Manufacturer
The Persil brand is owned by the German company Henkel . The history of washing powder began back in 1907, when German chemists managed to combine 2 components: silicate and sodium perborate.
When water is heated, the substance releases oxygen bubbles into the water, which help bleach the fabric. This allowed housewives to stop rubbing things and using chlorine.
Two basic components formed the basis for the name of the powder: perborate - PER and silicate - SIL. Since then, the formula has been improved many times, 2 more release forms and new scents have appeared. In Russia, the production of Persil using German technology began in 2000.
A little about the manufacturer
It is engaged in the production of household chemicals under the German Persil brand. This company was founded a very long time ago - back in 1876. Its first product was washing powder. It was then made on the basis of sodium silicate. Unlike similar products from other manufacturers, the first powder was not sold by weight, but in consumer-friendly packages.
The excellent quality of the product, which was new on the market at that time, and its ease of use quickly made it very attractive in the eyes of buyers and popular. In subsequent years, sales of Henkel household chemicals gradually grew. Ultimately, the company grew into a true industrial giant. Today its products are well known not only in Germany, but also in other European countries, as well as in the post-Soviet countries.
Henkel has been operating in the domestic market since 1990. It was then that the first Russian-German enterprise Sovhenk was created. It was registered in Engels.
Pros and cons of Persil
Persil has several undoubted advantages, including:
- Effective removal of stubborn stains, which is possible thanks to an improved enzyme mix of 13 active ingredients.
- The presence of bleach in the composition, which prevents the appearance of yellowness.
- The presence in the Color line of color-protective components that preserve color brightness.
- Taking care of fabric. The substances that make up Persil fight signs of clothing wear and prevent the formation of pilling.
- Long-lasting freshness of things, which is ensured by Persil scents.
- Time-tested quality. The powder has been produced for over 110 years.
- Safe formula containing no harmful components.
The main disadvantages of the manufacturer include:
- High price for detergent. Capsules are especially expensive.
- Difficult leaching of detergent particles from fabric fibers (at least 2 rinsing cycles required).
- Lack of specialized detergent for washing children's clothes.
Composition of Persil
Washing powder is sold in various packaging, the most popular is Persil 3 kg. The composition of the detergent significantly affects both the washing result and safety for humans and the environment.
There is no effective and absolutely safe washing powder, so consumers are constantly choosing between high-quality washing and the level of negative effects on humans of various components of washing products. Many Persil powders contain such substances.
Surfactant
It is surfactants that provide the main effect after washing clothes. By combining with pieces of dirt, organic compounds and other contaminants, the surfactant removes particles from the fabric fibers. The main problem is that it is difficult to remove these substances directly from clothing, and in significant quantities they cause damage to the human body.
Various active components are added to the powder composition. The most aggressive (but at the same time the most effective) are surfactant anions. These substances foam well and wash perfectly. Surfactant cations foam weakly, but allow anionic surfactants to be removed from the fibers. The price of natural amphoteric additives is quite high. The substances have an average degree of foam formation and mitigate the negative effects of anions. Nonionic surfactants are considered the softest and safest. At the same time, they wash out anionic elements from clothes.
It is believed that only a detergent containing no more than 5% surfactant anions is harmless.
Phosphates and analogues
Phosphates soften water and help surfactants work as effectively as possible. But phosphates negatively affect the human body, as well as the external environment. Therefore, developers of washing powders are trying to find an equivalent, but not so destructive analogue.
Today, one of the analogues of phosphates is a substance called “zeolite”. It is found in Persil phosphate-free detergents. Zeolites are much more harmless. But at the same time they have other disadvantages. Since zeolites are insoluble, they penetrate and settle into the fabric structure, making the material dark and hard, and also impair the drainage of the washing machine.
Enzymes
Biologically active components that bind and remove organic dirt are called enzymes. Persil detergent contains six of these substances:
- glycosidase, which removes contaminants from food products;
- LiAZ pectate eliminates impurities from jam and juices;
- amylase, which removes starchy dirt;
- protease, which helps get rid of protein stains;
- cellulose, which protects the fabric structure from damage and has a dirt-repellent effect;
- lipase, which allows you to get rid of fatty contaminants.
