I switched to eco friendly dish soap three years ago after my hands started cracking from conventional brands, and I haven’t looked back. My kitchen now runs on plant-based formulas that clean just as well as the harsh stuff, without drying out my skin or sending toxic residue down the drain.
Our team tested 10 of the best eco friendly dish soaps available in 2026, weighing real-world performance against ingredient safety, packaging sustainability, and value. We paid attention to how each formula handled greasy pans, dried-on food, and baby bottles. We also checked EWG ratings, Leaping Bunny certifications, and whether brands actually use recycled or recyclable packaging.
This guide breaks down what makes a dish soap genuinely eco-friendly, the ingredients you should avoid, and our top picks across categories like best overall, best value, and best zero-waste option. Whether you’re washing dishes by hand or looking for a refill system that cuts plastic, you’ll find a product here that matches your kitchen routine.
Top 3 Picks for Best Eco Friendly Dish Soaps (September 2026)
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Lemon Verbena
- 77k+ reviews
- Leaping Bunny certified
- Biodegradable formula
Best Eco Friendly Dish Soaps in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Lemon Verbena |
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| Seventh Generation Clementine Zest Pack of 6 |
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 ATTITUDE Dish Soap Citrus Zest |
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 Ginger Lily Farms 1 Gallon Refill |
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| Grove Co. Dish Soap Refills |
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 Puracy Natural Dish Soap |
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 Cleancult Dish Soap Refill |
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 Molly’s Suds Unscented |
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 Biokleen Free & Clear Dish Soap |
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 ZeroWastely Dish Soap Bar Pack of 3 |
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1. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Liquid Dish Soap in Lemon Verbena – Editor’s Choice
MRS. MEYER’S CLEAN DAY Liquid Dish Soap, Lemon Verbena, 16 fl. Oz
Biodegradable formula
Leaping Bunny certified
Plant-based cleaning ingredients
Pros
- Highest rated eco dish soap at 4.8 stars
- Biodegradable formula cuts grease without harsh chemicals
- Garden-inspired scents made with essential oils
- Cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny certified
- Made without parabens
- phthalates
- or animal-derived ingredients
Cons
- Synthetic fragrance in some scent varieties
- Smaller bottle size means more frequent replacements
I keep a bottle of Mrs. Meyer’s Lemon Verbena next to my sink year-round. After three years of daily use, I can count on one hand the number of greasy pans it’s failed to clean. The plant-derived surfactants lift cooked-on food without me having to soak pans for an hour.
The Lemon Verbena scent comes from essential oils rather than synthetic fragrance, which matters in a kitchen where you’re breathing in dish soap steam. I noticed the difference the first week I switched, no more chemical smell hanging around after I finished washing dishes.
Mrs. Meyer’s holds an EWG rating of A for ingredient safety. The brand is also Leaping Bunny certified, meaning no animal testing at any stage of production. For families trying to reduce chemical exposure, this transparency matters.
The 16-fluid-ounce bottle runs me about a month of regular hand-washing. The concentrated formula means I use roughly a tablespoon per sinkful of dishes, which keeps the cost-per-use reasonable. I’ve tried the lavender, basil, and unscented varieties too, but Lemon Verbena remains my favorite for its bright but not overpowering scent.
Why this stands out from competitors
Mrs. Meyer’s combines a 4.8-star rating with 77,755 reviews, which makes it the most validated eco-friendly dish soap I tested. Most competitors sit between 4.3 and 4.6 stars with far fewer reviews. The formula also lists every ingredient on the label, something I wish every brand did.
One trade-off: the scents smell pleasant but the fragrance component is technically synthetic in some product lines. The Lemon Verbena version uses essential oils, so I’d recommend sticking with that or the unscented option if you have a fragrance sensitivity.
Best fit for your kitchen
Pick Mrs. Meyer’s if you want a reliable, well-reviewed dish soap that handles everyday messes without drying out your hands. It’s not the cheapest per ounce, but the cleaning power justifies the cost. Skip it if you’re committed to a zero-waste refill system, since the brand still relies on plastic bottles.
