ECOS Dish Soap – Free & Clear

A fragrance-free, transparent dish soap formula relying on plant-derived surfactants like Sodium Coco-Sulfate for effective grease removal without harsh irritants.

Performance Rating: 4.2

This formulation uses a strong surfactant system led by Sodium Coco-Sulfate, a powerful cleaning agent derived from coconut oil. The addition of Lauramine Oxide and Cocamidopropylamine Oxide significantly boosts grease-cutting ability and foam stability, making it competitive with conventional heavy-duty dish soaps. Furthermore, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate acts as a chelating agent to ensure the soap performs well even in hard water.

Safety Rating: 4.4

The ingredients list is notably clean, avoiding ethoxylated surfactants (like SLES), which eliminates the risk of 1,4-dioxane contamination. It uses a safer preservative system consisting of Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin rather than harsh isothiazolinones (MIT/CMIT) or parabens. Additionally, the apparent absence of synthetic fragrances or dyes makes this an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies.

Final Rating: 4.3

This product strikes an excellent balance between efficacy and safety. It offers the grease-fighting power expected from a standard dish soap while utilizing biodegradable ingredients and avoiding common toxins found in mass-market brands. It is a highly rated choice for eco-conscious consumers who do not want to sacrifice cleaning performance.

Verdict

This dish soap presents a highly transparent and minimalist ingredient profile, clearly targeting consumers who prioritize safety and eco-friendliness over synthetic aesthetics. The primary cleaning agent is Sodium Coco-Sulfate, a surfactant derived from coconut oil. While it shares some chemical characteristics with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), it is less processed and generally regarded as a greener alternative that maintains excellent foaming and degreasing properties. To ensure the product effectively lifts oil from pans and plates, the formula includes Cocamidopropylamine Oxide and Lauramine Oxide, both of which serve as foam boosters and stabilizers.

A significant advantage of this formulation is its focus on skin compatibility. The addition of Coco Betaine, a mild amphoteric surfactant, helps to mitigate potential irritation, making the soap gentler on the hands during prolonged washing sessions. Furthermore, the complete absence of fragrances and dyes eliminates the most common allergens found in household cleaning products. This makes the soap particularly suitable for households where family members suffer from contact dermatitis or respiratory sensitivities to strong perfumes.

The functional additives are equally thoughtful. Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate is used as a chelating agent to boost performance in hard water. Unlike older, less environmentally friendly chelators like EDTA, this ingredient is biodegradable and aligns with the product’s eco-conscious ethos. The preservation system, utilizing Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin, offers broad-spectrum protection against microbial growth without relying on parabens or formaldehyde releasers. Finally, Citric Acid ensures the pH is balanced to be skin-neutral. Overall, this is a robust, no-nonsense cleaner that proves you do not need a long list of synthetic chemicals to achieve sparkling dishes.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvent / 溶剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Base solvent for the formula.

Concerns: None.

Notes: The primary liquid component.

📁 Surfactants & Cleaning Agents / 表面活性剂与清洁剂

🧪 Sodium Coco-Sulfate / 椰油醇硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Anionic surfactant used for cleaning and foaming.

Concerns: Can be drying to the skin, though generally milder than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).

Notes: Derived from coconut oil.

🧪 Cocamidopropylamine Oxide / 椰油酰胺丙基氧化胺

Purpose: Surfactant that boosts foam and viscosity.

Concerns: Generally considered low risk.

Notes: Often used as a hair conditioning agent or foam builder.

🧪 Lauramine Oxide / 月桂胺氧化物

Purpose: Cleaning agent and foam stabilizer.

Concerns: Can be a skin irritant in high concentrations.

Notes: Excellent at cutting grease.

🧪 Coco Betaine / 椰油基甜菜碱

Purpose: Amphoteric surfactant used to thicken and reduce irritation.

Concerns: Low concern; generally safe.

Notes: Helps make the formula milder on hands.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Prevents the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Concerns: Can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.

Notes: A common alternative to parabens.

🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative booster and skin conditioning agent.

Concerns: Generally safe, but rare allergic reactions can occur.

Notes: Often used in conjunction with Phenoxyethanol to improve efficacy.

📁 Functional Additives / 功能性添加剂

🧪 Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate / 谷氨酸二乙酸四钠

Purpose: Chelating agent that binds to metal ions to improve stability and cleaning performance.

Concerns: Considered safe and is biodegradable.

Notes: Helps the soap work better in hard water.

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH adjuster.

Concerns: May cause eye irritation if splashed directly.

Notes: Used to balance the acidity of the product to match skin pH.