Enzymes show quite effective results, but at the same time they have a destructive effect on textiles. In addition, they are ineffective when washing at temperatures above 50C.
Bleaches
Bleach is found in Persil powders for white laundry. These substances are optical (reflecting microparticles that settle on clothes and produce the illusion of “whitening”) and chemical, interacting with dirty stains, thereby making things snow-white.
Types of laundry detergents
Persil laundry detergents are represented by gels, washing powders and laundry capsules. All of them have several subspecies, which differ not only in flavors, but also in the way they are used.
Washing powder
Washing powders are activated at a temperature of 30 degrees. They are based on:
- A-surfactant,
- nonionic surfactants,
- phosphonates,
- soap,
- enzymes,
- optical and oxygen brightener.
Depending on the specific type of powder, fabric softener or substances that protect fabric pigments from washing out may be added to it.
The assortment is represented by the following items:
- Lavender;
- Freshness from Vernel;
- Spring freshness;
- Color;
- Color freshness from Vernel;
- Persil Sensitive;
- Premium.
Powders weighing 0.45 kg are produced in cardboard packs, and large volumes are packaged in plastic bags (from 3 to 9 kg).
Gel
Gel is a liquid concentrate containing surfactants and other active ingredients. It is dosed using a measuring cup. The product can be used for both hand and machine washing.
The line of gels includes the following items:
- Freshness from Vernel;
- Lavender;
- Spring freshness;
- Color;
- Sensitive;
- Premium;
- Premium Color.
The main difference between gel and powder is that it quickly dissolves in water and washes out well, so it can be used for washing delicate fabrics. The minimum water temperature to activate the gel is 30 degrees.
The gel does not have to be poured into the compartment of the washing machine intended for powders. You can pour it directly into the drum and then start the wash cycle. If things are not very dirty, then 75 ml of liquid concentrate is enough for one cycle. In the presence of complex stains, its amount is increased to 155 ml.
Read more about Persil gels here.
Capsules
Capsules are very convenient to use, since there is no need to dose detergent when washing. They have a transparent shell that dissolves in water. Use 1 capsule for 1 wash (for 4-5 kg of laundry).
Duo-caps range:
- Freshness from Vernel;
- Lavender;
- Color;
- Premium Color.
The capsules are easy to use. They are placed in a drum, and dirty things are placed on top. After this, all that remains is to put the device into operation.
The capsules are bright and can attract the attention of children, so you need to store the detergent out of reach. Their ingestion is strictly unacceptable, since the content of surfactants in them is extremely high (up to 30%), which can cause serious poisoning.
Read more about Persil capsules here.
Composition of Persil Expert Sensitive powder
The composition of the presented Expert Sensitive powder is more gentle than other synthetic detergents of the Persil brand. The amount of surfactants is 5-15 percent. The powder is easily rinsed out of things, that is, the risk of allergic reactions when washing with this product is low. Oxygen-containing and optical brighteners, soap, phosphonates, enzymes, and hypoallergenic fragrances provide gentle and effective washing of even very soiled items.
Persil Expert Sensitive contains aloe vera extract, which protects delicate skin from the harmful effects of active substances. Thus, the powder copes well with the most difficult stains, while being the safest of all series produced by the manufacturer.
Features of choice
Each type of detergent is designed for a specific purpose. Features of choosing Persil powder, gels and capsules:
- To wash colored items, choose a detergent labeled Color. It can be powder, gel or capsules.
- To wash white clothes, you can use any formulations that are not marked Color, as they contain a larger amount of bleach.
- There is no specialized composition in the Persil line for caring for children's things.
- For washing items belonging to people with highly sensitive skin. For this purpose, Persil Sensitive is used, which contains natural soap. After washing, the products release a pleasant almond aroma.
- If you need to wash heavily soiled items, you can purchase a product with a stronger formula - Persil Premium. It contains a stain remover.
- To care for delicate items, it is recommended to use liquid formulations - gels or capsules.
- For hand washing, you can use powder or gel. Capsules are used for machine wash only.
Main line
Nowadays, a huge line of detergents is produced under the Persil brand. All types of powders are divided into 3 groups: for white clothes, for colored clothes, and for consumers with hypersensitive skin. There are also different types for washing by hand and for automatic machines.
