Understanding Mahalo Soap’s Ingredients: Why We Use Them and Why They’re Safe

At Mahalo Soap, we’re committed to transparency and crafting non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products that are gentle on you and the planet. While some ingredients in our formulas may sound intimidating, they’re chosen carefully for their effectiveness and safety. Let’s break down the science behind each one so you can feel confident about what’s in your products.

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Sodium Carbonate (Washing Soda)

• What it is: A naturally occurring salt compound also found in mineral deposits.
• Why we use it: It cuts through grease, lifts dirt, and adjusts the pH of water to improve cleaning power. It’s especially effective for tough laundry stains.
• Safety note: Non-toxic and biodegradable, sodium carbonate is a great alternative to harsher chemical cleaners.
• Found in our laundry soap and a trace amount in our all purpose cleaner.

Sodium Percarbonate (Oxygen Bleach)

• What it is: A combination of sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide.
• Why we use it: When dissolved in water, it releases oxygen to safely lift stains, whiten fabrics, and sanitize surfaces without harsh chlorine bleach.
• Safety note: It breaks down into harmless byproducts—water, oxygen, and soda ash—making it eco-friendly.
• Found in our scrubbing powder and dishwasher powder.

Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)

• What it is: A kitchen staple made of sodium, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
• Why we use it: Sodium bicarbonate neutralizes odors, softens water, and provides gentle scrubbing power for cleaning surfaces.
• Safety note: Completely safe for use around kids and pets.
• Used in our toothpaste and dishwasher powder.

Sodium Metasilicate

• What it is: A mineral-based compound often used in eco-friendly detergents.
• Why we use it: It acts as a pH adjuster and cleaning booster, helping dissolve grease and grime.
• Safety note: It’s biodegradable and used in very small amounts to ensure safety and effectiveness.
• Used in our dishwasher powder.

Citric Acid

• What it is: A natural acid derived from citrus fruits.
• Why we use it: Citric acid is a powerhouse cleaner that removes hard water stains, breaks down soap scum, and leaves surfaces sparkling.
• Safety note: It’s safe, food-grade, and completely biodegradable.
• Used in our dishwasher powder. 

Sodium Tetraborate (Borax)

• What it is: A natural mineral derived from boron, sodium, and oxygen.
• Why we use it: Sodium borate is a gentle yet powerful cleaning agent that helps remove stains, soften water, and boost the performance of detergents.
• Safety note: When used as directed, it’s safe and eco-friendly, making it a staple in non-toxic cleaning products.
• Used in our laundry soap.

Sorbic Acid

• What it is: A natural compound found in berries and used as a preservative.
• Why we use it: Sorbic acid prevents the growth of mold and bacteria in our products, ensuring they stay fresh longer.
• Safety note: It’s mild, non-toxic, and commonly used in food preservation.
• Trace amounts used in our hand soap and laundry soap.

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate

• What it is: A coconut-derived surfactant.
• Why we use it: This ingredient helps create a luxurious lather while gently lifting dirt and oil from surfaces and skin.
• Safety note: Biodegradable and free from harsh sulfates, making it safe for sensitive skin.
• Used in our scrubbing powder.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

• What it is: Another coconut-derived ingredient, often used as a mild surfactant.
• Why we use it: It stabilizes foam, enhances cleaning power, and is gentle on skin.
• Safety note: Highly biodegradable and skin-friendly.
• Used in our hand soap.

Sodium Chloride (Table Salt)

• What it is: The same salt you sprinkle on your food!
• Why we use it: Sodium chloride thickens liquid products and enhances cleaning efficiency.
• Safety note: It’s completely safe and non-toxic.
• Used in our hand soap. 

Xanthan Gum

• What it is: A plant-based thickener made from fermented sugars.
• Why we use it: Xanthan gum stabilizes and thickens our liquid products for a consistent, easy-to-use texture.
• Safety note: It’s biodegradable, food-safe, and skin-friendly.
• Used in our hand soap, laundry soap and toothpaste. 

At Mahalo Soap, every ingredient is chosen with care to balance performance, safety, and environmental impact. By understanding what’s in our products, you can see that “scary-sounding” names often just mean science is doing its job to keep your home clean and green.

If you have questions or want to learn more, we’d love to hear from you!

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Explore our full range of non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products here.