Ethical Washing Up Liquid
Which washing-up liquid brands are the most ethical and sustainable? For the answer, see our Ethical Washing Up Liquid comparison table to compare brands’ ethical scores, sustainability credentials and environmental performance.
Why is it important to buy eco washing up liquid?
Unless you are one of the lucky ones and have a dishwasher at home, you’re likely to be using a lot of washing-up liquid. In 2020, an estimated 4.15 million people in Britain used washing-up liquid at least four times a day. As a result, millions of households use significant quantities of washing-up liquid every year.
But did you know that choosing an unethical or unsustainable washing-up liquid can come with a major environmental cost? From toxic chemicals to animal-derived ingredients, this article explores the ethical issues behind washing-up liquids and the brands that produce them. In this article, you will also discover how to buy the best eco-friendly, biodegradable and environmentally friendly washing-up liquid in the UK.
As consumer awareness around sustainability grows, more households are searching for ethical cleaning products that reduce plastic waste, avoid harmful chemicals and support environmentally responsible manufacturing practices. Choosing biodegradable washing-up liquid and refillable cleaning products can help reduce household environmental impact while supporting more sustainable supply chains.
The GOOD Shopping Guide has been independently researching and rating brands on ethical criteria since 2001, making its ethical comparison tables one of the most trusted resources for ethical household products UK consumers can rely on. Consumers interested in sustainable living may also wish to explore the Ethical Cleaning Products comparison table and Sustainable Living editorials.
Are there toxic chemicals in washing up liquid?
One of the main environmental issues associated with washing-up liquid is the use of toxic chemicals. Some washing-up liquids contain substances such as triclosan, formaldehyde and phthalates.
Many washing-up liquid formulas also contain petrochemical surface-active agents or surfactants. Petrochemical agents are often derived from crude oil, a finite resource. Whilst petrochemical agents and other petroleum derivatives are not necessarily toxic for humans, there are concerns about our overdependence on this finite resource.
Petroleum-derived chemicals can also be found in the plastic packaging of washing-up liquid. Buying from refill shops or choosing brands that use recycled packaging can help reduce plastic waste. Consumers looking for plastic-free washing-up liquid and refill washing-up liquid options may also wish to explore ethical cleaning brands that prioritise low-waste packaging and transparent supply chains.
Single-use plastics and chemical pollution are increasingly recognised as major environmental concerns. Environmental charities and marine conservation organisations have warned that household cleaning chemicals and plastic waste may contribute to water pollution and ecosystem damage when improperly managed.
Though most cleaning brands should have policies in place against the use of triclosan, formaldehyde and phthalates, consumers should still compare brands using ethical comparison tables. Some brands do not have clear Toxic Chemicals Policies. Toxic chemicals such as triclosan, formaldehyde and phthalates can cause skin irritation, rashes and may even damage internal organs. Organisations such as Surfers Against Sewage and the Marine Conservation Society have highlighted the importance of reducing chemical and plastic pollution in UK waterways.
Not only can toxic chemicals harm our bodies directly, but we should also consider where washing-up liquid ultimately ends up. Domestic wastewater, often known as greywater, eventually enters sewage systems and waterways, where it may contribute to pollution in marine environments and aquatic ecosystems. Further information on water pollution and waste reduction can be found via DEFRA and WRAP UK.
Our advice: The best brands for eco washing up liquid and vegan washing up liquid
Although there are many unethical washing-up liquid brands on the market, there are also many ethical and sustainable alternatives available, including eco-friendly, vegan and non-toxic washing-up liquid options.
If you want to buy an eco washing-up liquid from a sustainable brand, accredited brands such as Colt & Willow, GBPro and Greenscents are a great place to start. These brands have demonstrated strong environmental and ethical standards through The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Ethical Accreditation programme.
Ethical Accreditation helps consumers identify brands that meet high ethical standards across environmental impact, animal welfare and corporate responsibility. Businesses that achieve Ethical Accreditation demonstrate a commitment to transparency and responsible business practices.
Find out more about the benefits of Ethical Accreditation.
