Expert Guide To Non-Toxic Dish Soap | 11 Brands To Trust

What harmful ingredients are hiding in non toxic dish soap?

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

These strong detergents are added to dish soaps to create a rich lather and cut through tough grease and grime. However, they can also cause skin irritation, dryness, and even allergic reactions, especially with prolonged or frequent contact. SLS and SLES may also contribute to dry skin and dermatitis with frequent use.

Triclosan

This antibacterial agent is sometimes added to dish soaps to reduce bacteria on dishes. However, concerns have been raised about triclosan’s potential to disrupt hormones and contribute to antibiotic resistance. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has even begun phasing out its use in most consumer products.

Artificial Fragrances and Dyes

While these additives can make your dish soap smell pleasant and look appealing, they often come at a cost. Artificial fragrances can be made up of hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, some of which may trigger allergies or sensitivities in people with asthma or eczema. Dyes, on the other hand, serve no functional purpose in cleaning and may also irritate some people’s skin.

Formaldehyde

This known carcinogen is sometimes used as a preservative in dish soaps to prevent bacterial growth. However, formaldehyde can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even cancer making it a concerning ingredient in products that come into contact with your hands and dishes.

Phthalates

These chemicals are often used as fragrance ingredients and to increase the flexibility of plastic packaging. However, phthalates are known endocrine disruptors and have been linked to reproductive and developmental issues.

1,4-Dioxane

This potential carcinogen is a byproduct of the manufacturing process for some surfactants used in dish soaps. 1,4-Dioxane can cause eye and respiratory tract irritation, making it a concerning ingredient in products that you use in your home.

Diethanolamine (DEA)

Diethanolamine is a foaming agent and pH adjuster that can react with other ingredients in dish soap to form nitrosamines, which are known carcinogens.

While these chemicals are often used to enhance cleaning performance, the fact that these ingredients are found in products that come into direct contact with your dishes and, ultimately, your food, is particularly concerning.

What should I consider when selecting the right non-toxic dish soap?

Cleaning Effectiveness

Of course, the primary purpose of dish soap is to effectively remove grease, food residues, and grime from your dishes. So you’ll want to look for plant-based surfactants like alkyl polyglucosides or coco-glucosides that provide powerful cleaning without harsh chemicals. Enzymes can also boost cleaning power against tough, baked-on messes.

Natural, Non-Toxic Ingredients

Opt for dish soaps made with plant-derived, biodegradable ingredients instead of synthetic compounds. Avoid soaps containing phosphates, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, dyes, and other potentially harmful chemicals. Look for soaps certified as cruelty-free and vegan.

Biodegradability

Choose biodegradable formulas to minimize environmental impact. Plant-based surfactants and ingredients like soap nuts are readily biodegradable, unlike petroleum-based compounds. This prevents buildup of toxic chemicals in waterways.

Scent Preferences

Many non-toxic soaps use natural, essential oil-based fragrances or are unscented. Select a scent you enjoy, or opt for fragrance-free if you have sensitivities. Avoid synthetic fragrances which can cause allergic reactions.

Are non toxic dish soaps as effective as conventional ones?

Absolutely! Non toxic dish soaps can be just as effective as conventional ones at cleaning dishes. 

Plant-based surfactants are powerful grease cutters that match or exceed the cleaning power of synthetic surfactants found in conventional soaps. Enzymes like proteases and amylases added to eco-friendly formulas boost their ability to remove stubborn, baked-on food stains and dried grease.

Are non toxic dish soaps safe for septic systems?

Yes, non-toxic dish soaps are generally safe for septic systems.

Since non toxic dish soaps use plant-based, biodegradable ingredients that can break down properly in septic tanks without harming the beneficial bacteria.

Plant-derived surfactants, enzymes, and natural ingredients in non-toxic soaps are designed to degrade fully, unlike petroleum-based compounds found in conventional brands.

Using non-toxic, septic-safe dish soaps helps prevent buildup of chemicals that could contaminate groundwater from the septic system’s drain field.

If you are concerned, look for a dishwashing liquid that is specifically labled as septic-safe like Aspen Clean or Mama Suds.