Cruelty-Free Dish Soaps That Get the Job Done
If you’re trying to clean up your kitchen without compromising your values, switching to cruelty-free dish soap is a small but meaningful step. Traditional soaps may get the job done, but many are tested on animals or made by companies that still allow animal testing in other parts of their business. For anyone trying to live more consciously, that can be hard to accept, especially when better options are available.
This post shares a variety of cruelty-free dish soap brands that are effective, easy to find, and kind to animals. Whether you’re washing a few mugs or tackling a pile of pans, there’s something here that fits your routine. Some formulas are fragrance-free for sensitive skin. Others focus on biodegradable packaging or plant-based ingredients.
If you’re looking for dish soap that works well, feels safe on your hands, and supports your ethical choices, this list is for you. It’s especially helpful for people with skin concerns, allergies, or anyone trying to reduce harm in their daily habits.
In a hurry? Here are our top picks!
- ATTITUDE Dishwashing Liquid – Gentle on skin with naturally sourced ingredients
- Cleancult Liquid Dish Soap – Refillable and zero-waste friendly
- Molly’s Suds Liquid Dish Soap – Made with simple, safe ingredients
- Puracy Natural Dish Soap – Plant-based and tough on grease without harsh chemicals
Cruelty-Free Dishwashing Soap
Looking for a cruelty-free dishwashing soap that fits your values and your sink? Below you’ll find a range of options, from budget-friendly picks to eco-conscious favorites. All of the brands are certified cruelty-free by either Leaping Bunny or PETA.
Note: Brands marked with an asterisk (*) are owned by a parent company that is not cruelty-free.
ATTITUDE Dishwashing Liquid
Based & Made in: Canada
If you’re looking for a dish soap that gets the job done without wrecking your skin or your values, ATTITUDE is a solid choice. It’s a plant- and mineral-based liquid soap that cuts through grease easily while staying gentle on your hands. No need to dread doing the dishes just because your current soap leaves your skin feeling raw.
What makes ATTITUDE different from conventional brands is its commitment to both health and ethics. It’s certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny and PETA, vegan, and made without ingredients like SLS, parabens, or formaldehyde. It also carries an EcoLogo certification for being a safer, greener household cleaner. You’ll find it in recyclable packaging, which adds another layer of sustainability to your routine.
This one’s especially good for people with sensitive skin or anyone trying to avoid synthetic fragrances and harsh surfactants. The scents are light and natural, with options like Pink Grapefruit and Coriander & Olive if you want a little variety at the sink.
I’ve found ATTITUDE to be a great all-around option for everyday dishwashing. If you’re ready to try a dish soap that’s gentle, effective, and in line with your values, check out ATTITUDE Dishwashing Liquid.
Better Life Dish Soap
Based & Made in: United States
Better Life makes dish soap that’s tough on grease but doesn’t come with the usual list of harsh chemicals. It’s made with skin-soothing ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E, so you can wash up without worrying about dry or irritated hands. This one feels more like a gentle cleanser than your average detergent, and it still handles stuck-on messes with no problem.
Unlike conventional soaps, Better Life skips the synthetic fragrances, sulfates, dyes, and petroleum-based ingredients. It’s certified by Leaping Bunny and fully biodegradable, which means it’s not only kind to animals but also safer for aquatic life and waterways. You won’t find any triclosan, phosphates, or parabens here, either.
The scents are light and fresh without being overpowering. Lemon Mint adds a clean kick, Pomegranate has a bit more sweetness, and there’s an unscented version if you’re sensitive to fragrance.
If you want a dish soap that works well, feels gentle, and lines up with your values, give Better Life Dish Soap a try.
Biokleen Dish Liquid Soap
Based & Made in: United States
Biokleen is one of those brands that quietly does everything right. Their dish soap is concentrated and effective, making it a great choice if you’re trying to get more out of a smaller bottle. It handles tough grease and stuck-on food without relying on harsh ingredients, and the addition of aloe helps keep your hands comfortable after a round of dish duty.