On the domestic market, the selection of Persil powders is represented by the following products:
- Persil Color (a product with granules to remove dirty stains for any linen, except silk and woolen items. Used for automatic and hand washing);
- Color Expert (a product containing enzymes for heavily soiled colored items);
- Pearls of Freshness (a product with enzymes for whitening synthetic and cotton items);
- Persil Sensitive Expert (contains bioenzymes for hand or machine washing of any items, with the exception of wool and silk underwear. Can be used for people with hypersensitive skin and for children's clothing);
- Color Plus (phosphate-free washing powder with conditioner and rinse aid for colored laundry);
- Color Freshness (washing powder for colored clothes, except silk and woolen items);
- Persil Lavender 360 (phosphate-free washing powder for all items except silk and wool);
- Color Cold Zoom (phosphate-free powder for multi-colored linen, in addition to silk and woolen items);
- Cold Zoom (powder for white and multi-colored items).
Terms of use
Depending on the release form, the methods of using the detergent will differ. Pay attention to the following points:
Powder. It is poured into 1 or 2 compartments of the washing machine and a suitable program is launched. If you are washing by hand, the powder must be thoroughly dissolved before placing the items in water.- Gel. It can be poured into a special section of the washing machine, or directly onto dirty clothes. If soaking is necessary, apply the gel to the stain, rub it with the back of the cap and leave for a certain time.
- Capsules. They are used only for machine washing, putting them in the drum first. Dirty items should be placed on top.
Any detergent from Persil is activated at a temperature of 30 degrees.
Is Persil Expert Sensitive powder dangerous for children?
Not all customers liked the presented powder in action. Some people believe that Persil Expert Sensitive is dangerous to the health of children and its composition is unsafe. Some people note that the powder is literally “nuclear” and eats the colors on clothes even after soaking. Is it really?
After examinations carried out by the state body, it turned out that counterfeits of this type of synthetic detergent are found on Russian markets. The manufacturing company is not responsible for washing items with such powders and advises you to take a closer look at the packaging when making a purchase. Particular attention should be paid to the quality marks installed on the packaging.
In fact, Expert Sensitive powder may not be dangerous. It was created specifically for children and adults with sensitive skin, which is why it acts gently and delicately on human skin and tissue.
Thus, the presented series of Persil powder successfully combines good German quality, reasonable price, environmental friendliness, and hypoallergenicity. This powder not only washes perfectly, but also actively cares for sensitive skin. With it you don’t have to worry about your own and your children’s health.
Allergies - what to do?
Allergies to washing powder can develop in both children and adults. It is a delayed-type reaction, so symptoms may appear even 3 days after contact with the allergen.
Characteristic manifestations:
- Eczema on hands.
- Sore throat, runny nose, cough.
- Tearing.
- Skin rashes, itching.
The allergen can only be accurately determined after undergoing a skin test. If it is determined that the cause of the pathological symptoms is Persil, it is necessary to discontinue its further use.
Persil Expert Sensitive: customer reviews
Most people who have already used this powder note that it removes even old stains very well. In addition, the product foams remarkably well when washed by hand and rinses well. Accordingly, fewer harmful surfactants remain on clothes when compared with other powders.
But not all buyers were satisfied with the presented detergent. Some users believe that this powder costs too much per wash. At the same time, the reviews note that the price for it is very high, and you can only buy it on sale. Many people do not like the specific sharp smell of the powder, but at the same time, for some it reminds them of the aroma of freshness. In rare cases, skin allergies have been observed in young children.
Comparison with other brands
In addition to Persil, the departments with household chemicals offer laundry detergents from other brands. Famous brands such as Ariel, Tide, Losk, BiMax can compete.
Ariel
Ariel is produced by the American company Procter&Gamble . The funds are practically in the same price category. On sale you can find powder, gel and capsules for washing. The range of detergents is quite wide, but there are differences in the selection of scents.
Like Persil, Ariel has a specialized formulation for people with hypersensitive skin. Household chemicals meet safety requirements and wash and bleach fabrics well. Prices for Ariel are here.
Tide
Tide is almost 50 years younger than Persil. Procter&Gamble has been producing products since 1950.
Tide is a more budget-friendly laundry product, but its quality does not suffer from this . In the assortment you can find all 3 forms of release: capsules, gels and washing powders.
