Store-Brand Detergents Outperform Name Brands in New Toxicity Ranking
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60 Million Consumers reveals that lower-cost, store-brand detergents are substantially outperforming their more expensive, well-known counterparts.The shift is attributed to a novel ranking system that penalizes products containing ingredients considered harmful to health and the environment.
consumers are no longer solely focused on stain removal, but are demanding “impeccable health safety,” according to the report released this week. The 60 Million Consumers trial went beyond customary cleaning performance metrics, emphasizing the potential toxicity of ingredients. the objective was clear: to identify the detergents posing the least risk to both human health and the planet.
The Rise of the Ménag’Score
To determine the rankings, the association utilized the Ménag’Score, an indicator classifying products from A to E, mirroring the widely recognized Nutri-Score used for food labeling. This system rigorously assesses ingredients, with a product receiving an “E” rating having its overall score capped, regardless of its cleaning efficacy.
“The application of this strict scale explains the results of the comparison,” a senior official stated. “Private label detergents are often much better rated because they avoid the risky ingredients penalized by the system.”
the rating system underscores a critical reality: many complex detergent formulations contain a “chemical cocktail” of substances harmful to aquatic ecosystems and potentially irritating to users. While not yet mandatory, the Ménag’Score was calculated for some products based on data provided by manufacturers.
Private Labels Stage a Comeback
Contrary to popular belief, price does not necessarily equate to quality. Mass retail brands are proving that effective and environmentally conscious cleaning is attainable without a premium price tag. In the liquid detergent category, private labels Epsil (E. Leclerc) and Apt (Intermarché) secured positions among the top four products. For capsules,Xeor (E. Leclerc) and Auchan took the first two spots.
These brands deliver “satisfactory cleaning effectiveness, even measured at half dose,” while boasting a significantly healthier composition than their national brand competitors.
The Chemical Load of Major Brands
The decline in ranking of established brands can be directly linked to a higher concentration of controversial ingredients. An analysis of the chemical composition of leading detergents revealed ingredient lists reaching up to 52 components for a single product. These lists frequently include allergenic preservatives from the isothiazolinone family, irritating enzymes, and persistent pollutants like silicones and poorly biodegradable polymers.
Liquid vs. Capsules: A Packaging Debate Settled?
The study also sheds light on the ongoing debate between liquid and capsule detergents. The analysis indicates that the Ménag’Score impact is generally more positive for capsule detergents than for liquids. Capsules, being less susceptible to bacterial growth, require fewer potent preservatives. Though, this benefit comes at a cost, as the per-wash price of capsules remains higher. The 7 lowest-rated references from the 60 Million consumers comparison, both liquid and capsule, are detailed in a slideshow available on their website. Importantly, 22 of the 24 detergents tested where deemed effective at cleaning, indicating that performance is not the primary differentiator in this new ranking system.
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The findings represent a significant shift in the laundry detergent market, signaling a growing consumer demand for openness and sustainability. As shoppers become more aware of the potential health and environmental impacts of their choices, store brands are poised to capitalize on this trend, offering a compelling choice to traditional, chemical-laden detergents.
