Last updated on March 17th, 2025 at 08:57 pm

Dirty dishes–ugh. We all hate them.

But what if the dishwasher detergent you rely on to tackle those baked-on, dried-up, goopy messes is doing more harm than good?

The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a leading consumer watchdog, evaluates household products for safety and environmental impact. Out of 325 dishwasher detergents they reviewed, only 135 were rated as low concern for health and the environment. That means many popular brands could be leaving behind more than just a sparkling finish—they might also be exposing your home to harmful chemicals.

Many conventional dishwasher detergents contain harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and even PFAS. I’ve rounded up the best non-toxic, eco-friendly options that tackle grease and grime—without harming your health or the environment.

Harmful chemicals in dishwasher detergent

While the rinse cycle is designed to remove detergent and leave dishes spotless, it isn’t always completely effective. Traces of chemical residue may remain on dishes and utensils after washing, especially with rinse aids. These chemicals can then be ingested with your food. Over time, this repeated exposure—though subtle—can build up in the body and potentially contribute to health issues.

In addition, many of these chemicals are known to pollute waterways, causing harm to the environment and aquatic life.

Phosphates

• Purpose: Phosphates soften water and prevent mineral buildup on dishes
• Why Avoid: Leads to algae blooms in bodies of water, including the ocean. Algae blooms deplete oxygen in the water, harming aquatic life and also harmful to humans. Removal from wastewater is a complicated process that often results in sludge.
• Common Names: Ingredient names contain “phosphate,” most commonly Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP).
• Alternatives: Enzymes such as protease, lipase, and amylase; citric acid, sodium citrate, sodium carbonate or bicarbonate.

Formaldehyde

• Purpose: Used as preservatives. In addition, chemical reactions from certain other ingredients can release formaldehyde as a byproduct.
• Why Avoid: Known carcinogens and irritants; Persistent in the environment and harmful to aquatic life.
• Formaldehyde-Releasing Ingredients: DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium-15, Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Methylene Glycol, Formalin, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Bromopol, Disteardimonium Hectoride, Nitromethylidynetrimethanol
• Look For: “Formaldehyde-Free” or “Preservative-Free” labels; Products that use plant-based preservatives, such as citric acid

Phthalates

• Purpose: Common component of synthetic fragrances
• Why Avoid: Phthalates are linked to hormonal disruption and environmental harm.
• Common Names: Diethyl Phthalate (DEP), Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP).
• Look For: Many products are now labeled “phthalate-free”; Choose fragrance-free products or those with natural oils for scent.

Sulfates

• Purpose: Surfactant used to break down grease
• Why Avoid: Potential skin irritant. Sulfates have a significant environmental impact: some are petroleum-based and may be contaminated with chemicals like 1,4-dioxane, a known carcinogen, while others are plant-based, often derived from palm oil, which is linked to widespread deforestation. While many organizations consider sulfates safe for use, there is ongoing debate about their potential drawbacks. For a balanced perspective, I recommend this blog post by Puracy, which, despite being written by a company that avoids sulfates, provides excellent information with well-sourced references for further reading. I also found this article by Healthline to be very insightful.
• Common Names: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES).
• Alternatives: SLS made from sustainably-sourced RSPO-certified palm oil is an acceptable eco-friendly option. Otherwise, look for other a plant-based surfactant such as Decyl Glucoside.

Ethanolamines

• Purpose: Foaming agents, surfactants, emulsifiers, pH adjusters
• Why Avoid: Can react with nitrites to form nitrosamines, which are potential carcinogens. Skin and respiratory irritants. Linked to organ toxicity with long-term exposure.
• Common Names: Often contain “-amine.” Monoethanolamine (MEA), Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA)
• Alternatives: Plant-based surfactants and emulsifiers; citric acid or baking soda for pH

Chlorine

• Purpose: Chlorine is a common disinfectant
• Why Avoid: Nose, throat, and eye irritation. Very reactive with other chemicals, creating harmful, even carcinogenic compounds. Harmful to aquatic animals.
• Common Names: Sodium Hypochlorite, Trichloroisocyanuric Acid (Trichlor), Dichloroisocyanurate (Dichlor), Chlorinated Isocyanurates
• Alternatives: Disinfectants are not needed in dishwasher detergent–the hot water provides adequate sanitizing.

Ethoxylated ingredients

• Purpose: Surfactant
• Why Avoid: The ethoxylation process used to produce these ingredients may create traces of two carcinogens, 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide. May cause damage to gut cells
• Common Names: Most labels do not indicate the presence of these contaminants because they are byproducts of manufacturing. Can be found in Alcohol Ethoxylate, Alkoxylated Alcohol, PPG and PEG compounds (Polyethylene Glycol), Polysorbates, and Ingredients that end in –eth (such as laureth, steareth, ceteareth)
• Alternatives: Biodegradable, non-ethoxylated surfactants like coco glucoside or decyl glucoside. Be aware that even if an ingredient is plant-based to start, such as laureth-6, once ethoxylated it becomes chemically modified and not naturally occurring, carrying the same risks as synthetic-based. A newer process called Narrow Range Ethoxylation (NRE) reduces 1,4-dioxane formation during ethoxylation, but this will likely be difficult to verify. Look for 1,4-dioxane-free on labels.

Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs)

NPEs are a particularly toxic subtype of ethoxylated ingredient which are mostly phased out but could still appear in products.

• Where Found: Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) are surfactants
• Why Avoid: Highly toxic to aquatic life and persistent in the environment. Endocrine disruptor. Associated with reproductive and developmental effects in rodents.
• Common Names: Nonoxynol-4, Nonoxynol-9, Nonoxynol-10, etc; Octylphenol Ethoxylate, Alkylphenol Ethoxylate (APE or APEO); NP-9, NP-10, NP-40, etc.; 4-Nonylphenol, Polyethylene Glycol Nonylphenyl Ether

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)

• Purpose: Added to control excessive foaming or reducing spotting.
• Why Avoid: PFAS, aka “forever chemicals,” persist in the body and environment indefinitely. Chemicals have been associated with a wide variety of health effects, from endocrine dysfunction, immune suppression, and cancer, among others.
• Common Names: PFAS are a large group of chemicals; identify ingredients containing “fluoro” or “perfluoro”, such as Perfluoropolyether, PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), Perfluoroalkyl compounds, Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), Perfluorodecalin, Fluoropolymer.
• Look For: Note that PFAS may not be specifically named on the ingredient list, but some chemicals like PEGs and ethoxylated substances may be contaminated with PFAS. Seek brands that are PFAS-free and use plant-based ingredients, and avoid products

Synthetic Dyes

• Purpose: Colorant
• Why Avoid: Potential carcinogens, Pollute water
• Common Names: D&C or FD&C [color] No. [number], such as FD&C Blue No. 1
• Alternatives: Natural coloring or dye-free

Synthetic preservatives

These preservatives are usually found in liquid or gel dishwasher detergents.

Methylisothiazolinone & Benzisothiazolinone

• Why Avoid: Methylisothiazolinone is associated with organ system toxicity and neurotoxicity. Both are skin irritants. Neither are biodegradable and both are highly toxic to aquatic life.
• Common Names: Methylisothiazolinone (MIT): 2-methyl-4-isothiazoline-3-one, Neolone 950 preservative, MI, OriStar MIT and Microcare MT. Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT): 5-Chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and MCI. Kathon is a mix of MIT and CMIT. (Benzisothiazolinone (BIT): 1,2-Benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one, 2-Benzisothiazolinone, Proxel
• Look For: “MIT-free”, “BIT-free”, “Isothiazolinone-Free” or preservative-free labels, or products with plant-based preservatives. Choose powder or tablets, since liquid and gel detergents require preservatives.

Synthetic fragrances

• Why Avoid: Often a cocktail of chemicals that can not only trigger allergies, irritation, or dermatitis, fragrance information is considered proprietary and ingredients are not required to be fully disclosed. This allows companies to potentially hide any chemical (especially phthalates and parabens) under the umbrella of fragrance, leaving consumers in the dark regarding chemical exposure. Therefore, going fragrance-free is ultimately the safest choice.
• Alternatives: Products labeled as “fragrance-free,” or those using natural essential oils for scent. But, if you think about it, do we really need fragrance on our dishes? Good smells are supposed to come from a delicious meal!

Skip dishwasher pods & sheets

Dishwasher (and laundry) detergent pods and sheets are frequently marketed as eco-friendly options. But this isn’t exactly true.

Detergent pods are encased in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a clear plastic-like substance, which is also an ingredient in detergent sheets. PVA (also known as PVOH) is a petroleum-based synthetic polymer, and raises concerns about its environmental impact.

Whether PVA is truly biodegradable, as many companies claim, remains highly debated. While PVA is water-soluble, research—like a study from Arizona State University—suggests otherwise. Their findings indicate that PVA doesn’t fully degrade but instead breaks down into microplastics, adding to plastic pollution.

Other studies found that PVA is not filtered out by wastewater treatments, and is biodegradable only under specific conditions and not in nature. The Washington Post explores this controversy if you wish to learn more.

For me, it’s simple: PVA is derived from petrochemicals, which inherently harm the environment. If I don’t need to use them, I won’t—especially when, in detergent, PVA serves no real purpose beyond convenience. With biodegradability still debated, I’d rather err on the side of caution. Plus, there are plenty of truly eco-friendly, plastic-free laundry detergents to choose from.

Safety certifications to look for

Dishwasher detergents that have earned third-party eco-certifications have undergone rigorous testing and met standards regarding chemical safety. The presence of symbols denoting these certifications on product packaging reflects manufacturer values and verifies claims regarding product safety.

