What is 1,4-dioxane in household products and is it dangerous?

What's actually in it

1,4-Dioxane is not an intentional ingredient. It's a byproduct that forms during the manufacturing of certain surfactants (cleaning agents) used in shampoos, dish soaps, laundry detergents, and bubble baths. Ingredients that end with "-eth" or "-oxynol" (like sodium laureth sulfate, polyethylene glycol, or ethoxylated alcohols) are the ones that can contain 1,4-dioxane as a byproduct.

It also contaminates groundwater near industrial sites and has been found in drinking water on Long Island, New York and in other areas. The EPA classifies it as a likely human carcinogen.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Environ Sci Technol evaluated 1,4-dioxane exposure in Long Island, integrating environmental monitoring with health data. Researchers documented measurable 1,4-dioxane in drinking water and estimated elevated cancer risk for the exposed population. The daily household product use combined with water exposure creates a consistent multi-route exposure.

Manufacturers can remove 1,4-dioxane during production through vacuum stripping. Some states (California, New York) now require disclosure or limits. Many companies have reformulated.

Check the Environmental Working Group's cosmetics database for 1,4-dioxane risk scores on your specific products. Use organic cotton home goods to reduce the cleaning product load needed on fabrics.