Cascade Complete 46-Count Fresh Dishwasher Detergent

Common questions

Is Cascade Complete 46-Count Fresh Dishwasher Detergent healthy?

Cascade Complete 46-Count Fresh Dishwasher Detergent scores 60/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This dishwasher detergent contains beneficial enzymes that enhance cleaning performance and are environmentally friendly.

Which ingredients drive Cascade Complete 46-Count Fresh Dishwasher Detergent's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Amylase Enzyme counts in its favor; Fragrances is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Cascade Complete 46-Count Fresh Dishwasher Detergent

60 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$24.94 · 100 count · $0.25 / count
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 1
Category Dishwasher
Summary

This dishwasher detergent contains beneficial enzymes that enhance cleaning performance and are environmentally friendly. However, the presence of synthetic fragrances, which can cause allergic reactions and are not fully disclosed, negatively impacts the product's safety profile. The overall formulation includes a mix of synthetic and plant-based ingredients, resulting in a moderate processing level.

Key ingredients 21

Amylase Enzyme
Good

Amylase enzyme specifically targets starch residues, breaking them down into sugars for easier removal. It is biodegradable and reduces the need for harsh chemicals. This enzyme is effective in improving cleaning performance.

Risks

Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Efficiently breaks down starches, enhancing cleaning power and is environmentally friendly.

Sodium Carbonate
Neutral

Sodium carbonate is a common cleaning agent used to soften water and enhance detergent performance. It is generally considered safe for use in cleaning products. However, it can be irritating to the skin and eyes in concentrated forms.

Risks

Potential skin and eye irritation if not handled properly.

Benefits

Helps to soften water and improve cleaning efficiency.

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Sodium Silicate
Neutral

Sodium silicate is used as a corrosion inhibitor and to maintain the alkalinity of the detergent. It is effective in preventing metal corrosion in dishwashers. However, it can be irritating to the skin and eyes.

Risks

May cause skin and eye irritation upon contact.

Benefits

Prevents corrosion and maintains alkalinity, enhancing cleaning performance.

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Enzymes
Neutral

Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.

Risks

Minimal risks, though some individuals may experience allergic reactions.

Benefits

Enhance cleaning by breaking down food residues and are biodegradable.

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Subtilisin
Neutral

Subtilisin is a protease enzyme that breaks down protein-based stains. It is effective in cleaning but can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. It is biodegradable and reduces reliance on harsh chemicals.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Breaks down protein stains effectively and is biodegradable.

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Colorants
Neutral

Colorants are added to enhance the appearance of the product. They do not contribute to cleaning performance. Some synthetic colorants may pose health risks if ingested.

Risks

Potential health risks if ingested; generally safe in cleaning products.

Benefits

Improves product appearance without affecting cleaning performance.

Copolymer Of Acrylic Maleic And Sulphonic Acids
Neutral

This copolymer is used to prevent redeposition of soil on dishes. It is effective in maintaining cleanliness during the wash cycle. However, it is a synthetic compound with limited biodegradability.

Risks

Limited biodegradability may impact the environment.

Benefits

Prevents soil redeposition, maintaining dish cleanliness.

PEG/PPG/Propylheptyl Ether
Neutral

This compound is used as a surfactant to enhance cleaning performance. It is effective in breaking down grease and residues. However, it is a synthetic compound with potential environmental concerns.

Risks

Potential environmental impact due to synthetic nature.

Benefits

Enhances cleaning by breaking down grease and residues.

Sodium Carbonate Peroxide
Neutral

Sodium carbonate peroxide acts as a bleaching agent, helping to remove stains. It releases oxygen, which aids in cleaning and sanitizing. However, it can be irritating to the skin and eyes.

Risks

May cause skin and eye irritation if not handled properly.

Benefits

Effective in stain removal and sanitizing through oxygen release.

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Sodium Sulfate
Neutral

Sodium sulfate is used as a filler to bulk up the product. It is generally considered safe and non-toxic. However, it does not contribute to cleaning performance.

Risks

Minimal risks; generally safe for use.

Benefits

Acts as a filler, providing bulk to the product.

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Transitional Metal Catalyst
Neutral

Transitional metal catalysts are used to enhance the effectiveness of bleaching agents. They help in breaking down stains more efficiently. However, specific metals used are not disclosed, raising potential safety concerns.

Risks

Potential safety concerns due to undisclosed metal content.

Benefits

Enhances bleaching effectiveness, improving stain removal.

Water
Neutral

Water is used as a solvent and carrier for other ingredients. It is essential for dissolving and distributing cleaning agents. Water is safe and non-toxic.

Benefits

Acts as a solvent and carrier, essential for product formulation.

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Zinc Carbonate
Neutral

Zinc carbonate is used as a corrosion inhibitor in cleaning products. It helps protect metal parts in dishwashers from corrosion. However, excessive zinc can be harmful to aquatic life.

Risks

Potential environmental impact on aquatic life if not managed properly.

Benefits

Prevents corrosion, protecting metal parts in dishwashers.

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Benzotriazole
Neutral

Benzotriazole is used as a corrosion inhibitor, particularly for copper and its alloys. It is effective in protecting metal surfaces during cleaning. However, it is a synthetic compound with potential environmental concerns.

Risks

Potential environmental impact due to synthetic nature.

Benefits

Protects metal surfaces from corrosion during cleaning.

Dipropylene Glycol
Neutral

Dipropylene glycol is used as a solvent and carrier for other ingredients. It is generally considered safe and non-toxic. However, it does not contribute to cleaning performance.

Risks

Minimal risks; generally safe for use.

Benefits

Acts as a solvent and carrier, aiding in product formulation.

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Glycerin
Neutral

Glycerin is used as a humectant and stabilizer in cleaning products. It helps maintain moisture and consistency. Glycerin is generally safe and non-toxic.

Risks

Minimal risks; generally safe for use.

Benefits

Maintains moisture and consistency, enhancing product stability.

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Isotridecanol Ethoxylated
Neutral

Isotridecanol ethoxylated is a surfactant used to enhance cleaning performance. It is effective in breaking down grease and residues. However, it is a synthetic compound with potential environmental concerns.

Risks

Potential environmental impact due to synthetic nature.

Benefits

Enhances cleaning by breaking down grease and residues.

Polyvinyl Alcohol Polymer
Neutral

Polyvinyl alcohol polymer is used as a film-forming agent in cleaning products. It helps in the controlled release of active ingredients. However, it is a synthetic compound with limited biodegradability.

Risks

Limited biodegradability may impact the environment.

Benefits

Facilitates controlled release of active ingredients, enhancing product performance.

Tolyftriazole
Neutral

Tolyftriazole is used as a corrosion inhibitor, particularly for copper and its alloys. It is effective in protecting metal surfaces during cleaning. However, it is a synthetic compound with potential environmental concerns.

Risks

Potential environmental impact due to synthetic nature.

Benefits

Protects metal surfaces from corrosion during cleaning.

Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate
Neutral

Trisodium dicarboxymethyl alaninate is used as a chelating agent to bind metal ions. It helps improve cleaning performance by preventing metal ion interference. However, it is a synthetic compound with potential environmental concerns.

Risks

Potential environmental impact due to synthetic nature.

Benefits

Improves cleaning performance by binding metal ions.

Fragrances
Bad

Fragrances are added to provide a pleasant scent but can contain synthetic chemicals. These chemicals may cause allergic reactions or skin irritation. Fragrances are often not fully disclosed, raising concerns about safety.

Risks

Potential for allergic reactions and skin irritation.

Benefits

Provides a pleasant scent to the product.

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