Unlike Persil, Tide manufacturers have not created a special composition for people with sensitive skin, but they offer powder for washing children's clothes.
Tide's washing quality is high, but according to a number of studies, it is still inferior to Persil. This is especially noticeable when caring for things with complex and persistent stains. Tide prices are here.
Gloss
Losk can be called the “younger brother” of Persil, since it is produced by the same company – Henkel. The powder appeared in Russia in 1994. Gloss belongs to budget detergents.
Unlike Persil, the product range is not so diverse. You can find capsules, powders and gels on sale, but the number of types of detergents is not so large . However, there is a gel on sale for washing children's clothes that can be used from the first days of life.
The manufacturer also offers liquid cones enriched with essential oils of lotus, lily and orchid. Prices for Losk are here.
Bimax
The production of washing powder is carried out by a domestic company located in Kazan . Laundry detergents are cheaper than Persil. For some powders the difference is quite significant and reaches 30%.
Only washing powders and gels can be found on sale. There are no capsules in the Bimax line of detergents. Like Persil, the manufacturer offers consumers a line of Aromatherapy products. Prices for Bimax are here.
History of appearance
When purchasing Persil powder in a store, not many people realize that the history of the brand goes back more than 100 years. For the first time, a detergent with this name hit the shelves in 1908: in the summer, an advertisement appeared in a local newspaper that described the advantages of a new laundry detergent.
At that time, Henkel washing powder was truly unique. This composition contained two active ingredients: silicate and perbortate. If you boil things in them, they bleach perfectly thanks to the air bubbles that are intensely released during boiling.
This treatment was much gentler, unlike the use of chlorine. At the same time, no pungent odor was released during washing. But, most importantly, the new Persil washing powder washed on its own, and housewives were freed from the need to scrub heavily soiled clothes by hand for a long time.
Persil appeared in stores in cardboard boxes wrapped in beautiful paper packaging. The boxes were filled with detergent by hand.
15 years after the start of sales, a girl in white appeared on packages of washing powder; she was the advertising face of the product for several decades. In the 70s, a bright element was added to the cardboard box - a red ribbon.
After this, Persil had many more achievements. The powder manufacturer responded quickly to changing consumer demands, always offering new products. Thus, in 1958, the first cleaning product containing surfactant anions was published. They made it possible to wash clothes efficiently.
In the 60s, washing powder appeared for use in washing machines, which had low foam formation, and in the 80s, substances were added to the composition of the powder detergent to protect the washing machine tank from corrosive processes.
In connection with the active propaganda of environmentalists, phosphate-free formulations and quickly dissolving surfactants have been released. Further achievements included liquid products, tablets for automatic machines, powders for consumers who had hypersensitivity to chemicals.
What is the price, where to buy?
Cost of Persil detergents :
- Color washing powder 0.45 kg - about 100 rubles, 3 kg - about 500 rubles (all prices are here).
- Gel from the Premium series 2.34 kg - about 700 rubles (prices - here).
- Capsules 14 pieces - about 300 rubles (prices can be found here).
Price may vary depending on point of sale. You can purchase laundry detergents in retail stores, in the household chemicals department, or order them online.
Reviews
Reviews about Persil can be found varied. Many consumers like the quality of washing . They indicate that the powder copes well with difficult stains. They are satisfied with its pleasant aroma that remains on things.
Other users say that recently the powder has become worse at dealing with contaminants. They don’t like the fact that they have to rinse things for a long time so that there are no white streaks left on them.
Reviews can be found here, here, here, here, here and here.
Persil washing powder: review
Expert Sensitive series powder is one of the types of laundry detergents produced by the German brand Persil. It was specially designed for people with sensitive skin and children of different ages, starting from the newborn period. Persil Expert Sensitive, the photo of which is presented below, is equally suitable for manual and automatic washing. With its help you can wash even the most stubborn stains, regardless of the color and type of fabric.
Due to the fact that the fragrance in the powder is hypoallergenic, and harmful substances and dyes are completely excluded, this product is suitable for people suffering from various diseases. It is Persil Expert Sensitive that is recommended by the Union of Pediatricians of Russia and the Scientific Center for Children's Health of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences as the best powder in terms of price and quality in its category.