Are Thieves Products Really Safe?
When teaching people how to remove toxic chemicals from their home and cleaning products I always directing them to the environmental working group website and their healthy living app, since labeling and reading ingredients can be tricky and lots of companies use “greenwashing” to make them seem safer and more natural than they really are. I trust the EWG to have up to date research and to help me make an educated and informed decision when choosing which products to use. However, since I started using essential oils, I noticed that Young Living was coming out with more and more cleaning products. From household cleaner to laundry detergent, they seemed to have everything I needed, but they don’t appear in the EWG database, which concerned me, because I wanted to be able to check for myself if they were as safe and natural as they claimed. After all, I can go to the grocery store to get cleaners that say all natural and actually aren’t, so I have no interest in purchasing them online. But, the good news, is that the EWG has a great database of chemicals, so you can look up the individual ingredients products contain, even if the product itself isn’t listed. But who has time for that??? You don’t! No worries. I did it for you, so you can finally know for sure… Are Thieves products really safe?
I am going to break it down for you, product by product, ingredient, by ingredient. So, if you are looking for a specific one, just scan until you find it. They are rated on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being safe and 10 being super toxic. I personally don’t like to use anything above a 3, so I will highlight anything 3 or above in RED for easy scanning, but there are a few ingredients that are rated certain ways based on TYPE of usage, so we will go into a little bit of detail on that too.
Thieves Dish Soap:
Ingredients
1(robust)-Water
1(limited)-Decyl glucoside
1(none)-Sodium lauroyl lactylate
1(limited)-Lauryl glucoside
1(none)-Sodium olate
1(limited)-Caprylyl glucoside
1(limited)-Sodium sesquicarbonate
1(limited)-Citrus Limon† (Jade lemon) peel oil
1(limited)-Citrus aurantium bergamia† (Bergamot) peel oil (Furocoumarin-free) *search results: fruit extract*
1(none)-Syzygium aromaticum† (Clove) bud oil
1(limited)-Citrus limon† (Lemon) peel oil
1(none)-Cinnamomum zeylanicum† (Cinnamon) bark oil
1(limited)-Eucalyptus radiata† oil
1(limited)-Rosmarinus officinalis† (Rosemary) leaf oil
What does this mean? Pretty darn amazing! This is one I personally use on a daily basis (cause I have 5 kids and dishes are a BIG part of my life).
Thieves Automatic Dishwasher Powder:
Ingredients
1(fair)-Sodium carbonate
1(fair)-Sodium citrate (Dihydrate)
2(limited)-Sodium percarbonate
3(limited)-Sodium silicate
1(limited)-Tapioca maltodextrin *search results: tapioca starch/flour*
1(none)-Sapindus mukorossi (Soapberry) fruit extract
1(limited/fair)-Silica
1(fair)-Protease
1(fair)-Amylase
Thieves Automatic Dishwasher Powder EO Blend:
1(fair)-Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seed oil
5(limited)-Eugenia caryophyllus (Clove) bud oil
1(limited)-Citrus limon (Lemon) peel oil
1(none)-Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Cinnamon) bark oil
1(limited)-Eucalyptus radiata leaf oil
1(limited)-Rosmarimus officinalis (Rosemary) leaf oil
1(none/limited)-Citrus sinensis (Orange) peel oil
1(none)-Cymbopogon flexuosus (Lemongrass) oil
What does it mean? This also rates pretty darn well compared to almost every other dishwasher powder I have found. The sodium silicate stood out to me since it rated a 3, so I looked it up. It can be an irritant when applied around the eyes and nose and if it is used as an aerosol, which it isn’t. What is it used for? It balances the PH and fights corrosion. Could be worse. Since it is a 3 and only one small ingredient in a longer list and I am not using it on my eyes, ears and nose, I am personally ok with it, but you can choose what works for you.
