Is Dish Soap Safe For Bubble Baths? 126 Most Correct Answers

Dawn dish soap can be used for many things.

You’ll probably want to clean up dirty dishes after you’ve had lunch together – morning soap can get your dishes sparkling clean.

Thanks to its fat-dissolving properties.

We all know that there are many inorganic substances, chemicals and dyes in these cleaning products and how they can harm our environment.

But is Dawn dish soap biodegradable? Let’s dwell on this topic in more detail.

What is Dawn dishwashing liquid?

To fully understand this, we need to know the basics of dish soap.

The question that should come to your mind is, “What is dish soap made of?”

It’s simply a surfactant made through a process called saponification, which involves mixing fats and oils with a base.

A good example is lye (a mixture of water and ash).

The surfactants reduce the “surface tension” between a liquid and a solid or between two solids.

That is, if you put surfactants on a leaf covered with droplets, you break the surface tension.

The bonds holding the liquid break, causing the water droplets to disappear.

Simply put, the surfactant loosens the dirt on the dishes.

That’s how it works.

So what is Dawn dishwashing liquid? Soap isn’t the only surfactant you can get out there.

There are other types of chemical surfactants.

Dawn Dishwashing Liquid is a detergent made from a combination of ingredients (both natural and synthetic). This includes:

sodium dodecylpolyoxyethylene sulfate

sodium lauryl sulfate

sodium chloride

phenoxyethanol

alcohol denatured

lauramine oxide

PSG 26

methylisothiazolinone

Almost all detergents from environmentally conscious manufacturers have natural ingredients.

Others are made by combining synthetic ingredients.

This leaves the eco-friendly debate questionable, but it all depends on your choices.

Is Dawn dish soap biodegradable?

It is 90% biodegradable. In fact, Dawn dish soap contains zero phosphates.

For this reason, morning soap is used as the wildlife cleaner of choice.

Morning soap removes grease after an oil spill without damaging or deteriorating the pet’s skin.

Accordingly, morning soap contains glycerin, a variety of earths, water and oils.

These natural ingredients are used to create safe laundry detergents.

Microbes break down the ingredients. When you add the cleaning products to your compost pile, bacteria and worms will break down the soap into compost.

Is Dawn dish soap environmentally friendly?

It depends on the ingredients. According to the Environmental Working Group, Dawn soap received a “D” grade because it contains methylisothiazolinone.

This is a major concern for environmentally conscious users as it is toxic.

Some concerns include; Allergies, skin irritation and damage to septic systems.

This also contains 1,4-dioxane, which can contaminate the groundwater.

Be careful not to use it every time you clean your dishes. Remember that most of us drink and eat from dishes cleaned with soap.

If the ingredients in soap aren’t safe, we get sick.

The best: Dawn contains no allergens and especially no phosphates.

Dawn says it contains no phthalates and triclosan in its detergents.

Is Dawn dish soap bad for floors?

Dawn dish soap is fairly safe for soil.

It’s a much better alternative to commercial insecticidal cleaning products that we typically use to kill bugs like mites and aphids.

If these abrasive ingredients are left in the soil, they become so toxic that they will even kill your plants.

It is advisable not to use Dawn’s dishwashing detergents, regardless of their natural version.

Instead, use pure organic castile soap to kill insecticides as it is not only natural but also highly effective.

Is Dawn bad for the environment?

Dawn is good at cleaning animals without damaging their skin.

But it’s primarily designed to remove dirt, stains and grease from dishes.

But to balance the surfactants, chemicals are added to detergents to reduce the grease.

If the chemicals are left in the environment for too long, they can harm aquatic life such as fish and marine life.

They can cause fish eggs to die

Stop breeding

May damage fish gills

Most fish have died because of these cleaning agents. If this continues, we might have fewer fish in our rivers and lakes.

Is Dawn dish soap toxic?

Dawn dish soap is toxic. Some synthetic ingredients in it are harmful.

A good example is methylisothiazolinone, which causes aquatic toxicity.

It is also linked to nerve and liver damage.

In addition, the morning meal contains 1,4-dioxane, fragrances and dyes.

All of these are groundwater contaminants.

Use of Dawn dish soap

Removes oil stains from clothing

Unclog toilets

Shower and bath cleaner

Cleaning your furniture and windows

pool cleaner

Clean car tools

Repel and kill insects

Conclusion

When using dish soap, you need to take a few precautions.

Be sure to check the packaging to see the ingredients included.

If dyes, fragrances, phosphates and perfumes are present, consider another choice.

Dawn dish soap is biodegradable, but it has some disadvantages.

So do not throw it directly into rivers, gardens, streams and lakes.

