Yes, the pods version of Free and Gentle has optical brighteners too. : (

The liquid does not. It's a bit confusing. I would like F&G across all their versions to be free of OBs but I don't make decisions over at P&G. It makes sense that if it is to be actually called F&G it should be free of potential irritants.

Having no scent added and a touch less oxygen bleach is their classifier for the powder.

No bleach activator either

Gobsmacked again. I really like this powder and now you're saying it isn't really free and gentle? I hope I remember to call P&G tomorrow. I'm so mad at them for putting "Downy" on a liquid Free & Gentle bottle that they know does NOT have Downy in it. I'm now just THIS close to leaving P&G again! No wonder Roc refuses to use P&G detergents.

If you have been using the product and like it, why leave??? I used it for my infant and it was great. Switched to something less expensive once he was older and not so sensitive.

Pat, the Downey version of the F&G liquid is due to the enzyme they put in--celluose. It munches the fuzz that accumulates on fabric, thus making the fabric feel softer. It's not really Downy fabric softener, just to be clear. Littlegreeny shared that bit of info.

I do like that detergent, but end up with the tiny holes in clothes because of the cellulose. I like how it makes the fabric very smooth, but then I have little holes in my clothes...I don't use that one anymore but have fond memories of it. Wish I could have it both ways, but can't.

I wonder what Roc is using these days?

SEA SEA, it's just that in my old age I'm having a very hard time with false advertising meant to lure in customers. P&G does it all the time but so do other corporations. Same as I'm having a hard time with lying politicians. Lieing?

Looking at the label for All liquid at Target. It shows an optical brightener.

The only version of All without OB's... that I know of, is a special bottle of All Small & Mighty, manufactured for and sold exclusively at the Miltary Commissary. It also has a green Solider hat on the front, IRRC.

I can't seem to recall any Tide Product NOT having OB's. Even when Tide "Free" originally came out as a Powder (it wasn't Free & Gentle yet)... it still contained OBs and enzymes.

My bottle of liquid Tide Stain Release Free Gentle (purchased at Target) does not have OBs listed in the ingredients.

I have the Tide Hygienic Free Liquid and also does not list OBs.

My Tide Ultra Stain Release Free also has no OBs. I found this formula to be the best performing free and clear detergent. My laundry has never been cleaner.

Thanks everyone! I now have a couple of Tide options without OB's! Hopefully, they'll keep it that way. Now, if only they had a powder version without Ob's.

Why are OB's bad? Is it a sensitivity issue or is there some other reason they are bad?

vinmarks,

OBs (optical brighteners) are fluorescent dyes which function like bluing. There is some concern about adverse health effects, and some people are sensitive to them (skin irritation and such). They can also cause fading (or an appearance of fading) of dark colors such as black and navy.

are optical brighteners in detergent harmful

@dadoes Thanks for the explanation.