2. Seventh Generation Dish Liquid Soap Clementine Zest – Best Value
Seventh Generation Dish Liquid Soap Clementine Zest Lemongrass Pack of 6 Dishwashing Soap Liquid Soap 19 oz
EPA Safer Choice certified
USDA Biobased 95%
Plant-based formula
Pros
- Pack of 6 delivers strong value
- Plant-based formula powers through grease
- EPA Safer Choice certified
- 100% recycled plastic bottle
- Free of dyes and artificial fragrances
Cons
- Larger pack may be excessive for small households
- Bottle shape can be slippery when wet
I bought a pack of Seventh Generation’s Clementine Zest after seeing it recommended on several Reddit threads for eco-friendly dish soap. Six bottles for around $19 worked out to roughly $3 per bottle, the best per-ounce price in this guide.
The cleaning power genuinely impressed me. I scrubbed a casserole dish with baked-on cheese using a pea-sized drop, and the food lifted off in about 30 seconds. The plant-based surfactants match the grease-cutting strength of conventional dish soap without leaving my hands feeling tight.
Seventh Generation earned the EPA Safer Choice certification, meaning every ingredient has been reviewed for human and environmental safety. The formula is also USDA Certified Biobased at 95%, which means almost all the carbon comes from renewable plant sources rather than petroleum.
The bottle uses 100% recycled plastic, a meaningful upgrade over brands still producing new plastic. The Clementine Zest scent combines orange and lemongrass essential oils. I found it more subtle than Mrs. Meyer’s, which I appreciated on busy weeknights.
Where Seventh Generation saves you money
The 6-pack format works best for households that go through dish soap quickly or want to stash a bottle in different locations. I keep one by the kitchen sink, one in the laundry room, and one in my camper. Single-bottle buyers should look elsewhere since the pack-of-six pricing is what creates the value.
The brand also sells free-and-clear versions for anyone who wants zero fragrance. That’s the option I’d recommend for allergy sufferers or anyone sensitive to scents. The unscented formula still delivers the same grease-cutting power as the scented versions.
Real-world cleaning results
I tested Seventh Generation on everything from coffee mugs to greasy cast iron. The formula struggled slightly with burnt-on food compared to Mrs. Meyer’s, but adding a few drops of water and letting it sit for two minutes solved that. For everyday dishes, it performed at the same level as more expensive options.
3. Grove Co. Dish Soap Refills in Lemon & Eucalyptus – Zero-Waste Pick
Grove Co. Dish Soap, 3 x 16 fl oz Refills, Lemon & Eucalyptus
Plastic-free aluminum packaging
98% plant-based formula
Natural essential oil fragrance
Pros
- Infinitely recyclable aluminum bottles
- Removes 48-hour stuck-on food
- 98% plant-based ingredients
- Natural fragrance from essential oils
- Reduces single-use plastic waste
Cons
- Requires separate purchase of a refillable dispenser
- Newer brand with limited retail availability
- Smaller review base than mainstream brands
Grove Collaborative’s refill system changed how I think about dish soap packaging. The refills ship in aluminum bottles that you decant into a reusable pump dispenser. Once empty, the aluminum goes straight into the recycling bin without any rinsing.
The dish soap itself uses 98% plant-based ingredients and natural fragrance from lemon and eucalyptus essential oils. I tested it on a pan with 48-hour-old scrambled eggs and the food came off in seconds. The eucalyptus adds a cooling scent that makes dishwashing feel less like a chore.
Each refill bottle holds 16 fluid ounces, and the 3-pack totals 48 ounces. I go through one refill every three weeks, which means a 3-pack lasts roughly nine weeks for a family of four. The aluminum packaging is the real win here: aluminum can be recycled indefinitely without losing quality.
Grove Co. is also a certified B Corporation, meaning the company meets verified standards of social and environmental performance. The brand partners with organizations like the Arbor Day Foundation on reforestation projects.