Written by Tenley Haraldson. Medically reviewed by Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Julie Jackson, MD, FAAD.

With rich suds and their favorite toys, most kids will have a blast during bath time. But as a parent, you probably want to know when to use bubble bath for your baby and how to find the right product for children with sensitivities and allergies.

With the help of dr. Julie Jackson, MD, FAAD, here’s what you need to know when it comes to finding—and using—the best baby bubble bath.

First, does a bubble bath cleanse you?

Absolutely! Bath foam is not only ideal for cleaning the body, but is also a lot of fun! In fact, the coconut-based cleansers in our 98.75% natural baby bubble bath gently remove dirt and grime while caring for sensitive skin.

When can I use bubble bath for my baby?

Baby bubble baths really aren’t necessary for newborns, according to child care experts. Because infants are already born with a waxy barrier (called vernix caseosa), you don’t need to use anything but warm water for the first few months.

Around 1-2 months old, a small amount of unscented shampoo and shower gel can be used to gently cleanse the hair and between the skin folds. You don’t need a bubble bath for two reasons: your child isn’t old enough to be entertained by bubble baths, and you do all the work while they’re in a supportive carrycot!

When your baby starts to recognize bubbles and can sit up on their own, bubble baths can be an incredible sensory experience. To avoid urinary tract infections and skin reactions, choose unscented bubble baths that are also formulated for sensitive skin.

Bubble baths are generally fine for toddlers and older children, provided the product contains gentle ingredients and no synthetic fragrances.

Disclaimer: No matter how “shallow” the water level, infants and young children should never be left unattended during bath time.

How long should children stay in the bath?

One evening they might enjoy playing in the tub until it’s time to get out. Next time they might scream before you even turn on the water. Bath sessions can vary widely, but for children with eczema or sensitive skin, it’s best to limit bath time to 10-15 minutes.

“Use lukewarm (not hot) water, avoid scrubbing the skin, and choose gentle, pH-balanced detergents over harsh soaps. Pat skin dry, then apply organic lotion immediately after bathing to lock in moisture.” -Dr. Julie Jackson, MD, FAAD.

How do I get soap out of my baby’s eyes?

With many baby soaps and shampoos, it’s a good idea to tilt your child’s head to the side and fill with fresh water from a water bottle. Repeat with the other eye if necessary. However, some parents prefer using a clean, damp washcloth to gently wipe the eyes until the soap is gone.

Choose truly tear-free products

So that this doesn’t happen in the first place, use extra gentle baby products. Although Puracy formulas don’t cause tears and pain like most products, babies won’t be thrilled if soap gets in their eyes. Just use the washcloth method (mentioned earlier) and proceed to tub time!

4 Bubble Bath Ingredients to Avoid

According to the National Eczema Association, many baby care products contain harsh ingredients that can cause irritation, redness, burning, itching, and allergic reactions. These may include (but are not limited to):

1. Artificial fragrances

Artificial fragrances can contain hundreds of separate chemicals. Over 30% of Americans experience irritation from fragrance products ranging from sneezing, dizziness, trouble concentrating, rashes, hives and contact dermatitis. This is far more common in populations with asthma and chemical sensitivities. Thanks to the “trade secret” confidentiality, the FDA does not require manufacturers to list fragrance ingredients (other than color additives).

Fun Fact: Puracy uses only plant-based essential oils to delicately scent our products.

2. Phthalates

Many manufacturers use phthalates to preserve synthetic fragrances and to bind ingredients together. However, phthalates have suspected links to a variety of health and developmental conditions, including:

asthma in children

behavioral disorders

Weight problems/obesity in young women

Early puberty

Male reproductive problems

3. Sulfates

In personal care products, sulfates (e.g. SLS, SLES) are inexpensive effective cleaning agents that help create the “perfect lather”. Unfortunately, sulfates in personal care products can rob the skin of its natural moisture.

In addition, SLS levels above 2% are known to cause skin irritation – particularly in those with sensitivities. Household cleaning products typically range from 1% to 30%, and these levels can be even higher in personal care products.

4. Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers

While one would hope that known carcinogens are not used in baby products, formaldehyde is often found as a preservative and antibacterial ingredient. It is therefore advisable to avoid the following ingredients:

formalin

formic aldehyde

methanediol

methanal

methyl aldehyde

methylene glycol

methylene oxide

Even when formaldehyde is not used in a formula, several chemical combinations can release formaldehyde. It is therefore recommended to avoid products that use:

Quaternium-15

diazolidinyl urea

DMDM Hydantoin

imidazolidinyl urea

Discover why Puracy is the best bubble bath for babies

No matter how old your child is, bath time should be a joyful experience for everyone involved. With 98.75% natural ingredients, Puracy Baby Bubble Bath’s luxurious lather, tear-free formula and delicate scent of lavender and vanilla provide a gentle cleansing you can count on.