Then the Clove Bud oil stands out in the oil mixture. Looked it up too. Now, I am already familiar with clove bud oil. For instance, it is a rockstar at fighting free radicals in the body and has some other awesome benefits. But I also know that it is a very hot oil and needs to be diluted quite a bit in order to not irritate the skin. But when diluted enough, it is safe to ingest and use on the human body. As I suspected, it turns out to be an irritant and needs to be used only in safe dosages and properly diluted. So in cleaning applications, I am more than ok having this as an ingredient.
I used to use the most eco-friendly dishwashing detergent I could find in my local grocery store and was shocked when I actually looked it up. Super happy to find this alternative.
Thieves Fruit & Veggie Soak:
Ingredients
1(robust)-Water
1(limited)-Decyl glucoside
2(good)-Glycerin
2(good)-Citric acid
1(fair)-Sodium citrate
1(none)-Artemisia dracunculus† (Tarragon) oil
1(limited)-Zingiber officinale† (Ginger) root oil
1(limited)-Mentha piperita† (Peppermint) oil
1(limited)-Juniperus osteosperma† oil
1(limited)-Foeniculum vulgare† (Fennel) oil
1(none)-Cymbopogon flexuosus† (Lemongrass) oil
1(none)-Syzygium aromaticum† (Clove) bud oil
1(none)-Rosmarinus officinalis† (Rosemary) leaf oil
1(none/limited)-Cymbopogon nardus†(Citronella) oil
1(limited)-Pimpinella anisum† (Anise) seed oil
1(limited)-Citrus limon† (Lemon) peel oil
1(limited)-Pogostemon cablin† (Patchouli) oil
1(none)-Cinnamomum zeylanicum† (Cinnamon) bark oil
1(limited)-Melaleuca alternifolia† (Tea tree) leaf oil
1(limited)-Lavandula hybrida† (Lavandin) oil
1(limited)-Eucalyptus radiata† oil
1(limited)-Myrtus communis† (Tunisian Myrtle) oil
1(limited)-Myrtus communis† (Moroccan Myrtle) oil
What does it mean? Pretty darn amazing
Thieves Fruit & Veggie Spray:
Ingredients
1(robust)-Water
1(limited)-Decyl glucoside
2(good)-Citric acid
2(good)-Glycerin
1(fair)-Sodium citrate
1(limited)-Citrus latifolia† (Lime) oil
1(none)-Syzygium aromaticum† (Clove) bud oil
1(limited)-Citrus limon† (Lemon) peel oil
1(none)-Cinnamomum zeylanicum† (Cinnamon) bark oil
1(limited)-Eucalyptus radiata† oil
1(none)-Rosmarinus officinalis† (Rosemary) leaf oil
What does it mean? Pretty darn amazing
Thieves Household Cleaner:
Ingredients
1(robust)-Water
1(limited)-Alkyl Polyglucoside *search result: decyl polyglucoside*
1(none)-Sodium Methyl 2-Sulfolaurate
1(none)-Disodium 2-Sulfolaurate
1(limited/none)-Thieves [Eugenia Caryophyllus† (Clove) Bud Oil, Citrus Limon† (Lemon) Peel Oil, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum† (Cinnamon) Bark Oil, Eucalyptus Radiata† Leaf Oil, and Rosmarinus Officinalis† (Rosemary) Leaf Oil]
1(none)-Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
What does is mean? ROCKSTAR amazing. AND I have never ever found a cleaner this “clean” that works so incredibly well. I use it on pretty much every surface in my home.
Thieves Laundry Soap:
Ingredients
1(robust)-Water
1(limited)-Decyl glucoside
1/3(none/limited)-Sodium oleate
2(good)-Glycerin
1(limited)-Caprylyl glucoside
1(limited)-Lauryl glucoside
1(robust)-Sodium chloride
1(fair)-Sodium gluconate
1(fair)-Carboxymethyl cellulose *search result: cellulose gum*
1(fair)-Alpha-amylase *search result: amylase*
1(fair)-Protease
1(fair)-Lipase
1(limited)-Citrus Limon† (Jade lemon) peel oil
1(limited)-Citrus aurantium bergamia† (Bergamot) peel oil (Furocoumarin-free)
1(none)-Syzygium aromaticum† (Clove) bud oil
1(limited)-Citrus limon† (Lemon) peel oil
1(limited)-Cinnamomum zeylanicum† (Cinnamon) bark oil
1(limited)-Eucalyptus radiata† oil
1(none)-Rosmarinus officinalis† (Rosemary) leaf oil
What does it mean? Amazing! Very safe, non-toxic. I was skeptical at first that the small recommended amount would get the job done (have I mentioned that I have 5 very messy kids?), but it does a fabulous job at getting our clothes really clean. and at less than $1 a load for non-toxic cleaning, it’s totally worth it. Go look up your laundry detergent right now!