Learn more about sustainability certifications on eco-friendly products.

Best non-toxic dishwasher detergent

Now that you know what to look for in a non-toxic dishwasher detergent, here are my top picks. These products are not only safe but also eco-friendly and plastic-free, with one exception. I’ve personally tested all of them except for the Branch Basics tablets (which are a newer release) and I can confidently vouch for the powerful cleaning performance of all these products.

Cascade Platinum Plus is one of the top-selling dishwasher soaps in the United States, making it a useful benchmark for comparison. Notably, the product ingredient links on their website don’t even work, so I had to look them up on Smartlabel instead. These PVA pods include ethoxylated ingredients, PEGs, synthetic fragrances, four types of synthetic dyes, and numerous non-biodegradable chemicals–some of which are toxic to aquatic life. A single load of dishes with Cascade costs $0.35 (if purchased from Amazon).

Dishwasher Tablets

Blueland

Blueland Laundry Detergent Tablets are made without dyes or bleach and are free from parabens, VOCs, ammonia, phthalates, chlorine, bleach, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA/PVOH), methylisothiazolinone, benzisothiazolinone, octylisothiazolinone, or quaternary amine.

Certifications – This great company is a Certified B Corp and Climate Neutral certified. Products are EPA Safer Choice, Cradle to Cradle, Made Safe, EWG verified, USDA Biopreferred, and Leaping Bunny certified.

Packaging – A starter pack includes a cute refillable tin to hold your tablets. Refill tablets come packaged in commercially compostable packaging with water-based inks. Shipping packaging uses paper-based tape. All of Blueland’s products are plastic-free.

Price – The Dishwasher Detergent Starter Set is $25, which includes a tin and 60 tablets. Refills are $21 for 60 tabs; $0.35/load. Save 10% with subscription or bulk order.

Branch Basics

Branch Basics Dishwasher Tablets are non-GMO plant and mineral-based, 100% biodegradable, and free from dyes, fragrances, phosphates, or chlorine.

Certifications – Products are EWG and MADE SAFE verified, Leaping Bunny certified.

Packaging – The only downside to these tablets is they are packaged in a plastic pouch. I make an exception for these tablets because they are exceptionally clean. I reached out to the company voicing my concern with the plastic pouch, and they replied, “We are concerned about plastic too, and are looking into non-plastic options for packaging…..We had explored compostable pouches, but unfortunately these didn’t hold up in shipping. It was very disappointing!”

Price – $15 for 40 tabs; $0.38/load. Save 10% with subscription.

Dishwasher Powder

Seventh Generation

Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Powder Free & Clear formula uses plant-based enzymes.

Certifications – USDA Certified Biobased. Receives an ‘A’ rating from EWG. Company is a Certified B Corp.

Packaging – FSC-certified paperboard box

Price – A 45-ounce box is $5.99 ($0.13/ounce) or 75 ounces for $8.99 ($0.12/ounce). One load will require about one ounce of detergent, depending on your dishwasher model and water hardness.

Dirty Labs

Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Dishwasher Detergent is a plant-based formula that utilizes bioenzymes for extra cleaning power. The company has gone above and beyond in their clean formulations, all CA Prop 65 chemicals of concern and EU listed fragrance allergens. Free of dyes, fragrance, parabens, phthalates, ethoxylates, synthetic ingredients. Made in the USA.

Certifications – USDA Certified Biobased product, Green Seal certified, PETA cruelty-free and vegan.

Packaging – Comes in a cardboard container with a cute wooden measuring spoon.

Price – $20 for 16.8 ounces, which is $0.42 per load. Save 10% with subscription.

Mama Suds

Mama Suds Automatic Dishwasher Powder is handmade with simple, 100% biodegradable ingredients: non-GMO citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, sodium percarbonate, and sodium carbonate. This small company recognizes that water quality can greatly influence the effectiveness of this product, and offers a 5-ounce refundable sample bag for $5 so you can try it out before buying.

Certifications – This product receives an ‘A’ grade from the EWG, and is certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny and certified vegan by PETA.

Packaging – Brown paper pouch

Price – $23 for 30 ounces ($0.76/ounce), each paper pouch averages 60-90 loads, depending on usage, which equals $0.26 to $0.38 per load. Save 15% with subscription.

Final thoughts on non-toxic dishwasher detergent

Choosing a non-toxic dishwasher detergent is a simple yet impactful way to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals while minimizing environmental waste. By opting for safe, plastic-free, and eco-friendly dishwasher detergent, you can protect your health, prevent water pollution, and cut down on plastic use and the shedding of microplastics. Whether you prefer powder or tablets, look for biodegradable ingredients and responsible brands committed to sustainability. Making this switch ensures cleaner dishes without compromising the planet’s well-being or yours.