Dawn Ultra, Dishwashing Liquid, Original Scent, 18 Fl oz
Lower concern; liquid dish soap has no typical PFAS sources.
Dawn Ultra is a liquid detergent without coatings, nonstick surfaces, or water-repellent finishes that would introduce PFAS. No public lab data or brand PFAS claims exist for this product.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
aqueous detergent solution, surfactants, dyes
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Dawn Ultra, Dishwashing Liquid Fl is made of, ingredients and materials
Dawn Ultra is an aqueous detergent solution containing synthetic surfactants (primarily sodium lauryl sulfate or similar anionic agents), water, dyes, fragrance compounds, and preservatives. The surfactants break down grease and oils by surrounding them, allowing water to rinse them away; this chemistry is not inherently hazardous at the dilutions used in dishwashing. Dyes in the product are cosmetic and regulated by the FDA in the U.S.; no lead, cadmium, or banned colorants are documented for this formulation.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Fragrance allergens (synthetic)
Dawn Ultra contains fragrance compounds listed as 'Original Scent' on the label. Synthetic fragrances can trigger contact dermatitis or respiratory sensitivity in susceptible individuals, though reactions from residual amounts on dishes are uncommon because the product is rinsed away.
Skin sensitization from prolonged contact
Anionic surfactants in concentrated dish soap can strip skin oils and cause mild irritation or dermatitis with repeated, prolonged contact (e.g., frequent hand washing without rinsing). This is a known property of the category, not specific to Dawn Ultra, and is mitigated by rinsing and using water-diluted amounts.
Ingestion hazard (accidental)
Dishwashing liquids are ingestion hazards for children and pets if accessed directly; symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal upset. This is a product-use hazard, not a contamination hazard, and is managed by keeping the bottle out of reach and securing the cap.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
1,4-dioxane contamination
No specific testing or documentation of 1,4-dioxane in Dawn Ultra has been published. Dioxane is a byproduct of ethoxylation in some surfactant manufacturing; modern formulations and supplier practices have reduced but not eliminated this risk in the detergent industry. No recall or public health warning exists for this product.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are documented on the label or in disclosed formulations of Dawn Ultra. Liquid dish soaps typically use alternative preservatives (sodium benzoate, citric acid derivatives) that do not release formaldehyde.
Source, ATSDR ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Procter and Gamble (Dawn's parent company) does not routinely publish detailed ingredient composition beyond the label or voluntary safety summaries. The brand has not faced major recalls or documented safety controversies specific to Dawn Ultra liquid dish soap. P&G maintains general ingredient compliance with EPA, FDA, and consumer safety regulations but does not prominently disclose third-party certification (e.g., EPA Safer Choice) for this particular product line.
How it compares in its category
Dawn Ultra is a mainstream concentrated liquid dishwashing detergent; it sits in the middle of the market for conventional products. Products certified by EPA Safer Choice (e.g., some eco-brands) may emphasize reduced or eliminated synthetic fragrances and dyes, but liquid dish soaps as a category are generally low-hazard because they are rinsed off and diluted in use. Dawn Ultra is not marketed as a natural or organic alternative; it uses conventional synthetic surfactants and fragrance.
If you buy it
Use as directed on the label, dilute with water or apply directly to dishes in small amounts. Avoid ingestion and contact with eyes; the product is formulated for external use on dishes and cookware only. Store in a cool, dry place away from children and pets; the bottle is a squeeze plastic container designed for kitchen use. No special replacement triggers apply beyond typical product depletion; discontinue if skin irritation occurs after repeated contact (rare).
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 75% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Dawn has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Dawn Ultra, Dishwashing Liquid, Original Scent, 18 Fl oz?
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- Aquatic toxicity from surfactants
- Plant-based surfactants, water, essential oil
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Fragrance allergens (essential oil)
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
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