When it comes to dish soaps, there is a TON of Sneaky Stuff. What follows are the brands that you ask about most often.
365 dish soaps have moved from Okay Stuff to Sneaky Stuff, thanks to the addition of sodium laureth sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine, and benzisothiazolinone.
Aunt Fannie’s dishwashing liquid contains cocamidopropyl betaine, although the rest of their line of cleaning products is Good Stuff!
When I wrote the first version of the dish soap safety review (back in 2010!), Biokleen was tight-lipped about the specific ingredients they use. (“Unfortunately, our surfactants are a proprietary blend and therefore we do not disclose that information to the public.”) Biokleen did assure me, however, that their detergent is free of both SLS and SLES and that they don’t use synthetic fragrances or dyes. They sent me their material safety data sheet (MSDS) and their surfactant blend is not considered hazardous or possibly carcinogenic. Given all of this information, I felt that Biokleen should be considered Good Stuff. Unfortunately, Biokleen recently changed their formula and, to their credit, chose to disclose all ingredients. These include cocamidopropyl betaine, lauramine oxide, and something called C10-16 alkyl glucoside, about which I can’t find any information.
Caldrea dish soaps contain methylisothiazolinone, benzisothiazolinone, and synthetic fragrance.
Dapple dish soap uses alkyl polyglucoside as a surfactant, which is safe, but it also contains tetrasodium iminodisuccinate (a C on EWG), synthetic fragrance (although they specify that it’s “made from ingredients consistent with the guidelines of the Natural Products Association”), and benzisothiazolinone (definitely Bad Stuff). When we tried to get more info from Dapple on their fragrance, we got no response (via phone or email).
Eco-Max dish wash contains SLES and cocamidopropyl betaine.
Earth Friendly Products used to list the ingredients in their ECOS Dishmate soap as just “water, salt, organic grapefruit oil, and 100% natural anionic coconut kernel oil-based surfactant.” They have recently started disclosing all of their ingredients, which include cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium coco-sulfate, cocamidopropylamine oxide, phenoxyethanol, and methylisothiazolinone. Super sneaky!
Grab Green changed their formula, and their dish liquid now contains sodium laureth sulfate and cocamidopropyl betaine.
Honest Company’s Honest Dish Soap has changed their ingredients for the better since the original version of this guide. But it still contains sodium benzoate, cocomidopropylamine oxide, phenoxyethanol, sodium coco-sulfate, and cocamidopropyl betaine.
J.R. Watkins foaming dish soap has a cool application process, but contains all the standard Sneaky ingredients, including synthetic fragrance.
Method dish soap uses synthetic fragrance and color (this one is free of phthalates), and also contains synthetic preservatives and methylisothiazolinone.
Mrs. Meyers Clean Day’s PR company sent me bottles of all of their dishwashing liquids, hoping to have it reviewed on this site. While I did in fact use all four bottles, I won’t buy or recommend Mrs. Meyers. They are indeed scented with essential oils, as the label claims, but they also contain synthetic fragrances (although a Mrs. Meyers rep assured me they are free of phthalates)–in addition to methylisothiazolinone and benzisothiazolinone.
Sapadilla Lovely Liquid Dish Soap contains cocamidopropyl betaine.
Shaklee is a brand that we are asked about often. Unfortunately, their dishwashing liquid contains Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-sulfo-.omega.-hydroxy-, C10-16-alkyl ethers (yes, that’s one ingredient!), which may be contaminated with carcinogenic 1,4-dioxane. It also contains tetrasodium EDTA and C10-16-alkyl glycosides, both of which EWG rate a C.
Trader Joe’s doesn’t disclose any specifics about their dish soap, but we know it has artificial colors.
130 comments
Stephanie
What a great article. Thank you for all the hard work and research you do! What do you think of ECOS and Planet dishwashing soaps?
Maia James
Yes, they seem like Good Stuff!
Sandra
Hi Maya! Thanks for the updated list. What about the brand Truly Free? I use their dish soap and was wondering what do you think about it? Thanks!
Maia James
Yes, those are naturally occurring from essential oils.
Bobby
Thanks for this honest review. Recently, we have a child and the question of how safe our household chemicals are for children has sharply become. I would like my child to come into contact only with those agents that cannot cause allergies in him, so my task was to select a new agent and it seems thanks to your article I found it. https://seabedee.org/
Monika
Hi Maia,
I see you recommend the Sonett Dishwashing liquid. I use it as well and after checking the bottle I see it contains both Limonene and Linalool (*from organic origin). Is it then safe if it’s organic? I have the Rosmary one so not sure if that’s the only one that contains these… Thank youIrene
Hello! In the interest of supporting more environmentally friendly products (less packaging, on top of non-toxic), what are your thoughts about BLUELAND products? There isn’t much on EWG that I can find. My main concern would be that everything is powder and can be toxic to the eyes and lungs. Thank you!