Share this…

Pinterest Linkedin email

Let’s discuss everything you need to know about blue Dawn® dishwashing liquid!

Why? Because we share so many cleansing recipes with you that contain blue Dawn®! Many readers over the years have asked why blue Dawn®? Can I use something else?

I’m quick to let them know that I’ve tested all types but prefer blue Dawn® because it works best.

I would like to go into more detail on that! This way you can learn more about WHY everyone loves blue Dawn® and why I prefer it!

By the way, this is not sponsored! Just share why I love it and what you need to know about it!

Everything you need to know about Blue Dawn® dishwashing liquid

Dishwashing detergent belongs to the category of surfactants. Surfactants are pretty neat substances that enable all kinds of cleaning.

Surfactants basically work to reduce the surface tension between two elements such as a solid and a liquid. Part of a surfactant is attracted to water while the other part is attracted to a solid such as dirt, food, or grease. It works to disassemble the item and thus clean it. So we have dishwashing liquid and cleaning products. This is also why so many of our homemade cleaners contain dish soap, it really is the BEST home surfactant you can find.

There are different types of blue Dawn®:

Dawn® Ultra

Regular Dawn® (non-concentrated)

Dawn® Platinum

Most of my solutions contain blue Dawn® Ultra because it is concentrated. The regular Dawn is a non-concentrated version (also called Simply Clean), i.e. more diluted. Platinum Dawn is almost identical to Ultra but contains more surfactants.

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients.

The chemistry of Blue Dawn®

According to the PG website, here are the most active ingredients in Ultra and Platinum. Keep in mind that the other type, not concentrated or just clean as they call it, is just a more diluted version of the Ultra. Next to each chemical in parentheses is the meaning of the ingredient. Dishwashing detergents contain detergents, solvents, pH adjusters, then things for viscosity. All store bought things contain a preservative to keep them fresh! Organic items also contain a preservative. In fact, all of the organic cleaners I’ve looked at contain the same preservative.

Dawn® Ultra

Water (Solvent), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (Detergent), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (Detergent), Lauramine Oxide (Detergent), Alcohol Denat. (Solvent), Sodium Chloride (Viscosity Adjuster), PPG 26 (Viscosity Adjuster), Sodium Hydroxide (PH Adjuster), Phenoxyethanol (Solvent), Methylisothiazolinone (Preservative)

Further scientific findings and ingredients can be found here in the safety data sheet.

Dawn® Platinum

Water (Solvent), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (Detergent), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (Detergent), Lauramine Oxide (Detergent), Alcohol Denat. (Solvent), C9 11 Pareth 8 (Detergent), Sodium Chloride (Viscosity Adjuster), Tetrasodium Dicarboxymethylglutamate (Water Softener), Phenoxyethanol (Solvent), Methylisothiazolinone (Preservative)

For more scientific evidence and a breakdown of ingredients, see the SDS sheet here.

As you can see, the difference between these two is that the Platinum version has an additional detergent and water softener! This makes it more powerful for stuck stains or food.

What does that mean?

At first you might look at these ingredients and think WOW, that’s a lot of chemicals! It really isn’t. In fact, these are all non-toxic, safe ingredients. You can look up every single chemical listed on the ingredients list to see that they are all low-toxic and safe. This is even safe to ingest (which is why it is used as a dishwashing detergent). However, you should always be careful when it comes to children and pets. This also applies to things like natural soaps (castile soap).

Don’t let those ingredient names fool you, they’re all real chemical names. Like sodium chloride is salt.

Dawn® is also safe for animals. You’ve probably seen their wildlife campaign. Before making our homemade dog wipes, I asked my vet about using it on dogs. She said yes! Very mild and excellent at cleaning allergens.

Blue Dawn® compared to other dishwashing detergents

When comparing the ingredients in dishwashing detergents, they are all VERY similar. You can scroll through the different types and look at the common ingredients. Some have more preservatives, others more fragrance. Cheap brands usually have more preservatives.

So many years ago I decided to try out a few different brands (before I even had a blog) to see if it made any difference. You can look at the ingredients on each label, but it’s impossible to know the percentage of each one because cleaning detergent ingredient lists don’t mention it. It is not currently required by law. It also doesn’t matter what order they are in, as is the case with skincare ingredients. The only way to know is to TEST it! Which I love to do!

