Mrs. Meyer’s Basil Dish Soap

An aromatherapeutic dish soap that combines plant-derived surfactants and herbal essential oils for a pleasing scent, though it relies on SLS and synthetic preservatives for performance.

Performance Rating: 4.5

This formula contains a robust surfactant system. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a primary anionic surfactant known for its powerful grease-cutting and foaming abilities. It is boosted by Lauramine Oxide, which further stabilizes foam and breaks down oils, and milder non-ionic surfactants like Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside and Lauryl Glucoside. This combination ensures the product will clean dishes very effectively.

Safety Rating: 2.5

The safety rating is significantly lowered by the presence of Methylisothiazolinone and Benzisothiazolinone. These synthetic preservatives are known skin sensitizers and common contact allergens, often restricted in ‘clean’ label standards. Additionally, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate can be irritating and drying to the skin, though Aloe and Glycerin are added to mitigate this. The inclusion of generic Fragrance and specific allergens like Geraniol and Linalool poses further risks for sensitive individuals.

Final Rating: 3.5

This product strikes a balance between high-performance cleaning and ‘natural-inspired’ branding. While it excels at removing grease due to effective surfactants, it relies on older, harsher preservative technologies (Isothiazolinones) and SLS, which may disqualify it for users seeking strictly hypoallergenic or non-irritating eco-friendly options. It is an effective cleaner, but not the gentlest on hands.

Verdict

This dish soap presents a fascinating balance between mainstream cleaning efficacy and a botanical aesthetic. The immediate draw for most consumers will undoubtedly be the fragrance profile. By utilizing a blend of Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil, Carum Petroselinum (Parsley) Seed Oil, and Piper Nigrum (Black Pepper) Seed Oil, the formulation steps away from artificial fruit smells and offers a sophisticated, green herbal aroma. This makes the product particularly attractive to those who view dishwashing as a sensory experience rather than just a chore. The scent is grounded and refreshing, avoiding the cloying sweetness often found in cheaper detergents.

In terms of functional chemistry, the primary engine driving this soap is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). This is an industry-standard anionic surfactant that is exceptionally good at emulsifying fats and suspending soil. If you are washing heavy pots, greasy skillets, or stubborn baking dishes, the presence of SLS ensures reliable grease-cutting power and a satisfyingly high foam. The addition of Lauramine Oxide and Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside further boosts this foam and helps stabilize the lather, ensuring the suds don’t disappear the moment they touch oil.

However, the reliance on SLS means this is not the mildest formula available. Sulfates are known to disrupt the skin barrier, potentially leading to dryness by stripping away natural oils alongside the grease. The formulation attempts to mitigate this through the inclusion of Glycerin and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, two excellent hydrating agents that soothe the skin. While these ingredients certainly help, they serve more as a buffer than a cure; frequent washing without gloves might still lead to rough hands for some users.

The most critical aspect to review is the safety profile regarding allergens. The ingredient list includes generic Fragrance, Geraniol, and Linalool, all of which can trigger reactions in sensitized individuals. More concerning for the allergy-prone is the preservative system: Benzisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone. These are potent antimicrobials used to extend shelf life, but they are also among the most common causes of contact dermatitis in household products.

Ultimately, this product is an effective degreaser that smells wonderful, bridging the gap between luxury aromatherapy and utilitarian cleaning. It is an excellent choice for those with resilient skin who love garden-fresh scents, but it is likely too harsh for those with compromised skin barriers or specific chemical sensitivities.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Base / 基质

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The liquid base for the soap.

📁 Surfactants (Cleaning Agents) / 表面活性剂(清洁剂)

🧪 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate / 十二烷基硫酸钠

Purpose: Primary cleaning and foaming agent

Concerns: Can be drying to the skin or irritating to eyes.

Notes: A very common surfactant.

🧪 Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside / 辛基/癸基葡糖苷

Purpose: Mild cleaning agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from sugars and fatty alcohols; biodegradable.

🧪 Lauramine Oxide / 月桂胺氧化物

Purpose: Foam booster and stabilizer

Concerns: Potential aquatic toxicity.

Notes: Helps cut through grease.

🧪 Lauryl Glucoside / 月桂基葡糖苷

Purpose: Mild cleaning agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Gentle on skin, derived from plants.

📁 Moisturizers & Skin Conditioning / 保湿和皮肤调理剂

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Draws moisture to the skin to prevent drying.

🧪 Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice / 库拉索芦荟叶汁

Purpose: Soothing agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps soothe irritation.

📁 Fragrance & Essential Oils / 香精与精油

🧪 Fragrance / 香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: May contain undisclosed allergens or phthalates.

Notes: Proprietary blend.

🧪 Geraniol / 香叶醇

Purpose: Fragrance component

Concerns: Known contact allergen.

Notes: Naturally occurring in essential oils.

🧪 Linalool / 芳樟醇

Purpose: Fragrance component

Concerns: Known contact allergen.

Notes: Naturally occurring in essential oils.

🧪 Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil / 罗勒油

Purpose: Natural scent

Concerns: Possible skin sensitization in high concentrations.

Notes: Provides an herbal scent.

🧪 Carum Petroselinum (Parsley) Seed Oil / 欧芹籽油

Purpose: Natural scent

Concerns: None in wash-off products.

Notes: Herbal fragrance profile.

🧪 Piper Nigrum (Black Pepper) Seed Oil / 黑胡椒籽油

Purpose: Natural scent

Concerns: Can be irritating if not diluted properly.

Notes: Spicy fragrance profile.

📁 Functional Additives / 功能性添加剂

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH adjuster

Concerns: None

Notes: Used to ensure the soap is not too alkaline.

🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Common table salt; adjusts viscosity.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 Benzisothiazolinone / 苯并异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Potential skin sensitizer and irritant.

Notes: Prevents bacterial growth.

🧪 Methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Strong skin sensitizer; associated with contact dermatitis.

Notes: Commonly found in rinse-off products but restricted in leave-on products.