# Anyone have any opinions on Dr. Bronner cleaning products? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 17, 2020, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-any-opinions-on-dr-bronner-cleaning-products/853982 "2020-05-17T16:00:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2020, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-any-opinions-on-dr-bronner-cleaning-products/853982/41 "2020-05-19T01:26:28Z")
> [@teela\_brown](#): > > I had the same thing happen when I used a nice olive oil soap from Provence that someone had given me for Christmas. There was a gradual buildup of black scum on the bottom of the bathtub, and I finally figured out it was olive oil coagulating on the cool porcelain and accumulating slowly over time. Once that soap was used up and I switched back to detergent-based liquid soap, the problem disappeared. Maybe the Dr. Bronner soap has olive oil in it? > > But I sure loved that French soap. I’ve seen the Dr. Bronner soap in the stores, and this thread is making me want to try it. Maybe it’s something related to plant oils? I don’t think this one has olive oil, but it does have other plant-derived oils. Interesting! ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2020, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-any-opinions-on-dr-bronner-cleaning-products/853982/42 "2020-05-19T01:58:08Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > If you DON’T find the labels annoying, I’d really like to hear from you. > [@RTFirefly](#): > > It’s been years since I’ve seen a bottle of Dr. Bronner’s, but I always found the labels to be extremely amusing. Half the fun of buying a bottle of peppermint soap was reading the label. Seconding RTFirefly on all parts of that. I couldn’t make any sense out of them (and I was reading them long before Google existed, so no help was available that way), but they were fun to read. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2020, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-any-opinions-on-dr-bronner-cleaning-products/853982/43 "2020-05-19T12:42:03Z")
" sodium lauryl sulfate" I don’t understand why labels brag about not having this. I find it a fabulous mild detergent, and actively look for it on the label when I purchase shampoo. > [@thorny\_locust](#): > > Seconding RTFirefly on all parts of that. > > I couldn’t make any sense out of them (and I was reading them long before Google existed, so no help was available that way), but they were fun to read. I agree, too. I always enjoyed the free reading material that comes with the soap. ---
**Author:** ![Heffalump\_and\_Roo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heffalump_and_roo/32/7691_2.png) [@Heffalump\_and\_Roo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heffalump_and_Roo)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2020, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-any-opinions-on-dr-bronner-cleaning-products/853982/44 "2020-05-19T13:05:20Z")
> [@harmonicamoon](#): > > I mix one part peppermint and two parts water to a pump dispenser that delivers a foamy supply. That is my hand soap. In these times, i wash hands 4-10 times a day. And my hands are fine. Not dry or chapped. I do this with the unscented version and only use 15 squirts from a regular hand soap bottle into a foaming soap container with the rest water. > [@needscoffee](#): > > I use diluted shampoo. Works great. Maybe 5:1 water:shampoo. Thanks for this. I might need to consider this, although my shampoo is more expensive than the Dr. Bronner’s so I wouldn’t do it for long. But I’m running out of Dr. Bronner’s at the moment and might not be able to get it for a bit. I can use this to tide me over. The foam dispenser doesn’t work with regular gel hand soap diluted with water. I’ve been trying it in various proportions and haven’t gotten it to work. I have a bunch of gel hand soap, so I was hoping to find a way to get it to foam. I use the gel when my hands are really dirty, but for minor washes, it takes too long to wash off. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2020, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-any-opinions-on-dr-bronner-cleaning-products/853982/45 "2020-05-19T13:05:22Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > " sodium lauryl sulfate" > I don’t understand why labels brag about not having this. I find it a fabulous mild detergent, and actively look for it on the label when I purchase shampoo. Some years back, there was a frantically hysterical Facebook meme of sorts or maybe even chain email (it was nearly that long ago, IIRC), about the evils of SLS- it was painted as something that would give you cancer, rickets and halitosis if you so much as washed your toes with it, because it was a _ **CHEMICAL** _. Of course in the intervening time, less stupid heads have prevailed, but there’s still some sort of folk “knowledge” about how SLS is less than optimal as a personal care ingredient, when in fact it’s great stuff for its intended uses. And made from coconut oil too- which is why Dr. Bronner’s uses it. ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2020, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-any-opinions-on-dr-bronner-cleaning-products/853982/46 "2020-05-19T13:07:48Z")
I have some Dr. Bronner’s toothpaste. It isn’t often you find cinnamon flavoured toothpaste. ---