Brands I tested:

Palmolive®

Joy®

Gain®

Ajax®

Results:

The blue Dawn® Ultra, which I use in most of my recipes, cleans better and removes things with less elbow grease. For me, the faster something is cleaned up, the better. Each time, blue Dawn® seemed to get things going faster. Especially in homemade cleaners.

Another result I noticed was more foam but the least residue. It also has a thicker solution. It was also more concentrated, so I liked it better for things like my homemade weed killer.

I’ve been using it ever since!

What about other types of Dawn®?

There are other types with other colors. I haven’t tested all of them, but most of them aren’t concentrated and scented. I prefer not to use them and stick with the original.

What is closest to the dawn?

Many of my readers in other countries have told me they can’t get blue Dawn®, so I always recommend using a concentrated thick dishwashing liquid instead. I can’t say it will be as good in our homemade cleaners, but it will be very similar!

What about castile soap?

Many readers have questions about replacing castile soap with Dawn as a more natural option. I’ve tried castile soap in several homemade recipes and it hasn’t removed stubborn food stains very well. I love castile soap and you’re welcome to try it in one of our recipes, but keep in mind that it won’t be as strong as a surfactant.

Is Blue Dawn® safe for any surface?

Yes! It’s safe for absolutely everything! In fact, I’m about to share a list of how to clean your ENTIRE home with Dawn®! That’s right, all in your home! Check them out for this awesome list.

I also have this awesome SCIENTIFIC DIY cleaning guide with some tips on using dish soap to clean.

What kind of Blue Dawn® should I use?

I’ll share more details on this in my post on cleaning your entire home with Dawn®! I usually use the Ultra for almost everything. The platinum version is nice to have on hand. The Simply Clean also has good uses. Really any of them are good, just look at what I use in homemade cleaners. If you have our eBook, all solutions use ultra 🙂

Now you know why I like blue Dawn®! Remember to come back for the cleaning guide!

And buy our e-book below for the best homemade recipes

Follow on Facebook | Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | house call

Do you love taking bubble baths but don’t like all the chemicals in many store-bought bubble baths? You can make your own with just a few ingredients, many of which you already have on hand. If you make your own bubble bath, you can further customize it to suit your needs. In this article, you will learn how to make your own bubble bath. It will also give you some recipe ideas. However, keep in mind that your homemade bubble bath may not produce as much foam as store-bought ones.

Expert cleaners from Classic Cleaners confirm that Original Blue Dawn can be used on many things, not just dishes, due to its degreasing properties. It is also non-toxic, not harmful to your skin, biodegradable and contains no phosphates.

1. LAUNDRY PRE-TREATMENT FOR OIL STAINS

For oil stains such as lipstick, grease, butter, motor oil, cooking oil and some pen inks, apply a small amount of Dawn liquid directly to the stain and scrub with a small brush or toothbrush until the oil is removed. Wash as usual.

2. TUB AND SHOWER CLEANER

Fill a spray bottle half full with vinegar and heat in the microwave. Fill the rest of the way with Blue Dawn. Put the lid on and shake well. Spray onto your tub and shower walls and leave on for a few minutes before rinsing off. This even takes care of the bathtub ring. Let it sit on your shower floor overnight and scrub away the dirt in the morning.

3. ELIMINATION OF TOILETS

Pour a cup of Dawn liquid dish soap into the toilet bowl and let sit for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, pour a bucket of hot water into the toilet bowl from waist height to empty it.

4. CLEAN YOUR WINDOWS

This tip is from Merry Maids: Mix 3 drops of Dawn in 1 gallon of water and fill a spray bottle with the solution. Spray and wipe your windows like you would any window cleaner.

5. POOL CLEANER

Squirt Dawn in the center of the pool and all dirt, sunscreen, etc. will move to the edges of the pool for easier cleaning and a sparkling pool.

6. HAIR CLEANSER

Use Dawn like a shampoo to remove excess oil from your hair, product build-up and even greasy products like petroleum jelly and baby oil that your kids may come into contact with. You can even use it to bathe your dog.

7. CLEAN AUTOMOTIVE TOOLS AND SPILL YOUR DRIVEWAY

After completing your car repair project, clean your driveway of gasoline and oil with Dawn, warm water, and a scrubbing brush. Then soak your dirty tools in Dawn before putting them away. Dawn cleans and prevents rusting of the tools. THEN – mix Dawn and a little corn oil to cleanse your hands.

8. MAKE AN ICE PACK

Partially fill a strong, zippered sandwich bag with Dawn dish soap, seal, and freeze. The liquid soap stays cold much longer and can be refrozen many times. It adapts to the place where you need an ice pack.

9. GLASSES REMOVAL DEVICE

To prevent your glasses from fogging up, rub a small drop of Dawn onto the lenses and wipe clean.

