-digesting enzymes, and resilient non-ionic surfactants delivers dependable performance without sacrificing fabric integrity. However, its allergen-heavy preservative system and fragrance components make it ill-suited for delicate baby garments or hypersensitive skin types. For average households seeking strong stain removal and dependable odor management, it serves as a highly effective and practical everyday detergent.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Active Ingredients / 活性去污成分

🧪 C12-15 Alcohols Ethoxylated / C12-15 醇聚氧乙烯醚

Purpose: Functions as a primary non-ionic surfactant to break down, emulsify, and remove oily and greasy stains from fabrics.

Concerns: Can cause eye and skin irritation in concentrated form; poses aquatic toxicity risks before wastewater treatment.

Notes: Highly effective across broad wash temperatures and maintains cleaning performance in hard water.

🧪 Protease Enzyme / 蛋白酶

Purpose: Enzymatically breaks down protein-based soils, such as blood, grass, eggs, and sweat, into soluble peptide fragments.

Concerns: May cause respiratory or skin sensitization upon repeated exposure to raw concentrates.

Notes: Operates optimally in neutral to slightly alkaline pH environments at cold to warm washing temperatures.

🧪 Amylase Enzyme / 淀粉酶

Purpose: Catalyzes the hydrolysis of stubborn starch- and carbohydrate-based stains from foods like sauces, gravy, and pasta.

Concerns: Concentrated enzyme dust or liquids may act as occupational sensitizers.

Notes: Works synergistically with proteases and surfactants to boost cold-water cleaning performance.

🧪 1,4-Diphenylbutadiyne / 1,4-二苯基丁二炔

Purpose: Functions as an optical brightening agent and fluorescence tracer to make fabrics appear whiter and brighter under light.

Notes: Absorbs ultraviolet light and re-emits blue-violet light to counteract yellowing on aged textiles.

📁 Chelating Agents / 螯合与抗再沉积剂

🧪 Tetrasodium Iminodisuccinate / 亚氨基二琥珀酸四钠

Purpose: Acts as a biodegradable water-softening builder that chelates calcium and magnesium ions to maximize surfactant efficacy.

Notes: An eco-friendly and readily biodegradable alternative to conventional aminopolycarboxylate chelators like EDTA.

🧪 2-Propenoic Acid, Telomer / 丙烯酸端基聚合物

Purpose: Functions as a polymer dispersant and anti-redeposition agent to keep suspended soil particles from settling back onto fabrics.

Notes: Also referred to as sodium polyacrylate telomer; helps control mineral scale accumulation inside washing machines.

🧪 Modified Styrene/Acrylic Polymer / 改性苯乙烯/丙烯酸酯共聚物

Purpose: Serves as an opacifying agent to provide an appealing creamy liquid appearance and assists in pigment dispersion.

Notes: Widely used in laundry liquids and household cleaners to provide consistent opacity and formula stability.

📁 Solvents / 溶剂与调节剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Serves as the primary solvent and carrier medium that dissolves and disperses all active ingredients in the formula.

Notes: Typically constitutes the largest percentage by weight in liquid laundry detergent formulations.

🧪 Ethanol / 乙醇

Purpose: Acts as a co-solvent and hydrotrope to control viscosity, enhance solubility, and stabilize enzymes against phase separation.

Concerns: Flammable in high concentrations; undiluted exposure may cause minor skin dryness.

Notes: Helps ensure formula clarity and prevent freezing or gelling at low ambient storage temperatures.

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: Used as a pH adjuster and neutralizer to bring the formulation to the optimal alkaline range for washing efficiency.

Concerns: Corrosive and hazardous in concentrated form, but fully neutralized and safe in the finished formulation.

Notes: Reacts with acidic polymer components to form soluble carboxylate salts in the aqueous system.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐与香精成分

🧪 Fragrances / 香精

Purpose: Imparts a clean, pleasant aroma to mask raw chemical odors and leave a lasting freshness on laundered clothing.

Concerns: May trigger contact allergies or respiratory sensitivities in individuals sensitive to fragrance compounds.

Notes: Typically composed of a complex proprietary blend of synthetic and naturally derived aromatic compounds.

🧪 Methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservation to prevent bacterial and fungal spoilage in water-rich formulas.

Concerns: A recognized skin sensitizer and contact allergen; strictly regulated with low allowable concentration thresholds.

Notes: Highly effective at low ppm levels and commonly paired with benzisothiazolinone for enhanced stability.

🧪 Benzisothiazolinone / 苯并异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Functions as an effective biocide and in-can preservative to prevent microbial contamination throughout product shelf life.

Concerns: Potential contact allergen and skin irritant; toxic to aquatic organisms in concentrated industrial wastewater.

Notes: Maintains chemical stability across a wider pH and temperature spectrum than many formaldehyde-releasing biocides.