Author: James Dudra, Founder and Formulator of Therapy Clean | 20+ Years of Experience · 200+ Cleaning Product Formulations
Table of Contents
- Why Ingredient Transparency Matters
- 7 Common Dish Soap Ingredients to Avoid
- How to Spot Red Flags on a Label
- Better Alternatives for Safe Dishwashing
- What Makes Therapy Clean Different
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
- Conclusion
- Related Reading
Why Ingredient Transparency Matters
- ⚠️ Dish soap touches your skin and kitchenware daily—what’s in it matters.
- 📜 Many products hide behind vague terms like “fragrance” or “surfactant.”
- 🏠 Ingredients can affect both your health and your home environment.
7 Common Dish Soap Ingredients to Avoid
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) – May be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a probable carcinogen.
- Artificial Fragrance – May contain phthalates, known endocrine disruptors.
- Triclosan – An antibacterial that may contribute to antibiotic resistance.
- Formaldehyde Releasers – Hidden under names like DMDM Hydantoin or Quaternium-15.
- DEA/MEA/TEA – Surfactants that can react with other chemicals to form nitrosamines.
- Colorants or Dyes – Often synthetic and unnecessary; may cause irritation or allergic reactions.
- Phthalates – Known endocrine disruptors linked to developmental, reproductive, brain, and immune issues. Commonly found in synthetic fragrances, they interfere with hormone regulation and should be avoided.
How to Spot Red Flags on a Label
- ❗ Look for overly generic terms like “surfactant blend” or “fragrance.”
- 🔍 If the label doesn’t list all ingredients, check the company’s website—or walk away.
- 💡 Use resources like EWG.org to research ingredient safety.
Better Alternatives for Safe Dishwashing
- ✅ Look for clearly labeled, plant-derived ingredients
- ✅ Choose natural or naturally derived preservatives (like sodium benzoate)
- ✅ Fragrance transparency: essential oils or ISO 9235-compliant blends
What Makes Therapy Clean Different
- 🧴 90% USDA Certified BioBased
- 🪴 Uses sodium benzoate—no Methylisothiazolinone or Benzisothiazolinone
- 🌱 All-natural fragrance blend compliant with ISO 9235
- 🇺🇸 Made in the USA with globally sourced materials
Shop Therapy Clean Dish Soap →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dish soap really absorbed through the skin?
While not deeply absorbed, repeated skin contact—especially with harsh surfactants—can cause irritation or long-term sensitivity.
Why are certain preservatives unsafe?
Preservatives like Methylisothiazolinone are known allergens and skin sensitizers, especially with repeated exposure.
Are “natural” or “green” labels enough?
Not always. Look for ingredient lists, third-party certifications, and full fragrance disclosure.
Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) safe in dish soap?
Yes — when sourced and formulated responsibly, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is considered safe in rinse-off products like dish soap. It’s a plant-derived cleansing agent that creates the rich, foamy lather you expect from an effective cleaner. Unlike Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), SLS is not ethoxylated and is free from 1,4-dioxane, a chemical of concern. At Therapy Clean, we pair SLS with milder surfactants to balance performance and gentleness — so you get sparkling dishes without harsh residues.
Key Takeaways
- 🚫 Avoid dish soaps with harsh preservatives, synthetic fragrances, and vague ingredient labels.
- 🧼 Look for natural, plant-based formulas with transparent labeling.
- 🧴 Therapy Clean Dish Soap is a safe, effective, biobased alternative.
Conclusion
Everyday products like dish soap may seem harmless—but the wrong ingredients can have long-term effects on your health and home. Choosing a formula with safe, transparent ingredients is one small change that makes a big difference.
Want a better clean without the compromise? Try Therapy Clean Dish Soap today and discover what plant-powered performance really feels like.