10. REPELLING INSECTS

Add a drop of Dawn Dishwashing Liquid to a spray bottle of water. Spray household plants to repel aphids, spider mites and mealybugs. Spray countertops, cabinets, and other areas to repel ants. Do the same to repel aphids on fruit trees – only rinse the trees thoroughly after about 15 minutes.

11. PREVENT POISON IVY FROM SPREADING

Poison ivy spreads by spreading the oil in the blisters when children scratch the blisters. Wash the affected area with Dawn and it will help dry out the liquid and prevent it from spreading.

Have you used original blue Dawn liquid detergent in any of the above situations? How did it work for you?

– SO.

We also show you three healthy — and better — ways to get clean skin. Share on Pinterest Our skin is our largest organ and plays an important role in our health. It protects us from disease and injury and helps regulate body temperature. Therefore, keeping our skin in good shape is vital to maintaining overall health. While soap is sold to us as a must-exfoliator — it removes dead skin cells and removes oils and dirt — it could also be one of those things that does more harm than good.

Conventional Soaps Can Damage Your Skin It’s been well documented over the years that conventional soaps, made by mixing fat or oil with an alkali like lye, can destroy skin by altering its pH levels, healthy bacteria extinguish and remove vital oils. Your skin’s pH really matters Healthy skin’s pH is around 5.5, which is slightly acidic, but most conventional soaps have a much higher pH, sometimes as high as 11. “When the pH – Skin level is too high, your body produces excess sebum to fight back and restore its natural pH. However, the soap residue ensures that the offending pH is maintained,” says independent beauty chemist David Pollack. “The end result is that the skin can become too oily. As if that weren’t bad enough, soap residue emulsifies or binds to the skin’s lipid matrix.” How long it takes for our skin’s acid mantle (a protective layer of oils, fatty acids, and amino acids) to break down can vary, but signs of damage can vary are increased dryness, itching, irritation and inflammation. All of these can also aggravate skin conditions like acne, eczema, dermatitis, and rosacea. And what would help against some of these symptoms? The oils that conventional soap removes! These oils perform an important function in keeping the skin moisturized and intact. Without them, our skin becomes susceptible to tears, tears, and other irritations that can compromise its function as a protective barrier. Pollack, who has formulated best-selling products for well-known brands like L’Oréal, Smashbox, Bliss, and SkinCeuticals, explains, “When you rinse your skin, it actually washes away a layer of the protective barrier, resulting in even drier skin.” Basically, ours can current ingrained cleansing process make it difficult for your skin to heal and protect itself. But it’s possible — and really easy — to restore your skin to its optimal, self-sustaining state.

How to Dispose of Your Soap Forever If you’re not sure what’s in your soaps, it’s best to throw them away. Bar soaps are generally the harshest, as they have a higher, more alkaline pH than normal skin. Shower gels and shower gels are made differently, with surfactants or emulsifiers, and approximate the natural pH of our skin. All three types of soap dissolve and wash away vital oils our skin needs. The good news, however, is that soap is pretty much unnecessary. You don’t have to use conventional soaps in your daily hygiene routine. All you absolutely need, bare bones, to stay clean is water. Only water. Water does a good job of washing away dirt without stripping the skin of vital oils. Also, avoid those luxurious long, hot showers. Just a few minutes under the spray is enough to wash away a day’s build-up of dirt, and longer could dry out your skin. Share on Pinterest You can use a mild cleanser on your armpits and genitals if you’re super worried, but unless you’ve been sweating profusely or are literally rolling in the dirt, don’t worry, you won’t stink (but if you really need sleep, below we give you tips on how to find the best soap). 1. Try oil cleaning One possibility is cleaning with oils. While it may seem counterintuitive to smear your skin with oil to get it clean, it’s a much healthier alternative than soaps. Oil-based cleansers trap dirt and dead skin cells so they can be rinsed off without destroying the oil barrier already in place. One trick to remember is to oil yourself up before you get in the shower. Newer oil-based cleansers are made to create a light suds when wet that rinses off easily without damaging your skin or leaving a residue. Pro tip: Consider adding a mat to your shower floor to avoid slips and bruises on your butt — and pride. 2. Brush off dead skin cells Dry brushing is another effective way to remove dead skin cells and dirt from the skin’s surface while promoting the production of healthy oils. Dry brushing is exactly what it sounds like: you dry brush your skin with a natural fiber brush. The movement of the bristles across your skin helps exfoliate and remove dirt. There is also evidence that brushing the skin promotes lymphatic drainage and thus serves as a detoxification not only for your skin but for your entire body. To try dry brushing at home, you will first need a good quality natural bristle brush, which is available at most bathroom aisle stores. Dry brushing instructions

Start at your feet and brush upwards, following the contours of your body.

