7 Best Expert-Approved Non-Toxic Dishwash Soaps For Sensitive Hands – 2024
Try these liquid formulations to take care of your sensitive skin while doing the dishes.
Hillary ClarkEsthetician 
Hillary Clark is a third-generation beauty entrepreneur, celebrity makeup artist, and medical esthetician with 21 years of experience. Her stints as the youngest Beauty Director for Nordstrom and West Coast Beauty Editor for Sephora provide... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
aditi naskarMA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is ... more
arshiya syedaBA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma Experience: 7 yearsArshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articl... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
If you are looking for the best dishwashing liquid for sensitive hands, we have what you need. There is no saying that sensitive skin bears the wrath of everything we are not careful about. While you are careful about the cleansers you use, ignoring the dishwashing liquid can give you skin issues when you spend time doing the dishes. Our hands see major action and they are at their most vulnerable when exposed to hot water and soap. Look for clean dermatologist-tested formulas to avoid contact dermatitis and exposure to harmful chemicals,” says medical esthetician Hillary Clark.
In This Article
7 Best & Safest Dishwashing Liquids For Sensitive Hands
1. Best Skin-Friendly:PuracyNatural Dish Soap
The PuracyNatural Dish Soap provides a safe way to clean the dishes due to its safe formula, high foam, and fast rinsing capability. The gentle, biodegradable, and skin-friendly formula contains a premium blend of natural ingredients sourced from water, plants, minerals, lime, and green tea. Just a teaspoon of this natural ultra-concentrated gel can wash a sink full of dishes while taking care of your hands with a pleasant scent. The deep action, dermatologically-tested formula quickly cuts through the grease and leaves your hands feeling naturally soft even if you use hard water.
Pros
- Gentle
- Food-grade
- Family-safe
- Hypoallergenic
- Fast-rinsing suds
- Non-irritating
- Non-drying
- SLS-free
- Paraben-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- pH-balanced
- Perfume-free
- Petrochemicals-free
- Triclosan-free
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Too watery
"This non-toxic dish soap has a pleasant scent. It cleans effectively without irritating my hands. It helps remove stubborn grease and dirt while keeping the dishes as good as new. It does not leave residue in my dishwasher."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 4,786 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
2. Best Hypoallergenic:ECOS Hypoallergenic Dishmate Dish Soap
This hypoallergenic dish soap from ECOS has a clear and powerful concentrated formula infused with plant-based ingredients to clean a sink full of dishes with just a few drops on your sponge. The unscented formula is suitable for sensitive skin and those with fragrance allergy. Its gentle formula claims to be mild on the hands and tough on grease. Its pH-balancing properties keep the hands soft and problem-free. Click on the video to check out a reviewer’s experience and their primary reasons to consider the ECOS Hypoallergenic Dishmate Dish Soap.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Dye-free
- Perfume-free
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Phosphate-free
Cons
- Does not work on grease.
"I've been using this dish soap for three years, especially for my children's items. It offers a gentle yet effective clean on various dish types. It removes grease from the dishes without irritating your hands. The soap's light scent is pleasant. It produces less lather but that does not compromise on cleanliness. It is safe on sensitive and does not require you to put any effort on greasier dishes."
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 8,138 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
3. Best Plant-Based Formula:Better LifeDish Soap
This dish soap from Better Life is infused with natural ingredients such as aloe and vitamin E to keep your sensitive skin protected. This natural, plant-based dishwashing liquid easily rinses dishes without leaving any residue and leaves behind a lemony, refreshing scent. You can give up wearing gloves every time while washing dishes with this hypoallergenic and effective dishwashing soap. It has a sustainably sourced, sensitive formula that strips away grease and grime easily and makes your utensils squeaky clean and spot-free.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Leaves no residue
- Lemon mint scent
- Sulfate-free
- VOC-free
- Surfactant-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Not effective on grease.
"This natural dish soap tackles grease effectively. It doesn't produce much lather or remove moisture from my hands. I also tend to use it multiple times for a single dishwashing session to make sure the greasiness is completely gone. It has a subtle scent that does not trigger any headache."
PuracyNatural Dish Soap Best Skin-Friendly | ECOS Hypoallergenic Dishmate Dish Soap Best Hypoallergenic | Better LifeDish Soap Best Plant-Based Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2.4 x 2.4 x 8.6 inches | 4.25 x 2.88 x 9 inches | - |
| Weight | 1 Pounds | 1.67 Pounds. | 1.38 Pounds |
| Dimensions | - | - | 3 x 3 x 8.25 inches |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 4,786 | 8,138 | 2,286 |
| Price | $19.99 | $19.36 | $9.92 |
4. Best Fragrance-Free:Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent
The Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent is a clear gel that is ideal for dishwashers. It is a powerful formula that works through dry, hard, and stuck-on food and stains. It lifts away food without leaving residue, making your dishes look sparkly clean. Use it for extra-greasy dishes or for regular cleansing of vessels. This non-toxic product is formulated with natural plant-based derivatives and enzymes that make this product remain safe for your washer as well as your hands. In addition, this clear and fragrance-free dishwashing liquid is formulated without potent chemicals and additives that make your hands problem-free and protect hands from drying.
