After washing up, most people reach for the sponge without giving much thought to what is actually in the suds. The French consumer magazine “60 Millions de consommateurs” put 40 hand dishwashing liquids through their paces - and shows just how wide the gap can be in terms of health impact and environmental harm. One product, in particular, stands out.
Why dishwashing liquid has suddenly become a health issue
Washing-up liquid is usually seen as a mundane household essential. It needs to cut through grease, smell pleasant and be inexpensive - and for many people that is where the expectations end. That is precisely what “60 Millions de consommateurs” takes issue with: if you only judge a product by fragrance, foam and price, you can miss potential risks for skin, airways and the environment.
“The analysis of 40 dishwashing liquids shows: behind shiny bottles there are often problematic surfactants, preservatives and fragrance cocktails - with consequences for people and nature.”
In January 2024, the French consumer magazine carried out a broad market study. The selection covered mainstream branded products as well as liquids marketed as eco-friendly and “sensitive”. The assessment looked at:
- Ingredients and possible health risks
- Allergy and irritation potential for sensitive skin
- How well the substances break down in the environment
- Pollution of waterways and impacts on aquatic life
- Whether marketing claims and eco-labels match the actual formulation
The bottom line: a green leaf on the bottle does not automatically mean a gentle formula. Some products with a “natural” or “ecological” image perform unexpectedly poorly on either environmental or health criteria.
The biggest problem ingredients found in dishwashing liquid
The criticism centres on two groups of substances that are common in many products - either because they deliver cleaning performance or because they extend shelf life.
Surfactants - essential, but not risk-free
Surfactants are what lift grease and grime; without them, plates would not come clean. However, some of these substances can irritate skin and eyes or place a heavy burden on aquatic organisms.
Frequently raised concerns include:
- stripping the skin’s natural oils, which can contribute to cracking and eczema
- poor biodegradability of certain synthetic surfactants
- toxicity to fish and other aquatic species
Anyone who washes up every day without gloves tends to have longer, more frequent exposure. That increases the likelihood of sore, cracked or allergy-prone skin.
Preservatives and fragrance “cocktails”
Because dishwashing liquid sits in a damp kitchen environment, manufacturers add preservatives to prevent microbial growth. Some of these are suspected of increasing the risk of allergies or contact dermatitis.
On top of that come fragrances intended to create “citrus freshness” or a “sea breeze” feel. For sensitive individuals, these can trigger headaches, skin reactions or asthma symptoms. According to “60 Millions de consommateurs”, it is this combination of surfactants, preservatives and perfumes that creates a genuine “chemical cocktail” at the sink.
“The more often hands, airways and the environment come into contact with this cocktail, the greater the cumulative effect can become - even if each individual wash seems harmless.”
How “60 Millions de consommateurs” tests dishwashing liquids
The editorial team does not rely solely on reading labels. Laboratory analyses, toxicological assessments and the review of scientific studies are all built into the overall rating.
| Criterion | Questions in the test |
|---|---|
| Health | How irritating are the ingredients? Are there known allergens or sensitising preservatives? |
| Environment | How readily do the substances biodegrade? How toxic are they to aquatic organisms? |
| Transparency | Do marketing statements and eco-labels fit the real formulation? |
| Practical use | Cleaning power, foam formation and ease of use - day-to-day usefulness in the kitchen. |
This blend of lab work and real-world use creates a clear profile for each brand. Some well-known eco seals do not come out unscathed, because although they can be better than conventional products, they may still contain substances that pollute rivers and lakes.
This dishwashing liquid comes top: number 1 for health and environment
Despite disappointing results for many products, there are positives. One dishwashing liquid manages the balance between effective cleaning, good skin tolerance and a lower environmental footprint particularly well.
““Palmolive Peaux Sensibles” comes right at the top of the “60 Millions de consommateurs” ranking - a clear favourite for people with sensitive skin and environmental awareness.”
