Best Non-Toxic Dishwasher Detergent in 2025

Ethylene oxide is a flammable, sweet-smelling gas that easily dissolves in water. This man-made compound is primarily used to create ethylene glycol, which is used to make antifreeze and polyester, and is also used in small quantities for controlling insects in stored agricultural products, sterilizing medical equipment and fumigating spices. Ethylene oxide may cause irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs, damage to the brain and nervous system, reproductive effects, and is considered by the EPA to be carcinogenic if inhaled. Exposure risks, which are notably prevalent for healthcare workers engaged in sterilization tasks, include CNS depression, eye and mucous membrane irritation and in some cases, cataracts. Despite these hazards, there are conflicted reports regarding ethylene oxide's carcinogenicity in humans.

Stearyl Alcohol is not significantly toxic in industrial settings, although it can cause liver injury, somnolence, and respiratory depression in experimental animals. It can also induce somnolence in lethal-dose feeding studies on rats. Despite extensive research, no effects of short-term or long-term exposure to these substances have been identified in humans. However, higher alcohols can be irritants.

Deceth-6 is a surfactant originating from decyl alcohol, obtained from coconut or palm oil. The '6' denotes the presence of six ethylene oxide units in its molecular structure. This chemical is utilized in Dishwasher Tablets as an emulsifying surfactant, aiding in minimizing surface tension between water and oil, thereby enhancing cleaning efficiency. Furthermore, Deceth-6 is identified as a polyethylene glycol ether of decyl alcohol. Deceth-6 is a surfactant originating from decyl alcohol, obtained from coconut or palm oil. The '6' denotes the presence of six ethylene oxide units in its molecular structure. This chemical is utilized in Dishwasher Tablets as an emulsifying surfactant, aiding in minimizing surface tension between water and oil, thereby enhancing cleaning efficiency. Furthermore, Deceth-6 is identified as a polyethylene glycol ether of decyl alcohol.

Laureth-7, a surfactant derived from lauryl alcohol sourced from coconut or palm oil, is commonly used in personal care and household products, especially laundry detergents. In detergents, it functions by reducing surface tension between water and soil, aiding in the removal of dirt, stains, and oils from fabrics. This ingredient belongs to the Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs) family, which is found in various consumer goods. Despite past contamination concerns, modern manufacturing processes have addressed and eliminated these issues. Although PEGs are not used in certain personal care products, their inclusion in machine detergents is deemed acceptable since they don't directly touch the skin.

Polyoxyethylene is a potent detergent with capabilities in washing, emulsifying, dispersing, wetting, and solubilizing. When humans consumed polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate, it typically showed no toxic effects, but there were isolated allergic reactions. Industrially, this chemical is integral in producing various household cleaning items, including laundry detergents and spot removers, as well as personal care products like creams and lotions.

Sodium metasilicate is a type of compound that includes varying amounts of sodium oxide (Na2-O) and silica (Si2-O), and its aqueous solutions are heavily alkaline and corrosive, typically containing weight ratios of silica to sodium oxide between 1.6 to 3.8. It is a strong irritant for skin and eyes and can be toxic if ingested in high doses. In its aerosol form, it can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. The compound, tested at specific molar ratios, has shown corrosive effects on rabbit skin but hasn't shown any sensitizing effects in a local lymph node assay study on mice. Both hydrous and anhydrous forms, including Sodium metasilicate pentahydrate, Sodium metasilicate nonahydrate, Sodium silicate, and Potassium silicate, share similar uses and adverse effects, mainly due to their corrosive effects on metal and tissue resulting from their alkalinity.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is recognised as a skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant according to ICSC. It may cause allergic reactions and eye irritation as stated by the HSDB. Exposure may even result in eye burns, as per CAMEO. Depending on its form - which may range from a solid (90-98% purity), to a paste (30-41%), or an aqueous solution (28-50%) - it can significantly irritate skin and eyes, with adverse effects escalating with increased concentration. Despite these hazards, it is not a skin sensitizer according to CHEMINFO, while eChemPortal: ERMA and MSDSonline endorse its classification as an irritant.

