Seventh Generation Liquid Laundry Detergent - Free & Clear - 90 fl oz

Seventh Generation
49 Poor

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Molly's Suds Baby Laundry Detergent Powder Fragrance Free Molly's Suds, LLC 95 View on Amazon · $24.99 See all Laundry, ranked

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 4
Harmful ingredients 4
Owned by Unilever
Category Laundry
Summary

This laundry detergent contains several beneficial ingredients like biodegradable enzymes and sodium citrate, which enhance cleaning performance and are environmentally friendly. However, it also includes sodium lauryl sulfate, a harsh surfactant known for causing skin irritation, and ethoxylated surfactants like laureth-6, which carry contamination risks. Additionally, preservatives such as benzisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone are known skin sensitizers, contributing to potential allergic reactions.

Key ingredients 13

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Very Bad

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a harsh surfactant known for its strong cleaning power but also for causing skin irritation. It is often criticized for its potential to strip oils from the skin. Despite its effectiveness, its harshness and irritation potential are significant concerns.

Risks

Can cause skin irritation and dryness due to its harsh nature.

Benefits

Provides strong cleaning power by breaking down grease and grime.

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Methylisothiazolinone
Very Bad

Methylisothiazolinone is a preservative known for its strong antimicrobial properties but is also a leading cause of contact allergies. It is highly criticized for its potential to cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Its allergenic potential outweighs its preservative benefits.

Risks

High risk of causing skin allergies and irritation.

Benefits

Provides effective preservation against microbial contamination.

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Laureth-6
Bad

Laureth-6 is an ethoxylated surfactant that can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen. It is used to enhance the cleaning power of detergents. Despite its effectiveness, the contamination risk makes it a concern.

Risks

Potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane, a probable human carcinogen.

Benefits

Improves the cleaning efficiency of the detergent by reducing surface tension.

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Benzisothiazolinone
Bad

Benzisothiazolinone is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in products. It is a known skin sensitizer and can cause allergic reactions. Despite its effectiveness in preservation, its potential to cause skin irritation is a concern.

Risks

Can cause skin sensitization and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth, extending the shelf life of the product.

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Water
Neutral

Water is a universal solvent used to dissolve other ingredients and facilitate cleaning. It is essential for the formulation of liquid detergents. Water itself poses no health risks and is environmentally benign.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with water in this context.

Benefits

Water helps to dissolve and distribute cleaning agents effectively.

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Sodium Chloride
Neutral

Sodium chloride, or table salt, is used to adjust the viscosity of liquid detergents. It is a common and safe ingredient in many formulations. Its role is primarily functional, with no significant health concerns.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with sodium chloride in this context.

Benefits

Helps to control the thickness of the detergent for optimal use.

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Sodium Oleate
Neutral

Sodium oleate is a surfactant derived from oleic acid, used to enhance the cleaning power of detergents. It is generally considered safe and effective in cleaning formulations. Its role is primarily functional, contributing to the overall cleaning efficacy.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with sodium oleate in cleaning products.

Benefits

Enhances the cleaning power of the detergent by acting as a surfactant.

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Sodium Sulfate
Neutral

Sodium sulfate is used as a filler and to control the viscosity of detergents. It is a common ingredient in many cleaning products and is considered safe. Its primary function is to aid in the formulation of the detergent.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with sodium sulfate in this context.

Benefits

Helps to control the consistency and flow of the detergent.

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Citric Acid
Neutral

Common acidulant and preservative — safe at typical use levels, neither beneficial nor harmful.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with citric acid in cleaning products.

Benefits

Helps to break down mineral deposits and improve cleaning efficiency.

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Sodium Citrate
Good

Sodium citrate is a biodegradable chelating agent that helps to soften water and enhance cleaning performance. It is derived from citric acid and is considered safe for use in cleaning products. Its biodegradability and non-toxic nature make it environmentally friendly.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with sodium citrate in cleaning products.

Benefits

Helps to soften water, improving the effectiveness of the detergent.

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Protease Enzyme Blend
Good

Protease enzymes break down protein-based stains, enhancing the cleaning power of detergents. They are biodegradable and derived from natural sources. Their effectiveness in stain removal and environmental friendliness make them a positive addition.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with protease enzymes in cleaning products.

Benefits

Effectively breaks down protein stains, improving cleaning performance.

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Amylase Enzyme Blend
Good

Amylase enzymes target starch-based stains, improving the detergent's ability to clean. They are biodegradable and derived from natural sources. Their role in enhancing stain removal and being environmentally friendly is beneficial.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with amylase enzymes in cleaning products.

Benefits

Targets starch stains, enhancing the overall cleaning power of the detergent.

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Mannanase Enzyme Blend
Good

Mannanase enzymes break down mannan-based stains, contributing to the detergent's cleaning efficacy. They are biodegradable and derived from natural sources. Their ability to enhance stain removal and environmental safety is advantageous.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with mannanase enzymes in cleaning products.

Benefits

Improves the removal of mannan-based stains, boosting cleaning performance.

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Amazon pricing & content

Amazon price for Molly's Suds Baby Laundry Detergent Powder Fragrance Free as of . Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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Seventh Generation Liquid Laundry Detergent - Free & Clear - 90 fl oz

Common questions

Is Seventh Generation Liquid Laundry Detergent - Free & Clear - 90 fl oz healthy?

Seventh Generation Liquid Laundry Detergent - Free & Clear - 90 fl oz scores 49/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a below-average score in Scout's analysis. This laundry detergent contains several beneficial ingredients like biodegradable enzymes and sodium citrate, which enhance cleaning performance and are environmentally friendly.

How does Seventh Generation Liquid Laundry Detergent - Free & Clear - 90 fl oz compare to other laundry products?

Seventh Generation Liquid Laundry Detergent - Free & Clear - 90 fl oz ranks #10 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 Seventh Generation Liquid Laundry Detergent - Free & Clear - 90 fl oz's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Sodium Citrate, Protease Enzyme Blend, Amylase Enzyme Blend count in its favor; Laureth-6, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Benzisothiazolinone 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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