Most of us trust that if something is sold for kitchen use — especially something that touches our dishes — it must be safe. But new research is uncovering a surprising concern: common dishwasher detergent ingredients may be doing more harm than we realize.
One ingredient, in particular, is getting attention for its potential impact on gut health: alcohol ethoxylates.
What Are Alcohol Ethoxylates?
Alcohol ethoxylates are synthetic surfactants widely used in dishwasher detergents and rinse aids. Their job is to break up grease, help water sheet off dishes, and leave surfaces “spot-free.”
They’re effective cleaners — no doubt.
But recent studies suggest they may also disrupt the human gut when accidentally ingested, even in tiny amounts left behind on “clean” dishes.
How Alcohol Ethoxylates Can Impact the Gut
Research on professional-grade rinse aids — which often contain high concentrations of alcohol ethoxylates — found that when these chemicals come into contact with the digestive system, they can:
1. Damage the Gut Epithelial Barrier
Your epithelial barrier acts like the security guard of your digestive tract. It keeps harmful substances out while allowing nutrients in.
Alcohol ethoxylates have been shown to weaken or disrupt this protective barrier, potentially contributing to increased gut permeability (commonly called “leaky gut”).
2. Promote Inflammation
In lab studies, gut cells exposed to diluted alcohol ethoxylates responded with higher levels of inflammatory markers.
Chronic inflammation in the gut has been linked to issues such as:
- Bloating
- Food sensitivities
- IBS-like symptoms
- Autoimmune triggers
3. Alter Gene Expression in Gut Cells
Researchers observed that alcohol ethoxylates can change how genes are expressed in intestinal cells, even at low exposure levels.
Changes like this may influence:
- How the gut responds to toxins
- Immune signaling
- Digestive balance
- Long-term intestinal health
But How Are We Ingesting These Chemicals?
Through something most people rarely think about - residue.
Even when you can’t see it, commercial and household dishwashing detergents can leave behind trace amounts of alcohol ethoxylates on plates, cups, baby bottles, utensils, and food-prep items.
That means with every meal, a small amount may be entering the digestive system — daily.
The Good News: A Non-Toxic Dishwasher Solution Exists
After testing various non-toxic alternatives, one solution stood out:
Well🌱 Dishwashing Powder.
Unlike conventional detergents, Well avoids harsh surfactants like alcohol ethoxylates and instead uses gentle, mineral-based ingredients that actually rinse clean — without leaving questionable chemicals where you eat.
If you’re looking for a gut-friendly cleaning switch, this is an easy, high-impact place to start.
👉 Learn more or try it here:
https://www.cleanwithwell.com/products/well-fragrance-free-dishwashing-powder