Thieves Spray:
Ingredients
4(good)-Alcohol denat.
1(robust)-Water
1(limited)-Caprylic/capric triglyceride
1(limited/none)-Thieves [Eugenia Caryophyllus† (Clove) Bud Oil, Citrus Limon† (Lemon) Peel Oil, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum† (Cinnamon) Bark Oil, Eucalyptus Radiata† Leaf Oil, and Rosmarinus Officinalis† (Rosemary) Leaf Oil]
3 to 4*(fair)-Lecithin *depends on usage
What does it mean? So, two red flags in them. Let’s take a closer look. The first is the Alcohol Denat. There is limited data on denatured alcohol, but it does say, “Potential risks from ethanol in personal care products are significantly smaller than the health risks posed by the consumption of alcohol.” So, consider for a moment the risks of over drinking. Liver damage, brain damage, stupid choices… Basically, it is listed as a potential risk because it is ALCOHOL. Alcohol has risks. I risk drinking a glass of wine on a regular basis. It’s up to you, if you want to risk spritzing surfaces with this spray…
But lets talk about the second red flag. Lecithin is a naturally occurring lipid that occurs in both plants and animals and rates a 3 or 4, depending on usage and where it is obtained. It is considered safe in food products and is a common ingredient in supplements, but there is some respiratory risk ONLY when airborne. However, this spray isn’t something I am just spraying through the air for the joy of inhaling. It is designed for surfaces.
So now YOU can make an informed decision!!!
Thieves Wipes:
Ingredients
4(good)-Pure Grain Alcohol *search results: alcohol*
1(robust)-Deionized Water
1(limited/none)-Thieves [Eugenia Caryophyllus† (Clove) Bud Oil, Citrus Limon† (Lemon) Peel Oil, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum† (Cinnamon) Bark Oil, Eucalyptus Radiata† Leaf Oil, and Rosmarinus Officinalis† (Rosemary) Leaf Oil]
1(none)-Soy Lecithin
3(fair)-Polysorbate 80
What does it mean? See the Thieves Spray above. These are the same. Alcohol. We all know the risks. Please don’t drink your wipes. Polysorbate 80. Same as above. I consider it pretty low risk for a great product. Have you read the info on bleach wipes lately?
Moving on to Toothpaste~~~
Thieves AromaBright Toothpaste
Ingredients
1(robust)-Water
1(none)-Calcium carbonate
1(fair)-Cocos nucifera (Coconut) oil
1(fair)-Sodium bicarbonate
2(good)-Glycerin
1(fair)-Xylitol
1(fair)-Xanthan gum
1(limited)-Mentha piperita† (Peppermint) oil
1(limited)-Mentha spicata† (Spearmint) leaf oil
1(limited)-Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract
3 to 4*(fair)-Lecithin *depends on usage
5(limited)-Eugenia caryophyllus (Clove) bud oil
No results-Ocotea quixos† (Ocotea) leaf oil
1(none)-Cinnamomum verum† (Cinnamon) Bark oil
1(limited)-Citrus limon† (Lemon) peel oil
1(limited)-Eucalyptus Radiata† leaf oil
1(none)-Rosmarinus officinalis† (Rosemary) leaf oil
What does it mean? Well, compared to the ingredients in mainstream toothpaste, I would literally eat this stuff by the spoonful. At least it doesn’t contain fluoride, which the Center For Disease Control says, “There is no safe amount to ingest”. We have already unpacked these ingredient in products above, but in case you scrolled down just to see the toothpaste, Lecithin can be a respiratory allergen when inhaled. So, as long as you aren’t inhaling your toothpaste, that should be ok. Clove bud oil is an extremely hot oil and can be a skin irritant if not properly diluted, but it is amazing for oral health. Dentists have used it for years and I can personally attest that it’s use in this toothpaste is awesome.
