365 by Whole Foods Market Unscented Dish Soap

A heavy-duty detergent formulated with a powerful enzyme blend and strong surfactants to tackle stubborn, dried-on food and grease.

Performance Rating: 4.5

This formula features a high-performance cleaning system. The combination of strong anionic surfactants (Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) provides excellent foam and grease-cutting ability. The inclusion of Lauramine Oxide and Myristamine Oxide further stabilizes suds and emulsifies fats. Most notably, the Enzyme Blend (Protease, Amylase) significantly elevates the cleaning power; proteases target proteins (like egg or cheese), and amylases break down starches (like pasta or rice), allowing this soap to tackle dried, stuck-on food much better than standard detergent-only formulas.

Safety Rating: 2.7

The formula contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), which is a known skin irritant and can cause dryness with frequent use. Benzisothiazolinone is an effective preservative but is also a known skin sensitizer and environmental pollutant. However, the ingredient list implies a fragrance-free and dye-free formulation, which significantly reduces the risk of contact dermatitis and allergic reactions compared to scented competitors.

Final Rating: 3.8

This is a potent dish soap designed for heavy-duty cleaning. The addition of enzymes is a premium feature that ensures superior removal of stubborn food residues. While the use of strong sulfates and synthetic preservatives lowers the mildness profile slightly, the exclusion of unnecessary fragrances and dyes makes it a focused, efficient product for users who prioritize cleaning efficacy over gentle, eco-friendly ingredients.

Verdict

This dish soap formulation represents a chemistry-forward approach to dishwashing that prioritizes maximum efficacy over skincare attributes. At its core, the ingredient list reveals a “double-barrel” approach to grease removal using both Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES). These anionic surfactants are the industry standard for creating rich, long-lasting foam and stripping oil from surfaces. However, their combined presence suggests a very strong degreasing profile that, while excellent for pots and pans, acts as a significant drying agent for human skin. Unlike milder formulas that might include aloe or glycerin to mitigate this, this product remains strictly functional. The true star of this ingredient list is the Enzyme Blend featuring Protease and Amylase. In the world of dish soaps, enzymes are a premium addition usually reserved for dishwasher pods or laundry detergents. Protease specifically targets peptide bonds, making it highly effective against protein-based stains like dried egg yolk, dairy, or meat juices. Simultaneously, Amylase breaks down complex carbohydrates, targeting starchy residues from potatoes, rice, or pasta. This biological cleaning action means the soap does not just lift dirt; it chemically degrades the food structure, making this product exceptionally capable for soaking baked-on messes. Supporting the primary surfactants are Lauramine Oxide and Myristamine Oxide. These amine oxides act as foam boosters and stabilizers, ensuring that the suds do not collapse immediately upon touching grease. They also contribute to the viscosity of the liquid, giving it a substantial feel. Citric Acid serves a dual purpose here: it acts as a chelating agent to help the surfactants perform in hard water and adjusts the pH to ensure the enzymes remain stable and active. Regarding safety and preservation, the inclusion of Benzisothiazolinone is a necessary but noteworthy point. It effectively stops microbial growth within the aqueous formula, but it is a known contact allergen. For individuals with a history of contact dermatitis or specific sensitivities to preservatives, this ingredient can trigger reactions. Furthermore, the reliance on sulfates means this is not a “green” or “natural” product in the marketing sense, but rather a traditional, high-power detergent. In conclusion, this dish soap is a utilitarian powerhouse. It is not designed to be a spa treatment for your hands; it is designed to obliterate grease and dissolve stubborn food particles. It is highly recommended for heavy-duty kitchen tasks and soaking pans, provided the user takes precautions—such as wearing gloves—to protect their skin from the aggressive cleaning agents.

Who Is This Product For?

Who Should Avoid This Product?

Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Base / 基质

🧪 WATER / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The primary liquid base of the formula.

📁 Surfactants / 表面活性剂

🧪 SODIUM LAURYL ETHER SULFATE / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Primary cleaning agent and foaming agent.

Concerns: Can be irritating to sensitive skin; generally considered milder than SLS.

Notes: Often referred to as SLES.

🧪 SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE / 十二烷基硫酸钠

Purpose: Strong cleaning agent and degreaser.

Concerns: Known skin irritant; can strip oils from skin.

Notes: Often referred to as SLS; highly effective at cutting grease.

🧪 LAURAMINE OXIDE / 月桂胺氧化物

Purpose: Surfactant, foam booster, and stabilizer.

Concerns: Generally safe in rinse-off products, but can be irritating in high concentrations.

Notes: Helps create stable suds.

🧪 MYRISTAMINE OXIDE / 肉豆蔻胺氧化物

Purpose: Surfactant and foam booster.

Concerns: Low concern; generally safe.

Notes: Works synergistically with other surfactants to improve cleaning.

📁 Viscosity and pH Modifiers / 粘度和pH调节剂

🧪 SODIUM CHLORIDE / 氯化钠

Purpose: Thickener.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Common table salt used to adjust the viscosity (thickness) of the liquid.

🧪 CITRIC ACID / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH adjuster.

Concerns: Can cause eye irritation in concentrated form.

Notes: Used to balance the acidity of the product and helps with hard water.

📁 Biological Additives / 生物添加剂

🧪 ENZYME BLEND (PROTEASE, AMYLASE) / 酶混合物(蛋白酶,淀粉酶)

Purpose: Breaks down proteins and starches.

Concerns: Potential respiratory sensitizer if inhaled (unlikely in liquid dish soap).

Notes: Protease targets protein stains (meat, egg), while Amylase targets starch stains (pasta, potato).

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 BENZISOTHIAZOLINONE / 苯并异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Antimicrobial preservative.

Concerns: Potential skin allergen and sensitizer.

Notes: Prevents bacteria and mold growth in the bottle.