Kirkland Signature Heavy-Duty Laundry Detergent Super Concentrate

Costco Wholesale Corporation
55 Fair

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 0
Harmful ingredients 3
Owned by Costco
Category Laundry
Summary

This laundry detergent contains ethoxylated alcohols, which pose a risk of contamination with 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen. Additionally, the presence of fluorescent brighteners contributes to environmental persistence without enhancing cleaning efficacy. Limonene, used for fragrance, is a known allergen that can cause skin sensitization. These factors indicate a moderate level of chemical formulation, impacting its safety for indoor use and environmental impact.

Key ingredients 11

Sodium Carbonate
Neutral

Sodium carbonate is a common water softener and cleaning agent in detergents. It helps to remove grease and stains by breaking down oils and fats. It is generally considered safe for use in cleaning products.

Risks

Inhalation of dust can cause respiratory irritation.

Benefits

Effective in enhancing the cleaning power of detergents.

See more about Sodium Carbonate →
Sodium Chloride
Neutral

Sodium chloride is used as a thickening agent in detergents. It helps to maintain the viscosity of the product. It is generally safe and non-toxic.

Risks

Excessive exposure can cause skin dryness.

Benefits

Contributes to the stability and consistency of the detergent.

See more about Sodium Chloride →
Fatty Acids, C12-18, Me Esters, Sulfonated, Sodium Salts
Neutral

These are surfactants that help to lower the surface tension of water, improving the wetting and cleaning ability of the detergent. They are derived from fatty acids and are generally considered safe.

Risks

May cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Enhances the cleaning efficiency of the detergent.

See more about Fatty Acids, C12-18, Me Esters, Sulfonated, Sodium Salts →
Water
Neutral

Water is used as a solvent in detergents to dissolve other ingredients and facilitate their application. It is a universal solvent and is safe for use.

Benefits

Acts as a carrier for other ingredients, ensuring even distribution.

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Sodium Silicate
Neutral

Sodium silicate is used as a corrosion inhibitor and to maintain the alkalinity of the detergent. It helps to protect metal parts of washing machines from rust.

Risks

Can cause skin and eye irritation upon contact.

Benefits

Prevents corrosion and enhances the longevity of washing machines.

See more about Sodium Silicate →
Zeolites, NaA
Neutral

Zeolites are used as water softeners in detergents, replacing phosphates. They help to remove calcium and magnesium ions from water.

Risks

Inhalation of dust can cause respiratory irritation.

Benefits

Improves the effectiveness of detergents in hard water.

See more about Zeolites, NaA →
2-Propenoic Acid, Telomer with Sodium Sulfite (1:1), Sodium Salt
Neutral

This compound is used as a dispersing agent in detergents, helping to prevent soil redeposition on fabrics. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

May cause mild skin irritation.

Benefits

Enhances the cleaning performance by preventing soil redeposition.

See more about 2-Propenoic Acid, Telomer with Sodium Sulfite (1:1), Sodium Salt →
Cellulose Gum
Neutral

Cellulose gum is used as a thickening agent in detergents. It helps to stabilize the formulation and improve texture.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risks.

Benefits

Contributes to the viscosity and stability of the detergent.

See more about Cellulose Gum →
Alcohols, C12-15, Ethoxylated
Bad

Ethoxylated alcohols are surfactants that help to emulsify oils and dirt. However, they can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen, during the ethoxylation process.

Risks

Potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane poses health risks.

Benefits

Effective in removing grease and stains.

See more about Alcohols, C12-15, Ethoxylated →
CI Fluorescent Brightener 71, 244, 250, or 260
Bad

Fluorescent brighteners are used to make fabrics appear whiter and brighter by absorbing UV light and re-emitting it as visible blue light. They do not contribute to cleaning and can persist in the environment.

Risks

Persistent in the environment and may cause skin irritation.

Benefits

Enhances the appearance of fabrics by making them look brighter.

See more about CI Fluorescent Brightener 71, 244, 250, or 260 →
Limonene
Bad

Limonene is a fragrance compound that provides a citrus scent. It is a known allergen and can cause skin sensitization in some individuals.

Risks

Potential allergen and skin sensitizer.

Benefits

Provides a pleasant citrus fragrance.

See more about Limonene →

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Kirkland Signature Heavy-Duty Laundry Detergent Super Concentrate

Common questions

Is Kirkland Signature Heavy-Duty Laundry Detergent Super Concentrate healthy?

Kirkland Signature Heavy-Duty Laundry Detergent Super Concentrate scores 55/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a below-average score in Scout's analysis. This laundry detergent contains ethoxylated alcohols, which pose a risk of contamination with 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen.

How does Kirkland Signature Heavy-Duty Laundry Detergent Super Concentrate compare to other laundry products?

Kirkland Signature Heavy-Duty Laundry Detergent Super Concentrate ranks #7 of 16 laundry products in Scout's independent rankings. The current top score in the category is Eco-Max Natural Laundry Detergent Lavender at 95/100.

Which ingredients drive Kirkland Signature Heavy-Duty Laundry Detergent Super Concentrate's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Alcohols, C12-15, Ethoxylated; CI Fluorescent Brightener 71, 244, 250, or 260; Limonene are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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