There are also other options for vegan washing-up liquid within ethical comparison ratings tables. To find vegan washing-up liquid, simply look for brands that have received a top ethical rating under Vegetarian/Vegan categories and find their vegan products online. You may also wish to explore our Vegan Products editorials and Cruelty-Free Products guidance.
Since 2001, The GOOD Shopping Guide has been at the forefront of researching ethical brand ratings and helping consumers compare companies across environmental, social and animal welfare categories. Ethical comparison tables are designed to help shoppers make more informed and sustainable purchasing decisions.
Finally, have you considered purchasing a dishwasher? Dishwashers are often significantly more water-efficient than washing dishes by hand. Consumers can compare more sustainable options using our Ethical Dishwashers comparison table.
Consumers interested in sustainable living may also wish to explore ethical alternatives across other household categories, including eco cleaning products, cruelty-free household goods and environmentally responsible home brands. Comparing ethical scores before buying can help support businesses with stronger sustainability credentials and lower environmental impacts. Read more in our Plastic Pollution editorial and Eco Home Products guidance.
Before buying household cleaning products, consumers should compare brands’ ethical scores, sustainability policies and environmental impact. The GOOD Shopping Guide’s ethical comparison tables help shoppers identify environmentally responsible cleaning brands and more sustainable household products.
The research team at The Good Shopping Guide have created individual brand write-ups for every single company represented on our Ethical Ratings Tables. Click on any brand name listed below to read more about ethics and sustainability policies, and how brands are considering the Environment, Animals and People in their business practice.
Bio D, ECOS, Ecozone, Greenscents, Colt & Willow, Eco-Max, Faith in Nature, Wilton London, Homethings, LoofCo, Ecoleaf (Suma), OceanSaver, Surcare, Morning Fresh, Ecover, Method, Mrs Meyers, Fairy and Seventh Generation.
Why does it matter which washing up liquid I choose?
With millions of households using washing up liquid multiple times daily, the collective environmental impact of our choices is substantial. Many conventional washing up liquids contain toxic chemicals that can irritate skin and pollute waterways, while some are owned by large conglomerates with poor ethical records. Choosing an eco washing up liquid from a responsible brand is a simple yet meaningful everyday decision.
What toxic chemicals should I watch out for in washing up liquid?
Some washing up liquids contain harmful substances such as triclosan, formaldehyde, and phthalates, which can cause skin irritation and damage to internal organs. Many formulas also rely on petrochemical surfactants derived from crude oil. The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Washing Up Liquid Ratings Table assesses brands on their Toxic Chemicals Policy, making it straightforward to identify products that are genuinely free from harmful ingredients.
Which washing up liquid brands have the worst record on toxic chemicals?
The Good Shopping Guide’s research found that only around half of washing up liquid brands receive a top rating for their Toxic Chemicals Policy. Brands including Fairy, Seventh Generation, and Morning Fresh received the lowest ratings in this area, meaning they are either using toxic chemicals or failing to be transparent about the ingredients in their products. These brands are best avoided by eco-conscious consumers.
Is washing up liquid tested on animals?
Animal welfare is a significant concern in the washing up liquid sector. Many brands continue to test on animals despite humane alternatives being available, and a number of products contain animal-derived ingredients, making them unsuitable for vegans. Even some brands marketed as eco-friendly, such as Method and Ecover, are not fully vegan, so it is worth checking a brand’s ethical rating carefully before purchasing.
How can I find a vegan washing up liquid?
To find a genuinely vegan washing up liquid, look for products certified by The Vegan Society, The Vegetarian Society, or V-Label. The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Washing Up Liquid Ratings Table also assesses brands on their Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. Brands in the green section of the table, such as Colt & Willow, GBPro, and Greenscents, all meet the highest standard in both this and other ethical categories.
Are dishwashers more environmentally friendly than washing up by hand?
It may come as a surprise, but dishwashers are considered significantly more water-efficient than handwashing — using approximately four times less water according to Which?. While not affordable or practical for everyone, making the switch could meaningfully reduce your household’s environmental impact. For those who continue to wash up by hand, choosing an ethically rated eco washing up liquid remains the most responsible option.