What sets Biokleen apart is its ingredient list—or lack of one, really. There are no phosphates, ammonia, chlorine, or petroleum solvents. It’s completely free from animal ingredients, dairy, nuts, and gluten, which makes it a safe pick for households with allergies or specific dietary concerns. It’s also certified cruelty-free by both PETA and Leaping Bunny, and the formula is biodegradable and non-toxic.
Scents like Citrus Essence and Lemon Thyme offer a light, natural fragrance, while the Free & Clear option is perfect if you’re scent-sensitive. They also make a dish gel and powder, giving you a few more options depending on how you like to clean.
If you’re after a reliable, plant-based dish soap that checks all the ethical and safety boxes, Biokleen Dish Soap is a solid one to try.
Caldrea Dish Soap*
Based & Made in: United States
Caldrea brings a more luxurious feel to your everyday clean-up routine. Their dish soap is pH-balanced and made with plant-derived ingredients like aloe vera and soap bark extract, which helps lift grease without drying out your hands. It leaves dishes sparkling clean and rinses off easily, without any filmy residue.
This formula skips all the usual suspects—no parabens, phthalates, artificial colors, or animal-derived ingredients. It’s Leaping Bunny certified, vegan, biodegradable, and even safe for greywater systems, which makes it a thoughtful option for both your home and the environment.
The real standout here is the scent selection. Caldrea offers unique, layered fragrances like Ginger Pomelo, Pear Blossom Agave, and Daphne Feather Moss. It’s a nice upgrade from the typical lemon or unscented options and makes washing dishes feel like less of a chore.
If you want your dish soap to smell amazing, feel gentle, and meet your cruelty-free standards, Caldrea Dish Soap is a great one to explore.
Citrasolv Dish Liquid
Based & Made in: United States
CitraSolv keeps things simple with a plant-based dish soap that’s both effective and affordable. Known for its fresh Valencia Orange scent, this soap powers through grease while staying gentle on your skin. It’s concentrated enough to tackle big messes but mild enough to use every day.
Made without synthetic additives, the formula relies on naturally derived ingredients to clean dishes without drying out your hands. It even works well as a hand wash, which is a nice bonus if you prefer a one-soap-fits-all approach in the kitchen.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly dish soap that smells great, skips the harsh stuff, and supports cruelty-free living, CitraSolv Dish Soap is worth adding to your sink.
Cleancult Liquid Dish Soap
Based & Made in: United States
Cleancult offers a modern, low-waste take on doing the dishes. Their liquid dish soap comes in a recyclable milk-carton-style container and can be poured into a reusable glass bottle, cutting down on single-use plastic. They also offer powdered dish tablets if you’re looking for something mess-free and easy to store.
The formula itself is made with coconut-based cleansers that break down grease without leaving your hands dry. It’s cruelty-free, vegan, and free from artificial dyes and synthetic fragrances. It’s a nice option if you want something gentle but still effective on tough messes.
Cleancult is especially great for anyone who’s focused on reducing plastic waste at home without compromising on clean ingredients or performance. If you like the idea of refillable products and thoughtful packaging, Cleancult Dish Soap fits right in.
Dr. Bronner’s
Based & Made in: United States
Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soap is one of those household staples that does a little bit of everything—including dishes. While it’s not a dedicated dish soap, it works surprisingly well at cutting through grease when diluted properly. It’s made with organic oils, is completely biodegradable, and doesn’t contain any synthetic preservatives, thickeners, or foaming agents.
What makes this soap stand out is its versatility. You can use it for everything from handwashing to cleaning your floors, which makes it a solid option if you’re trying to simplify your routine with fewer, multi-use products. It’s also certified cruelty-free, vegan, and USDA Organic.
This one’s a great fit if you like minimalist living, want to avoid synthetic additives, or prefer a product that works across your home, not just at the kitchen sink. For an all-in-one cleaner that aligns with eco-conscious values, Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap is a reliable choice.
ECOS Dish Soap
Based & Made in: United States
ECOS is a go-to option if you’re looking for a dish soap that’s gentle on your skin and the environment. It’s dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic, which makes it a safe pick for anyone with sensitive skin, allergies, or fragrance concerns. The formula is vegan, gluten-free, and even certified kosher.