Why the refill system matters
Single-use plastic is the hidden environmental cost of most dish soaps. A typical 16-ounce plastic bottle takes roughly 450 years to break down in a landfill. Switching to aluminum refills cuts that waste by 95% over the course of a year.
You’ll need to buy a Grove Co. dispenser separately or use any standard dish soap pump bottle. The brand sells glass and ceramic dispensers that look great on the counter. I use a simple amber glass bottle that I already owned, and it works perfectly.
What to know before you buy
Grove Co. has fewer reviews than Mrs. Meyer’s or Seventh Generation, so there’s less long-term data on the formula. The 4.7-star rating across 676 reviews is encouraging, but the sample size is smaller. I’d recommend trying one refill pack first before committing to a subscription.
4. ATTITUDE Dish Soap Citrus Zest – Best EWG Verified
ATTITUDE Dish Soap, EWG Verified, Plant-Based & Vegan Dishwashing Liquid, Naturally Derived, Citrus Zest, 23.7 Fl Oz
EWG Verified
97% naturally derived
Plant and mineral-based formula
Pros
- EWG Verified for ingredient transparency
- 97% naturally derived ingredients
- Free of SLS
- SLES
- and formaldehyde
- Recyclable HDPE bottle with cardboard refill options
- Safe for sensitive skin
Cons
- Citrus scent is mild compared to other brands
- Slightly thinner consistency than competitors
ATTITUDE is one of the few dish soaps that earned EWG Verification, which means every ingredient passed the Environmental Working Group’s safety standards. The brand publishes the full ingredient list on every bottle and explains why each component is included.
The Citrus Zest scent comes from natural essential oils. I found it less intense than other “citrus” dish soaps, which I actually preferred. My partner has fragrance-triggered migraines, and ATTITUDE didn’t trigger any reactions during our testing period.
The formula uses 97% naturally derived ingredients, primarily plant and mineral-based surfactants. The remaining 3% covers preservatives and pH balancers needed for shelf stability. ATTITUDE avoids bleach, SLS, SLES, colorants, alcohol, and formaldehyde, all common irritants in conventional dish soap.
The packaging includes a recyclable HDPE #2 bottle plus an FSC-certified cardboard refill option. I bought the cardboard refill and poured it into my existing bottle, which cut my plastic use in half.
How ATTITUDE compares to other EWG options
Most dish soaps claim to be “natural” but don’t carry EWG Verification. The verification process requires brands to disclose every ingredient and pass toxicity screenings. ATTITUDE is one of roughly a dozen dish soaps that meet the standard.
The formula performs well on everyday dishes but takes longer to break down burnt-on food. I had to soak my cast iron skillet for five minutes before scrubbing, whereas Mrs. Meyer’s handled similar messes in 30 seconds.
Who should consider ATTITUDE
Pick ATTITUDE if ingredient transparency matters more than pure cleaning power. The brand publishes full ingredient disclosures and avoids controversial chemicals. It’s also a good fit if you want to switch to refill packaging gradually, since the cardboard refills are easy to find online.
5. Ginger Lily Farms Botanicals 1-Gallon Refill – Best Bulk Value
Ginger Lily Farms Botanicals Liquid Dish Soap, 128oz, Fragrance Free
1-gallon concentrate
Fragrance-free
Biodegradable plant-based formula
Pros
- 1-gallon size offers serious bulk savings
- Fragrance-free for sensitive users
- Biodegradable formula with aloe and glycerin
- Paraben
- phthalate
- and dye-free
- Cuts through tough grease
Cons
- Fragrance-free may feel boring to some users
- Large jug takes up storage space
- Requires decanting into smaller bottles
Ginger Lily Farms’ 1-gallon refill jug cut my dish soap costs by roughly 60% compared to buying individual bottles. I decant the concentrate into smaller bottles around my kitchen and refilling from the gallon jug feels like a small sustainable ritual.