**Author:** ![Heffalump\_and\_Roo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heffalump_and_roo/32/7691_2.png) [@Heffalump\_and\_Roo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heffalump_and_Roo)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2020, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-any-opinions-on-dr-bronner-cleaning-products/853982/47 "2020-05-19T14:18:08Z")
> [@bump](#): > > Of course in the intervening time, less stupid heads have prevailed, but there’s still some sort of folk “knowledge” about how SLS is less than optimal as a personal care ingredient, when in fact it’s great stuff for its intended uses. And made from coconut oil too- which is why Dr. Bronner’s uses it. [According to this](https://www.drbronner.com/faqs/#), Dr. Bronner’s doesn’t contain SLS. > [@](#): > > Do your soaps contain any foaming agents or detergents like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate? > > Absolutely not. Dr. Bronner’s soaps are 100% true pure-castile soaps. The high-foaming lather comes from their high coconut oil content, which creates a more luxurious and richer lather than any detergent could ever produce. “Pure-Castile” is your guarantee that what you’re using is a genuinely ecological and simple soap – not a complex blend of detergents with a higher environmental impact due to the waste stream created during manufacturing and the detergents’ slower biodegradability. Unfortunately, many synthetic detergent blends are deceptively labeled as “Liquid Soap” even though they contain no real soap whatsoever. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2020, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-any-opinions-on-dr-bronner-cleaning-products/853982/48 "2020-05-20T03:31:50Z")
> [@Heffalump\_and\_Roo](#): > > [According to this](https://www.drbronner.com/faqs/#), Dr. Bronner’s doesn’t contain SLS. The product I’m talking about is a Dr. Bronner’s product, but isn’t one of their soaps. It’s their general household cleaning concentrate- “Sal Suds”. > **[Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner](https://www.drbronner.com/collections/all/products/sal-suds-biodegradable-cleaner)** > > For floor, laundry or dishes, this concentrated, all-purpose, non-toxic cleaner, cuts dirt, grease & powerful yet gentle. Plant-based ingredients & cruelty-free. It most definitely does have SLS; they even explain why- it’s mild, it’s biodegradable, and it’s made from coconut oil. ---
**Author:** ![Heffalump\_and\_Roo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heffalump_and_roo/32/7691_2.png) [@Heffalump\_and\_Roo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heffalump_and_Roo)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2020, 7:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-any-opinions-on-dr-bronner-cleaning-products/853982/49 "2020-05-20T07:24:07Z")
> [@bump](#): > > The product I’m talking about is a Dr. Bronner’s product, but isn’t one of their soaps. It’s their general household cleaning concentrate- “Sal Suds”. Oh, OK. Based on this: > [@bump](#): > > Of course in the intervening time, less stupid heads have prevailed, but there’s still some sort of folk “knowledge” about how SLS is less than optimal as a personal care ingredient, when in fact it’s great stuff for its intended uses. I thought you meant that the flagship Dr. Bronner’s product line used for personal care has SLS. The only product Dr. Bronner’s makes that has SLS is only meant for houecleaning and not personal use on the body. > [@](#): > > We do have one product, Sal Suds, which contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Coco-Betaine, and Lauryl Glucoside. Sal Suds is an all-purpose household cleaning product, and is not intended for use on the body. Cruelty-free and biodegradable, It is a balanced formulation of naturally derived surfactants that are mild and gentle on the hands. I just wanted to let everyone know that Dr. Bronner’s main product line (except for this one household cleaner) doesn’t have SLS. ---
**Author:** ![sjankis630](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7ea924/32.png) [@sjankis630](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sjankis630)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2020, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-any-opinions-on-dr-bronner-cleaning-products/853982/50 "2020-05-20T12:43:53Z")
I use the peppermint soap undiluted and have for years. I like that it lathers up so easily and in a pinch does a pretty good job on cleaning shower stall doors and shining up chrome tub spigots. The only issue I have is that even though I keep the cap on tight always it always loses effectiveness about 2/3 of the way thru the larger bottles. I guess it loses some qualities the longer it is exposed to air? ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2020, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-any-opinions-on-dr-bronner-cleaning-products/853982/51 "2020-05-20T13:49:20Z")
> [@sjankis630](#): > > … > The only issue I have is that even though I keep the cap on tight always it always loses effectiveness about 2/3 of the way thru the larger bottles. I guess it loses some qualities the longer it is exposed to air? Interesting. Maybe if you decant it into a glass bottle (I know, not desirable in the shower)? Or maybe decant most of it into a glass bottle with a screw top for storage and dispense a few days/weeks worth into a plastic bottle for shower use? That’s all I got. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2020, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-any-opinions-on-dr-bronner-cleaning-products/853982/52 "2020-05-20T18:21:30Z")