Is Colt & Willow an ethical Washing Up Liquid brand?
Colt & Willow sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Up Liquid Ethical Ratings Table, performing strongly across all assessed categories, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. Holding Ethical Accreditation reflects the brand’s clear commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices. Colt & Willow also holds Ethical Innovator Status, recognising its forward-thinking approach within the washing up liquid sector.
Is GBPro an ethical Washing Up Liquid brand?
GBPro sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Up Liquid Ethical Ratings Table, achieving top ratings in every assessed area, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. Its Ethical Accreditation stands as a formal recognition of the brand’s dedication to ethical and sustainable conduct. GBPro also holds Ethical Innovator Status, highlighting its leadership in responsible washing up liquid.
Is Greenscents an ethical Washing Up Liquid brand?
Greenscents sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Up Liquid Ethical Ratings Table, earning the highest ratings across all assessed categories, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. Its Ethical Accreditation demonstrates a genuine commitment to sustainable and responsible business practices. Greenscents also holds Ethical Innovator Status, reflecting its proactive role in driving ethical standards within the sector.
Is Bio D an ethical Washing Up Liquid brand?
Bio D sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Up Liquid Ethical Ratings Table, performing well across all assessed areas, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. While the brand does not currently hold Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide a meaningful way to formally demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. Bio D also holds Ethical Innovator Status.
Is EcoLeaf (Suma) an ethical Washing Up Liquid brand?
EcoLeaf (Suma) sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Up Liquid Ethical Ratings Table, achieving strong ratings across all assessed categories, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. As the brand does not currently hold Ethical Accreditation, pursuing it would offer a recognised opportunity to validate its dedication to responsible and sustainable business. EcoLeaf (Suma) also holds Ethical Innovator Status.
Is Miniml an ethical Washing Up Liquid brand?
Miniml sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Up Liquid Ethical Ratings Table, earning top ratings in all assessed areas, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. Without Ethical Accreditation, obtaining it would allow Miniml to formally demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable business conduct. The brand also holds Ethical Innovator Status, acknowledging its responsible approach.
Is Wilton London an ethical Washing Up Liquid brand?
Wilton London sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Up Liquid Ethical Ratings Table, receiving excellent ratings across all assessed criteria, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it would provide a recognised way to further demonstrate its ethical and sustainable commitments. Wilton London also holds Ethical Innovator Status.
Is Faith in Nature an ethical Washing Up Liquid brand?
Faith in Nature sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Up Liquid Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Environmental Report, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, though it falls short in its Toxic Chemicals Policy. Without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could further strengthen the brand’s standing as a responsible choice. Faith in Nature also holds Ethical Innovator Status.
Is Homethings an ethical Washing Up Liquid brand?
Homethings sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Up Liquid Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, and Animal Welfare, though it falls short in its Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. Without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could further strengthen Homethings’ standing as a responsible brand. The company also holds Ethical Innovator Status, recognising its commitment to sustainable practices.
Is Ecozone an ethical Washing Up Liquid brand?
Ecozone sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Up Liquid Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Fossil Fuels, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, though it falls short in its Environmental Report and Animal Welfare. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it would allow Ecozone to more formally demonstrate its commitment to responsible practices. The brand also holds Ethical Innovator Status.
Is OceanSaver an ethical Washing Up Liquid brand?
OceanSaver sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Up Liquid Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, and Fossil Fuels credentials, though it falls short in its Animal Welfare and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide formal recognition of OceanSaver’s commitment to sustainable practices. The brand also holds Ethical Innovator Status.
Is Surcare an ethical Washing Up Liquid brand?
Surcare falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Up Liquid Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in areas such as its Environmental Report and Animal Welfare, though it falls short in its Toxic Chemicals Policy and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. Consumers seeking washing up liquid brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult the Washing Up Liquid Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Delphis an ethical Washing Up Liquid brand?
