A plant-derived, ultra-mild all-purpose cleaner that utilizes natural saponins and gentle surfactants for an eco-conscious clean, though it relies on a strong synthetic preservative system.
The impressive performance rating of 8.5/10 is driven by a highly effective surfactant system. The blend of plant-derived nonionic and anionic surfactants, including Alkyl Polyglucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, and Disodium Cocoyl Glucoside Citrate, works synergistically to break down grease and lift dirt. This is further boosted by Soap Bark Extract, a natural foaming agent that enhances soil suspension. Additionally, Sodium Citrate serves as a powerful builder and chelating agent, softening hard water to maximize surfactant efficiency and prevent streaking.
The moderate safety rating of 6.8/10 is primarily due to the preservative system. While the bulk of the formula relies on very gentle, plant-derived surfactants and mild ingredients like Soap Bark Extract and Sodium Citrate, the inclusion of Acticide MBS poses a notable concern. Acticide MBS is a biocide containing methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and benzisothiazolinone (BIT), which are notorious skin sensitizers and allergens capable of causing contact dermatitis and irritation upon exposure.
The overall rating of 7.6/10 reflects a balance between exceptional cleaning power and moderate safety. While the formulation excels in performance due to its high-quality, plant-based surfactants and effective chelators, its safety profile is compromised by the presence of Acticide MBS. The potential for skin irritation and sensitization from the isothiazolinone-based preservatives keeps this otherwise excellent all-purpose cleaner from achieving a higher final score.
This all-purpose cleaner showcases an impressive, highly thoughtful selection of plant-based cleaning agents that stand out for their exceptional mildness, safety, and eco-friendliness. At its core, the formula relies on Soap Bark Extract (derived from the Quillaja Saponaria tree), a natural botanical rich in saponins that delivers excellent, biodegradable foaming and emulsifying properties to lift dirt naturally. To support this, a premium trio of exceptionally gentle, plant-derived surfactants—Alkyl Polyglucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, and Disodium Cocoyl Glucoside Citrate—are utilized. These surfactants are typically reserved for high-end personal care and baby products because they effectively break down tough grease, oil, and daily grime without releasing harsh fumes or leaving sticky residues. Furthermore, the inclusion of Sodium Citrate acts as an eco-safe chelating agent and pH buffer, softening water to boost the overall cleaning efficiency across various household surfaces. However, the formulation’s green profile takes a sharp turn when it comes to its preservation system. The inclusion of Acticide MBS—a synergistic blend of Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Benzisothiazolinone (BIT)—introduces a powerful, industrial-grade synthetic biocide. While this preservative is highly efficient at preventing the growth of harmful bacteria, yeast, and molds in water-rich formulas, both MIT and BIT are recognized contact allergens and sensitizers. Inhalation of spray mists or direct skin contact with products containing isothiazolinones can trigger allergic contact dermatitis, redness, itching, or respiratory irritation, especially in vulnerable individuals. Because of this, what is otherwise an incredibly gentle and natural formula is burdened by a preservative that might cause flare-ups for those with compromised skin barriers. For the average household, this cleaner offers an excellent, streak-free performance on countertops, tiles, glass, and sealed wood, making it a superb alternative to harsh petroleum-based solvents and ammonia. The surfactants break down daily messes effortlessly, while the highly biodegradable nature of the cleaning agents means it is safe for septic systems and aquatic life once rinsed away. Nonetheless, due to the presence of Acticide MBS, users who have sensitive skin, eczema, or pre-existing contact allergies to synthetic preservatives should exercise caution. Wearing protective gloves while cleaning is highly recommended to avoid direct skin contact, and spraying in well-ventilated areas will minimize any potential inhalation issues. Overall, this is a highly effective, mostly green cleaning solution that provides a powerful clean, though it requires a bit of mindfulness regarding skin exposure.
🧪 Water / 水
Purpose: Acts as a solvent and carrier for all other ingredients, diluting the active agents to safe, usable concentrations.
Concerns: No health or environmental concerns; completely safe and non-toxic.
Notes: Constitutes the bulk of the cleaning formulation, allowing the solution to be easily sprayed and wiped away.
🧪 Sodium Citrate / 柠檬酸钠
Purpose: Functions as a builder, chelating agent, and pH buffer.
Concerns: Highly safe, non-toxic, and readily biodegradable. Extremely low risk of mild eye or skin irritation, primarily in concentrated industrial forms.
Notes: Binds to calcium and magnesium ions in hard water, preventing them from interfering with surfactant performance, while stabilizing the pH of the formula.
🧪 Soap Bark Extract / 皂树皮提取物
Purpose: Serves as a natural foaming agent and plant-derived surfactant.
Concerns: Highly eco-friendly and biodegradable. In concentrated forms, saponins can be mildly irritating to the respiratory tract and eyes, but it is extremely safe in household cleaner dilutions.
Notes: Sourced from the Quillaja saponaria tree. Naturally rich in saponins, which lower surface tension and create a rich lather to help lift dirt.
🧪 Alkyl Polyglucoside / 烷基糖苷
Purpose: A non-ionic surfactant used for degreasing and general soil removal.
Concerns: Exceptionally mild, non-toxic, and fully biodegradable. Sourced from renewable plant starches and fatty alcohols, showing virtually no irritation potential.
Notes: Highly effective at breaking down oily residues, making it a popular choice for green, eco-friendly cleaning formulations.
🧪 Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate / 椰油酰谷氨酸钠
Purpose: An anionic surfactant that functions as a mild cleansing and wetting agent.
Concerns: Very gentle, non-irritating, and readily biodegradable. It has an excellent safety profile with negligible risk of skin irritation.
Notes: Derived from coconut oil fatty acids and glutamic acid (an amino acid). Due to its superb mildness, it is commonly used in baby products and facial washes.
🧪 Disodium Cocoyl Glucoside Citrate / 椰油基葡糖苷柠檬酸酯二钠
Purpose: A mild anionic surfactant and emulsifying agent.
Concerns: Safe, eco-friendly, and highly biodegradable with no known health or environmental risks. Listed on the US EPA’s Safer Chemical Ingredients List.
Notes: Synthesized from citric acid and coco-glucoside. It provides gentle cleansing while helping to emulsify and stabilize the mixture of oil and water phases.
🧪 Acticide MBS / 杀菌防腐剂 MBS
Purpose: A broad-spectrum preservative and biocide used to prevent microbial growth.
Concerns: Contains a synergistic blend of Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Benzisothiazolinone (BIT), which are strong skin sensitizers and can cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. It is also toxic to aquatic life in concentrated quantities.
Notes: Typically added in very small amounts (under 0.4%) to extend shelf-life by preventing the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold in water-based products. Users with a history of isothiazolinone allergies should exercise caution.