What is the Persil controversy?

Author: Lacey Emmerich IV  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Unilever's advert for one of its laundry detergents, Persil, has been banned for being misleading about its environmental benefits. The television advert said Persil was "kinder to our planet", and featured children picking up litter on a beach.

What happened to Persil laundry detergent?

Henkel has been doing a rebrand of the All/Persil lines. Typical marketing tactic of shifting things around/changing packaging to increase prices or give you less for the same price. All is now exclusively free + clear detergents. Slightly redesigned packaging and they upped the price.

What is so special about Persil laundry detergent?

Persil® is formulated with fabric care ingredients to protect color and help keep your clothes looking newer, longer* so you can look and feel your best, wash after wash. Get That New Clothes Feeling™. Wash with Persil®.

What is the washing detergent controversy?

A University of Washington study found many popular laundry detergents were packed with toxins. Scented laundry detergents were particularly problematic. Many of the chemicals used to create scents in laundry detergents are considered carcinogens.

Why did Persil Power fail?

Commercial failure

The most serious problem was that after a few washes with Persil Power, clothes first started to lose their colour definition and then their structural integrity, ripping easily under any significant stress.

Dump WASHING POWDER into your Toilet and WATCH WHAT HAPPENS 💥

Is Persil detergent better than Tide?

I have seen a study that said Persil is 2% better so, I might be influenced by that study. If I didn't have to consider price, I would prefer Persil because the smell of the washed clothese is (in my opinion) better than Tide. But price is a consideration and therefore, Tide is the clear winner based on value.

Is Persil Made in China?

Persil (/ˈpɜːrsɪl/, German pronunciation: [pɛʁˈziːl]) is a German brand of laundry detergent manufactured and marketed by Henkel around the world except in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Latin America (except Mexico), China, Australia and New Zealand, where it is manufactured and marketed by Unilever.

What is the least toxic laundry detergent?

What Is the Best Non Toxic Laundry Detergent?
  • NaturOli* (Our Top Pick)
  • Truly Free*
  • Ecos Free & Clear*
  • Meliora Unscented Powder Detergent*
  • Molly's Suds*
  • Aspen*
  • ATTITUDE*
  • Clean Cult*

Is Persil laundry detergent safe?

The safety and well-being of our consumers is our top priority. Persil fragrances are formulated to be safe, which includes compliance with the standards set by the International Fragrance Research Association (IFRA), which are based on risk assessments by an independent scientific expert panel.

Which laundry detergents were banned?

The chemical byproduct, 1,4-Dioxane, is present in many popular laundry detergents. In recent tests, Arm & Hammer Clean Burst, Tide Original, Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear, and Gain Original + Aroma Boost all contained more than 3 PPM of 1,4-Dioxane, over the NY State limit.

What is the number one best laundry detergent?

The Best Laundry Detergents, According to Rigorous Testing
  • Best Overall. Tide Hygienic Clean Power Pods. Read more.
  • Best Overall Liquid Laundry Detergent. Persil Advanced Clean Oxi + Odor Power. Read more.
  • Best Overall Powder Laundry Detergent. Tide Plus Bleach Powder Laundry Detergent. Read more.

Has Persil changed its ingredients?

The formulation has been completely redesigned and improved. It now tackles a much wider range of stains than the previous formulation and therefore includes a few new ingredients. As a result, the ingredient panel reflects these changes.

Why is Tide simply so cheap?

Tide Simply is a value version of Tide that includes less cleaning ingredients to help lower the cost while still providing a very solid clean.

Is Costco detergent made by Persil?

Kirkland liquid laundry detergent is one of the most inexpensive and high performing detergents on the market. That's because it's made by the mighty Henkel brand which also produces Persil and All, both very powerful detergents as well!

What is the new Persil?

Wonder Wash is suitable to be used for full cycles but will be most effective for lightly stained clothes or clothes containing 'invisible' stains on a quick wash. Therefore, recommendation is using this product with quick & cold wash cycles such as 15 min, 20°C and on lightly soiled clothes.

Does persil detergent fade clothes?

“With deep cleaning power that cleans clothes right on the first wash and helps prevent color fading, Persil® Laundry Detergent aims to help everyone look and feel their best while keeping favorite clothing items looking newer, longer*.”

Is Persil or Tide better?

On average, Persil removes an average of 2% more stains than Tide detergents—and that's why it's our top-ranked liquid laundry detergent. Persil has been on sale in the U.S. since mid-2015, but it has long been a best-selling laundry detergent in Europe.

What laundry detergent did Persil replace?

A: I noticed that Persil came on the market when Wisk was no longer available.

Does Persil leave residue?

Leaves no residues

A detergent powder may leave residues on clothes and may require additional rinse cycles. Having liquid detergent such as Persil Power Gel will keep your clothes residue-free, keep your clothes brighter, reduces chances of allergies, and help you save on your electricity bill as well.

What laundry detergents don't contain 1/4 dioxane?

5 1,4 Dioxane-Free Laundry Detergents
  • Branch Basics Laundry Detergent. ...
  • Liquid Castile Soap. ...
  • Soap Nuts. ...
  • Baking Soda + Vinegar. ...
  • Branch Basics Laundry Kit.

Is oxiclean toxic?

Harmful if swallowed. Contains sodium percarbonate and sodium carbonate. Avoid powder or solution contact with eyes and prolonged skin contact (wear gloves). EYE CONTACT: Flush with water for 15 minutes; seek medical attention immediately.

Why is Persil popular?

As a trusted brand in laundry care, Persil® laundry detergent helps keep clothes looking newer for longer versus the leading value detergent. Packed with powerful stain-fighting enzymes to deliver a premium deep clean, Persil® helps protect colors from fading while keeping clothes looking vibrant.

Does Persil contain microplastics?

We understand microplastics to refer to solid, insoluble plastic particles that are five millimeters or smaller and are not biodegradable. These can enter rivers and oceans via wastewater and accumulate there permanently. As a first and important steps, we do not use any "microbeads" in our Laundry products worldwide.

Is skip the same as Persil?

Unilever's largest detergent brand, OMO (also known as Persil, Skip or Surf Excel depending on where you live), believes you can't unleash your full potential without getting stuck in and getting dirty. So embrace the glory and the grime of every step on your journey to becoming your personal best.

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