Suzanne Weaver-Goss
We always recommend asking your pediatrician. However, it is a very safe soap so as long as you rinse them well. Any safe dish soap is also fine.
Ash
How about using Dr Bronners pure unscented Castile soap for washing baby bottles and pump parts? What do you think?
Taylor
Kathy – Dr Bronners can double as both! I hate how it isn’t great at lathering but a way to combat that is to use a foaming pump! I usually do 1/3 Dr. Bronner’s, some EO drops, and the rest water. If you’re using it specifically for hands you can add in a carrier oil to moisturize.
Ahna O'Reilly
Do you have knowledge about Aunt Fannie’s?
Thank you!
susan gilligan
What about J.R. Watkins dish soap?
susan gilligan
Do you have any knowledge on J.R. Watkins dish soap?
Kathy
Hi Maia
Is there a dish soap that can double as a hand soap?
Katelyn
What about “if you care” dishwasher pods?
Obi
Hi,
This is a great collection of information. What is your opinion about aloe extract in some of these dishwashing liquids such as Betterlife. Some links aloe extract to cancer (Ex: Prop 65). Thanks ObiAsh
What is your opinion/ knowledge on Puracy brand?
Laura Townsley
As far as puracy goes from what i’ve read it has an “A” rating with EWG for their dish soap. you might want to update
Alyssa B
Hi there! I love reading about all of this stuff! Is there an overall specific dish soap you would choose for baby bottles and dishes? I know Better Life is your top pick but I wasn’t sure if there was a specific targeted “baby bottle/dish soap” out their that would be as good as the above Good Stuff items listed? I don’t see the Pure Baby one you talked about available on Amazon now. Thanks!
Lana
Hi, Do you think Dr. Bronner’s (peppermint) soap would be safe to use for baby bottle/ pump parts ? Should I get the “baby mild” version specifically?
Karen
Do you still recommend Eco Me dish soap? Also, thoughts on there laundry soap? fragrance free versions
ThanksMaia James
Yup, looks okay!
Vanessa
Hi Maia,
Just wondering if you thought the ingredients in this rinse aid by eco max looked ok?
Water, Food Grade Citric Acid, Plant-Based Alkyl Polyglycosides and Food Grade Sodium Citrate.
Thanks!
Jackie
Hi,
I noticed you have written a reply to another person about ECOS dish liquid being sneaky stuff. I checked the ewg website and they gave it an A. I made sure the ingredients matched the bottle as well. Your thoughts?
Melissa
Hi Maia,
(2) I am interested with the Better Life products. I am reading about Better Life all purpose cleaner and saw that one ingredient they listed is Methylisothiazolinone. You stated above that it is a bad stuff. Is it okay though in a cleaning product? Looking forward for your reply. =) Thank you very much!I have two things to ask.
(1) In your opinion, you stated that Ecover liquid dish soap is Okay stuff. What are your thoughts about Ecover Naturally Derived Automatic Dishwashing Tablets? I would like to try the Better Life Dishwashing Gel but worried it may leave suds so I am looking at the Ecover Tablets instead.
Melissa Richgels
Hi Maia,
Some better life products methylisothiazolinone. Is that ok for cleaning products? Thank you!
Hannah
We’re are in a season where everyone is catching so my biggest question is does the natural stuff for dish soap and dishwasher detergent truly have you covered?
I read somewhere that Palmolive Ultra Original Dish Liquid wasn’t all that bad and just with a little gets dishes really clean! It costs far less than the others too. Please advise guys!Carrie
Oops! Just saw them in sneaky stuff! Thanks for all your research!!
Carrie
Have you heard of Shaklee? They have dish soap but also so much more. Here is a link: http://m.shaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthyhome/kitchen/product-_p_dish-washer-automatic-powder-concentratep?g=dishwash
Wondering if their products are legit safe like thy say. Thank you so much!
Andy
Nice list of natural alternative to the big chemical brands you find in most grocery stores. I like the manufacturers that use essential oils because some of them are excellent at preventing bacteria growth and the resulting odor in your dish sponge. For many other reasons, natural dish soap is definitely a much safe choice especially for families with small children.
NickiB
Hi there!
Trying to switch to all non-detergent items in our home due to eczema on my youngest and my husband is sensitive to a lot as well. Thankfully, we switched years ago to good laundry soaps, but dishes are the one thing that are tripping me up!
Does Better Life have any detergents in it? I love how it performs and smells, and I can see the ingredients used, but I have no clue if any of them are considered a detergent!
I am using Dr Bronner’s, but I feel like I am smearing grease around and it leaves a residue, even with me adding some vinegar to the rinse water like their website recommends. Forget about it in the dishwasher, too! Horribly filmy and cloudy dishes even though I followed instructions to the ‘T.’ I am sure I am having tons of trouble due to our hard water. But we are in a rental, and I am not putting in water softeners in a rental!
Can you help? I just want clean, non-filmy/greasy/cloudy dishes that are safe!!
Thanks!
