Ingredient · Updated
Sodium Percarbonate
Found in 5 products
the BARE Co Dishwasher Detergent fresh lemon scent 
DanSoap All Natural Laundry Detergent 
Blue Land Dishwasher Detergent Tablets Free & Clear 
Truly Free Home Dishwasher Detergent Plastic Bag 
Molly's Suds Dishwasher Pods | Natural Dishwasher Detergent Cuts Grease & Rinses Clean (Residue-Free) for Sparkling Dishes | 60 Auto-Release Tabs (Unscented) What is Sodium Percarbonate?
Sodium percarbonate is a compound composed of sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide. It typically appears as a white, crystalline powder and releases oxygen when dissolved in water.
It is commonly used as a cleaning agent in various household products, such as laundry detergents and dishwasher tablets, due to its ability to break down stains and whiten surfaces. The health evidence suggests that it is generally considered safe for use in household cleaning products, but direct contact in high concentrations might irritate the skin or eyes.
When you see sodium percarbonate on a label, it usually indicates an oxygen-releasing cleaning action, which is preferred for eco-friendly cleaning applications because it breaks down into non-toxic substances.
Commonly found in: Dishwasher detergents, Laundry detergents, Stain removers, Household cleaners
Benefits
- Breaks down into non-toxic substances: water, oxygen, and soda ash.
Sodium percarbonate is not specifically regulated by the FDA for direct food use but is used in products that come into indirect contact with food, like dishwasher detergents.
Research indicates that sodium percarbonate is generally safe for its common uses, but care should be taken to avoid direct contact with the eyes and skin.
Sodium percarbonate is a synthetic compound and is considered vegan.
Sources: Household Cleaning Product Safety
Scout's take
Sodium percarbonate is an oxygen-based bleaching agent that releases hydrogen peroxide when dissolved in water. It is used in cleaning products for its stain-removing and whitening properties. This ingredient is considered environmentally friendly as it breaks down into water, oxygen, and soda ash.
The case against
Can cause irritation to skin and eyes upon direct contact.
from the analysis of Blue Land Dishwasher Detergent Tablets Free & Clear · echoed in 2 other analysesExposure to sodium percarbonate can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system if inhaled in powder form.
from the analysis of DanSoap All Natural Laundry DetergentThere are minimal risks associated with its use in cleaning products.
from the analysis of Truly Free Home Dishwasher Detergent Plastic BagThe case for
It provides a non-toxic alternative to chlorine bleach, offering effective stain removal and whitening without harmful residues.
from the analysis of DanSoap All Natural Laundry DetergentIt provides effective stain removal and sanitization without harmful residues.
from the analysis of Molly's Suds Dishwasher Pods | Natural Dishwasher Detergent Cuts Grease & Rinses Clean (Residue-Free) for Sparkling Dishes | 60 Auto-Release Tabs (Unscented)Provides effective cleaning and bleaching without the harshness of chlorine.
from the analysis of Blue Land Dishwasher Detergent Tablets Free & ClearSodium percarbonate is a powerful stain remover and is biodegradable.
from the analysis of the BARE Co Dishwasher Detergent fresh lemon scentIt provides effective bleaching action, enhancing stain removal.
from the analysis of Truly Free Home Dishwasher Detergent Plastic BagMore from Scout's analyses
Sodium percarbonate releases hydrogen peroxide when dissolved in water, providing a bleaching and disinfecting action. It is used as a safer alternative to chlorine bleach. It is effective in stain removal and sanitization.
from the analysis of Blue Land Dishwasher Detergent Tablets Free & ClearSodium percarbonate is an oxygen-based bleach that releases hydrogen peroxide when dissolved in water. It is effective in stain removal and is considered environmentally friendly. It breaks down into non-toxic components.
from the analysis of the BARE Co Dishwasher Detergent fresh lemon scentSodium percarbonate is an oxygen-based bleaching agent used to remove stains and disinfect. It is considered safe and breaks down into non-toxic components. It poses minimal health risks when used as directed.
from the analysis of Molly's Suds Dishwasher Pods | Natural Dishwasher Detergent Cuts Grease & Rinses Clean (Residue-Free) for Sparkling Dishes | 60 Auto-Release Tabs (Unscented)All 5 products with Sodium Percarbonate
Where Sodium Percarbonate shows up
- Dishwasher 4 products
- Laundry 1 product
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