Technical development of a light-duty detergent requires knowledge of the kinds of ingredients that may be used and their functions, and an understanding of the techniques used for evaluating performance characteristics. It involves selection or optimization of an activeingredient system, adjustment of product physical properties, incorporation of suitable colorant and perfume, conduction of appropriate aging studies and testing of resistance to microbio logical contamination to ensure proper quality at time of purchase, and assessment of safety to humans. -- AATA