Sodium laureth sulfate, derived from ethoxylated lauryl alcohol, is a surfactant used in sudsy products like toothpaste, detergents, and shampoos. While it acts as a cleansing and emulsifying agent, it can sometimes contain toxic impurities such as 1,4-dioxane. This chemical has raised health concerns due to its potential to cause skin, lung, and eye irritation, organ toxicity, and, primarily because of contamination by 1,4 dioxane, cancer.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released by many cleaning products, as revealed by a study in Chemosphere which analyzed 30 such items. Of the 530 distinct VOCs identified, 193 were considered hazardous, linked to health issues like respiratory system damage and cancer. Indoor air contamination from VOCs is significantly higher than outdoor, with up to 10 times more pollutants. However, products labeled as green, particularly those without fragrances, exhibited fewer hazardous VOC emissions. Exposure to VOCs has critical health implications, especially for cleaning industry workers and children, and these compounds also contribute to outdoor air pollution.

Diethanolamine is a chemical found in various consumer products like shampoos, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Acute exposure in humans can result in irritation of the nose, throat, and skin. However, no detailed data is available on its chronic, reproductive, developmental or carcinogenic effects on humans. Studies on animals reveal that acute oral exposure can influence the liver, blood, kidney, and central nervous system, while dermal exposure has been connected with an increased incidence of liver and kidney tumors in mice. Production of first-degree burns, skin irritation, occupational asthma, kidney, and liver injury risk, and potential skin sensitization are some other adverse effects associated with diethanolamine.

Denatonium Benzoate causes somnolence, tremor, and ataxia in rabbits and rats according to oral lethal-dose studies and is harmful by ingestion. It is one of the most bitterly known substances, with a 1980 case report linking it to urticaria and asthma. The European Union classifies it as highly toxic by inhalation and a potential cause of serious eye injury. Lastly, it is a strong eye irritant and skin irritant according to the Sigma-Aldrich Material Safety Data Sheet.

Diethyl phthalate is a synthetic, colorless liquid used mainly for making plastics more flexible, and is found in a range of products from toothbrushes to food packaging. The substance can be released from these products as it is not part of the plastic's polymer chain. Additionally, diethyl phthalate is used in cosmetics, insecticides, and aspirin. However, it is known to be an eye and respiratory irritant when heated, and has reportedly caused allergic contact dermatitis. Long-term and high-dose exposure to the chemical, notably in rats and mice, has resulted in testicular damage, increased fetal losses, malformations, and possible central nervous system depression.

Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether, when administered orally or through the skin in doses exceeding 800-1000 mg/kg/day, can cause central nervous system depression and changes to the liver and kidneys in animals. However, it doesn't exhibit significant developmental toxicity at these levels. The chemical is not expected to have adverse effects unless workers are exposed to its heated liquid mists. It is an eye irritant and provokes harm to the central nervous system, liver, kidneys, red blood cells, and reproductive system in animal feeding studies. Despite these potential harms, it is poorly absorbed through the skin.

DMDM hydantoin is a substance used in cosmetics that has the potential to cause allergic contact dermatitis, although rinse-off products generally have a low risk. According to various reports, skin sensitization patch testing has yielded positive results.

d-Limonene is a liquid with a lemon-like smell, often used as a solvent to substitute for more volatile and toxic organic solvents. When it comes into contact with air, it can oxidize, and this oxidized form is a known skin sensitizer, capable of irritating skin and eyes. The combination of d-limonene and l-limonene is known as limonene or dipentene. The estimated lethal dose for humans is between 0.5 to 5 g/kg, and studies have shown that it can cause diarrhea and liver effects when ingested in high doses.

Methylisothiazolinone can reportedly cause allergic contact dermatitis in workers who interact with products containing it. This substance is recognized as a contact allergen for consumers using cosmetics that include it. It can cause skin burns and sensitization, and inhaling it may lead to corrosive injuries in the upper respiratory tract and lungs. Ingesting this substance is harmful, and inhalation is toxic. This preservative is linked to the category of isothiazolinones.

Sodium borate, a toxic white powder, is used in various products ranging from cleaning agents and personal care items to children's toys for pH adjustment. Commonly known as borax, it's found in cleaners, detergents, air fresheners, diaper creams, and some toys like playdough. Although often considered a "green" component, sodium borate can lead to organ system toxicity, fertility issues, harm to an unborn child, endocrine disruption, skin allergies, eye and respiratory irritation, and damage to the male reproductive system. Canada has imposed restrictions on its use in cosmetics.

Sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda or lye, is an odorless white crystalline solid that absorbs moisture from the air. It generates significant heat when dissolved in water or neutralized with acid which may ignite combustible materials. It is highly corrosive and is typically used as a solid or in a 50% solution. Sodium hydroxide is used to manufacture a variety of products including soaps, rayon, paper, explosives, dyestuffs, and petroleum products. Exposure to this substance may cause severe burns, necrosis, and pulmonary edema, depending on the concentration and exposure method.

Sodium hypochlorite is a clear liquid with a strong chlorine odor, predominantly used as bleaching agents or disinfectants in commercial cleaning solutions and water purification systems. Sodium hypochlorite is often used in a dissolved state. It is corrosive to skin and can cause pulmonary edema from high inhalation exposure. Its ingestion can lead to methemoglobinemia, and a 3% to 5% solution causes burnings of the mouth and throat. The anhydrous form of this compound is highly explosive.

Sodium triphosphate is identified as a moderate irritant to the skin and mucous membranes. It can manifest as a mild skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant, particularly in aerosol form. It may cause discomfort in the eyes, nose, and throat. High-dose ingestion in animal studies has also indicated potential for kidney damage. Various sources, including Merck Index, ICSC, CAMEO, CHEMINFO, and MSDSonline indicate its potential as an irritant.

Sulfuric acid, a clear and highly corrosive liquid, is employed in the creation of fertilizers, other acids, and glue, and is used in petroleum purification, metal pickling, and lead-acid batteries. It can cause severe burns, is a potential human carcinogen, can trigger pulmonary edema, and may erode tooth enamel.

Triclosan is a synthetic pesticide with antibacterial properties commonly added to detergents, soaps, and various personal care products such as deodorants and toothpastes. Although it lacks the ability to combat viruses causing colds and flus, it's used in products like body washes, disinfectants, and some toothpastes to resist bacterial growth. In 2016, the FDA limited its use in antibacterial soaps, but the compound is still permitted in other products. The European Union prohibited its presence in food-contact items in 2010. Exposure to triclosan has been associated with hormone disruption, increased breast cancer risk, liver damage, and the development of resistant super-germs.

Naphthalene is a white solid, also known as white tar and tar camphor, found in substances like petroleum, coal, tobacco, and wood. It vaporizes easily and has a strong but not unpleasant odor. Major uses for naphthalene include the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics, moth repellents, toilet deodorant blocks, and other chemicals such as dyes and resins. Acute exposure to naphthalene can trigger hemolytic anemia, liver damage, and neurological conditions, with chronic exposure potentially leading to cataracts and retina damage. The substance is considered a possible human carcinogen and high doses have lethal potential, particularly for individuals with specific health conditions.

Isopropyl alcohol has been shown to cause narcosis in animals during acute studies, as cited by ACGIH. However, according to research by Zimmerman, it is not hepatotoxic in either experimental animal studies or in human exposures. It's known to be a skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant, and if inhaled in high concentrations, it can cause CNS depression, as indicated by the ICSC.

Potassium hydroxide 30-70% is a liquid that is highly corrosive to skin, causing second or third-degree burns even after brief contact. It is a hazardous substance that can also induce pulmonary edema, a condition characterized by excessive fluid in the lungs. The effects and properties of this chemical can be compared to those of Sodium hydroxide.

Trideceth-4 is a water-soluble compound with notable wetting, permeability, and emulsifying properties. It enhances the effectiveness of certain silicone oils and is used in various applications including metal processing aids, detergents, and household cleaning agents. However, it can be harmful if ingested and is known to cause serious eye damage, skin irritation, and eye irritation, as indicated by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Despite these concerns, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel has determined it to be safe when formulated to be non-irritating.

1,4-Dioxane is a clear, water-soluble liquid that is primarily used as a solvent in chemical manufacturing and laboratory reagents. Other uses leverage its solvent properties, including cosmetics, detergents, and shampoos. However, manufacturers generally reduce 1,4-Dioxane to low levels in these products due to its potential health risks. Acute exposure can result in symptoms such as vertigo, drowsiness, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Chronic exposure may lead to liver and kidney damage, and the substance is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA. Notably, severe kidney and liver damage, CNS effects, and even death have been recorded after heavy or prolonged exposure.