> [@Heffalump\_and\_Roo](#): > > … > But I’m running out of Dr. Bronner’s at the moment and might not be able to get it for a bit. I can use this to tide me over. > > … I saw a full shelf of it at whole foods yesterday. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2020, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-any-opinions-on-dr-bronner-cleaning-products/853982/53 "2020-05-20T22:39:40Z")
> [@Heffalump\_and\_Roo](#): > > I just wanted to let everyone know that Dr. Bronner’s main product line (except for this one household cleaner) doesn’t have SLS. Who cares? It’s not like most people don’t literally brush their teeth with the stuff every day. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2020, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-any-opinions-on-dr-bronner-cleaning-products/853982/54 "2020-05-20T23:32:30Z")
I got my first bottle of the hemp oil peppermint liquid soap. First things first, my stinky Beagle Betsy gets a bath in it. I’ll let you know how it goes. 🙂 _::whistle…here Betsy:::_ ---
**Author:** ![Heffalump\_and\_Roo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heffalump_and_roo/32/7691_2.png) [@Heffalump\_and\_Roo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heffalump_and_Roo)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2020, 10:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-any-opinions-on-dr-bronner-cleaning-products/853982/55 "2020-05-21T10:31:16Z")
> [@bump](#): > > Who cares? It’s not like most people don’t literally brush their teeth with the stuff every day. The Dr. Bronner’s company cared enough to say in their FAQ that their product absolutely does not contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate which means that a number of customers cared enough to ask about it. ---
**Author:** ![LurkerInNJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ed655f/32.png) [@LurkerInNJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LurkerInNJ)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2020, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-any-opinions-on-dr-bronner-cleaning-products/853982/56 "2020-05-21T18:15:47Z")
> [@Reply](#): > > I’ve used the liquid ones for years and years now, but it’s the only soap I’ve ever used that leads to a black scum forming on bathtubs after 3-4 months. Does anyone else experience this? I’ve noticed it many times, in many different houses & apartments, and only when I use Dr. Bronner’s. If I clean the tub and switch to a different soap, it doesn’t happen anymore. Switch back, and within a few months the scum forms again. > > It’s no big deal, really, easy to get rid of with Bon Ami or similar powdered cleanser… but why only with Dr. Bronner’s? > > I’ve by and large stopped using it just because of that. I’m lazy =/ Never, been using this brand for years. BTW, handwashing wool & cashmere sweaters using Dr Bronner’s leaves them so soft (and clean). ---
**Author:** ![LurkerInNJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ed655f/32.png) [@LurkerInNJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LurkerInNJ)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2020, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-any-opinions-on-dr-bronner-cleaning-products/853982/57 "2020-05-21T18:22:34Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > I saw a full shelf of it at whole foods yesterday. Yup, always a lot at WF. Amazon too. I usually just add it to my monthly cleaning/personal care shipment from Grove Collaborative when I start to run low. They carry quite a few products from that line [Grove Collaborative](https://www.grove.co/catalog/?q=bronner%27s) I love the sugar soap and all-purpose cleaner too. Haven’t tried their toothpaste but the cinnamon looks good. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2020, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-any-opinions-on-dr-bronner-cleaning-products/853982/58 "2020-05-21T18:37:43Z")
Betsy Beagles bath was Bonner-fied. Baby’s beauty-mous! ---
**Author:** ![Happytree](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happytree/32/3555_2.png) [@Happytree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happytree)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2020, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-any-opinions-on-dr-bronner-cleaning-products/853982/59 "2020-05-22T03:04:19Z")
I love Dr Bronner’s peppermint soap. I’m surprised that everyone here seems to like it though, as it is very strong. I shower with it once or twice a week as a treat. I feel that it dries my skin out if i use it everyday. I have kinda greasy skin. I imagine i wouldn’t like it if i had dry skin. I heard it feels absolutely AMAZING if you’re on ecstasy. Super tingly! If you’re into that kinda thing, i guess. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2020, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-any-opinions-on-dr-bronner-cleaning-products/853982/60 "2020-05-22T12:18:02Z")
> [@LurkerInNJ](#): > > BTW, handwashing wool & cashmere sweaters using Dr Bronner’s leaves them so soft (and clean). Thanks for the tip! Always looking for good wool-wash products; I use Dr B liquid soap for handwashing but never thought to try it on garments. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-any-opinions-on-dr-bronner-cleaning-products/853982.md?page=2)