Is SLS in Dish Soap Bad?

The Short Answer

SLS is not cancer-causing, but it is harsh. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a surfactant used to cut grease and make bubbles. It is considered safe for general use by the FDA, but it is a potent skin irritant.

If you suffer from dry hands, cracking, redness, or eczema, SLS is likely the culprit. It is so effective at stripping oils that dermatologists use it as a "control irritant" in clinical studies to purposely irritate skin.

For products that touch your skin daily—like dish soap—we recommend avoiding SLS.

Why This Matters

Your skin barrier is under attack.

SLS works by lowering the surface tension of water, allowing it to strip away grease. The problem is that it doesn't distinguish between bacon grease on a pan and the natural protective oils on your hands. Repeated exposure disrupts your skin barrier, leading to chronic dryness and contact dermatitis (often called "dishpan hands"). Is Dish Soap Safe

The "Natural" Imposter: Sodium Coco Sulfate (SCS).

Many "green" brands (like Mrs. Meyer's) claim to be SLS-free but use Sodium Coco Sulfate instead. Here's the catch: SCS is made from coconut oil, but it contains about 50% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. It is functionally the same thing with a greener name. If you are sensitive to SLS, you will likely react to SCS too. Is Mrs Meyers Safe

The Carcinogen Confusion.

You may hear that sulfates cause cancer. This is generally a mix-up between SLS and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate).

* SLS = Skin irritant, but not a carcinogen.

* SLES = Milder on skin, but often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a probable human carcinogen. Is 1 4 Dioxane In Dishwasher Detergent

What's Actually In Dish Soap

Most conventional dish soaps rely on a "surfactant cocktail" to create the massive foam we've been trained to expect.

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) — The heavy lifter. Cheap, high-foaming, and excellent at cutting grease. High irritation risk.
• Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) — The "gentler" cousin. It's ethoxylated to reduce skin irritation, but this process creates 1,4-dioxane contamination. Is Dawn Dish Soap Toxic
• Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) — A synthetic preservative that is a known allergen and sensitizer. Often found in "natural" brands that use water.
• Artificial Fragrance — A "black box" term that can hide hundreds of chemicals, including phthalates (hormone disruptors). Are Fragrances In Cleaners Bad

What to Look For

Green Flags:

• Glucosides — Look for Decyl Glucoside, Coco Glucoside, or Lauryl Glucoside. These are sugar-derived surfactants that clean effectively without stripping skin.
• Saponified Oils — Old-school soap (Castile soap) made from coconut or olive oil. Low suds, but cleans well.
• Aloe Vera / Glycerin — Added to offset the drying effects of washing.

Red Flags:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) — The primary irritant.
• Sodium Coco Sulfate (SCS) — The "greenwashed" version of SLS.
• Sulfuric Acid, Monododecyl Ester — Another chemical name for SLS.
• "Plant-Derived Cleaning Agents" — Vague terms often hide SLS. Check the specific ingredient list.

The Best Options

You don't need harsh sulfates to get clean dishes. These brands use gentler surfactants that are safe for your skin and the water supply.

The Bottom Line

1. If you have eczema or dry hands, ditch SLS. It is the #1 trigger for hand dermatitis in cleaning products.

2. Don't be fooled by "Sodium Coco Sulfate." It is chemically very similar to SLS and causes similar irritation.

3. Prioritize Glucosides. Look for "Coco-Glucoside" or "Decyl Glucoside" on the label for a truly gentle clean. Safest Dish Soap

FAQ

Does SLS cause cancer?

No. There is no scientific evidence linking SLS directly to cancer. The cancer concern is related to SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate), which can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing. SLS is an irritant, not a carcinogen.

Is Sodium Coco Sulfate (SCS) safe?

It is safe from toxicity, but it is still a skin irritant. SCS is a blend of fatty acids that includes roughly 50% SLS. If you are avoiding SLS due to skin sensitivity, you should also avoid SCS.

Why do companies use SLS if it's irritating?

It's cheap and it foams. Consumers equate "more bubbles" with "better cleaning" (a marketing myth). SLS produces rich, thick foam that lasts, whereas gentler natural surfactants produce lighter foam that dissipates faster.

Can I just use gloves?

Yes. If you love the cleaning power of a sulfate-heavy soap like Dawn, wearing rubber gloves completely mitigates the skin irritation risk. However, you are still flushing those chemicals into the water system. Is Dawn Dish Soap Toxic

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