Is 1,4-dioxane in shampoo and laundry soap getting into tap water and your body?
Yes. 1,4-dioxane from cleaning products contaminates tap water and shows up in human urine.
What's actually in it
1,4-dioxane isn't an ingredient. It's a leftover from making sulfate and PEG ingredients used in shampoos, body washes, dish soaps, and laundry detergents. It washes down the drain and ends up in tap water. The EPA classes it as a likely human carcinogen.
Long Island, New York has some of the highest tap water levels in the U.S.
What the research says
A 2026 study in Environ Sci Technol tested tap water, urine, and metabolic markers in Long Island residents. 1,4-dioxane was widespread in the tap water, and people's urine showed clear exposure that matched their water levels. Households using more sulfate-heavy products had higher levels.
The team flagged personal care products as a controllable source.
Pick shampoos, body washes, and detergents labeled sulfate-free and PEG-free. EWG's database lets you check specific products for 1,4-dioxane risk. Install a granular activated carbon water filter rated for 1,4-dioxane removal. Don't trust pitcher filters, which usually don't catch it.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluating 1,4-Dioxane Exposure in Long Island, New York: Integrating Environmental, Biological, and Metabolomic Measures. | Environ Sci Technol | 2026 |
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