I'm not being paid to say this, but...

I think I may just have discovered the best dishwashing soap in the world.

Several months ago, I switched to organic shampoo because I read that sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate is a well-known irritant/toxin that may contribute to acne. I stopped using shampoos containing it, and noticed a marked difference in my breakouts--no more cysts! I've been in the process of making the transition in hand soaps since then.

Today I went to Squeaker's to look for both hand soap and dish soap that were toxin-free, and that's where I found Ultra Dishmate by Earth Friendly Products. It was available in grapefruit and almond, too, but the pear caught my eye, although I was disappointed not to detect any scent when I sniffed it in the store. It's crystal clear and contains just water, coconut oil derived surfactants (no SLS or Cocamide DEA), salt and pear oil. At $4.59 for 25 ounces, it's pricier than commercial soaps but cheaper than comparable organic products.

I tried it out on a dishwashing heavyweight: a plastic container that had held spicy, tomato-based Indian leftovers. The Dishmate cleaned, degreased, and deoderized the dish even better than a traditional dishwashing liquid. But the best part is that it smelled fabulous while doing so. The reason I hadn't smelled it in the store is that it had been sealed (duh). The pear oil, though, adds a surprisingly strong scent that remained ever-so-delicately on my hands even after I had finished.

I am seriously considering using this for bubble bath. No joke. I'm absolutely smitten.

You don't have to believe me if you don't want to. But you should definitely try it out first (and I see that their website offers it for even less than I paid: no excuses!).