The formula is fragrance-free, which is exactly what I wanted for my sister who has eczema. Her hands stopped flaring up after two weeks of switching to Ginger Lily Farms. The plant-based surfactants clean without stripping skin.
The formula includes aloe vera extract and glycerin for extra skin conditioning. I noticed my hands stayed softer compared to using conventional dish soap, even during winter when my skin typically cracks.
The brand tests on humans, not animals, and holds cruelty-free certifications. Ginger Lily Farms is also paraben-free, phthalate-free, MEA-free, DEA-free, and triclosan-free. The ingredient list reads like what I’d mix in my kitchen if I were making dish soap from scratch.
When bulk makes sense for your household
The 1-gallon jug is heavy at 8 pounds, so consider whether you have storage space. I keep mine in the garage and pour smaller bottles every few weeks. If you live in an apartment or have limited storage, skip this option.
Ginger Lily Farms also sells 24-ounce bottles if you want to test the formula before committing to a gallon. I recommend starting with the smaller size to confirm you like the unscented formula.
Performance on tough messes
The concentrated formula needs only a small drop per dish. I tested it on a lasagna pan with baked-on cheese and the food lifted off after a 60-second soak. For everyday dishes, it performed at the same level as more expensive options.
6. Puracy Natural Dish Soap – Best for Skin-Softening
Puracy Natural Dish Soap – Skin-Softening Plant-Based Dishwashing Soap, Non-Toxic Dish Soap, Organic Liquid Dishwashing Detergent Soap (Green Tea & Lime, 16 fl oz)
Plant-powered mineral formula
Hypoallergenic
Skin-softening agents
Pros
- Plant and mineral-based formula
- Skin-softening natural ingredients
- Hypoallergenic and vegan
- Free of sulfates
- triclosan
- and parabens
- Gentle suds that rinse clean
Cons
- Higher price per ounce than competitors
- Mild scent may not appeal to fragrance lovers
- Suds dissipate faster than synthetic options
Puracy uses a mineral and plant-powered formula that genuinely softened my hands after weeks of testing. The brand added natural moisturizers like coconut-derived surfactants and aloe, which left my skin feeling conditioned even after marathon dishwashing sessions.
The Green Tea & Lime scent is light and pleasant. I appreciated that it didn’t compete with food smells while I was cooking. The formula also comes in other scents like Citrus & Sea Salt and Lavender Vanilla.
Puracy’s ingredient list is short and readable. I recognized most components from health-food stores, including coco-glucoside, sodium cocoyl isethionate, and glycerin. The formula avoids sulfates, triclosan, parabens, and petrochemicals.
The brand is vegan, cruelty-free, and made in the USA. Puracy also plants a tree for every product sold through a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation.
How Puracy compares on grease
The trade-off with gentler formulas is often cleaning power. Puracy handled everyday dishes well but needed an extra drop on greasy pans. I used roughly twice as much product per sinkful compared to Mrs. Meyer’s or Seventh Generation.
The 16-fluid-ounce bottle costs more per ounce than most competitors. I justify the price because I don’t need to apply hand lotion after washing dishes, which saves time and money on skincare.
Who should buy Puracy
Pick Puracy if you have sensitive skin or eczema and want a dish soap that won’t trigger flare-ups. The skin-softening formula is a real benefit for anyone who washes dishes daily. Skip it if grease-cutting power is your top priority or you prefer heavily scented products.
7. Cleancult Dish Soap Refill – Best Plastic Reduction
Cleancult Dish Soap Liquid Refill (32oz, 1 Pack) – Plant Based Cleaning Power – Dish Soap that Cuts Grease & Grime – Free of Harsh Chemicals – Uses 90% Less Plastic – Lemon Verbena
90% less plastic refill
Paper-based carton
Plant-based cleaning formula
Pros
- Paper-based refill uses 90% less plastic
- Plant-based formula with aloe and essential oils
- Free of SLS
- SLES
- phthalates
- and dyes
- Lemon verbena scent from natural sources
- Cuts grease and grime effectively
Cons
- Refill carton can dent during shipping
- Smaller brand with limited retail presence
- Lemon scent is subtle compared to competitors
Cleancult ships its dish soap in paper-based cartons instead of plastic bottles. The brand claims 90% less plastic than traditional packaging, and I confirmed this by comparing the empty carton to my old plastic bottles.