Move the brush clockwise and apply comfortable pressure – gentle on thinner skin, firmer on thicker skin.

Always brush towards the center of the chest.

After brushing your lower extremities, abdomen, and chest, brush your arms from your palms toward your body.

After brushing your entire body, take a cold water shower and apply your favorite moisturizer. 3. Make Your Own Natural Scrub For the do-it-yourselfer, there are literally thousands of different recipes for products that you can make right in the comfort of your own kitchen. From salt and sugar scrubs to oatmeal and honey scrubs, the list goes on. Brit+Co has a few all-natural recipes that will slough off dead skin cells and keep your body well hydrated without damaging your skin’s natural barrier. But making your own mix can be as simple as oatmeal, honey, and plain yogurt—or avocado oil, honey, and sugar! Just remember to avoid your face as skin is more sensitive there and sugar crystals can cause microcracks. Always Patch Test: As with any new product you try or make, test it on a small area of ​​your skin for at least 24 hours and see if you experience any side effects.

What about natural soaps? Share on Pinterest If you’re not quite ready to ditch soap, consider a natural or handmade soap in small batches. Handmade soaps tend to be less harsh than commercially made soaps and generally use higher quality fats and oils during the saponification process. Good ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or olive oil are often the base for these soaps, while commercially made bars use harsh ingredients and inferior oils and fats. Check ingredients and avoid:

sodium lauryl sulfate

sodium dodecylpolyoxyethylene sulfate

phthalates

parabens

synthetic dyes (FD&C Yellow etc.)

artificial scent

Pro tip: To research specific products, check out the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep database. Some popular, fan-favorite brands like Meller & Maude and Colorado Aromatics offer high-quality, small-batch soaps that are made with natural ingredients that are gentler than traditional soaps.

You’ve seen the YouTube videos floating around: Bloggers and vloggers use Blue Dawn liquid dish soap for hair growth. Surprisingly, this craze isn’t even particularly new. You can discuss the topic on forums since 2004! Still, the recent practice itself raises a few questions: Is it safe to wash your hair with dish soap? And does Blue Dawn dish soap really work on natural hair?

Right away I give this hair care tip an eye. Dish soap is designed to get rid of grease and oil (I’m sure you’ve seen that video of the duck after the oil spill). BUT the thing is, natural hair (hair type 4) usually needs oil.

Because of all the bends in our frizzy locks, sebum (the natural oil our scalp produces) takes longer to run down our strands. This is why most natural hair care blogs and websites list their favorite hair oils. Because hair growth usually requires naturalists to add oils.

See why using dish soap as a shampoo makes no sense for people with natural hair? Or at least not regularly, but we’ll get to that later. First, let’s address some questions people are asking about this topic:

Why Blue Dawn dish soap?

YouTubers insist that you must use the blue version of Dawn soap to wash your hair, when this is really just the “Original Scent” version. This makes sense because the original is as simple as it gets. No fancy stuff; no added features to irritate your skin or damage your hair.

For example, Dawn’s Orange Scent and Apple Blossom (green) are both antibacterial, and Freshening Rain is “Platinum”…I was afraid to find out what that would do to my curls.

That being said, some of the other scents have the same ingredient list as the blue. So if you’re determined to try Dawn as a shampoo, you might have other great-smelling options.

Is It Safe To Wash Your Hair With Dish Soap?

Technically yes, it is safe to wash your hair with dish soap. The marketing with the cute little duck shows that washing-up liquid is actually harmless, and most of their soaps are also labeled as “hand washing soap”. As long as you don’t ingest it or get it in your eyes, you should be really fine. (But I’m not a doctor or scientist, so please don’t sue me if you react. Also, as you should with any new product, make sure to do a little patch test).

Does it really work for natural hair?

To reiterate from above:

Type 4 hair is difficult to moisturize as all of its bends make it difficult for sebum to coat it. In other words, it’s hard for natural hair to get and stay greasy.

On the other hand, straight hair offers no obstacles to traveling sebum, so it quickly becomes greasy and oily. (So ​​next time a white person flinches when you tell them you don’t wash your hair every day, drop those facts.)

However. Dish soap strips your hair of oils, naturally occurring and not. This does not benefit your natural hair. In fact, it could make your curls prone to breakage. It could set your hair growth journey way back.

That being said, this hair care tip actually makes sense if your hair is straight and tends to get greasy.

So is using liquid dish soap in your natural hair a total write-off?

Not necessarily. I just wouldn’t recommend it as a substitute for shampoo.

