Method Liquid Dish Soap - Free + Clear

A highly effective, enzyme-powered dish soap designed to cut through tough grease and dried-on food while incorporating mild plant-derived surfactants and soothing aloe.

Performance Rating: 9.1

The exceptional 9.1/10 performance rating is a result of a robust cleaning formula. It features a powerful blend of surfactants, including Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) for grease-cutting power, alongside milder Decyl Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, and Lauramine Oxide to boost foam. The formula is further supercharged with Amylase and Protease enzyme blends that degrade stubborn food starches and proteins. Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate acts as an eco-friendly chelator to prevent hard water interference, and Alcohol Denat. serves as a fast-acting solvent.

Safety Rating: 5.1

The 5.1/10 safety rating is largely impacted by the presence of sensitizing preservatives. Both Methylisothiazolinone and Benzisothiazolinone are highly effective biocides but are well-documented contact allergens that can trigger skin irritation and dermatitis. Additionally, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Alcohol Denat. can strip moisture from the skin, leading to dryness. Despite the inclusion of soothing Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice and hydrating Glycerin, these ingredients cannot fully counteract the irritation potential of the harsh preservatives.

Final Rating: 7.1

The 7.1/10 final rating reflects a high-performing product with some safety trade-offs. The formula is highly effective at cutting grease and breaking down stuck-on food residues due to its enzymatic activity and surfactant synergy. However, the risk of skin irritation from Methylisothiazolinone and SLS prevents it from achieving a top-tier score, making it a powerful cleaner that requires caution for those with sensitive skin.

Verdict

This dish soap is a formidable, heavy-duty cleaning formula that expertly balances strong, grease-cutting surfactants with advanced, soil-targeting enzyme technology. At the core of its cleansing power is the combination of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Lauramine Oxide, which work together to generate a rich, long-lasting lather that emulsifies thick grease and oily residues with ease. What truly sets this formula apart, however, is the addition of Amylase and Protease enzyme blends. These active enzymes work like molecular scissors to specifically target and break down stubborn, stuck-on starch and protein deposits—such as dried oatmeal, baked-on cheese, and egg residues—reducing the need for aggressive, surface-scratching scrubbing. To help mitigate the potential drying effects of strong surfactants and denatured alcohol, the formulation incorporates mild, plant-derived co-surfactants including Decyl Glucoside and Lauryl Glucoside. These gentle cleansers work in tandem with Glycerin and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice to help replenish moisture and soothe the skin, preventing hands from feeling completely stripped after doing the dishes. Additionally, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate serves as a highly effective, biodegradable chelating agent that binds to minerals in hard water, preventing them from interfering with the soap’s performance and ensuring a spotless, streak-free rinse. Despite these skin-softening additions, users with highly sensitive skin, eczema, or compromised skin barriers should approach this product with caution. While SLS can be mildly drying on its own, the primary concern lies in the preservation system. The formula utilizes Benzisothiazolinone (BIT) and Methylisothiazolinone (MIT). While these are exceptionally powerful preservatives that keep the product free of harmful bacteria and mold, they are also well-documented contact allergens that can trigger allergic contact dermatitis, redness, and itching in sensitized individuals. If you have resilient skin, this soap offers outstanding, professional-grade cleaning power with a thoughtful blend of plant-derived ingredients. However, if you are prone to hand eczema or are sensitive to traditional preservatives, we highly recommend wearing protective gloves or seeking out a milder, isothiazolinone-free alternative.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents and Bases / 溶剂与基质

🧪 Water (Eau) / 水

Purpose: Solvent and carrier liquid for the entire formula.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Forms the base of liquid dish soaps.

🧪 Alcohol Denat. / 变性乙醇

Purpose: Solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients and control viscosity.

Concerns: Can dry out skin with frequent contact.

Notes: Alcohol made unpalatable with denaturants, used for formula stability.

