Softsoap · Hand Soap
Softsoap Aquarium Series Liquid Hand Soap
Lower-concern product; liquid hand soap formulations rarely require PFAS, but brand makes no disclosure.
Softsoap's aquarium-themed liquid hand soap contains no known PFAS-prone materials, water-based liquid soaps don't typically need fluorinated coatings or water-repellent treatments. The plastic dispenser is standard polypropylene with no disclosed surface treatment.
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water-based liquid soap formula in plastic pump dispenser
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
Softsoap Aquarium Series is a water-based liquid hand soap formulation in a plastic pump dispenser. The base is water plus surfactants (detergents), preservatives, and fragrance. Liquid soap formulas avoid many hazards present in bar soaps or solid cosmetics because they have lower concentration of problematic additives and no need for hardening agents, heavy-metal pigments, or talc fillers.
The brand's record and disclosure
Softsoap is owned by Colgate-Palmolive, a major consumer-goods manufacturer with mixed transparency on ingredient safety. The brand does not voluntarily disclose PFAS testing or avoidance commitments, which is typical for hand-soap makers but notable given industry-wide PFAS contamination concerns in some product categories. No major safety recalls or controversies specific to Softsoap hand soap formulations are on public record.
How it compares in its category
Liquid hand soaps are among the lowest-risk personal-care products because formulations are heavily regulated and ingredients list-transparent. Softsoap sits in the mainstream mass-market tier, similar to other non-specialty brands like Dial or store-label equivalents. Fragrance and dyes (including this product's 'aquarium' coloring) are more extensive than plain unscented soaps, but not unusual for the category.
If you buy it
Store the dispenser away from direct heat and sunlight to slow degradation of the plastic pump seal. Replace every 6-12 months or when the pump fails. Do not ingest. For sensitive skin, test a small amount on your wrist first because fragrance blends can trigger contact dermatitis in 1-2% of users. Standard hand-washing duration (20 seconds) is safe; no special precautions needed.
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
Softsoap formulas contain fragrance blends (this product's 'aquarium scent' is proprietary). Fragrance is a known contact allergen and irritant in 1-3% of the population, particularly those with sensitive skin or dermatitis. Colgate-Palmolive does not publicly disclose specific fragrance components.
1,4-Dioxane (synthetic fragrance byproduct)
Liquid hand soaps can contain trace 1,4-dioxane as a byproduct of ethoxylated surfactants. No specific testing or disclosure by Softsoap on this product is publicly available. Regulatory limits in rinse-off products are generally lax, and residual exposure from hand soap is minimal.
Plastic pump leachables (BPA, phthalates)
The dispenser pump housing is typically polycarbonate or polypropylene. BPA or phthalate leaching from the pump into the liquid is unlikely under normal use because the product is aqueous and room-temperature, but aged or damaged pump seals can degrade. Softsoap does not certify pumps as BPA-free.
Preservative irritation (formaldehyde releasers)
Liquid hand soaps use preservatives to prevent bacterial growth; some formulations include formaldehyde-releasing agents (e.g., imidazolidinyl urea). Softsoap's ingredient list is not fully transparent on public sources. Formaldehyde releasers can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals but are present at regulated levels.
Synthetic dyes and colorants
This 'aquarium series' product is dyed (likely azo dyes or approved colorants). No established hazards from rinse-off use, and approved colorants for cosmetics are screened for heavy-metal contamination. Ingestion or skin sensitivity in rare cases is possible but not documented for Softsoap.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% 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.