Investigation of Color Instability in a Liquid Laundry Detergent

Abstract

During reformulation of a liquid laundry detergent, an undesirable color change was observed: the normally blue color of the formulation was found to turn green when exposed to elevated temperatures during accelerated stability testing. Spectroscopic analysis revealed formation of a yellow substance, whose transmission spectrum combined with that of the blue dye to yield the observed green color. Sequential solid phase extraction using cation and anion exchange indicated the yellow substance was a base. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analysis of the isolate demonstrated a series of related compounds whose elemental composition and fragmentation suggested polyethenyl imines (PEIs). These results support a mechanism involving metal‐catalyzed oxidative degradation of triethanolamine (TEA) with subsequent acetaldehyde‐mediated formation of conjugated PEIs as primary factors responsible for the observed color change.

Halal Laundry Detergents: Ingredients and Regulations in Malaysia

“…Discolouration of laundry detergents has been observed and investigated by many researchers. For example, oxidising phenolic antioxidant ingredients leads to yellowing and other ingredients that can lead to different colours (Missler et al, 2014). The other significance of colourants in detergent products is that they provide a special identity to the product.…”

Valorization of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch for Cellulose Fibers: A Reinforcement Material in Polyvinyl Alcohol Biocomposites for Its Application as Detergent Capsules

“…Film with good UV-barrier properties reported longer shelf life of packed detergent products due to the delay of active ingredients degradation, which will diminish the quality of the product. For example, propane-1,2-diol, which is a common liquid laundry detergent ingredient, is known to discolor upon exposure to sunlight [53] and to form a colored complex with iron (III) [54]. UV-vis spectrophotometer was used to evaluate the light transmittance of the fabricated films.…”

Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles through Gracilaria sp Seaweed Extract for Foam Height Stability in Liquid Hand Soap Formulations

“…Hand soap is included in personal care liquid products that are widely produced because it is more practical and has an attractive shape compared to solid soap. The parameters test such as viscosity, pH, the color of liquid soap, and foam stability produced after the formulation process greatly affect the physical properties of hand soap products [26][27][28][29][30][31]. Some previous research reported, the color agent for hand soap products uses congo red, methyl orange, and methylene blue.…”