Author: James Dudra, Founder and Formulator of Therapy Clean | 20+ Years of Experience · 200+ Cleaning Product Formulations
Dish soap might seem like a no-brainer — something you grab off the shelf without much thought. But considering it touches your hands, your dishes, your food, and even your family’s health, it deserves way more attention than it gets.
At Therapy Clean, we believe dish soap should do more than cut grease. It should be safe, effective, and bring a little joy to your daily routine. Let’s break down what dish soap is really made of, what matters, and why we created our own formula to meet the highest standards — for performance and peace of mind.
→ Try Therapy Clean Dish Soap (Fresh Herbs + Melon)
What Is Dish Soap?
Dish soap — also called dishwashing liquid — is a cleaning agent specially designed to break down grease, food residue, and grime from your plates, glasses, and utensils. It differs from hand soap and detergents in that it needs to:
- Produce suds that help lift away oils and debris
- Rinse off without leaving any residue
- Be safe for use on surfaces that touch food
But not all dish soaps are created equal. Many mainstream formulas rely on synthetic surfactants, artificial fragrances, dyes, and harsh preservatives — even those marketed as "natural."
Curious about the difference between dish soap and detergent? 👉 Read: Dish Detergent vs. Dish Soap
What Does Dish Soap Actually Do?
At its core, dish soap has three primary jobs:
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🧽 Cut through grease: Oils and fats don’t mix with water, so dish soap uses surfactants to break them down and lift them away.
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🍽 Remove food residue: From dried pasta to baked-on cheese, it should loosen food without endless scrubbing.
- 💧 Rinse clean: A good formula leaves no film, residue, or stickiness on your dishes — or your skin.
Bonus? The right dish soap can elevate your mood with soothing scents and clean ingredients. That’s why Therapy Clean’s Fresh Herbs & Melon Dish Soap features a 100% natural scent that makes dish duty a little more delightful.
Anatomy of Dish Soap: Ingredient Deep Dive
Flip over your dish soap bottle and you might be surprised at what’s inside. From synthetic dyes to mystery “fragrance,” many popular formulas are packed with ingredients that do more harm than good — especially when they come in contact with your skin, food surfaces, and the environment.
Manufacturers are legally required to disclose their product ingredients — and if anything’s unclear, you can usually find more details on their website. Reputable brands will list ingredients plainly on the label or product page. If something isn’t listed, don’t hesitate to reach out directly. Tools like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) can also help you understand unfamiliar ingredients and make informed, confident choices.
Here’s what makes Therapy Clean different:
- Filtered Water – The base of our formula, ensuring everything else is evenly distributed and rinses clean.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)* – A plant-based surfactant that creates the lather and helps cut through grease.
- Caprylyl/Myristyl Glucoside* – A gentle cleanser derived from sugar and coconut for mild yet effective cleaning power.
- Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine* – A coconut-derived foaming booster that also helps thicken the formula naturally.
- Glycerin* – A plant-based moisturizer that helps protect your hands during use.
- Sodium Benzoate* – A safe, food-grade preservative used in place of harsher chemicals like MIT or BIT (more on this next).
- Natural Fragrance*† – Crafted according to ISO 9235 standards and made exclusively with essential oils.
- Citric Acid* – Helps adjust pH to skin-safe levels and improves cleaning power.
- Sodium Chloride* – Good ol’ salt, used to gently thicken the formula.
*Plant or Mineral Origin
†Natural fragrance blend per ISO 9235:2013
Why We Use Sodium Benzoate (and Not MIT or BIT in Our Dish Soap)
Preservatives are essential in any water-based product — they help prevent mold, yeast, and bacteria from growing in your bottle. But not all preservatives are created equal, and their use depends on both formula requirements and intended use.
Some popular “green” brands, like Mrs. Meyer’s and Seventh Generation, use synthetic preservatives such as:
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Methylisothiazolinone (MIT)
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Benzisothiazolinone (BIT)
While effective, both are known skin sensitizers and can cause allergic reactions with repeated exposure — especially in products that come into direct contact with skin or food surfaces.
At Therapy Clean, we do not use MIT or BIT in our dish soap. Since this product is used on dishes, utensils, and hands, we took extra care to formulate it with Sodium Benzoate, a food-grade preservative that’s gentle, well-tolerated, and effective.
However, in our specialty surface cleaners, which require a different pH range and stronger cleaning performance, we do use MIT and BIT. These products are not intended for prolonged skin contact and require more robust preservation systems where Sodium Benzoate alone isn’t practical.
We believe in full transparency — and making ingredient decisions based on both science and how a product is used.
What Does It Mean to Be 90% USDA Certified BioBased?
