Enzymes are proteins that are synthesized by every living plant and animal cell. They act as catalysts, or biological accelerators, to speed up bio-chemical reactions. Enzymes can complete chemical reactions without being used up, which means the enzymes can act on another molecule and create another reaction. Eventually, the enzyme substrate is gone and the enzyme stops working.

Enzymes used in laundry detergents act on stains, soils and odors so that these materials can be washed away more easily. These enzymes are named after the materials they can help remove. Lipases break down lipid (fat) based stains like grease, salad dressings, cooking oils and lipstick. Amylases break down starches and other carbohydrate-based stains, and proteases break down protein based stains like blood or egg. These enzymes will even remove tough collar stains or grass stains. Because one enzyme molecule can work multiple times, small amounts of enzyme in laundry detergent can increase the cleaning power, and improve whitening and cleanliness, providing a big cleaning benefit to user. 

Enzymes are proteins and are all-natural, environmentally friendly, biodegradable and non-toxic. They do not pose a safety issue when used in laundry detergents or cleaning solutions.