ECOS has earned certifications from Leaping Bunny and PETA, so you can feel confident it’s made without animal testing or animal-derived ingredients. It’s also biodegradable and made in a climate-positive facility, which adds another layer of sustainability to your daily cleaning.
Scent-wise, you’ve got plenty to choose from—Bamboo Lemon, Apricot, and Pear are just a few of the naturally fragranced options. There’s also a Free & Clear version for those who prefer to skip scent altogether.
If you’re after a cruelty-free dish soap that’s allergy-friendly and eco-conscious, ECOS Dish Soap is one to keep on your radar.
Ecover Washing Up Liquid*
Based & Made in: Belgium
Ecover makes plant-based dish soap that’s both effective and easy on the hands. It’s designed to break down tough food and grease without relying on harsh chemicals. The formula is non-toxic, biodegradable, and made with skin-friendly ingredients, so you can get through a full sink of dishes without drying out your skin.
While Ecover is certified cruelty-free and vegan, it’s important to note that the brand is owned by a parent company that is not cruelty-free. That said, many people still choose Ecover for its commitment to sustainable practices like recycled plastic packaging, natural fragrances, and phosphate-free formulas.
You’ll find a variety of scents, from classic Lemon and Chamomile to more unique options like Lime Zest. They also offer dishwasher tablets and rinse aid, making it easier to stick with one brand across all your dishwashing needs.
If you’re looking for a plant-based dish soap that’s gentle, effective, and comes in recyclable packaging, Ecover Dish Soap is a solid option to consider.
Grab Green Liquid Dish Soap
Based & Made in: United States
Grab Green offers a dish soap that matches the performance of conventional brands but skips the toxic ingredients. It’s made to rinse clean, even in hard water, so you won’t end up with streaks or filmy residue on your dishes. The formula is tough on grease but free from sulfates, dyes, and artificial fragrances.
This brand focuses on safer, naturally derived ingredients, and while it doesn’t always get as much attention as bigger names, it holds its own when it comes to eco-friendly cleaning. It’s also cruelty-free and made in the USA, which is a plus if you prefer to support smaller or domestic companies.
Scent options like Thyme with Fig Leaf or Tangerine with Lemongrass give your kitchen a fresh, herbal-citrus boost without being overwhelming. If you’re after a clean-rinsing dish soap that works well and aligns with a low-tox lifestyle, Grab Green Dish Soap is worth a try.
Grove Co. Ultimate Dish Soap
Based & Made in: United States
Grove Co. Ultimate Dish Soap is a plant-based liquid soap made to handle tough messes like dried-on food and greasy pans. It’s designed to be poured into their refillable glass dispenser, which makes it easy to use and cuts down on plastic waste at the same time. The formula is strong enough to break down 48-hour stuck-on messes, but still gentle on hands thanks to its clean ingredients.
Unlike most conventional dish soaps, this one is made with 98% plant-derived ingredients and scented only with essential oils and natural plant extracts. It’s free from triclosan, phosphates, dyes, parabens, and phthalates. Grove Co. is also cruelty-free and committed to reducing plastic waste by packaging their refills in recyclable aluminum and kraft paper.
This soap is ideal for anyone who wants a refillable, low-waste option that doesn’t skimp on cleaning power. Choose from fresh scents like Orange & Rosemary, Lemon & Eucalyptus, or Lavender Blossom & Thyme.
If you’re ready to clean your dishes and cut back on plastic at the same time, Grove Co. Ultimate Dish Soap is worth checking out.
Meliora Cleaning Products Dish Soap Bar
Based & Made in: United States
Meliora’s solid dish soap bar is a simple, no-waste solution for getting your dishes clean without plastic or questionable ingredients. Just rub a damp sponge or cloth over the bar to build up a lather, scrub your dishes, and rinse. It’s strong enough to tackle food stains and greasy pans, and it lasts longer than many liquid soaps thanks to its concentrated formula.
This dish soap is made with organic coconut and sunflower oils and scented with pure lemon essential oil. There are no preservatives, synthetic fragrances, or hidden ingredients—everything is listed clearly on the label. It’s MADE SAFE certified, vegan, cruelty-free, and made by a woman-owned B Corp that donates part of its revenue to environmental causes.
