Q1. What was your opinion of the Naturally Powered products before using them?
We are using the washing powder. I had never heard of this (sub) brand, but the idea of something more natural is appealing. I liked the look of the pack - lots of white, plus blue and green makes it look eco-friendly, as well as clinical and therefore suggesting clean. But, I was less sure about the logo. It is meaningless and suggests neither natural, nor eco nor efficacy. And I thought that 13 washes was a bit of an odd number! Why not round it up to 14, therefore suggesting a fortnight's worth of washes?
I like the idea of the 15 degree promise, but my washing machine doesn't have a setting for such a low temperature, so i couldn't test that option out.
I especially liked the promise of being dermatologically tested. This is very important as both DH and I have sensitive skin, and have to avoid most washing detergents, even non-bio ones. However, I thought the use of the hand was a bit
as it suggests that it is endorsed by the British Skin Foundation - which it isn't. This is a bit dubious and a bit of a con.
'Plant-derived cleaning ingredients' sounds good - but I have no idea what this actually means, nor how it compares with current detergents on the market!
Q2. After using the products, what was your over all opinion? Did the products work? Were you happy with the performance? Did you like the smell and feel of the products?
It smelt very nice, and the clothes smelt very pleasant after washing. As far as I can tell, the clothes have all come out clean. That said, we have very little really dirty stuff that we're washing - my DC are older, so we're not having to deal with many spills and dribbles!
Q3. How did the products compare to your usual cleaning products? Did it work just as well, better or worse than the products you usually use?
In terms of cleaning, then it seems fine. I didn't like the way it stayed clumped up in the dispenser drawer - but this was initially because I used a double dose of the powder. I didn't spot the measuring line on the outside of the cup.
We haven't suffered from any skin reactions - at least not so far - but we have only used about half of the box (my DH, who does most of the washing, keeps forgetting to use this and is using our other products instead - sorry!)
Q4. How important are the green credentials of the Naturally Powered range to you? Would this affect your decision to buy? If so, why? If not, why not?
They are important, and would be a purchase influence - but ultimately, our skin sensitivity is the most important consideration that I have when I'm buying/choosing a detergent.
Q5. Will you continue to buy the Tesco Naturally Powered range? If so, why? If not why not?
It depends on the price ultimately, and whether or not it's kind to our skin. I would certainly consider buying it, assuming that it causes no skin problems.
Q6. What, if any, improvements would you make to the Naturally Powered products you were testing?
Personally I prefer a liquid detergent, so would like to see it in that format.
Re the measuring cup - why make it so big? Why not just make it big enough for a 'one shot' 30g dose? I also agree with other posters here - a plastic bag inside a cardboard box, with what looks like expensive finishes and printing on the outside, doesn't seem very eco-friendly, thereby undermining the green credentials a bit. I also notice that the carton is recyclable - but what about the plastic bag?
Q7. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the products to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?
I doubt very much I would be likely to be having such a dull conversation! I have not really had such impressive results that I'm likely to recommend it. I'm not entirely convinced that it's really that green an offer. The ingredients list certainly doesn't really sound that green/natural. I also am not very happy about the implication that the product has BSF endorsement - that makes me quite cross actually - it seems like a cynical mis-use of someone else's logo.