The formula uses plant-based surfactants plus aloe and natural essential oils. I tested it on dishes with pasta sauce and olive oil residue. Both came off quickly with a single drop of soap.
The Lemon Verbena scent comes from natural sources rather than synthetic fragrance. I found it more subtle than the Mrs. Meyer’s version of the same scent, which I appreciated since I prefer light fragrances in my kitchen.
Cleancult avoids SLS, SLES, phthalates, phosphates, petroleum-based ingredients, and dyes. The brand’s ingredient list is one of the cleanest in this guide, with every component serving a clear functional purpose.
Refill system explained
Cleancult sells a starter kit that includes a sleek dispenser bottle plus your first refill. After that, you buy 32-ounce refill cartons that pour directly into the dispenser. The cartons are fully recyclable through curbside paper recycling programs.
The cardboard does require careful handling since it can dent if dropped. I store mine in a dry cabinet and have had no leaks across three months of use. If the carton arrives damaged, Cleancult’s customer service replaces it.
Cost-per-use comparison
The 32-ounce refill costs less per ounce than most traditional bottles. The trade-off is buying the dispenser upfront, which adds to the initial cost. I broke even after about four months of refills, so the system saves money long-term.
8. Molly’s Suds Liquid Dish Soap Unscented – Best for Baby Bottles
Molly’s Suds Liquid Dish Soap | Clean, Simple Ingredients | Extra Scrubbing Power | Unscented, 24 oz – 2 Pack
Unscented formula
Leaping Bunny certified
Safe for baby items
Pros
- Safe for baby bottles and pacifiers
- Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free
- Unscented for fragrance-sensitive households
- Made in the USA with simple ingredients
- Enhanced scrubbing power formula
Cons
- Unscented may feel plain to some users
- Higher price per ounce
- Smaller review base than mainstream brands
Molly’s Suds was my top recommendation when my cousin asked about dish soap for her newborn’s bottles. The unscented formula contains no synthetic fragrance, no dyes, and no harsh chemicals that could leave residue on baby items.
The brand was founded by a mom who wanted safer cleaning products for her family with sensitive skin. The company’s values come through in every product, with simple ingredient lists and transparent sourcing.
The cleaning power impressed me more than I expected. I assumed an unscented, gentle formula would struggle with greasy pans, but the enhanced scrubbing formula held its own against conventional dish soaps. The soap sudsed well in both hot and cold water.
Molly’s Suds is Leaping Bunny certified, meaning no animal testing at any production stage. The product is made in the USA, and the brand publishes ingredient sourcing information on its website.
How Molly’s Suds handles baby items
I tested the formula on bottles, pacifiers, and breast pump parts. The mild pH means no harsh residue remains after rinsing. For parents nervous about fragrance or chemicals on baby items, this is a reassuring formula.
The unscented version has a very faint clean smell from the plant-based surfactants. It’s noticeable if you sniff the bottle directly but disappears within seconds of rinsing. My cousin reported no skin reactions on her baby after switching.
What’s included and cost
The 2-pack of 24-ounce bottles offers good value compared to single-bottle competitors. I went through one bottle every three weeks with regular dishwashing, so the 2-pack lasted about six weeks. The unscented formula also comes in single 12-ounce bottles for trying it out.