The USDA BioPreferred® Program promotes the use of renewable resources — and requires third-party lab testing to validate the claim. When we say our dish soap is 90% BioBased, we mean:
- 90% of the formula is made from biorenewable souces
- Verified by an independent lab through carbon analysis
- Safer for the planet and designed to reduce petroleum dependency
In a category flooded with greenwashing, that USDA seal is your proof of authenticity. You can learn more at BioPreferred.gov.
👉 Shop: Therapy Clean Dish Soap – Fresh Herbs & Melon
Why Scent Matters: Natural Fragrance, Real Benefits
Many dish soaps claim to smell like “lavender” or “citrus” — but behind the label, you’ll often find synthetic perfumes made from undisclosed chemical blends. That’s why we formulate our scents differently.
Our dish soap uses only natural fragrance oils crafted according to the ISO 9235:2013 standard, meaning:
- No synthetic aroma compounds
- No petrochemicals or phthalates
- Only essential oils, isolates, or resins from plants
But it’s more than just what’s not in the bottle. Our fragrances are designed to enhance your mood and turn everyday dishwashing into a small moment of joy. Each scent is selected for its natural aromatherapy benefits — from calmness to clarity to energy.
Is It Tough on Grease?
Yes. A dish soap is only as good as its cleaning performance — and Therapy Clean doesn’t mess around. Our grease-fighting formula is powered by plant-powered surfactants that tackle tough messes without compromise:
- 🍳 Cuts through baked-on food and oily residue
- 🧼 Produces a high-lather foam that rinses easily
- 💧 Leaves no greasy film or dishwater buildup
It’s ideal for everyday cleaning — from family dinner dishes to burnt pans — and gentle enough for delicate glassware and baby bottles.
👉 Want more advice on removing caked-on grime? See our Baking Soda on Stainless Steel guide.
How Does It Compare to Other Dish Soap Brands?
Let’s break it down. Therapy Clean Dish Soap isn’t just another “natural” option on the shelf — it’s carefully formulated to avoid the common trade-offs you’ll find in other eco-friendly brands.
| Feature | Therapy Clean | Conventional Brands |
|---|---|---|
| USDA Certified BioBased | ✅ 90% | ❌ Often not certified |
| Preservatives | ✅ Sodium Benzoate (gentle) | ❌ MIT, BIT (known irritants) |
| Fragrance | ✅ Natural, ISO 9235 compliant | ❌ Synthetic/parfum blends |
| Performance | ✅ High-lather, grease-cutting | ❌ May leave residue or require extra rinsing |
| Hand Safety | ✅ Skin-friendly, moisturizing | ❌ Often drying or irritating |
💡 Bottom line: You don’t have to sacrifice performance for purity. Therapy Clean delivers both.
Want to dig deeper into how natural dish soap stacks up? 👉 Does Natural Dish Soap Work on Grease?
How to Use Therapy Clean Dish Soap
Whether you're washing a sink full of dishes or just rinsing a few glasses, Therapy Clean makes it easy:
- Apply directly to a sponge or add to running water for a soapy soak.
- Scrub and rinse as usual — no excessive suds or elbow grease needed.
- Air-dry or towel-dry — your dishes will shine without any lingering residue.
👉 Curious about the safest tools to use while washing? Read our guide on cleaning mistakes to avoid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Therapy Clean Dish Soap safe for baby bottles or sensitive skin?
Yes. Our formula is gentle and free from irritants like MIT, parabens, or harsh sulfates. It’s safe for skin, sensitive users, and dishware for the whole family.
Does it work on greasy pans or pots?
Absolutely. Our plant-powered surfactants are designed to break down even the toughest grease and baked-on residue — without the need for soaking overnight.
Does it foam well?
Yes! Unlike many “natural” soaps that struggle to lather, our dish soap offers a rich, high-foam texture that makes washing more satisfying and efficient.
Is the scent strong?
It’s noticeable but not overpowering — and it’s 100% natural. We use essential oil blends that are mood-lifting but subtle, making dish time more pleasant.
Key Takeaways
- 🧼 Plant-powered, high-performance cleaning with 90% USDA BioBased certification
- 🌿 Natural fragrance oils compliant with ISO 9235 (no synthetic perfumes)
- 🙌 Safe for hands, family, and dishes — no harsh preservatives like MIT or BIT
- 🇺🇸 Made in the USA with globally sourced materials
Conclusion
Dish soap shouldn’t dry out your hands, irritate your skin, or leave you second-guessing the ingredients. Therapy Clean Dish Soap brings together powerful grease-cutting performance, safe and transparent formulation, and scents that make cleaning a little more enjoyable.
Make the switch to better dishwashing — without compromise.
👉 Try Therapy Clean Dish Soap today and turn the most routine chore into something refreshingly clean — and cleanly refreshing.