Pros
- Plant-based ingredients
- Recyclable packaging
- Fragrance-free
- Biodegradable
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for extra-greasy dishes
Cons
- None
"This product dissolves fully and does not leave any residue in the dishwasher pod. It leaves the dishes spotless without a second rinse. It is great for my elderly mother who enjoys the ease of opening the flip-top bottle to bring out the liquid. It's a practical choice for older people."
5. Best Eco-Friendly Formula: Palmolive Ultra Soft Touch Aloe
The Palmolive Ultra Soft Touch Aloe dish liquid has nurturing ingredients that help keep your hands soft and smooth, leaving a mild fragrance behind while still being harsh on grease. It removes stubborn stains and provides efficient grease reduction making even the dirtiest dishes easy to clean. It is a fantastic complement to your home dishwashing needs because it is manufactured with eco-friendly cleaning agents and recyclable materials made of post-consumer plastic. The gentle and refreshing formula blends a hint of aloe with a light citrus aroma that removes any lingering scent from your dishes.
Pros
- Easily cuts grease
- Residue-free clean
- Fights odor
- Softs on hands
- Phosphate-free
- Paraben-free
- Eco-friendly ingredients
Cons
- Contains sulfate
"This soap is effective and cleans the dishes quite well. It also does not trigger my skin issues when it comes in contact with my sensitive hands. I use it every day to remove stubborn grease from the dishes post-dinner. It hasn’t disappointed me yet."
6. Best Dye-free:Dawn Ultra Free & Gentle Dishwashing Liquid
The Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid has two times more essential grease cleansing power per drop than regular products. The clean and mild formula has an essential cleansing agent that assures your hands are safe as it features biodegradable ingredients that are gentle on the skin and offer quick and hassle-free cleaning of dishes. It comes with the pleasing fragrance of Sparkling Mist.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Dye-free
- Gentle
Cons
- Strongly scented
"The Dawn dish soap is great for everything including household grease to automotive grime. They are gentle on my skin and do not cause itchiness on my hands. I use them every day to clean my household items but they have never caused any reactions when they are in contact with the sensitive areas of my skin."
7. Best For Burnt Food: Biokleen Free & Clear Dish Liquid
The Biokleen Free & Clear Dish Liquid contains natural, plant-based active ingredients that effectively remove grease and work especially well on burned food and leftovers that stick to the dishes. The solution does not use toxic chemicals and is free from phosphate, chlorine, ammonia, and artificial fragrances, and dyes. It is specifically made from biodegradable materials and is a great vegan option. Also, this solution soothes, nourishes, and promotes soft and smooth hands.
Pros
- Organic ingredients
- Vegan
- Eco-friendly
- Phosphate-free
- Chlorine-free
- Ammonia-free
- Fragrance-free
- Dye-free
Cons
- None
Quick TipCertain ingredients in dish wash soaps can be major irritants to the skin while hand-washing dishes, especially if the skin is sensitive. These irritants can cause skin allergies, redness, dryness, and severe skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis. A higher pH level in the soaps may damage the skin’s protective moisture layer, leading to dry skin and other skin conditions. Certain chemicals and artificial fragrances are some such irritants. So it is always recommended to wear gloves while cleaning the dishes. Recently, natural, plant-based, dermatologist-tested products are rapidly taking over as they are environment-friendly and gentle on the skin, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin care needs. Here are some important things to consider while buying non-toxic dish wash soaps.
Things To Consider While Choosing A Non-Toxic Dishwash Soap For Sensitive Hands
- Ingredients To Avoid
Some ingredients should be completely avoided while buying a non-toxic dish wash soap. These ingredients comprise:
- SLS is a foaming agent in dishwashing soaps. It tends to dry the skin and cause rashes.
- Phosphates in dishwashing soaps are toxic and may cause a burning sensation to sensitive skin.
- Triclosan in dishwashing soaps is used as an anti-bacteria, but it may also kill good bacteria. It seeps into the skin with regular use and causes hormonal disbalance.
- Ammonia may be present in very small quantities but is harmful when it comes in contact with the skin or eyes.
- Formaldehyde also kills bacteria from dirty dishes, but it is a poisonous ingredient that harms cellular metabolism in the skin.