Marta Paiva
Hi Maia,
In a world of exploding access to information it is so difficult to find answers. I am trying to find a good baby bottle and dishwash product and am not sure wheather to go for attitude or babyganics. Babyganics claim they are formulated having babies needs in mind, but from your review attitude seams better? Also, are these brand’s products ‘nicer’ on the environment? Thanks, MartaCami S.
It looks fine to you? I was just reading about Potassium Hydroxide online and its an inorganic compound that it highly corrosive at high levels, can cause burns and scarring with great exposure. AKA potash or KOH. Airborne particles can be corrosive to eyes, skins and respiratory tact in short term exposure. How can we be sure what level they are using in the soap? Its in castille soap too. I just don’t know here….
Cami S.
They also both contain SLS!!! Just checked and I am shocked.
Maia James
Hi there-
Tandi’s dish soap is indeed 100% natural—it’s just a very small company that makes handmade products and likely isn’t on EWG’s radar.
Purnima
Hi Maia,
Thank you so much for this valuable article. you stated Tandis naturals solid dish soap is 100% natural, but it is not listed at EWG database. Is it mean they dont have any certification for their organic dish soap produce and The ingredients are disclosed 100% truely? Will you recomnend this dish soap if i would like to buy for baby’s dishes.Kate
I see the recipe that you included at the bottom includes essential oils. I’d be really interested in you guys doing research on essential oils. My friends and co workers like to claim that certain brands are better than others and that most of what you find on the market is inferior or dangerous! I feel like essential oils are a great way to get toxic chemicals out of your home, but I don’t know what companies to trust. I think Young living and doTERRA are the big 2 that people fight about, but I purchased some from Rocky mountain oils after reading about it on a blog. I still just feel so confused with it all.
Thanks!
Beth Wiener
Maia,
Also, Common Good Dish Soap https://www.commongoodandco.com/products/dish-soap-16oz-glass-bottle The reason I am looking at these products is because they come in glass jars, and not plastic. I am trying to reduce exposure both in my home and on the Earth, to plastics (as much as possible). I look for Earth Friendly products that come in glass because I think what ever is better for us and our pets is obviously also going to be better for the environment as well. Do you know of any products that are free from harmful chemicals that do not come in plastic containers of some type and instead, come in glass? Thank you! BethI’m still trying to learn what is good and what is not. Is https://thesimplyco.com/ The Simply Co good stuff? It seems like it to me but was wondering if you could give me your opinion.
DNagle
You stated that Mrs. Meyers doesn’t contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate(SLS). this is incorrect. I have looked at the ingredient list on the Target website as well as their own company website and in both cases it lists water as the first ingredient and SLS as the second. I know you did not reccommend this product—a good choice—but I just thought the folks should have accurate information. Also I wanted to thank you for this article. It provides some good information.
Maia James
You mean the dishwasher soap? Yes, that would replace pods.
Maia James
Hey! I have yet to dig into the world of essential oils, so I can’t weigh in on this yet. Sorry!
Mandy P
I am also wondering about the YL Thieves products.
Natalie
Can the mamasuds soap be used in place of dishwasher pods? Do you recommend any particular dishwasher pods?
MaryAnna Stover
Hi I have been using Doterra Onguard cleaner concentrate for my dishes. I love it! It has just 6 ingredients besides essential oils and water.
•is the doterra soap good? (water, polysorbate 20, decyl glucoside, disodium 2-sulfolaurate, sodium methyl 2-sulfolaurate, cetyl betaine, tetrasodium glutamate diacatate, wild orange eo, clove eo, Cinnamon leaf eo, Cinnamon bark eo, eucalyptus leaf eo, rosemary leafed eo) Is there a different brand that is as good or better expecially if it costs less. thanks!I’m thinking about switching because it is so expensive! $14 12oz
Kandice
Hi Maia,
What do you think about South of France liquid hand soap? I’m using the lavender fields currently, here are the ingredients…. Filtered Water, Saponified Coconut and Olive Oil, Natural Vegetable Glycerin, Cellulose, Blends of Natural and Essential Oils and Fragrance, Citric Acid, Vitamin E, Aloe Leaf Extract Thanks!!Maia James
I don’t use anything. My understanding is that water is sufficient to clean organic produce.
Sarah
I’m curious what your thoughts are on organic veggie wash, if you use them, and if you recommend a certain brand? Thanks! :)
Maia James
I just looked at the Dapple ingredients and they look fine to me.
Fran
Can you please help out with the above?
Ana
Hi Maia,
Can you please check out “dapple natural dishwasher pods” and advise if they are they safe/good stuff? I have been using these dishwasher pods for the past month to wash my baby’s bottles, pacifiers, and bottle parts in the dishwasher and wanted to know if it was actually safe/good stuff? If not, what dishwasher detergent do you recommend to wash specifically my baby’s bottles and all it’s parts? Using the diswasher is really the only way I am able to wash all of the accumulated baby bottles of the day, so a safe/good dishwasher detergent is a must for me. Please advise, thank you!