Enzyme CAS Numbers:
- Protease: CAS# 9001-92-7
- Amylase: CAS# 9000-90-2
- Mannanase: CAS# 37288-54-3
- Cellulase: CAS# 9012-54-8
CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) numbers are unique identifiers assigned to every chemical substance, ensuring accurate identification across the industry.
What Are Detergent Enzymes?
Enzymes in detergent are all-natural ingredients that act as cleaning catalysts. They add extra stain-fighting power to our activewear laundry detergent. Our proprietary blend of different enzymes targets specific types of stains and breaks the soiled mass into smaller molecules that can be easily washed away.
What do enzymes in detergent do?
Athletic wear stains come in many forms and types, including proteins from sweat, starches from foods and personal care products, and cellulosic residues from dirt and environmental exposure. We use several different types of high-quality all-natural enzymes to break down the multitude of different stains found on performance fabrics after intense workouts.
How is our activewear detergent enzyme blend made?
While the unique proportions and recipe for our enzyme blend are a trade secret, we're happy to share a bit about the four different types of highly effective cleaning enzymes we use in our Activewear Laundry Detergent.
- Protease to target protein. Protein is found in sweat, blood, grass, dirt, and mud—all common stains on athletic gear. The protease enzyme breaks down the protein molecules in these stains, which makes it easier for the detergent to lift them from performance fabrics. This is especially critical for perspiration, which contains numerous protein compounds that can become permanently embedded in synthetic fibers if not properly removed. (Note: many fabrics—including silk, wool, and cashmere — are protein based. This means protease will, over time, degrade the quality of the fabric. For these items, use our enzyme-free Silk and Wool formula.)
- Amylase to target starch. Starch is everywhere! It is commonly used to thicken foods from ready-made sauces and sports nutrition products to energy bars and recovery drinks. Unfortunately, starch also acts as a glue for other dirt particles both in the air and in wash water. This makes starch stains super noticeable on athletic wear. Amylase is necessary to break down starch and help wash away these stains.
- Mannanase to target gum. Guar and locust bean gums can be found in a wide range of personal care products, including deodorants, antiperspirants, body lotions, and sunscreens — all products commonly used during athletic activities. These gums can build up on performance fabrics over time, creating residues that trap odors and reduce fabric breathability. Mannanase breaks down these gums to help detergents remove their sticky residues and restore fabric performance.
- Cellulase to target cellulosic dirt. Cellulase breaks down cellulosic dirt and organic residue without damaging synthetic or natural fabric fibers. This enzyme is particularly effective at removing outdoor dirt, grass, and environmental soils that accumulate during sports and exercise. Cellulase also provides a fabric-refreshing benefit, helping to restore the original appearance and hand-feel of athletic textiles without harming their technical performance properties.
The bottom line — if you sweat in it, work out in it, or play sports in it, our Activewear enzyme blend will tackle the stains!
How does our activewear laundry detergent enzyme blend work?
We can't spill all our secrets, but we will tell you this—athletic wear stains can contain more than one component and will require more than one enzyme to break down. In fact, most post-workout stains are multi-layered, with each element in the stain forming a coating. That means an enzyme's access to its target element can be 'blocked'.
Our enzymes work as a team to clear paths for one another, which boosts their collective power and impact. The result is outstanding performance tackling a wide range of athletic stains—from perspiration and body oils to grass and mud—while maintaining the color integrity, moisture-wicking properties, and technical performance of your activewear.
Ingredient Safety Profile
The enzymes in Heritage Park Activewear Detergent are recognized as safe ingredients by leading environmental and health organizations:
- EPA Safer Choice Approved Ingredients: All four enzyme types meet EPA's criteria for safer chemical ingredients
- Recognized by EWG: All enzymes are acknowledged by the Environmental Working Group's safer ingredient standards
- Biodegradable: Enzymes are proteins that break down naturally in the environment
- Bio-Based: Produced through sustainable fermentation rather than chemical synthesis
- Highly Specific: Each enzyme targets only its specific stain type, leaving fabrics unharmed
- Low-Temperature Effective: Work efficiently in cold water, saving energy
- Safe for Synthetic Fabrics: Specifically formulated for athletic wear and performance fabrics
Important Note: While all individual enzyme ingredients are recognized as safe by EPA Safer Choice and EWG standards, Heritage Park Activewear Laundry Detergent is not yet EPA Safer Choice Certified or EWG VERIFIED as a complete product formulation.
What product is this ingredient in?
* Not yet EPA Safer Choice Certified or EWG VERIFIED