Thieves Dentarome Plus Toothpaste
Ingredients
1(robust)-Water
1(fair)-Sodium bicarbonate
2(good)-Glycerin
1(fair)-Xanthan gum
1(limited)-Mentha piperita† (Peppermint) oil
No results-Ionic Trace Minerals
1(limited)-Stevioside
7(fair)-Eugenol
2(limited)-Gaultheria procumbens† (Wintergreen) leaf oil
5(limited)-Eugenia caryophyllus† (Clove) bud oil
1(limited)-Citrus limon† (Lemon) peel oil
1(limited)-Cinnamomum zeylanicum† (Cinnamon) bark oil
1(limited)-Eucalyptus Radiata† leaf oil
1(none)-Rosmarinus officinalis† (Rosemary) leaf oil
3-4(fair)-Thymol oil *depends on usage
What does it mean? Eugenol is a naturally occurring constituent in clove bud oil. Why is it listed as a is listed as a 7, when the clove oil itself is only a 5? And why would they extract just the eugenol and have it as a separate ingredient. Those are great questions and the short answer is that I don’t know. My theory is that since there is research using Eugenol and clove bud oil in teeth whitening and oral health sciences, that they wanted to have a certain amount of it to provide benefits to the brusher. I use clove oil in other essential oil usages, so unless I am going to stop using them there, I am fine with it being in my toothpaste, especially after seeing some of the research.
What about Thymol? You know, I am not going to get into this one, because I have to remain FDA compliant. I followed the research links to pubmed, and really enjoyed learning some stuff down that rabbit hole. But let’s just say, I am not allowed to share what I learned, but I am happy to brush my teeth with it. *backs away slowly*
Thieves Fresh Essence Plus Mouthwash
Ingredients
1(robust)-Water
2(fair)-Colloidal silver
1(limited)-Mentha piperita† (Peppermint) oil
3 to 4*(fair)-Lecithin *depends on usage
1(limited)-Quillaja saponaria wood extract
3(limited)-Potassium sorbate
1(limited)-Stevia rebaudiana (Stevia) leaf extract
1(none)-Syzygium caryophyllus† (Clove) bud oil
1(limited)-Mentha spicata† (Spearmint) leaf extract
1(limited)-Citrus limon† (Lemon) peel oil
1(limited)-Cinnamomum zeylanicum† (Cinnamon) bark oil
1(limited)-Vetiveria zizanioides† (Vetiver) root oil
1(limited)-Eucalyptus radiata† leaf oil
1(none)-Rosmarinus officinalis† (Rosemary) leaf oil
1(fair)-Tocopheryl
2(good)-Citric acid
What does it mean? Once again, some of these ingredient are discussed above. Lecithin shouldn’t be inhaled… so no sniffing up you toothpaste. Potassium Sorbate is a naturally occurring anti-microbial compound. They have to use it as a preservative. That’s why it’s there. In very small amounts.
Thieves Cleansing Bar Soap
Ingredients
1(none)-Sodium palmatei
1(limited)-Sodium cocoate
1(robust)-Water
2(good)-Glycerin
1(fair)-Olea europaea (Olive) fruit oil
5(limited)-Eugenia caryophyllus† (Clove) bud oil
1(fair)-Sodium citrate
1(limited)-Citrus limon† (Lemon) peel oil
1(limited)-Cinnamomum zeylanicum† (Cinnamon) bark oil
1(limited)-Eucalyptus radiata† leaf oil
1(none)-Rosmarinus officinalis† (Rosemary) leaf oil
1(limited)-Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) seed oil
1(limited)-Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) leaf extract
1(none)-Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) leaf extract
1(none)-Lycium barbarum (Wolfberry) seed oil
1(fair)-Avena sativa (Oat) bran
What does it mean? Once again, the worst ingredient is clove oil. I’m so OK with that.
