up&up Fragrance-Free Dish Soap

A standard, sulfate-heavy formulation designed for powerful degreasing but lacking in skin-conditioning agents.

Performance Rating: 4.5

This formula utilizes a classic and powerful surfactant system combining Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). These anionic surfactants are industry standards for creating rich foam and cutting through grease effectively. The addition of Lauramine Oxide acts as a foam booster and stabilizer, further enhancing the grease-cleaning capabilities. Sodium Xylenesulfonate ensures the ingredients remain blended and effective. This product is expected to handle tough, oily food residues with ease.

Safety Rating: 2.1

The safety rating is lowered primarily due to the presence of Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT). These preservatives are known skin sensitizers and contact allergens, which can cause reactions in sensitive individuals. Additionally, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a known skin irritant that can strip natural oils from the skin, potentially leading to ‘dishpan hands’ (dryness and irritation) with frequent use without gloves. Sodium Laureth Sulfate carries a risk of 1,4-dioxane contamination, though usually minimal.

Final Rating: 3.3

This dish soap is a utilitarian workhorse. It scores very high on cleaning efficacy due to its robust detergent profile, making it excellent for dirty dishes and grease. However, it relies on older, conventional chemistry that includes harsh preservatives and strong irritants, lacking the mildness or ‘clean label’ attributes found in modern eco-friendly formulas. It is recommended to wear gloves while using this product to protect the skin.

Verdict

This dish soap formula represents a classic, utilitarian approach to cleaning. At its core, the blend utilizes a dual-surfactant system consisting of Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. These are industry standards for a reason: they are exceptionally effective at cutting through grease and creating the rich foam that many consumers associate with cleanliness. However, this cleaning power comes at a cost, as these anionic surfactants are known to strip natural oils from the skin, potentially leading to dryness after prolonged use. To support these primary cleaners, the formula includes Lauramine Oxide, a secondary surfactant that boosts foaming properties and assists in lifting debris from cookware. The inclusion of Sodium Xylenesulfonate acts as a hydrotrope, ensuring that the formula stays blended and flows correctly, while Sodium Chloride is used simply to thicken the liquid to a gel-like consistency. Citric Acid helps balance the pH, ensuring the preservatives work effectively and preventing the soap from being too alkaline. The most contentious aspect of this ingredient list lies in the preservative system. The combination of Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone is highly effective at preventing bacterial growth, which is necessary for a water-based product. However, these specific preservatives are well-documented contact allergens. For individuals with sensitive skin, eczema, or existing chemical sensitivities, these agents can trigger irritation or dermatitis, especially given that dish soap often comes into frequent contact with hands. Ultimately, this is a high-performance detergent designed for tough jobs rather than skin comfort. It does not contain moisturizing agents or soothing botanicals to counteract the harshness of the sulfates. If your primary goal is removing heavy grease from pots and pans, this product will deliver excellent results. However, users should consider wearing gloves to protect their skin from the potent degreasers and potential allergens found within the bottle.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Acts as a liquid base to dissolve and mix other ingredients.

Concerns: None.

Notes: The primary ingredient in most liquid soaps.

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

🧪 Sodium Laureth Sulfate / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: A foaming and cleaning agent that removes grease and dirt.

Concerns: Can cause skin irritation; potential for contamination with 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing if not properly purified.

Notes: Generally considered gentler than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.

🧪 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate / 月桂醇硫酸酯钠

Purpose: A strong surfactant that creates high foam and removes oil.

Concerns: Known skin and eye irritant; can strip natural oils from skin.

Notes: One of the most common cleaning agents in personal care and household products.

🧪 Lauramine Oxide / 月桂胺氧化物

Purpose: Boosts foam, stabilizes suds, and helps break down grease.

Concerns: Can be an eye and skin irritant; toxic to aquatic life in high concentrations.

Notes: Often used to make the foam last longer.

📁 Processing Aids & Thickeners / 加工助剂与增稠剂

🧪 Sodium Xylenesulfonate / 二甲苯磺酸钠

Purpose: A hydrotrope that helps other ingredients stay dissolved and ensures the formula remains uniform.

Concerns: Generally safe, but can be a mild irritant.

Notes: Does not clean but helps the formula perform correctly.

🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠

Purpose: Used to thicken the liquid to the desired consistency.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Commonly known as table salt.

📁 pH Adjusters / 酸碱调节剂

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: Adjusts the pH of the soap to be compatible with skin and optimize cleaning.

Concerns: Can cause eye irritation.

Notes: Derived from citrus fruits or manufactured via fermentation.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 Methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Prevents the growth of bacteria and mold in the product.

Concerns: A known skin sensitizer and allergen; can cause contact dermatitis.

Notes: Often referred to as MIT.

🧪 Methylchloroisothiazolinone / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: A broad-spectrum preservative effective against bacteria and fungi.

Concerns: A strong allergen and skin irritant; restricted in leave-on products but common in rinse-off products.

Notes: Usually used in a mixture with Methylisothiazolinone.