ECOS Foaming Dish Soap – Free & Clear

A fragrance-free and plant-derived dish soap formulated with mild surfactants designed to be gentle on sensitive skin while effectively cleaning grease.

Performance Rating: 3.9

This formula uses a robust blend of surfactants. Lauramine Oxide is a standout ingredient here; it is highly effective at cutting grease and stabilizing foam, making it a staple in high-performance dish soaps. The inclusion of Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine and Caprylyl/Myristyl Glucoside adds mild foaming and cleaning capabilities. While it lacks strong anionic surfactants like SLS/SLES (which are the heavy hitters for stripping oil but can be drying), the combination provided is efficient for daily dishwashing and is considered a high-performing “green” formulation.

Safety Rating: 4.6

The safety profile is excellent. The formula appears to be fragrance-free, eliminating the most common cause of contact dermatitis. It uses Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, a bio-based and biodegradable alternative to harsher chelating agents like EDTA. The preservative used, Phenoxyethanol, is generally considered safer and less sensitizing than the Isothiazolinones (MIT/CMIT) often found in commercial dish soaps. The surfactants are mild and less likely to strip the skin barrier compared to traditional sulfates.

Final Rating: 4.3

This is a very well-balanced product that bridges the gap between efficacy and gentleness. It avoids common irritants like fragrance and harsh sulfates while retaining Lauramine Oxide to ensure it actually works on greasy dishes. It is an ideal choice for households with sensitive skin or those looking for an eco-friendly option that does not compromise significantly on cleaning power.

Verdict

This dish soap formulation presents a compelling option for those seeking a gentle yet effective cleaning solution. The ingredient list is notably minimalist and focuses on plant-derived components, steering clear of harsh chemicals often found in conventional dishwashing liquids. By excluding Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), the manufacturer has prioritized skin health, making this product much less likely to cause dryness or irritation during prolonged use.

The primary cleaning agents include Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine and Lauramine Oxide. These are effective surfactants known for their ability to cut through grease and stabilize foam without stripping natural oils from the skin. The addition of Caprylyl/Myristyl Glucoside, a sugar-derived surfactant, further enhances the mildness of the formula. This specific blend suggests that while the soap is tough enough for dinner plates, it is gentle enough to act as a hand soap if necessary.

To ensure the product works well in various water conditions, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate is included as a chelating agent. This ingredient is a biodegradable alternative to phosphates or EDTA and helps to neutralize metal ions found in hard water, boosting the efficacy of the surfactants and preventing soap scum. The formula utilizes Propanediol, likely derived from corn, as a solvent to maintain consistency and improve the stability of the mixture.

One of the most significant aspects of this ingredient profile is what is missing. There are no added fragrances or dyes, which dramatically reduces the risk of allergic reactions or respiratory irritation. Preservation is handled by Phenoxyethanol, a standard and reliable preservative that prevents bacterial growth without the health concerns associated with parabens or formaldehyde releasers. Overall, this dish soap represents a balanced formulation that aligns with modern demand for eco-friendly and skin-conscious household products. It is an excellent choice for daily dishwashing tasks, particularly for households with babies or individuals with eczema.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent base for the formula

Concerns: None

Notes: The primary ingredient in most liquid soaps.

🧪 Propanediol / 丙二醇

Purpose: Solvent and humectant

Concerns: Generally safe, can be a mild irritant to sensitive skin

Notes: Often plant-derived, helps improve texture and stability.

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

🧪 Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine / 椰油酰胺丙基羟基磺基甜菜碱

Purpose: Amphoteric surfactant, foam booster, and conditioning agent

Concerns: Generally mild, but can cause allergic reactions in rare cases due to impurities

Notes: A milder alternative to sulfates, derived from coconut oil.

🧪 Lauramine Oxide / 氧化月桂胺

Purpose: Surfactant and foam stabilizer

Concerns: Can be irritating to skin in high concentrations

Notes: Effective at cutting grease and stabilizing suds.

🧪 Caprylyl/Myristyl Glucoside / 辛基/肉豆蔻基葡糖苷

Purpose: Mild non-ionic surfactant

Concerns: Very low concern, generally safe and biodegradable

Notes: Derived from sugars and fatty alcohols.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative to prevent bacterial growth

Concerns: Can be an irritant or allergen for some people; safe in low concentrations

Notes: Commonly used alternative to parabens.

📁 Functional Additives / 功能性添加剂

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

Purpose: Chelating agent (water softener)

Concerns: Low concern, considered eco-friendly

Notes: Boosts the effectiveness of preservatives and antioxidants.

🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Common table salt, used to adjust viscosity.

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH adjuster

Concerns: Can be irritating to eyes in pure form

Notes: Used to balance the acidity of the soap.

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH adjuster

Concerns: Corrosive in raw form, but neutralized in the final product

Notes: Also known as Lye; used to saponify oils or adjust pH.