Dial · Hand Soap
Dial Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap Refill
Lower-concern liquid soap; typical formulation carries minimal PFAS risk, but no brand transparency.
Dial's antibacterial liquid hand soap is a water-based cleanser without known PFAS-prone features like water-repellency or nonstick coatings. The brand has not publicly disclosed PFAS-related information or sought third-party verification.
Shop Dial on Amazon →Material
aqueous liquid soap formulation
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Dial Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap is an aqueous formulation built on anionic surfactants (primarily sodium lauryl sulfate or similar), water, and preservatives, with added fragrance and colorants. Liquid soap chemistry differs sharply from bar soap or solid products: the water-based matrix resists accumulation of problematic coatings, enamels, or polymers that plague cookware or textiles. The active antibacterial agent in most Dial formulations is triclosan (now largely phased out in the U.S., though still present in some older SKUs) or triclosan alternatives; neither poses acute toxicity at hand-washing exposure levels, but regulatory scrutiny on antimicrobial efficacy and consumer safety remains ongoing.
The brand's record and disclosure
Dial (owned by Henkel) does not publish detailed ingredient transparency or third-party safety certifications on this product line. The brand has faced no major recalls or regulatory enforcement actions specific to hand soap formulations. Dial has been slower than competitors (e.g., Seventh Generation, Dr. Bronner's) to adopt eco-labeling, fragrance disclosure, or PFAS commitment statements, though this reflects industry norm rather than a unique safety red flag. No established controversies regarding formulation hazards in the public record for this product category.
How it compares in its category
Dial Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap occupies the mainstream, budget-friendly tier alongside store brands and other mass-market alternatives. It lacks the transparency and third-party certifications of premium or eco-conscious competitors (e.g., EWG-verified, USDA Organic Certified options). Safety-wise, it is chemically comparable to most conventional liquid hand soaps: surfactant-based, preservative-dependent, fragrance-heavy. The antibacterial positioning is marketing-driven; CDC guidance and studies show plain soap and water work equally well for most hand-hygiene purposes, making the antimicrobial claim functionally irrelevant for risk assessment.
If you buy it
Store the refill in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve preservative efficacy and prevent microbial growth in the bottle. Use as directed (no special precautions required for hand washing; standard soap use poses no hazard to skin with normal application). Dispose of empty bottles per local plastic recycling guidelines; the refill format reduces packaging waste compared to pump bottles. If skin irritation occurs, discontinue use; hand soaps rarely trigger serious reactions, but fragrance sensitivity is common in susceptible individuals.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Fragrance allergens and skin sensitizers
Dial Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap contains fragrance blends not fully disclosed on label; common fragrance constituents (limonene, linalool, etc.) are known contact allergens in susceptible individuals. Risk is low for the general population but significant for those with fragrance sensitivity or eczema-prone skin.
Preservative safety (including parabens and alternatives)
Dial formulations typically use methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCIT) or phenoxyethanol as preservatives; no established acute toxicity at hand-washing exposure levels. Long-term dermal accumulation is not documented as a hazard from normal hand soap use.
Antimicrobial efficacy claims and regulatory oversight
FDA has restricted triclosan and triclocarban in consumer hand soaps since 2016; Dial reformulated accordingly. No evidence that current Dial formulations contain banned antimicrobials, but efficacy of alternative agents remains modest and regulatory debate is ongoing regarding whether antimicrobial claims in hand soap are justified.
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) irritation potential
If present in the formulation, SLS is a known skin irritant at high concentrations and can strip the skin barrier with repeated or prolonged exposure. Hand soap use typically avoids this risk, but individuals with very sensitive or compromised skin may experience mild irritation.
Microplastics from synthetic fragrance carriers or colorants
No evidence of intentional microbeads in modern Dial hand soap; FDA microbeads ban (2015) applies to rinse-off products. Liquid soap format does not accumulate solid polymeric particles as hazards.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Hand Soap
Ecos
Orange Hand Soap
Plant-based surfactants, water, essential oils (orange)
Lower concern, solid plant-based formula with credible third-party oversight; no PFAS-prone materials.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Seventh Generation
Hand Wash, Free Clean
aqueous surfactants, botanicals, water-based formula
Lower PFAS concern; buy with confidence if skin-sensitivity is a priority.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Seventh Generation
Liquid Hand Soap Free & Clean
Water-based liquid soap formulation
Lower-concern choice; no PFAS expected in liquid soap format, but verification limited to brand claims.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
More hand soap grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.