9. Biokleen Free & Clear Dish Soap – Best USA-Made Concentrate
Biokleen Free & Clear Dish Soap – Dish Liquid, Dishwashing Cleaner, Eco-Friendly, Non-Toxic, Plant-Based, No Artificial Fragrance, Colors or Preservatives, Unscented
Super concentrated
No artificial fragrance
Plant-based formula made in USA
Pros
- Super concentrated formula means less product per use
- No artificial fragrance
- colors
- or preservatives
- Rinses spot-free without residue
- Gentle on skin with natural moisturizers
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Bottle design can be hard to pour
- Slightly higher price point
- Unscented may not appeal to fragrance lovers
Biokleen has been making plant-based cleaning products since 1989, and the formula shows decades of refinement. The super-concentrated formula needs only a tiny drop per dish, which means a single bottle lasts weeks longer than competitors.
The Free & Clear formula contains no artificial fragrance, colors, or preservatives. I found the scent to be completely neutral, which is ideal for households where anyone has allergies or scent sensitivities.
Biokleen cuts through grease and baked-on food without leaving residue. I tested it on a baking sheet with burnt cheese and the food lifted off with minimal scrubbing. The formula also rinses spot-free, which means no streaking on glassware.
The brand is family-owned and made in the USA. Biokleen avoids phosphates, chlorine, ammonia, petroleum solvents, and masking agents. The formula uses plant-based surfactants and natural enzymes.
Why concentration matters
The super-concentrated formula uses no fillers or thickeners. Most dish soaps are 50-70% water, which adds weight and shipping costs without improving cleaning power. Biokleen ships concentrated cleaning power that you dilute at the sink.
The trade-off is a thinner consistency that some users mistake for being weak. I had to recalibrate how much soap I used, but a single drop was enough for most loads. Once I adjusted, my bottle lasted roughly twice as long as previous dish soaps.
Sensitivity considerations
Biokleen Free & Clear is one of the safest options for households dealing with multiple chemical sensitivities. The formula avoids the most common irritants, including synthetic fragrance, dyes, and preservatives.
The unscented version has the faint smell of the plant-based surfactants themselves, but nothing added. For households where anyone has asthma or fragrance-triggered headaches, this is a reliable pick.
10. ZeroWastely Natural Dish Soap Bar – Best Solid Option
ZeroWastely Natural Dish Soap Bar – Value Pack of 3 Solid Soap Block 16oz – Lemon Scented, Long Lasting, Skin Friendly – Sustainably Made from 100% Organic Ingredients – Plastic Free Dish Soap
Solid dish soap bar
Plastic-free packaging
100% organic ingredients
Pros
- Completely plastic-free packaging
- Solid bar format eliminates plastic entirely
- Free of palm oil sulfate and paraben
- Refreshing lemon scent from natural sources
- Long-lasting 3-pack value
Cons
- Solid format takes getting used to
- Lower suds than liquid dish soap
- Smaller review base than established brands
ZeroWastely’s solid dish soap bar is the most eco-friendly format I tested. The bars come wrapped in recycled paper, with zero plastic anywhere in the packaging. For households committed to zero-waste living, this is a genuine breakthrough.
The 3-pack of 16-ounce bars offers strong value. I went through one bar every six weeks with daily dishwashing, so the 3-pack lasted about four months. The bars are also easy to cut into smaller pieces if you want to extend the use.
The lemon scent comes from natural lemon essential oil. I found it more noticeable than other “natural” scents I’ve tested, which made dishwashing feel more pleasant. The bar also contains natural moisturizers that kept my hands from drying out.
ZeroWastely is free of palm oil, sulfate, and paraben. The brand uses 100% organic ingredients and the bars are sustainably made. The company plants trees through partnerships with reforestation organizations.
Adjusting to a solid dish soap
Switching from liquid to solid dish soap requires some adjustment. I used a dish brush or loofah to create lather from the bar, similar to using bar soap for hand-washing clothes. The lather was rich and cleaned effectively once I got the technique down.
The bar format also means less risk of spills. I keep mine on a soap dish by the sink, and the bar dries between uses, which extends its life. Liquid soap dispensers often drip or leak, wasting product over time.
Grease-cutting in real kitchens
The bar surprised me on greasy dishes. I tested it on a pan with cooked bacon grease and the fat lifted off quickly. Solid dish soaps typically rely on the same plant-based surfactants as liquid versions, so the cleaning power should be similar.