Thieves Foaming Hand Soap
Ingredients
1(robust)-Water
1(limited)-Decyl glucoside
1(limited)-Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine
4(good)-Alcohol denat.
5(limited)-Eugenia caryophyllus† (Clove) bud oil
1(none)-Cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose
1(limited)-Citrus aurantium dulcis† (Orange) peel oil
1(limited)-Citrus limon† (Lemon) peel oil
1(limited)-Cinnamomum zeylanicum† (Cinnamon) bark oil
1(limited)-Eucalyptus radiata† leaf oil
1(none)-Rosmarinus officinalis† (Rosemary) leaf oil
1(fair)-Ginkgo biloba leaf extract
1(fair)-Camellia sinensis leaf extract
3(fair)-Sodium hydroxide
3(fair)-Tocopheryl acetate
9(fair)-Retinyl palmitate
1(limited)-Aloe barbadensis leaf juice
2(good)-Citric acid
What does it mean? Well, Sodium Hydroxide is a PH adjustor and a BUFFER. Tocopheryl acetate is a combo of acetic acid and vitamin e. It has a low chance of being a skin irritant. Retinyl palmitate is a combo of palmitic acid and vitamin A. Since overdosing on Vitamin A is a big no-no, this has all sorts of warnings. It can increase the likelihood of skin cancer if you rub vitamin a creams on your skin before going in the sun and too much vitamin A is not good for pregnant women. So, this is the worst ingredient we have come across, but the tiny amount in this hand soap would still keep the entire product down at like a 2.
This one had the most red flags (which still weren’t that bad), so compare it to your current hand soap or DIY recipe and make an informed decision!
If you like it, get it here.
Thieves Waterless Hand Purifier
Ingredients
4(good)-Alcohol denat
1(robust)-Water
1(limited)-Aloe barbadensis leaf powder
2(good)-Glycerin
1(limited)-
1(limited)-Mentha piperita † (Peppermint) oil
5(limited)-Eugenia caryophyllus † (Clove) bud oil
1(limited)-Citrus limon† (Lemon) peel oil
1(limited)-Eucalyptus radiata† leaf oil
1(none)-Rosmarinus officinalis† (Rosemary) leaf oil
1(limited)-Cinnamomun zeylanicum† (Cinnamon) bark oil
What does it mean? Again, if clove oil and alcohol are the most dangerous things in my hand purifier, I think that’s pretty awesome.
Thieves Cough Drops
1(fair)-Menthol
1(limited/none)-Thieves oil
1(limited)-Isomalt
1(fair)-Pectin
1(limited)-Peppermint
1(limited)-Stevia leaf extract
1(robust)-Water
What does it mean? These are great. Nothing I object to in a cough drop and they work amazingly well.
Thieves Hard Lozenges
1(limited/none)-Thieves oil
1(limited)-Isomalt
1(robust)-Water
1(limited)-Stevia(stevia rebaudiana) leaf extract
1(fair)-Pectin
What does it mean? Again. Good ingredients.
Thieves Mints
1(fair)-Sorbitol
1(limited)-Calcium stearate
1(limited/none)-[Proprietary Thieves® essential oil blend: Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)† flower bud oil, Lemon (Citrus limon)† peel oil, Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)† bark oil, Eucalyptus radiata† leaf oil, Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)† leaf oil]
1(limited)-Peppermint (Mentha piperita)† leaf oil
1(limited)-Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) Leaf extract
†100% pure, therapeutic-grade essential oil
What does it mean? Once again, clean.
In conclusion…
Are Thieves products really safe? I use them on a regular basis for my family and around my small children. I especially love the laundry detergent, household cleaner and toothpaste. But you need to do your own research and that is what this post was written to help with. You don’t have to agree with all my opinions, but at least you have the breakdown.
