Gojo · Hand Soap
GOJO NATURAL ORANGE Pumice Hand Cleaner
Lower concern, a simple pumice-based hand cleaner with no obvious PFAS triggers, but no public testing data.
GOJO Natural Orange Pumice is a conventional hand soap with water, natural citrus extract, and pumice abrasive. It contains no nonstick coating, water-resistant finish, or stain treatment, the typical routes for PFAS in consumer products.
Shop Gojo on Amazon →Material
Water, citrus-based cleaners, pumice (volcanic rock), surfactants
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
GOJO Natural Orange Pumice is a water-based hand cleanser built around three core ingredients: pumice (finely ground volcanic rock used as a mild abrasive), citrus-based surfactants (natural detergents that lift oils and grease), and water. The pumice provides physical scrubbing without relying on plastic microbeads, which have faced environmental and safety criticism. Citrus oils are volatile compounds that evaporate and carry fragrance, not systemic toxins, though some users may experience skin irritation from their acidity or astringency if they have sensitive hands.
The brand's record and disclosure
GOJO Industries (maker of Purell and other hand-care products) maintains minimal public disclosure of full ingredient lists beyond what regulations require, and the company has not published independent safety testing or sustainability certifications for this specific product. The brand has faced scrutiny over PFAS use in some antimicrobial hand-sanitizer formulations in the past, but GOJO Natural Orange Pumice is not an antimicrobial product and carries no documented PFAS association. No recalls or safety warnings are on record for this specific product line.
How it compares in its category
Pumice-based hand cleaners occupy a middle ground: more abrasive than liquid soaps alone, less chemically complex than solvent-heavy degreasers (like acetone or mineral-spirit cleaners), and microplastic-free compared to plastic bead exfoliants. GOJO Natural Orange is standard for its class in terms of ingredient transparency and hazard profile. Competitors using the same pumice-citrus model (e.g., Zep, Workman) carry similar risk profiles; those relying on harsher solvents or synthetic antimicrobials present higher chemical exposure.
If you buy it
Use as directed: wet hands, apply a small amount, scrub for 15-20 seconds (pumice is mild but still abrasive), and rinse thoroughly with water. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes; rinse immediately if contact occurs. If you have eczema, psoriasis, or severely compromised skin barriers, test on a small area first, as the pumice grit and citrus acidity may irritate. Store in a cool, dry place away from children, and discontinue if persistent redness or allergic reaction develops.
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.”
Skin irritation from citrus oils and pumice abrasion
Citrus-derived surfactants and fragrance compounds are mild respiratory and dermal irritants in concentrated form; pumice, while gentler than synthetic scrubbers, can cause microtears in compromised or sensitive skin with repeated or aggressive use.
Inhalation of volatile citrus compounds (occupational)
In poorly ventilated industrial or high-frequency use settings, citrus terpenes can accumulate and trigger respiratory irritation or allergic sensitization; home use poses minimal risk due to dilution and ventilation.
Eye irritation if splashed
Like most hand cleansers, even water-based formulas containing citrus oil can cause conjunctival irritation or temporary discomfort if contact occurs; this is a use-error risk, not a formulation defect.
Heavy metals or contaminants in pumice source
Pumice is a natural volcanic product; no testing data or recalls indicate contamination with lead, cadmium, or arsenic in commercial-grade pumice hand cleaners, but sourcing and processing quality control are not publicly disclosed.
Fragrance allergen sensitization (limonene)
Citrus-based fragrances contain limonene, a known contact allergen for people with existing citrus sensitivity or severe fragrance allergies; patch testing is recommended for occupational users with fragrance intolerance.
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.