Original Dish Soap

Name: Original Dish Soap
Brand: Dawn

PFR Grade

Poor — significant plastic content, use with caution

Dawn contains synthetic fragrances (potential phthalate carriers), synthetic dyes, and petroleum-derived surfactants. The 'saves wildlife' marketing does not change the chemical profile of the product.

PFR Avoid

Petroleum-derived dish soap with synthetic fragrance and dyes. The most popular dish soap in the US.

Score Breakdown

How scores are calculated

Materials (40%): How plastic-free the product is — raw materials, construction, and coatings.

Packaging (20%): Is the product packaged in plastic? Is it recyclable?

Transparency (20%): Does the brand disclose ingredients, sourcing, and manufacturing?

Durability (20%): How long does it last? Longer-lasting products reduce plastic waste over time.

Materials

Packaging

Transparency

Durability

$5See Safer Alternatives in Cleaning

This is a rating of this specific product only — not the company. Other products from this brand may score differently.

Last updated: April 5, 2026

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High Exposure Risk — Why This Product Category Matters

Cleaning products are among the most chemically complex household items. Many contain synthetic fragrances (which can contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals), surfactants, preservatives, and plastic packaging that leaches into the product. Inhalation during use adds a respiratory exposure route.

Synthetic Plastic Content

synthetic plastic by weight

Why We Rated It This Way

Dawn is the most popular dish soap in America but contains petroleum-derived surfactants, synthetic fragrances, and synthetic dyes. The wildlife rescue marketing is effective but doesn't change the chemical profile. Plant-based alternatives are readily available.

Chemical & Health Analysis

Each chemical of concern is broken down below — what it is, where it comes from in this product, what it does to the body, and who is most at risk.

Contains:Virgin plastic bottle

Phthalates

Source

Synthetic fragrance

Health Risk

Dermal absorption of phthalate fragrance carriers during dishwashing

Who Is Most At RiskDaily dishwashers, especially those who don't wear gloves

Peer-Reviewed Sources

All health claims are based on published, peer-reviewed research from the NIH, WHO, IARC, and peer-reviewed journals. This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.