Author: James Dudra, Founder and Formulator of Therapy Clean | 20+ Years of Experience · 200+ Cleaning Product Formulations
Table of Contents
- What Does "Non-Toxic" Mean?
- Is “Non-Toxic” a Regulated Term?
- The Marketing Problem With “Non-Toxic”
- How to Read Ingredient Labels Like a Pro
- Certifications That Actually Mean Something
- Ingredients to Watch Out For
- What Makes Therapy Dish Soap a Safer Choice
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
- Conclusion
What Does "Non-Toxic" Mean?
“Non-toxic” sounds great — but in the world of cleaning products, it’s a term with no official definition. That means any brand can use it, regardless of whether their ingredients are truly safe for humans, pets, or the environment.
Is “Non-Toxic” a Regulated Term?
Not exactly. According to the FTC’s Green Guides (§ 260.10), marketers must have reliable scientific evidence to back up “non-toxic” claims for both humans and the environment — a very high bar that few brands meet.
The Marketing Problem With “Non-Toxic”
Because the term isn’t clearly regulated, brands often use it as a catch-all to appeal to health-conscious shoppers. But that doesn’t mean the product is truly safe. It’s important to dig deeper than the front of the bottle.
How to Read Ingredient Labels Like a Pro
- 🧴 Check the back of the label — reputable brands will disclose all ingredients clearly.
- 🌐 Visit the brand’s website for full ingredient breakdowns and safety info.
- 📄 In California? Thanks to bill SB 258, brands must disclose ingredients online.
- 🕵️♀️ Sites like EWG can help demystify ingredient safety.
Certifications That Actually Mean Something
- USDA BioBased: Indicates ingredients derived from bio-renewables
- EWG Verified: Vetting ingredients based off EWG standards.
- EPA SaferChoice: helps consumers, businesses, and purchasers find products that perform and contain ingredients that are safer for human health and the environment.
- Leaping Bunny: Verified cruelty-free, no animal testing.
- ISO 9235: Indicates the fragrance is from 100% natural sources (essential oils, etc.).
Ingredients to Watch Out For in Dish Soap
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DMDM Hydantoin: This is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative. While still permitted in cosmetics and cleaning products in the U.S., it's increasingly avoided due to concerns over formaldehyde exposure.
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Phthalates: Endocrine disruptors often hidden in synthetic fragrances. (Learn more)
- Synthetic Dyes & Fragrances: Offer no cleaning benefit and may trigger allergies.
What Makes Therapy Dish Soap a Safer Choice
- ✅ 90% USDA Certified BioBased formula
- ✅ Ingredient transparency (clearly listed, plant- or mineral-based origin)
- ✅ Free from Methylisothiazolinone, Benzisothiazolinone & phthalates
- ✅ Scented only with 100% natural fragrance per ISO 9235
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "non-toxic" dish soap always safe?
Not necessarily. Look for third-party certifications and full ingredient disclosure to validate safety.
What’s better than “non-toxic” labeling?
Certifications like USDA BioBased, EPA Safer Choice, EWG and ingredient transparency carry more weight than vague claims.
How do I know if a dish soap is really safe?
Check the full ingredient list, visit the brand’s website, and research anything unfamiliar using sources like EWG or Made Safe.
Is SLS safe in dish soap?
When derived from plant-based sources and properly processed, yes — especially if it’s free from 1,4-dioxane. Therapy Clean’s SLS is plant-derived and carefully vetted.
Key Takeaways
- 🧐 "Non-toxic" is not a regulated term — be skeptical of unverified claims
- 🔍 Always check the full ingredient list (on the label or online)
- 🧪 Look for products with third-party certifications
- 🌿 Choose dish soaps that clearly list plant- or mineral-based ingredients
Conclusion
Non-toxic shouldn’t be a mystery. By understanding what’s in your dish soap — and what’s missing — you can make healthier choices for your home, your family, and the planet.
👉 Want to see true transparency in action? Try Therapy Clean Dish Soap — 90% USDA BioBased, naturally fragranced, and free from harsh preservatives.
Related Reading
- Dish Soap: The Ultimate Guide to Ingredients, Safety & Performance
- Ingredients to Avoid in Dish Soap
- What is Non-Toxic Dish Soap?
- Dish Detergent vs. Soap