📁 Surfactants (Cleansing Agents) / 表面活性剂

🧪 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate / 月桂醇硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Primary anionic surfactant for strong grease cutting and rich lather.

Concerns: Known to cause skin irritation and dryness, especially with prolonged contact.

Notes: Highly effective cleanser commonly derived from plant oils.

🧪 Decyl Glucoside / 癸基葡萄糖苷

Purpose: Mild nonionic surfactant to aid in cleaning and foam stability.

Concerns: Very low toxicity and irritation potential.

Notes: Plant-derived, highly biodegradable and gentle.

🧪 Lauryl Glucoside / 月桂基葡萄糖苷

Purpose: Gentle nonionic surfactant for soil removal and emulsification.

Concerns: Extremely mild with minimal skin irritation risk.

Notes: Biodegradable surfactant sourced from corn and coconut.

🧪 Lauramine Oxide / 月桂酰胺氧化物

Purpose: Amphoteric surfactant used as a foam booster and grease cutter.

Concerns: Can cause mild skin or eye irritation in concentrated amounts.

Notes: Helps to improve the overall mildness of surfactant blends.

📁 Enzymes / 酶制剂

🧪 Amylase Enzyme Blend / 淀粉酶混合物

Purpose: Target and break down starch-based food stains like pasta or potato residues.

Concerns: Can be a mild skin irritant or respiratory sensitizer in raw form, but minimal risk in liquid dilution.

Notes: Biological cleaning helper that works efficiently at lower temperatures.

🧪 Protease Enzyme Blend / 蛋白酶混合物

Purpose: Breaks down protein-based food residues like meats, eggs, or cheese.

Concerns: May cause skin irritation or contact dermatitis in highly sensitive individuals.

Notes: Reduces the physical scrubbing effort needed for tough, dried-on food.

📁 Chelators and pH Adjusters / 螯合剂与pH调节剂

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH adjuster used to balance the acidity of the formula.

Concerns: Can be mild skin or eye irritant in concentrated forms, but safe at formulated levels.

Notes: Naturally occurring organic acid commonly used in household cleaners.

🧪 Sodium Citrate / 柠檬酸钠

Purpose: pH buffer and builder to soften water.

Concerns: Extremely low toxicity; highly safe for skin and environment.

Notes: Derived from citric acid, boosts surfactant performance in hard water.

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

Purpose: Chelating agent that binds hard water minerals to improve cleaning efficacy.

Concerns: Very low toxicity and considered environmentally safe.

Notes: A plant-derived, biodegradable alternative to traditional chelators like EDTA.

📁 Stabilizers and Viscosity Regulators / 稳定剂与黏度调节剂

🧪 Calcium Chloride / 氯化钙

Purpose: Enzyme stabilizer and viscosity modifier.

Concerns: Non-toxic in diluted rinse-off applications.

Notes: Common mineral salt that helps maintain enzyme activity over shelf life.

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant and skin conditioner.

Concerns: No safety concerns; extremely mild.

Notes: Helps to counteract the drying effects of surfactants on hands.

🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠

Purpose: Viscosity builder used to thicken the liquid dish soap.

Concerns: Can dry out skin at high concentrations, but safe in standard rinse-off products.

Notes: Common table salt.

📁 Skin Soothing and Botanicals / 皮肤舒缓与植物成分

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

Purpose: Skin conditioning and soothing agent.

Concerns: Rare potential for allergic reactions in highly sensitive individuals.

Notes: Natural botanical extract used to soften and protect hands during washing.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 Benzisothiazolinone / 苯并异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative to inhibit microbial, bacterial, and fungal growth.

Concerns: Known skin sensitizer and allergen; toxic to aquatic life.

Notes: Commonly used in household products to ensure a stable shelf life.

🧪 Methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Strong preservative to prevent contamination over time.

Concerns: High risk of contact allergy, skin sensitization, and dermatitis.

Notes: Subject to strict concentration limits; caution advised for sensitive or eczema-prone skin.