If you’re dealing with product buildup and need a really deep clean, dish soap might work for you. The benefit lies in the fact that it gets rid of all the dirt – so you can essentially start over. It’s the same principle as clearing, and some people actually recommend that you clear regularly. This article gives a great insight into clarifying your curls.

(But personally, I’d still go for a true clarifying shampoo, like Neutrogena’s or Shea Moisture’s, but it’s definitely a cheaper alternative.)

The soap can also come in handy when removing a protective style as build-ups often form at the roots. It has also been used to clean out locs as this is another scenario where your hair can face build-up.

If you decide to use dish soap, remember:

Moisturize, moisten, moisturize. And seal it.

You’ve just stripped your hair of its oils, so you need to add it back in. Follow with a great deep conditioner. And seal your products with a good oil (olive oil is a great oil). In fact, a full hot oil treatment could be incredibly beneficial too!

This video by Hazel_Goddesss is the most popular on YouTube! It worked for her hair, which I think helped this all catch on.

She loved the lather and found that her hair wasn’t pulled out and just felt clean. Still, she followed up with a good deep flush, just in case.

I’m also curious to see if the curl pattern plays a part in this too! When people with 4c find that the dish soap removes their curls more than those with looser curl patterns. (If you’ve tried it, I’d love to know in the comments!)

So, to recap (or in case you scrolled down instead of reading the whole post):

Yes, using Dawn Dish Soap in your hair is safe.

But it will strip your natural hair of its oils. (Oils that are important for hair growth). Naturals should use it as a clarifying shampoo, not regular. Should follow with a REALLY GOOD conditioner and oil treatment.

Dish soap than shampoo is better suited for people with straight hair – hair that tends to get oily or greasy.

So what do you think? Is this a trend you will try? Let us know in the comments!

Want to see if another famous beauty hack is right for you? Check out: Can you use coconut oil in shaving cream?

Related Posts on Hair Care:

Have you ever stepped into your shower and reached for your body wash only to find the bottle is empty? Or maybe you think all this skin and hair care hype is just that – hype. Whatever the reason, you’re wondering – can you use shampoo as a body wash?

You can use shampoo as a body wash, but avoid using it on your face and sensitive private areas. The shampoo’s lower surfactant content makes it less effective for your skin than a body wash. The conditioning molecules in shampoo can leave your skin feeling greasy. Also consider the quality of the shampoo, as well as your skin type and overall health.

As you know, you can’t mix oil and water, so washing with just water won’t remove the oils and dirt from your skin and hair. (And by the way, you don’t even want to get rid of all those oils on your body. Renowned medical esthetician Ann Webb told me that when I spoke to her about the best ways to moisturize skin in the tub.)

In any case, you may be wondering, are all soap molds the same? Can you swap out shampoo and shower gel in a pinch?

Surfactants help mix oil and water

Both shampoo and shower gel act as surface-active agents, also known as surfactants, to cleanse the skin and hair. Surfactant molecules have a polar side (attracted to water) and a non-polar side (attracted to oils and dirt). The surfactants act as intermediaries, causing the water and oils to mix and wash off the skin and hair.

Shampoo and shower gel: the difference

Shampoo has a lower surfactant content than shower gel. It also usually contains conditioning ingredients, although it’s not a two-in-one shampoo.

The reason for the lower surfactant content is that the hair does not lose all its natural oils when washed. Just as very oily hair is unhealthy, so is very dry hair.

The addition of conditioning molecules that are attracted to each hair follicle helps your hair stay soft and smooth, reducing tangles and making brushing easier. If you’re using shampoo for very dry hair, it’s likely formulated to have higher levels of conditioning to combat that dryness.

Can you wash your body with shampoo?

You can wash your body with shampoo. Technically, most shampoos and body washes are similar enough to make this a relatively harmless practice, but there are some downsides.

Your skin may feel smooth and not clean

On the one hand, you may find that the shampoo doesn’t remove dirt, oils, and odors from your skin as well as a body wash. This is due to the lower content of surfactants. You may need to cleanse twice to get the same effect as a body wash. In addition, the conditioning molecules can leave your skin feeling smooth and not clean.

Your skin may feel more hydrated

On the other hand, you may be struggling with very dry skin. In this case, the lower levels of surfactants and the addition of conditioning molecules could help keep your skin hydrated. (If you have dry skin or want to relax more in the shower, be sure to check out this post on the best ways to use essential oils in the shower.)

Slow down!

As with any skin product, don’t just rub it all over your body the first time you use it. Of course, if you’ve washed your hair with your shampoo in the shower, you already know that it won’t bother your skin. If you wash your hair in the sink or over the tub, at least your hands and wrists are exposed.

