Our commitment to human safety is as much about what goes into our products as what we don’t include. One of the many things you’ll never see on our ingredient list? Synthetic fillers. 

But what are synthetic fillers, and why are they dangerous? Read on to get the scoop on these ingredients, what types of products they’re found in, and why they’re harmful. 

What Are Synthetic Fillers?

Synthetic fillers are low-cost, man-made ingredients that may be added to a product to enhance texture or appearance. 

In reality, though, these ingredients don’t make a product more effective. What’s worse, some of these ingredients are associated with irritation, contamination, or long-term health concerns. 

Examples of common synthetic fillers include:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate* (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Surfactants used to create foam

• Sodium Silicate: Used in powder detergents

• Phosphates: Used to soften water, increase foam, or increase shine

• 1,4-Dioxane: A byproduct that can form during the manufacturing of certain ingredients, like SLES

• Chlorine Bleach: Used for whitening and disinfecting, but highly reactive and potentially harmful

• Methylisothiazolinone and phenoxyethanol: Preservatives added to liquids to extend shelf life

• Formaldehyde: A commonly used preservative that is a known carcinogen. 

*Not to be confused with sodium lauryl sulfoacetate (SLSa), which is a different ingredient. SLSa is derived from coconut and is actually sulfate-free. SLSa is not a known skin irritant or environmental toxin, according to the Environmental Working Group, whereas SLS is a noted skin irritant and environmental toxin. Don’t let their similar names fool you—these two ingredients are actually quite different!

Why Are Synthetic Fillers Used?

• Cost reduction: These ingredients are often cheaper than natural surfactants or more concentrated ingredients.

• Texture enhancement: Fillers can enhance the texture or appearance of the end product.

• Appearance of value: A larger volume can trick consumers into thinking a product will last longer or that they’re getting more product for their money.

What Products Typically Contain Synthetic Fillers?

Synthetic fillers are commonly added to household cleaning products and personal care items, such as:

• Laundry detergents

• Dishwasher detergents

• Surface cleaners

• Shampoos and body washes

• Soaps and cosmetics

• Toothpastes

The amount added to a product depends on the manufacturer; in some cases fillers such as SLS and SLES can account for as much as 50% of a cleaning product’s ingredients. 

The fact that synthetic fillers can go by many different names can make it hard for consumers to understand at first glance what’s in any given product. But understanding what chemicals you’re bringing into your home is the first step in creating a healthier environment for you and your loved ones. 

Why Are Synthetic Fillers a Concern?

Health Hazards

Eye, skin, and lung irritation: Some fillers, like SLS and SLES, can cause eye, skin, and lung irritation—especially in sprays. They can also trigger allergic reactions. 

1,4-Dioxane contamination

During the manufacturing process, SLES may be contaminated with a chemical called 1,4-dioxane, a chemical classified as a probable human carcinogen. 

Harms kidney function and cardiovascular system

Phosphates have been linked to chronic kidney disease and found to have negative effects on cardiovascular health. 

Strip the skin’s natural barrier

Synthetic fillers can cause dryness or redness on sensitive skin.

Sustainability and animal concerns

Environmental damage

Fillers like phosphates and sulfates may be toxic to aquatic animals and marine life when washed down the drain. 

Animal testing

Many products with sulfates are also tested on animals in order to measure the level of irritation to people’s skin, lungs, and eyes. 

Efficacy concerns

Requires more product for the same result

Synthetic fillers often decrease the efficacy of a product by diluting active ingredients. This means you may have to use more of the product to achieve the same result, as opposed to more concentrated formulas.

Branch Basics: Clean Ingredients You Can Trust 

Ingredient transparency should be the industry standard. But until then, we’re here to help you decode what’s actually on your ingredient labels, so you understand what you’re bringing into your home. 

Synthetic fillers may enhance how a product appears, but they typically come at a cost—to your health, your home, and the environment. At Branch Basics, we spent years perfecting our formulas to ensure they get results without relying on synthetic fillers or other harmful chemicals.

It’s important to us that every ingredient in our formulas serves a clear, functional purpose. Our plant - and mineral-based formulas get the job done while being safe for even the most sensitive groups, from our Surface Cleaners to our Dishwasher Tablets and Laundry Detergent. 

Want to get started with human-safe cleaning? Start here.