Maybe you already have great, non-toxic products that you have check out on the EWG site. If so, congrats!!! But if not, I would love to help you get your hands on these awesome household products, you can get an amazing kit full of thieves products to kick off your journey into non-toxic living. Click HERE to get yours now. It will direct you to sign up as a Young Living Member and once you do, I will contact you to help you get started using your products.
Are Thieves Products Really Safe? Decoding the ingredients in 17 popular products that you won’t find listed on the environmental working group site.
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DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor and the statements on this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Any products or techniques mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. I am just a mom who shares what works for me!
December 31, 2016 @ 7:26 am
SUPREMELY informative article! I laughed, I raised an eyebrow, I clicked on links, rabbit holes were explored. I’m totally with you on the reasonable view of not inhaling toothpaste or drinking wipes. It just seems to make the most sense…
I’m a big fan of “The Oiyyull” (as my twin granddaughters say) and am looking forward to expanding beyond my one small bottle and some homemade foot rub starring you-know-what. This info was a huge help!
Laundry Soap Safety or Smell? – shawneepooh
January 30, 2017 @ 1:56 pm
[…] hard to understand all the ingredients in our cleaning products, so I recommend reading Kristen’s article. She checks out the ingredients of the Thieves products and is honest about their EWG […]
January 30, 2017 @ 9:00 pm
Kristen,
Thank you so much for doing this legwork and sharing your resource with us freely. I’m loving my Thieves Laundry and Dish Soap!! I feel like a rock star for my family, getting the nasty chemicals out of my home and cleaning with essential oil products.
Thanks!
February 1, 2017 @ 9:11 pm
You are so welcome!
May 10, 2017 @ 2:42 am
Thank you so much for this!! Since YL products are not on EWG it is great to look up ingredients. I just never had time. This is AMAZING! Thank you for your diligent work and sharing it!! I’m going to share your article with my line!!
May 2, 2017 @ 2:39 pm
Thank you so much for doing the research on these products!
May 10, 2017 @ 12:34 am
What an incredible article. Good for you for doing all this research, I will definitely bookmark for later reference.
Thanks
Alecia
May 10, 2017 @ 2:32 am
I’ve had peoole ask me if the cinnamon bark in Thieves is safe around babies. Thoughts?
May 11, 2017 @ 3:40 pm
It is quite diluted and I feel fine using it around my baby, but I recommend you do your research to compare it to conventional cleaners to see which is higher risk.
May 10, 2017 @ 4:48 pm
I worked for a cleaning company who used this “green” crap and that’s just what it was , the place closed because of complaints about the products they used not cleaning and it was this same exact brand.
May 11, 2017 @ 3:41 pm
Interesting. It works beautifully for me.
May 13, 2017 @ 3:55 pm
I assume they were referring to Thieves Household Cleaner. I would be curious of the basis of their claim that it was not cleaning sufficiently. I have used it on everything from toilets to cleaning up raw chicken and have been nothing but completely satisfied with how well it works. I even went so far as to do a surface test for proteins using raw chicken and a restaurant grade protein residue test swab (http://www.hygiena.com/pro-clean-food-and-beverage.html) with perfect results. My dilution ratio was 1 cap of cleaner (which is half an oz) to 30 oz distilled water. I used a plain old paper towel and, according to the test swab, there was zero protein left on the surface…I tested it twice (using 2 test swabs) with the same results.
The complaint could possibly have resulted from someone not liking the smell (i.e. does not smell like the typical commercial toxic cleaners; it has a lovely warm spicy smell), or it was WAY overly diluted, maybe? I can’t imagine someone not liking the smell, but I have seen it happen. Usually prompted by an aversion to one of the oils in the cleaner seeing as how these products contain pure, unadulterated oils and can trigger an emotional response that makes them uncomfortable (we are raised to think it is better to cram our emotions in to proverbial luggage to be dragged with us for life than to deal with them and live in emotional freedom). There is a whole science behind the sense of smell and our emotions. Research the limbic system and sense of smell sometime; it is really quite fascinating.
At any rate, I hope you find out for yourself how well it cleans. It really is lovely! ?