According to the investigation, this product scores highly mainly because it offers:
- a reduced number of potentially irritating substances
- a formula that avoids especially harsh surfactants
- strong cleaning performance, including on grease and dried-on food
This makes it particularly relevant for people whose hands dry out quickly or who have already reacted to other dishwashing liquids. Its combination of cleaning strength and a milder recipe is what earns it the top spot.
Other recommended alternatives in the test
“Palmolive Peaux Sensibles” is not the only strong performer. Two additional products also do well in the study and are worth considering - especially for households trying to shop more consciously.
Arbre Vert Peaux Sensibles - emphasis on a gentler formula
As the name suggests, “Arbre Vert Peaux Sensibles” is aimed at people with sensitive skin. The test report says it contains noticeably fewer irritating ingredients than many standard products, without completely sacrificing cleaning ability.
For anyone who often washes up without gloves, or who already deals with atopic dermatitis, eczema or known contact allergies, this type of formula may be beneficial. The editors highlight that it strikes a reasonably good compromise between performance and skin friendliness.
Ecoplanet Amande by Carrefour - an eco-focused alternative
“Ecoplanet Amande” from Carrefour also attracts particular attention. In the test, its composition stands out as comparatively kinder to the environment. The level of waterway pollution is well below that of many conventional competitors.
““Ecoplanet Amande” is, according to “60 Millions de consommateurs”, one of the most ecologically interesting products in the entire ranking.”
The formula is designed to improve biodegradability and reduce toxicity for aquatic organisms. For households that want to think beyond skin and consider the health of rivers and lakes, that makes it a meaningful option.
What the study means for consumers in German-speaking countries
The products tested come from the French market. Even so, the findings point to broader lessons that also apply in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
- “Sensitive” or “gentle” wording can hint at a milder formula, but it does not replace checking the ingredients.
- An eco label does not automatically guarantee an ideal environmental footprint.
- Less fragrance, less colour and fewer marketing slogans often indicate a simpler recipe.
If you do not want to buy French dishwashing liquid, you can still use the same yardsticks: keep the formulation as simple as possible, look for credible transparency, and rely on reputable consumer-organisation assessments.
How to spot a more skin-friendly dishwashing liquid in everyday shopping
On your next supermarket trip, it is worth reading the back label and the detailed information. A few straightforward rules make choosing easier:
- Prioritise products marketed specifically for sensitive skin and avoid heavy perfuming.
- If in doubt, steer clear of mentions of known problem substances (for example, harsher preservatives).
- Use less: the dose you add to the washing-up water directly affects what ends up in waterways.
- Where possible, wear gloves - particularly if you wash up daily.
Switching to a milder product alone can ease irritated hands. The effect is stronger when measures are combined: better product choice, lower dosing and occasional breaks to let the skin recover.
Cumulative effects: why small choices add up
A single squirt of dishwashing liquid disappears down the drain quickly. In everyday life, though, it accumulates: families wash up several times a day, restaurants far more often, and millions of households do it simultaneously. That means surfactants, fragrances and preservatives enter the water cycle continuously.
The same cumulative effect can apply to the body. Years of contact with irritating substances - especially without gloves - can lead to chronically dry skin or the development of contact allergies. Moving to a better-tolerated dishwashing liquid may feel like a small change, but over time it can prevent a great deal of discomfort.
Practical scenarios: how switching can affect day-to-day life
A realistic example: someone with sensitive skin washes up twice a day without gloves. After changing from a strongly perfumed standard liquid to a sensitivity-tested product, the tight, uncomfortable feeling in their hands noticeably eases. Evening hand cream becomes sufficient again, rather than needing to reapply several times a day.
In another household, environmental concerns come first. The family opts for a product with improved biodegradability and cuts the dose by one third. The plates still come out clean, each bottle lasts longer, and the household’s ecological footprint shrinks over the long term.
The “60 Millions de consommateurs” study ultimately demonstrates one key point: dishwashing liquid is not a trivial purchase to be decided by scent and price alone. Paying attention - and taking cues from the products that test well - protects not only plates and pans, but also your health and the environment, every day and with every wash.
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