This score is a ranking based on how natural,
eco-friendly, and non-toxic a product is, and is rated out of a possible total 5 stars.

STARS: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars for naturalness
COMMENTS: This product is an extremely effective dish soap based on plant-derived surfactants (which we do not consider natural, as they have undergone a chemical process, but are a bit better than totally synthetic and petroleum-based surfactants), contains no antibacterial agents like Troclosan (which, contrary to popular belief, is NOT healthy for you or the environment- read "Problems with Triclosan"), no protease enzymes.

This warning from the manufacturers of Dawn was particularly alarming: "Hazardous waste incineration is necessary for the Ultra versions of these products if disposal is ultimately warranted." I am certain that I do not want to be washing my dishes with a product that warrants hazardous waste disposal!

Mrs. Meyer's dish soap also does not contain the synthetic foaming and lathering chemicals found in most dish soaps, so you may notice slightly less lathering. This is not a sign of less effectiveness, but rather, Mrs. Meyer's dish soap will rinse more cleanly and reduce the toxic residues that are left on your dishes with other dish soaps.

Mrs. Meyer's is NOT a totally natural cleaning product. They are certainly more natural and safe than many traditional products out there, but they do contain some synthetics. The non-natural ingredients are the plant-derived surfactants (no longer natural once they have undergone the chemical process), fragrance (which is primarily plant-derived, but does contain a synthetic element), the solubolizing agents, and a synthetic preservative (Mrs. Meyers justifies this by the need to inhibit microbial growth). A very effective cleaning product and fairly economical, but if you are looking for a 100% natural cleaner, then check out Dr. Bronner's Organic Castile Soap or Aubrey Organics Earth Aware.

Finally, this does not mean this product is not safe- we simply believe you should know exactly what you are using.