May 13, 2017 @ 4:01 pm
I assume they were referring to Thieves Household Cleaner. I would be curious of the basis of their claim that it was not cleaning sufficiently. I have used it on everything from toilets to cleaning up raw chicken and have been nothing but completely satisfied with how well it works. I even went so far as to do a surface test for proteins using raw chicken and a restaurant grade protein residue test swab (http://www.hygiena.com/pro-clean-food-and-beverage.html) with perfect results. My dilution ratio was 1 cap of cleaner (which is half an oz) to 30 oz distilled water. I used a plain old paper towel and, according to the test swab, there was zero protein left on the surface…I tested it twice (using 2 test swabs) with the same results.
The complaint could possibly have resulted from someone not liking the smell (i.e. does not smell like the typical commercial toxic cleaners; it has a lovely warm spicy smell), or it was WAY overly diluted, maybe? I can’t imagine someone not liking the smell, but I have seen it happen. Usually prompted by an aversion to one of the oils in the cleaner seeing as how these products contain pure, unadulterated oils and can trigger an emotional response that makes them uncomfortable (we are raised to think it is better to cram our emotions in to proverbial luggage to be dragged with us for life than to deal with them and live in emotional freedom). There is a whole science behind the sense of smell and our emotions. Research the limbic system and sense of smell sometime; it is really quite fascinating.
At any rate, I hope you find out for yourself how well it cleans. It really is lovely! ?
Blessings to you!
May 10, 2017 @ 4:49 pm
Thank you so much for writing/researching all this. I never heard of of EWG, but am so excited to now have it as a resource. Just started using Young Living products and am glad to find writers like you putting so much useful information out!
May 11, 2017 @ 3:17 am
Thank you so much for going through and listing out all the numbers/ratings. I have wanted to do this for some time but haven’t had the time! This list is awesome. AND I love all these products!!! They are awesome!
May 11, 2017 @ 4:02 am
Thank you for sharing. I am just starting to use young livings products and have been loving all of it.
May 12, 2017 @ 9:11 am
Hi, thanks for this post! I really like the Thieves products too :-D. One thing I was curious about: what is that “robust”/”limited”/”none”/etc indication? Apparently water is robust, but I don’t know what that means. 🙂
May 12, 2017 @ 1:56 pm
From my understanding, it means the amount of data and research available. But if you find out otherwise, please let me know!
May 16, 2017 @ 3:26 am
These look like great products. Is there any shampoo and conditioner?
May 16, 2017 @ 2:46 pm
Yes, they have both: http://bit.ly/2qnMyLa
May 16, 2017 @ 3:29 am
I also didn’t see a way to order these products.
May 16, 2017 @ 2:45 pm
Edited to include an order link. 🙂
May 19, 2017 @ 3:30 am
Hi Kristen,
Super love this blog entry! Can I ask for your permission to duplicate this post to http://www.onedrop.sg/blog as a guest contributor? We will link back to your page in the post. 🙂
Best regards,
Ranna
May 31, 2017 @ 10:11 pm
No, you may reference it and send people here, but you may not copy it in full.
September 8, 2017 @ 9:11 pm
Hi Kirsten, thanks for that great research and article.
Why are you not allowed to talk about what you learned about Thymol, yet you can talk about all the other items you researched? What does it mean to be FDA-compliant by not discussing Thymol?
That seems strange/fishy, to not discuss one ingredient, but yet do discuss all the others.
Thanks again,
Ted
December 8, 2017 @ 8:36 pm
Because the FDA will not let us discuss research on essential oils if it pertains to medical advice, since essential oils are not drugs. Research pertaining to safety is fine to discuss.
September 8, 2017 @ 9:13 pm
Do you know if Thieves products are biocompatible?
Thanks, Ted
December 8, 2017 @ 8:35 pm
yes, as far as I know.
September 21, 2017 @ 6:06 pm
I washed some apples with a teeny bit if Thieves cleaner in a sink full of water, rinsed them and niw dehydrating them. I can smell the Thieves cleaner. Will these apples be dangerous to ingest? Thank you.