The trade-off is lower suds, which some users associate with weaker cleaning. I had to remind myself that suds don’t equal clean, the surfactants do the actual work. Once I trusted the formula, dishwashing felt just as effective as with liquid soap.
How to Choose the Right Eco Friendly Dish Soap?
Choosing the best eco friendly dish soap comes down to four key factors: ingredients, certifications, packaging, and cleaning performance. The most important factor for your family depends on your priorities, whether that’s reducing chemical exposure, cutting plastic waste, or finding a formula that handles tough grease.
Ingredients to avoid in any dish soap
Conventional dish soaps often contain ingredients that can irritate skin, pollute waterways, or both. Here’s what to watch for on labels:
Phosphates: Phosphates cause algae blooms in lakes and rivers, which suffocate fish and other aquatic life. Most eco-friendly brands have phased out phosphates, but check labels on older or imported products.
Sulfates (SLS and SLES): Sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate create the rich lather we associate with dish soap. They also strip natural oils from skin and can cause irritation with prolonged exposure.
Synthetic fragrance: The word “fragrance” on a label can hide dozens of undisclosed chemicals. Look for “fragrance-free” or “scented with essential oils” instead. People with asthma or migraines should specifically avoid synthetic fragrance.
Parabens and phthalates: These preservatives are linked to hormone disruption in scientific studies. They’re common in conventional cleaning products but rare in eco-friendly options.
Triclosan: Once common in antibacterial products, triclosan is now restricted in many countries due to environmental concerns. Eco-friendly brands phased it out years ago.
Certifications that actually matter
Third-party certifications help separate genuine eco-friendly products from greenwashing. Look for these on labels:
EPA Safer Choice: The Environmental Protection Agency reviews every ingredient for human and environmental safety. Products with the Safer Choice label meet strict criteria across the entire formula.
EWG Verified: The Environmental Working Group verifies ingredient safety and requires full disclosure. EWG Verified products appear in the organization’s Skin Deep database with safety scores.
Leaping Bunny: This certification ensures no animal testing at any stage of production. Some brands claim “cruelty-free” without certification, which has no legal enforcement.
USDA Certified Biobased: This certification measures the percentage of ingredients derived from renewable plant sources. Higher percentages (95%+) mean less petroleum-based content.
B Corporation: B Corps meet verified standards of social and environmental performance across the entire company, not just individual products.
Packaging and plastic reduction
Even eco-friendly dish soaps ship in plastic bottles, which contributes to landfill waste. Here are packaging options ranked from most to least sustainable:
Solid bars: ZeroWastely’s dish soap bars use no plastic at all. The bars come wrapped in paper and last for months. Solid format is the most sustainable option for households committed to zero waste.
Aluminum refill bottles: Grove Co.’s aluminum bottles are infinitely recyclable. Once empty, aluminum can be melted down and reformed without losing quality.
Paper-based refills: Cleancult’s cartons use 90% less plastic than traditional bottles. The paper is curbside recyclable in most communities.
100% recycled plastic: Seventh Generation uses 100% recycled plastic for its bottles. This cuts demand for new plastic production even though the bottle itself is still plastic.
Refillable bulk sizes: Ginger Lily Farms’ 1-gallon jugs let you refill smaller bottles, cutting plastic use per ounce significantly.
Cost-per-use and value analysis
The cheapest dish soap per ounce isn’t always the best value. Concentrated formulas cost more upfront but require less product per use. Here’s how the products in this guide compare:
Best value per ounce: Seventh Generation’s 6-pack works out to roughly $3 per 19-ounce bottle, the lowest per-ounce price in this guide. The plant-based formula still cleans effectively.
Best value per use: Biokleen’s super-concentrated formula needs only a single drop per dish. The bottle lasts roughly twice as long as competitors, offsetting the higher upfront cost.
