If you have ever attempted to read the label on your dish soap, you may have felt like you were decoding a foreign language. Many ingredients are listed by their chemical name, making it difficult for the average person to understand what they are putting on their skin. Unfortunately, the common ingredients found in dish soap are often linked to serious health concerns such as cancer, asthma, neurological problems, and skin irritation.
Most people wash dishes daily without realizing the toxic cocktail they are exposing themselves to through their skin. When toxins are absorbed through the skin, they bypass the liver and enter the bloodstream and tissues directly, without any filtration. This is why it is crucial to be mindful of the dish soap and other products that come in contact with your skin.
Some of the typical chemicals found in dish soap include Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES), Propylene Glycol, Methylisothiazolinone, Fragrance, and Triclosan. These chemicals have been associated with various health issues, ranging from skin irritation to carcinogenicity. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) tested 165 liquid dish detergents, with only 11.6% receiving a grade of A or B. The remaining 88.4% rated from C to F, indicating varying levels of concern regarding their impact on health and the environment.
The FDA banned triclosan from soaps in 2016, but it still remains in some toothpaste products. Palmolive dish soap contains many of the same chemicals as other popular brands, with some showing potential for skin irritation and respiratory tract issues.
To find safe dish soap, it is essential to research the company’s products, read labels carefully, understand ambiguous terms like “natural” and “organic,” look for organic ingredients and 3rd party certifications, and consider making your own dish soap. By becoming a label reader and making informed choices, you can protect yourself and your family from potentially harmful chemicals in everyday products.