However, when you start a new shampoo, don’t just lather up from top to bottom on the first try. If you have a reaction to a certain ingredient in the new shampoo, the whole-body exposure to the allergen is uncomfortable.

This happened to me with a new tea tree oil shampoo. It smelled so good too! I washed my hair but later my head, arms and back started itching like crazy. Pooh! I should have made sure to only use it on my head first and maybe wash my hair in the tub so it doesn’t get on my skin. (If you do this too, you should use the best towel for sensitive skin.)

However, if you tend not to have particularly sensitive skin and you run out of shower gel, you can probably use your shampoo without any problems.

Can you wash with shampoo everywhere?

Your private parts are sensitive to the fragrances and other chemicals found in most soaps. Even if you have hair there, that doesn’t mean it’s appropriate for you to shampoo and condition it!

It would be best if you didn’t wash that area with shower gel either; Most body washes damage the sensitive skin in this area. It is recommended to wash off there only with warm water. However, if you need or want to use soap, choose a mild and unscented soap (see hypoallergenic products section).

In addition, shampoos and other soaps can upset the pH balance in women. This makes us susceptible to yeast and bacterial infections that every woman worth her inorganic bubble bath already knows.

Can you wash your hands with shampoo?

You can wash your hands with shampoo. But again, the lower level of surfactants in the shampoo makes washing hands less effective, especially when trying to rid your hands of grease after working in the garden, garage, or even the kitchen.

Another problem with using shampoo as a hand wash is that it doesn’t contain antibacterial ingredients like most good hand soaps. The age we live in with viruses like COVID makes this a serious disadvantage of using shampoo as a hand wash.

You can add an antibacterial cleanser to your shampoo, but only if you separate it from the shampoo you will be using on your hair and body! It’s probably just easier to buy hand soap. But if you’re out of soap and desperate, use shampoo until you can get out to buy more.

Can you wash your face with shampoo?

All the zealots of double cleansing, air drying, serum use, and moisturizing facial care will cry when they hear you’re remembering to shampoo your face. But it’s not just them.

Your face is a careful balance of sebum, pH and sensitive skin. Facial care products are specially designed for facial skin. They are formulated to help your face reach its healthiest state, no matter what skin type you have.

Since your face is always on view and facial skin health is so important to your confidence (let’s just admit it), stick to the official skin products. Additionally, when your face’s oils and pH levels are out of whack, things can take forever to get back to normal.

Important: The type of shampoo and your skin type

Medicated shampoos can be harsh on the skin.

Poor quality shampoos can contain all sorts of nasty ingredients that can be bad for your skin (they’re probably bad for your hair, too).

If you have sensitive skin, the fragrances in the shampoo can cause dermatitis. Of course, if you have sensitive skin like I do, it’s best to stick to a hypoallergenic body wash. Shampoos and conditioners made with oatmeal, body washes made with oatmeal – or bathing in oatmeal! – can be particularly soothing for people with easily irritated skin, sunburn or rashes. (You can also make a homemade goat milk soap with oats and hemp seed oil. It takes about 5 minutes to make and is great for the skin.)

If you have dry skin but oily hair, your shampoo will aim to pull out more oil than regular shampoos. This can further dry out your skin, so be sure to apply a good quality moisturizer after your shampooed bath or shower.

But can you use soap or shower gel as a shampoo?

But what about the back? Maybe you’ve run out of shampoo and want to wash your hair with soap or shower gel. Here’s the thing: The higher levels of surfactants in the body wash strip all of the natural oils from your hair, leaving it dry and brittle. So unless you’re desperate, don’t do it!

Can Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Help With Acne?

Some people report that using certain anti-dandruff shampoos on the face and body can treat acne. This is because these shampoos contain pyrithione zinc and selenium sulfide, which are antifungal and therefore said to be effective against fungal acne.

However, before you start using a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo to wash your face, talk to your dermatologist. Remember that not only are you exposing the skin of your face to these antifungal ingredients, but also any other components formulated to keep the hair (dead) but not the skin (alive).

But what if you’re stranded in a hotel in a foreign country, your luggage is missing, no shops are open, your face is dirty from hours of travel, and you only have access to the hotel’s courtesy products? Unless you have particularly sensitive skin, use shampoo on your face—it shouldn’t hurt this time.

Shampoo as a shower gel: the conclusion

Shampoos and body washes work on similar principles, using a surfactant to bind oils and dirt so they can be washed off the skin and hair with water. However, there are differences in the composition and content of the ingredients in these two soap products.

You can use shampoo to wash your body, but you should not use body wash to wash your hair. Additionally, shampoo should not be used on faces or private areas; it’s too harsh on these parts of your body and can upset delicate pH balances.