This article was taken from the April issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content bysubscribing online
Each month Wired's chemist Dr John Emsley, award winning author of nine books and 110 research papers, deconstructs an everyday product. This month: Ariel Excel Gel.
SurfactantsThese are the negatively charged detergent molecules that do most of the cleaning. They have a water-seeking head attached to a grease-seeking tail and together they lift the dirt off clothes. Sodium laureth sulphate is a sustainable surfactant made from coconut oil. MEA dodecylbenzene sulfonate is an oil-based surfactant (MEA stands for Methylethanolamine H3CNHCH2CH2OH).MEA palm kernelate is a sustainable surfactant made from palm oil. The human body produces its own surfactants, which it needs in order to keep the lungs working.
Propylene glycolAka 1,2-propanediol, this helps to keep all of the diverse chemicals suspended in the gel. It is most commonly used as an antifreeze.
MEA borateThis keeps the gel slightly alkaline, thereby protecting the enzymes. MEA borate is also found in products such as Right Guard spray. Borate can be found in wood preservative.
C12-14 Pareth-7This consists of a chain of carbon and oxygen atoms and its function is to keep all of the other ingredients suspended in the gel.
PEI-ethoxylatePEI stands for polyethylene imine, which consists of chains of carbon and nitrogen atoms. It is soluble because it's an ethoxylate (aka acetate) derivative. It acts to prevent dirt and dye molecules that have been washed off fabrics from then depositing themselves on to other fabrics
Water softenersThese are needed to deactivate the calcium and magnesium ions found in hard water. MEA citrate is a salt of citric acid. It is added to laundry detergents because it surrounds the calcium and magnesium ions so they cannot form insoluble scum with the surfactants, or deposit on the washing machine as limescale. Trimonoethanolamine etidronate is also good at keeping calcium and magnesium from interfering with the action of the detergents. Etidronates are also used in the treatment of osteoporosis.
Glycosidase and proteaseThese are the enzymes which digest food stains. Glycosidase removes carbohydrates; protease, proteins
Disodium distyrylbiphenyl disulfonateThis acts as a brightener, absorbing UV light and reemitting it as white light so that white fabrics look whiter. Used in cosmetics.
FragrancesCitronellol (roses) Eugenol (spices) Geraniol (roses) Linalool (sweet) Butylphenyl methylpropional (floral)
Ingredients> Aqua
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This article was originally published by WIRED UK