If you’re trying to reduce plastic waste and switch to safer, simpler products, Meliora Cleaning Products Dish Soap Bar is a smart and sustainable pick.
Method Dish Soap*
Based & Made in: United States
Method dish soap is a well-known favorite for anyone who wants effective cleaning power with a cleaner ingredient list. It comes in a convenient pump bottle, making it easy to use with one hand while tackling messy dishes. The concentrated formula cuts through grease quickly and rinses clean without leaving any residue.
Made with biodegradable, plant-based surfactants, Method avoids harsh chemicals and instead relies on coconut- and palm-derived cleansers. It’s vegan, hypoallergenic, and certified cruelty-free by both PETA and Leaping Bunny. Just note that Method is owned by a parent company that is not cruelty-free.
The scent range is one of the biggest around, with options like Honeycrisp Apple, Ginger Yuzu, and Sea Minerals. Whether you prefer fruity, herbal, or crisp citrus notes, there’s probably something in the lineup that suits your kitchen.
If you like stylish packaging, fresh scents, and a formula that works without compromising your values, Method Dish Soap is a solid pick to explore.
Molly’s Suds Liquid Dish Soap
Based & Made in: United States
Molly’s Suds delivers a dish soap that’s powerful on messes but gentle enough for everyday use—even on baby bottles and pacifiers. The new and improved formula breaks down grease and stuck-on food with ease while being mild on hands and kind to sensitive skin.
What sets this dish soap apart is its commitment to cleaner ingredients. You won’t find harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, or known irritants in the bottle. It’s certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny and made in the USA with a focus on people, pets, and planet. The pH-balanced formula is also safe for septic systems and biodegradable, so you can feel good about rinsing it down the drain.
If you want a dependable dish soap that’s tough on dishes but gentle where it counts, Molly’s Suds Liquid Dish Soap is a thoughtful choice for low-tox, cruelty-free homes.
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Liquid Dish Soap*
Based & Made in: United States
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day dish soap is known for its garden-inspired scents and gentle, plant-based formula. It’s designed to cut through grease without the need for harsh chemicals, making it a good choice for everyday dishwashing that won’t dry out your hands. The pH-balanced formula is safe for greywater systems and works well even with hard water.
This dish soap is cruelty-free, vegan, and certified by both Leaping Bunny and PETA. It’s also free from phthalates, chlorine, artificial dyes, and animal-derived ingredients. Everything is biodegradable and packaged with sustainability in mind, aligning with the brand’s home-and-earth-friendly image.
With scent options like Basil, Lavender, and Geranium, this soap adds a little extra enjoyment to a daily chore. Seasonal options like Apple Cider and Pumpkin are also available if you like to switch things up throughout the year.
If you’re looking for a plant-based, cruelty-free dish soap that smells great and keeps your dishes sparkling, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day is worth checking out.
Planet Ultra Dishwashing Liquid
Based & Made in: United States
Planet keeps it simple with a dish soap that focuses on clean ingredients and minimal environmental impact. It’s free from dyes, fragrances, and other harsh additives, making it a great choice for sensitive skin and fragrance-free households. A little goes a long way—just a small amount is enough to tackle a full sink of dirty dishes.
This formula is biodegradable and safe for both septic and greywater systems, which makes it a solid fit for eco-conscious households. While it doesn’t have a wide variety of scents or flashy packaging, Planet makes up for that with performance and transparency.
If you’re after a no-fuss, fragrance-free option that’s gentle on your skin and the environment, Planet Dishwashing Liquid is a dependable one to try.
Puracy Natural Dish Soap
Based & Made in: United States
Puracy is a plant-powered dish soap that balances effective cleaning with skin-friendly ingredients. It’s designed to cut through grease and grime while staying gentle enough for daily use. The formula is sulfate-free, so you won’t get that stripped, dry feeling on your hands after a sink full of dishes.
This soap is vegan, biodegradable, and hypoallergenic, making it a solid pick for families or anyone with sensitivities. It’s also made without synthetic dyes or harsh chemicals and comes in eco-friendly packaging. One bottle lasts a while, thanks to its concentrated formula, which makes it a good value over time.