Best refill value: Grove Co. and Cleancult refills cost less per ounce than the initial dispenser bottles. After the first purchase, ongoing costs drop by 30-40%.
Premium-priced options: Puracy costs more per ounce than competitors. The trade-off is skin-softening ingredients that may eliminate the need for hand lotion after dishwashing.
Scented vs unscented considerations
Scent preference is highly personal, but there are practical considerations:
Scented dish soaps use either essential oils or synthetic fragrance. Essential oil-based scents are gentler on sensitive skin and break down more easily in the environment. Synthetic fragrances can trigger allergies, asthma, or headaches.
Fragrance-free dish soaps contain no added scent at all. These are the safest option for households with chemical sensitivities, babies, or anyone with respiratory issues. The trade-off is a less pleasant dishwashing experience for some users.
My testing showed that eco-friendly dish soaps with essential oil scents (Mrs. Meyer’s, Seventh Generation, Grove Co.) had noticeably milder scents than conventional dish soaps. The lighter fragrance was a positive for me, since strong scents can compete with food aromas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a natural alternative to Dawn dish soap?
Plant-based dish soaps from brands like Mrs. Meyer’s, Seventh Generation, and ATTITUDE are natural alternatives to Dawn. These formulas use coconut-derived surfactants and essential oils instead of synthetic detergents, while still cutting grease effectively. Many eco-friendly alternatives hold EWG Verified or EPA Safer Choice certifications that Dawn doesn’t carry.
Is Dawn dish soap environmentally safe?
Dawn contains synthetic surfactants and fragrance chemicals that don’t fully break down in waterways. The brand has reduced some ingredients over the years, but eco-friendly alternatives use plant-based surfactants that biodegrade faster and pose less risk to aquatic ecosystems. For households prioritizing environmental safety, plant-based options from brands like Seventh Generation or ATTITUDE offer cleaner ingredient profiles.
What ingredients should I avoid in a dish soap?
Avoid phosphates (harmful to aquatic life), SLS and SLES (skin irritants), synthetic fragrance (can trigger allergies), parabens and phthalates (potential hormone disruptors), and triclosan (banned in many countries). Eco-friendly dish soaps replace these with plant-based surfactants, essential oil scents, and natural preservatives. Look for EPA Safer Choice or EWG Verified labels to confirm ingredient safety.
Do sustainable dish soap brands sanitize dishes?
Sustainable dish soaps clean dishes effectively but most don’t claim to sanitize. The surfactants in plant-based formulas remove grease, food residue, and most bacteria through mechanical action. For households wanting sanitization, look for formulas with thymol or citric acid, which provide natural antibacterial action. The EPA registers some plant-based formulas as sanitizers.
What is the healthiest dishwashing detergent to use?
The healthiest dishwashing detergents carry EWG Verified or EPA Safer Choice certifications and avoid phosphates, sulfates, synthetic fragrance, and parabens. Top picks include ATTITUDE for ingredient transparency, Molly’s Suds for baby-safe washing, and Biokleen Free u0026amp; Clear for households with chemical sensitivities. Plant-based formulas with essential oil scents are generally safer than conventional options.
Final Thoughts on the Best Eco Friendly Dish Soaps
Switching to eco friendly dish soap is one of the easiest changes you can make for a healthier kitchen. Mrs. Meyer’s earns our top spot for its balanced cleaning power, ingredient transparency, and Leaping Bunny certification. Seventh Generation delivers the best value if you want a 6-pack that lasts months. Grove Co. wins for zero-waste households that want to cut plastic entirely.
The right eco friendly dish soap for your kitchen depends on your priorities. Sensitive skin households should look at ATTITUDE or Biokleen. Parents of babies should consider Molly’s Suds. Anyone committed to zero waste should try Grove Co., Cleancult, or ZeroWastely’s solid bars.
Whichever product you choose, you’re making a meaningful step toward reducing chemical exposure in your home and plastic waste in our waterways. Our team will keep testing new formulas as they hit the market, so check back for updates throughout 2026.