Seventh Generation · All-Purpose Cleaner
Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner - Yuzu Basil with Phytogaia™
Lower concern; certified plant-based cleaner, no PFAS in formulation.
Seventh Generation all-purpose cleaner uses plant-derived surfactants and carries Made Safe and EPA Safer Choice certifications. No PFAS reported in the formula; transparent brand with established safety standards.
Brand says: “Seventh Generation formulates products without PFOA, PFOS, and other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); made safe certified”
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
water, plant-derived surfactants, essential oils
Brand disclosure
Brand claims PFAS-free
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Seventh Generation All Purpose Phytogaia™ is made of, ingredients and materials
Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner is formulated with water as the solvent base and plant-derived surfactants (typically coconut or corn-based) that break down grease and dirt without synthetic chemicals. The Yuzu Basil variant includes essential oils for fragrance and mild antimicrobial properties. This material profile avoids volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and synthetic petrochemical surfactants common in conventional cleaners, reducing inhalation and skin irritation risk during use.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
Skin sensitization from essential oils
Yuzu and basil essential oils are known allergens for some individuals; direct skin contact without dilution or rinsing may trigger irritation or contact dermatitis in sensitive users. Seventh Generation's concentrations are formulated for general household use, so risk is low for incidental exposure.
Eye irritation from surfactants and plant compounds
Plant-derived surfactants and essential oils can cause mild to moderate eye irritation if splashed directly. This is consistent with the product category; label warnings and typical household precautions (avoid face, use eye protection if spraying) mitigate risk.
Respiratory irritation from aerosolized essential oils
Spray application of essential oil-based cleaners can generate airborne particles; asthmatics or those with respiratory sensitivity may experience minor irritation with prolonged inhalation. Ventilation and limiting spray duration reduce this exposure.
Fragrance allergen variability
Essential oil fragrance compounds (limonene, eugenol, citral) are listed allergens in dermatology literature. Seventh Generation discloses these via ingredient labeling, but individuals with fragrance sensitivity should patch-test or choose unscented variants from the brand.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Third-party PFAS-free verification
A third party reports verifying this product as PFAS-free.
Heavy metals
No added heavy metal pigments, flame retardants, or synthetic biocides (triclosan, quaternary ammonium compounds) are reported in this product's formulation based on public ingredient disclosure and EPA Safer Choice certification.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Seventh Generation publishes full ingredient lists on packaging and online, and holds certifications including EPA Safer Choice and Leaping Bunny. The brand has publicly committed to PFAS-free formulations and does not use added flame retardants or legacy antimicrobials in their cleaning products. No major recalls or undisclosed ingredient controversies are on record for this product line.
How it compares in its category
Plant-based all-purpose cleaners like this sit at the lower end of chemical hazard exposure compared to conventional ammonia, bleach, or quaternary ammonium disinfectants. Essential oil-based variants carry slightly higher skin sensitization potential than unscented formulas, but Seventh Generation's concentrations are modest. This product is positioned as a mainstream household alternative rather than a medical-grade disinfectant, so antimicrobial claims are functional rather than pharmaceutical.
If you buy it
Use as directed on the label; dilute if needed for sensitive skin or to extend product life. Ensure adequate ventilation when spraying indoors, though VOC off-gassing is minimal compared to conventional cleaners. Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to preserve essential oil integrity. As with any liquid cleaner, keep away from children and pets; ingestion is unlikely with supervision but not recommended.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 88% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Seventh Generation has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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