Delphis falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Up Liquid Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in its Environmental Report and Fossil Fuels credentials, though it falls short in its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. Shoppers looking for washing up liquid brands that do meet the ethical benchmark can explore the Washing Up Liquid Ethical Ratings Table for more sustainable options.
Is Splosh an ethical Washing Up Liquid brand?
Splosh falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Up Liquid Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in its Environmental Report and Fossil Fuels credentials, though it falls short in its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. Those seeking washing up liquid brands that reach the ethical benchmark are encouraged to explore the Washing Up Liquid Ethical Ratings Table for better-rated alternatives.
Is Morning Fresh an ethical Washing Up Liquid brand?
Morning Fresh falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Up Liquid Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in its Environmental Report and Fossil Fuels credentials, though it falls short in several areas, including its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, and has attracted Public Record Criticisms. Consumers seeking more responsible alternatives can refer to the Washing Up Liquid Ethical Ratings Table for better-rated options.
Is Ecover an ethical Washing Up Liquid brand?
Ecover falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Up Liquid Ethical Ratings Table. The brand shows acceptable performance in its Environmental Report and Toxic Chemicals Policy, though it falls short in Animal Welfare, Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, and Political Donations, and has attracted Public Record Criticisms. Consumers looking for brands that do meet the ethical benchmark can explore the Washing Up Liquid Ethical Ratings Table for better-rated options.
Is Method an ethical Washing Up Liquid brand?
Method falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Up Liquid Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs acceptably in its Environmental Report and Toxic Chemicals Policy, but falls short in Animal Welfare, Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, and Political Donations, and has attracted Public Record Criticisms. The Washing Up Liquid Ethical Ratings Table offers useful guidance for consumers seeking brands that do meet the ethical benchmark.
Is Mrs Meyers an ethical Washing Up Liquid brand?
Mrs Meyers falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Up Liquid Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs acceptably in its Environmental Report and Toxic Chemicals Policy, though it falls short in Animal Welfare, Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, and Political Donations, and has attracted Public Record Criticisms. Consumers can turn to the Washing Up Liquid Ethical Ratings Table to identify brands that do reach the ethical benchmark.
Is Seventh Generation an ethical Washing Up Liquid brand?
Seventh Generation falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Up Liquid Ethical Ratings Table. While it performs well in its Environmental Report and Fossil Fuels credentials, the brand falls short across several key areas, including its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, and Political Donations, and has attracted Public Record Criticisms. The Washing Up Liquid Ethical Ratings Table can guide consumers toward more responsible alternatives.
Is Fairy an ethical Washing Up Liquid brand?
Fairy falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Up Liquid Ethical Ratings Table. While the brand performs well in its Environmental Report, it falls short across numerous areas, including its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Fossil Fuels credentials, Animal Welfare, Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, and Political Donations, with Public Record Criticisms also noted. The Washing Up Liquid Ethical Ratings Table is a helpful resource for consumers seeking more ethical alternatives.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation complement other accreditations?
The GOOD Shopping Guide doesn’t replace existing certifications, it ensures your ethical credentials are clearly recognised so they are trusted by consumers. By appearing in our comparison tables, your brand reaches an audience that is actively seeking genuinely ethical options, while also being referenced by Google and AI search tools to enhance credibility and discoverability.
How is The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation different from other accreditations?
Unlike many accreditations that focus mainly on compliance or internal audits, The GOOD Shopping Guide provides scored, research-led assessments across environment, people and animals. Our tables are consumer-facing and freely accessible, making it easy for shoppers and AI tools to compare brands based on verified performance, not just promises.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide choose who is eligible for accreditation?
The GOOD Shopping Guide audits brands for their ethical impact across a variety of criteria in the human, animal and environment categories. We research the records of brands and their parent companies, and rate them across those criteria. If they are found to be above our benchmark, they are eligible to apply for Ethical Accreditation.
How can I apply for Ethical Accreditation?
You can apply for Ethical Accreditation if your brand is assessed as above our benchmark. Click on this link to fill out our online form, and our researchers will assess your brand’s viability for Ethical Accreditation.