Archive for the Criteria Category

Using eco-friendly and non-toxic detergents in the workplace, particularly in tourist accomodation and communities, has the same reasons of household use, but it shows wider effects: first, conventional detergents often have a great impact on the environment; last but not least, many people per time are involved

During lectures and meetings, some people ask us this question: “Are you yourselves allergic? Is this why you produce only allergen-free detergents and creams?” Usually our answer makes them wonder: apart from allergy to dust mites, we are not allergic to any chemicals. But we have been

Benzyl salicylate is an essential oils component; it occurs in jasmine and other plants extracts. Its flower fragrance contributes to make many detergents and cosmetics smell good. As we said before (see this article), we believe that it is not appropriate to make consumers be exposed to

Generally enzymes are ingredients of both laundry and dishwasher detergents. They are very biodegradable natural substances, efficient in washing specific kinds of soil: protease is effective in removing proteic soil (as egg or blood stains, etc.), amylase for starch incrustations (from pasta, corn, etc.), lipase for grease, mannanase

Sometimes it happens that a new customer finds washing-up liquid, or even laundry detergent, a little too low-foaming; after first use, the customers acknowledges that the product is very effective despite low-foam… First of all, a detergent is a mix of lots of ingredients; after having been

Hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) is derived from starch as a thickening and gelling agent, used in detergency too. Since it is of natural origin, it may seem safe for any use… instead we think differently. The first reason why it does not comply with Bensos’ Criteria is its slow

From the start, Bensos’ history was characterized by studying any little particular, trying to care every ethycal issues. The protection of the environment was the first goal, the objective in our mind since high school. Then new issues were added, from the protection of users against chemicals

Both natural and synthetic chemicals can be divided in two categories: those which mix well with water and those which mix well with oil. Water and oil are not mixable (unless we add other chemicals with “bridge” function), so the separation is clear: just look at some

Phosphorus-based ingredients are common in detergents, as they improve surfactants efficacy, particularly in hard water. However they should be avoided for some reasons. The first reason is eutrophication, the uncontrolled growth of seaweeds following a complex pathway, with irreversible lethal effects on aquatic fauna. European Commission is

Amines are chemicals generally from natural origin, they are found for example in fish, fruit, milk and dairy products. In detergency and other industrial fields, both modified natural and synthetic amines are common. As often in Chemistry, each chemical must be considered by itself, as its ecological