Original Liquid Laundry Detergent (96 loads)

Name: Original Liquid Laundry Detergent (96 loads)
Brand: Gain

PFR Grade

Avoid — high plastic content with documented health risks

Contains synthetic fragrance (phthalates), synthetic dyes, and optical brighteners. Gain is specifically marketed for its strong synthetic fragrance. One of the highest-fragrance laundry detergents available.

PFR Avoid

Original liquid laundry detergent. Gain is specifically marketed for its strong synthetic fragrance.

Score Breakdown

How scores are calculated

Materials (40%): How plastic-free the product is — raw materials, construction, and coatings.

Packaging (20%): Is the product packaged in plastic? Is it recyclable?

Transparency (20%): Does the brand disclose ingredients, sourcing, and manufacturing?

Durability (20%): How long does it last? Longer-lasting products reduce plastic waste over time.

Materials

Packaging

Transparency

Durability

$14See Safer Alternatives in Cleaning

This is a rating of this specific product only — not the company. Other products from this brand may score differently.

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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Critical Exposure Risk — Why This Product Category Matters

Conventional cleaning products contain synthetic chemicals including quaternary ammonium compounds, synthetic fragrances (phthalates), chlorine bleach, and 2-butoxyethanol. These are absorbed through skin, inhaled as aerosols, and ingested as residues on cleaned surfaces.

Synthetic Plastic Content

30%

synthetic plastic by weight

Why We Rated It This Way

Gain is specifically marketed for its strong synthetic fragrance — which means it contains some of the highest concentrations of fragrance chemicals (hiding phthalates) of any laundry detergent. These chemicals remain on clothing and are absorbed through skin all day.

Chemical & Health Analysis

Each chemical of concern is broken down below — what it is, where it comes from in this product, what it does to the body, and who is most at risk.

Contains:Plastic jug

phthalates

Source

High-concentration synthetic fragrance in Gain detergent

Health Risk

Endocrine disruption from skin absorption through clothing

Who Is Most At RiskAdults and children wearing clothing washed with Gain

Peer-Reviewed Sources

All health claims are based on published, peer-reviewed research from the NIH, WHO, IARC, and peer-reviewed journals. This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.