by Categorizing Detergent Chemicals
Detergents are made up of various chemical ingredients that each serve an important purpose. The main categories of chemicals found in most laundry and dish detergents include surfactants, builders, bleaches, enzymes, perfumes, dyes, and preservatives.
Surfactants
Surfactants, or surface-active agents, are the most essential type of chemical in any cleaning product. Detergent Chemicals Their role is to reduce the surface tension of water so it can better penetrate dirt and allow it to be lifted away. Common surfactants include anionic, nonionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants. Anionic surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate and linear alkylbenzene sulfonate are very effective at removing oil-based soils but can be harsh. Nonionic and amphoteric surfactants tend to be milder and more skin-friendly.
Builders
Builders are chemicals that help surfactants perform their cleaning function by chelating or sequestering hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium that would otherwise form soap scum. The most widely used builder is sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), but concerns over eutrophication have led to alternatives like methylcitrate, citric acid, and zeolites becoming more prevalent. Builders allow lower concentrations of surfactants to be effective.
Bleaches
Bleaches are oxidizing agents that remove stains through chemical reactions. The oldest and still most common bleaching agent is sodium hypochlorite, commonly called liquid bleach. Detergent Chemicals Sodium percarbonate and sodium perborate are more environmentally-friendly oxygen bleaches used in detergent pods and tablets. Bleaches are important for removing stubborn stains but must be used appropriately to prevent fabric damage.
Enzymes
Enzymes are proteins naturally produced by living organisms that act as catalysts for biochemical reactions. Common detergent enzymes include protease, amylase, and lipase. Protease breaks down proteins in food stains, bodily fluids, and other organic materials. Amylase digests carbohydrates like starch. Lipase dissolves fats and greases. These enzymes work alongside surfactants and at optimal washing temperatures to gently but thoroughly remove embedded soils.
Perfumes and Dyes
Most detergents contain synthetic fragrances added as perfumes to leave fabrics smelling fresh. Dyes are optional ingredients that give detergents their distinctive bright colors. These are purely for marketing and aesthetics, providing no real cleaning function. However, some people have fragrance sensitivities so unscented detergents have grown in popularity.
Preservatives
Preservatives prevent the growth of microbes like bacteria, mold and yeast in detergents, helping extend their shelf life. Common preservatives are isothiazolinones, formaldehyde donors, parabens, and other “INCI” preservative ingredients approved for use in cosmetics and cleaning products. As with fragrances, preservatives provide no cleaning ability but are important for product stability and safety.
Impacts on Human Health and the Environment
While detergent chemicals efficiently remove dirt and stains from our clothes and dishes, some can negatively impact both human health and the environment if used carelessly or in excessive amounts. Here are some of their main impacts:
Skin and Eye Irritation
Strong surfactants like SLS can cause skin drying and irritation. Fragrances are a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis. Exposure to bleach or other cleaning chemicals can potentially damage eyes. Using gloves and avoiding splashes minimizes dermal contact.
Toxicity to Aquatic Life
Phosphates from builders like STPP act as fertilizers in waterways, disrupting ecosystems through toxic algal blooms and depletion of dissolved oxygen as algae decay. This process is known as eutrophication. Nitrates and other nutrients from soaps also contribute to this issue.
Water Pollution
Excess detergent that enters natural water bodies through wastewater can pollute streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans. Beyond nutrients, this introduces surfactants and other synthetic chemicals not found in nature. Some may accumulate in aquatic animals and disrupt endocrine systems.
Solid Waste Production
The proliferation of single-use packaging like plastic bottles and detergent pods generates large amounts of non-biodegradable solid waste. Microplastics shed from synthetic fabrics during washing may also persist in the environment for centuries.
Indoor Air Quality Concerns
Harsh fragrances and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from drying synthetic fabrics post-wash can worsen indoor air quality for sensitive individuals. Even “unscented” labels may include masking fragrances. Natural-fiber, fragrance-free options address this issue.
With awareness of these impacts, consumers and industry have increasingly sought out more sustainable detergent options utilizing biodegradable and plant-derived ingredients, concentrated formulas in reusable containers, and effective-yet-gentle cleaning without unnecessary chemicals. By selecting products thoughtfully and using them prudently, we can minimize detergents’ footprint while still keeping our homes clean.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