- Type Of Soap
There are mainly two types of dishwashing soaps that you can choose according to your preference. The gel or liquid dish soaps are easy to use and leave a pleasant fragrance after washing. Moreover, a little quantity goes a long way. These gels also sometimes have added moisturizers to help in healing, moisturizing, and preventing the cause of dry skin. On the other hand, solid dish soaps may last longer and provide the same amount of cleaning and disinfection as dishwasher liquids. However, they are not always hygienic.
- Ingredients To Consider
Consider the clinically-proven ingredients in the soap before purchasing it. For example, a dishwashing soap with aloe or glycerine can provide hydration and reduce dryness and itching. Additionally, we always like our dishes and hands to remain smelling good after washing dishes. Therefore, look for dishwashing liquid with natural fragrance like essential oils and aroma-therapeutic scents in the dishwashing soap.
- Natural or Artificial
Natural, plant-based formulations are always better than chemical-based products, which may cause allergies to sensitive skin. In addition, natural soaps clean and disinfect dishes while being gentle on the skin.
Additionally, you can also look for products that are not tested on animals (cruelty-free) or are free from animal-derived products (vegan). If you are purchasing a dishwashing liquid, do consider checking the following points beforehand to protect your skin.
Ingredients To Avoid While Buying Dishwashing Soaps
- Phosphates: Phosphates are toxic pollutants that can harm both aquatic and human life. They can cause skin burning and itching.
- SLS: SLS is responsible for creating foam in dishwashing liquids. It dries up the skin and causes itching and rashes.
- Ammonia: Ammonia harms the eyes and skin. Although it is found in a small quantity in dishwashing liquids, it’s better to avoid it.
- Triclosan: Triclosan is responsible for killing good bacteria and causes hormonal and endocrine problems.
- Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is found in most dishwashing liquids to kill bacteria. But this poisonous chemical can disrupt the cellular metabolic process.
Infographic: How To Clean Utensils Using A Dishwashing Soap
Piled up dirty dishes and utensils in the kitchen sink can be difficult to deal with. If you are someone who is always on cleaning duty at home, and never too enthusiastic about it, there are some tips that you should know that would make your work easier. The infographic below explains how to clean kitchen utensils using a dishwash soap to keep the items looking as good as new. Scroll down to check it out! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
If you have extremely sensitive skin and use dishwasher liquids that contain harsh chemicals like formaldehyde, phosphates, and sulfates, you may suffer from various skin issues. Non-toxic dishwasher soaps can be a better alternative to keep your hands safe. The PuracyNatural Dish Soap offers a good deep-action concentrated formula for clean dishes and smooth hands. Also, the Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Gel is perfect for those looking for non-drying options. For stubborn greasiness, try the Dawn Ultra Free & Gentle Dishwashing Liquid. These natural, plant-based skin-protective formulae easily clean the dishes without irritating the hands. They are gentle, hypoallergenic, and cruelty-free. Stay away from those washers that are strongly scented, do not lather well, and may not work on grease.
Why Trust Stylecraze
The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach and loves reviewing trending and new products for her readers. She has curated this list of the best non-toxic dishwashing soaps for sensitive hands after referring to countless websites for user reviews and authentic product experience. She has also added a list of ingredients to avoid when hunting for non-toxic dishwashing soap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my hands hurt after washing dishes?
Individuals with sensitive skin face this problem, as the chemicals present in dishwashing soaps can irritate the skin.
Can you wash your hands with dishwashing liquid?
No, it is not recommended to wash your hands with dishwashing soap due to the presence of many chemicals.
Does washing dishes ruin your hands?
Yes, dishwashing can ruin your hands by causing dryness, irritation, and itching.
Why does my body itch when I wash dishes?
Your hands and body can get itchy as dishwashing soap contains plenty of chemicals that can have adverse reactions on the skin. Use gentle cleansers that do not contain harmful chemicals but help keep your hands fresh by soothing and nourishing the skin.
Should I wear gloves while washing dishes?
Yes, it is a good idea to wear gloves while washing dishes to prevent skin issues caused by the chemicals present in dishwashing soap.
How much dish soap should you use?
You must use two tablespoons of dish soap to wash a sink full of dishes. Stop using the dish soap if it irritates your hands.
What else can dish soap be used for?
Apart from washing dishes, dish soaps can be used for spot-treating fabrics. It can also be used to wash wool or silk that could be damaged by rough laundry detergents.
How does dish soap work?
Dish soaps work as an emulsifier as the soap molecules rearrange themselves as soon as they come in close contact with oil. The hydrophilic points towards the water molecules while the hydrophobic side goes towards oil.