December 8, 2017 @ 8:35 pm
Since Thieves vitality oil is approved for ingestion by the FDA, I don’t worry about it.
September 30, 2017 @ 3:24 am
Hi! Just curious if you think the citric acid in Thieves mouthwash should be a cause for concern with regard to enamel safety. I read that the oils don’t significantly raise ph levels, but can’t find any mention of the potential impact on enamel from the citric acid. Thanks!
Clean Cleaning – Well Oiled Chaos
October 3, 2017 @ 6:23 pm
[…] Young Living’s Thieves Laundry soap! None of the ingredients rates as scary! Here’s a post you can read! This amazing woman did the Thieves line so I am not going to reinvent the wheel! Then […]
November 9, 2017 @ 8:49 pm
I was recently cleaning with the Thieves household cleaner (diluted with water) with a papertowel and forgot to wear gloves. I washed my hands thoroughly afterwards. Is there any harm in the cleaner getting on my skin in terms of too much essential oils absorption?
December 8, 2017 @ 8:33 pm
I have never had a problem. It’s pretty diluted, which is why I feel so safe using it on food surfaces!
October 24, 2018 @ 1:26 am
Hi Kirsten,
I’m seeing thieves household cleaner being used as hand purifier. I really want to do a hand purifier DIY using the cleaner but so apprehensive at the same time, which is why I have not done so after months of having the ingredients and materials on hand. Would appreciate your thoughts on this DIY. Thank you in advance!
December 5, 2018 @ 3:35 pm
I have used it as a hand purifier in a pinch. It’s all plant based ingredients. If its safe enough to clean my food surfaces, it’s safe enough to spray on my hands.
May 26, 2018 @ 4:49 pm
While many hand purifiers also contain isopropyl alcohol (which can be an irritant for skin and respiratory system), Thieves® Waterless Hand Purifier does not. Only safe, natural ingredients are used. Peppermint essential oil is used to denature the ethanol in this product, rather than commonly used synthetic chemicals.
August 6, 2018 @ 10:44 pm
I was just looking up the ingredients in THC after my 9 year old drank some water that I had poured 1/4 capful into! I was planning on using the bottle as my portable cleaning solution and warned the kids but she forgot. Thank you for having all the information in one place.
August 22, 2018 @ 3:44 pm
All the research I have done says thieves are safe for small children, what about infants? I am due in February and new to essential oils, so I am a very anxious first time mom!
October 10, 2018 @ 9:28 pm
Of course you need to do your own research, but I feel safer exposing my infant to good quality essential oils than harsh chemical cleaning products! I’ll email you so we can chat more.
Sunt într-adevăr produsele Thieves sigure pentru sănătatea noastră? - Armonie cu uleiuri esentiale
January 26, 2019 @ 5:59 pm
[…] http://cheerfullyimperfect.com/2016/12/14/are-thieves-products-really-safe/ […]
March 5, 2019 @ 5:00 am
Thank you so much for dgoing the research and sharing all your findings!! I love this article!
April 5, 2019 @ 3:17 pm
Thank you for a wonderful resource!!! ??? I love all the Thieves products!?
Do you happen to know why YL products aren’t listed. Seems like they are a big enough company now to get their products rated.
August 23, 2019 @ 3:16 pm
I’m not sure. Many companies that don’t sell their products in stores aren’t listed. That’s the main reason I wrote this post. I would LOVE for this post to become obsolete by EWG including them!
April 30, 2019 @ 1:19 am
Any idea why the clove bud oil in the dish soap and the fruit and veggie wash are only listed as a 1 but a 5 in everything else? Shouldn’t it be the same ingredient?
August 23, 2019 @ 3:14 pm
That’s a great question… one we would need to ask EWG, since I am just sharing what they report.
January 24, 2020 @ 1:05 am
How did you search these ingredients on the EWG website? I tried looking up a few things myself but had no luck.
February 24, 2020 @ 2:44 pm
In the search area for ingredients!