If you’re looking for a cruelty-free dish soap that works well, feels good to use, and skips all the irritating ingredients, Puracy Natural Dish Soap is definitely one to consider.
Rebel Green Super Deluxe Dish Soap
Based & Made in: United States
Rebel Green brings a bold, clean approach to washing dishes with their plant-based, non-toxic formula. It’s tough on grease but free from sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. You won’t find any petroleum-based ingredients or harsh chemicals here, which makes it safer for both your hands and the planet.
This dish soap is Leaping Bunny certified, vegan, biodegradable, and made with a focus on low-impact, eco-friendly living. It’s also available in a variety of light, natural scents like Lavender & Grapefruit, Pink Lilac, and Peppermint & Lemon—plus an unscented option if you prefer to keep things fragrance-free.
If you’re ready to switch to a dish soap that skips the junk and supports a cleaner lifestyle, Rebel Green Dish Soap is a great one to try.
Seventh Generation Dish Liquid Soap*
Based & Made in: United States
Seventh Generation offers a no-nonsense dish soap that’s designed to get rid of grease and food residue without irritating your skin. The formula is hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and dermatologist-tested, making it a safe pick for households with allergies or sensitivities. It lathers well and rinses clean, leaving dishes spotless.
Certified by Leaping Bunny, PETA, and vegan-friendly organizations, Seventh Generation avoids triclosan, synthetic dyes, and artificial fragrances. While the brand is owned by a parent company that is not cruelty-free, the dish soap itself meets cruelty-free standards and is made with plant-based ingredients.
Scent options include Free & Clear for a fragrance-free clean, or naturally scented blends like Citrus & Ginger and Lavender Flower & Mint. If you’re looking for an effective dish soap that’s easy on your skin and aligns with your values, Seventh Generation Dish Soap is a solid pick.
Yaya Maria’s Natural Liquid Dish Soap
Based & Made in: United States
Yaya Maria’s dish soap keeps it real with a short ingredient list and a strong stance on clean, conscious living. It’s made with only safe, biodegradable components and skips everything you don’t want—no parabens, phthalates, sulfates, or synthetic fragrances. The formula is also safe for septic and greywater systems, which makes it a great fit for eco-aware households.
Certified vegan and cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny, this soap is as ethical as it is effective. It’s designed to cut through stuck-on food without harsh chemicals, and it contains 35% more soap than most conventional brands, so a little goes a long way. Plus, the minimal plastic packaging helps reduce waste at the source.
If you’re after a zero-fuss, non-toxic dish soap that takes care of both your dishes and the planet, Yaya Maria’s Dish Soap is one to check out.
Dishwashing Brands To Avoid
Not all dish soaps are created with your health or animals in mind. The following brands still test on animals and use ingredients that raise safety concerns. Many contain harsh chemicals linked to skin irritation, hormone disruption, or even long-term health risks like cancer. If you’re aiming for a low-tox, cruelty-free lifestyle, these are worth skipping.
- Ajax (Colgate-Palmolive)
- Dawn (Procter & Gamble)
- Gain (Procter & Gamble)
- Joy (Procter & Gamble)
- Palmolive (Colgate-Palmolive)
- Sun (Henkel)
These companies may offer familiar products, but that doesn’t mean they’re safe or ethical. There are better, kinder alternatives out there that don’t compromise your values or your well-being.
Final Thoughts: Cruelty-Free Dishwashing Liquid
I hope this list helped you find a cruelty-free dish soap that fits your needs, your values, and your budget. It’s a common worry that better products always mean higher prices, but thankfully, many of the brands in this roundup are affordable and easy to find.
Personally, I don’t mind paying a little more when I know the product is made with safer ingredients and comes in thoughtful packaging. It’s one small way to support companies that care about people, animals, and the planet. Whether you’re shopping for something gentle on your skin, better for the environment, or just want to stop supporting animal testing, there’s a solid option on this list for you.
Have you tried any of the cruelty-free dish soaps before? Feel free to leave your thoughts in our comment section below!
