Are Purdy and Figg Products As Natural As You Think?

Sadly, the answer to this questions is: No!

Purdy & Figg products are predominantly made using non-ionic surfactants and, based on the label ingredients lists, on the bottles, there are potentially artificial fragrances being used also.

The scented elements of Purdy & Figg products are usually stated as “Fragrance” or “Perfume”. This is usually ‘code’ for toxic, artificial fragrances.

Purdy & Figg are entitled to state the essential oil ingredients as essential oils. As they do not, this raises a big question as to why not?

Sadly, there are a lot of products out there claiming to contain “natural” scents. Cif is one such product. But, any cleaning product with a lingering aroma, certainly one that persists for over an hour, as the scent of Cif does, is made from anything but an untampered-with natural product.

Adulterated Essential Oils

Truth be known, many essential oils are adulterated, which essentially means they are scientifically modified in conventional labs, using methods that render the results toxic and harmful.

It has not been possible to ascertain the quality of the essential oils being used by Purdy & Figg, with absolute certainty, but there are several glaring reasons to suspect that they are not as natural as you’d expect.

1. Producers of a product being marketed as ‘natural’ and being scented with essential oils, would make clear marketing statements on the front of the labels, using such statements as key selling points for the products.
2. Essential oils don’t mix with water because they are oils
3. Genuinely pure and natural essential oils are very costly to produce, and are a lot more ephemeral in terms of their scent. They, nevertheless, pack a magnificently potent punch when it comes to cleaning, killing mould, bacteria and other contaminants. However, in order to be effective in this regard, they need to be used in higher concentrations than are found in many ‘greenwashed‘ home cleaning products. Purdy & Figg make no mention of the antimicrobial benefits of the essential oils used in their products… As an amazing selling point, omitting it from such a sophisticated marketing campaign leaves a very big question in my mind…
4. It has been nigh on impossible to discover any of the ingredients in the Purdy & Figg formulations, online. After a couple of weeks of deep digging, I still can’t tell you, with any degree of certainty, whether or not Purdy & Figg cleaning products genuinely contain essential oils. Every effort to try and obtain search results with essential oils listed as actual ingredients has failed.

The only real reference to the scent of Purdy & Figg cleaning products was within a thread on a Facebook group devoted to cleaning products. The thread, whilst disparaging of the Purdy & Figg products, (overpriced and not as effective as other, more affordable green cleaning products), had several comments referencing the scent in a way that would suggest that Purdy & Figg do use essential oils to scent their cleaning products.

The consensus was that the scent of the Purdy & Figg cleaning products didn’t last very long.

Only synthetic fragrances can endure. And, they only do so because of the deeply neurotoxic methods used to make them long-lasting. With dementia on such a steep rise, you would think that more people would be concerned about the issue of bioaccumulation of fragrance toxins, and the likely direct relationship between the inhalation of these products and dementia etc.

What we inhale goes straight into our brains!

So, whilst framed as a real negative, the ephemeral nature of the scent in Purdy & Figg cleaning products, is potentially the only positive I can find with regards the aromatic component of their products.

Artificial Fragrances Versus Essential Oils

Essential oils smell amazing… but that’s only the beginning of the story… They also possess antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antiparasitic capabilities.

So, essential oils have everything covered! How else are we going to get infected by the natural world?

Synthetic fragrances, on the other hand, have no cleaning and disinfecting benefits. They just smell “nice” to a lot of people… Although, if you are one of the increasing number of chemically sensitive individuals, like me, then they actually smell really awful… super-toxic… and, of course, they have a direct negative impact on our health.

I personally get light-headed and feel sick. Others get headaches, etc.

Somewhat perversely, the key perceived benefit of synthetic fragrances is that they are a lot more enduring than their ephemeral, natural counterparts. This allows them to cover up malodorous and contaminated environments affected by mildew / mould and bacterial infections, etc, (which are precisely the kinds of issues that antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal essential oils would help to remediate).

The whole things is on its head!

Artificial fragrances conceal environmental hazards, without remediating them, and they do so with poisonous sweet smelling odours.

Antimicrobial essential oils kill the underlying contaminents, thereby creating a safe environment for all concerned, without poisoning anyone.

This is why it’s so important to know if Purdy & Figg are using real antimicrobial essential oils, at sufficient concentrations, in thier products.

Please see Essential Oils Versus Fragrance Oils for a more in-depth appraisal.

And, please read on to find out about the full range of Wild As The Wind Antimicrobial Essential Oil Blends that you can use for all of your cleaning, laundry and dishwasher needs.

Purdy & Figg Active Ingredients

The current Purdy & Figg advertising campaign on YouTube makes mention of the use of citric acid in Purdy & Figg products, in reference to making light work of limescale.

The reality is, however, that bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar are a much more efficient natural means of getting rid of limescale. However, bicarbonate of soda refuses to be mixed in fluids, and so cannot be used in pre-made water based products.

Once Purdy & Figg products are purchased they need to be diluted with water. Consequently, it’s not possible to use bicarbonate of soda in Purdy & Figg formulations.

The current YouTube advertising campaign also makes no mention of the fact that the key ingredients, by volume and by impact, are non-ionic surfactants…

Non-Ionic Surfactants – Toxic – But Claimed Safe

Non-ionic surfactants are generally promoted as being really safe, especially by the companies using them to make their products… But sadly, if we dig beneath the marketing hype, the picture isn’t anywhere near as rosy…

If you search the internet, you will find Google AI generated results saying:

Non-ionic surfactants are generally not bad for the skin; in fact, they are considered the mildest type, gentle on the skin barrier, and ideal for sensitive skin and baby products because they clean effectively without causing dryness or irritation like stronger anionic surfactants can. While most are very safe, some ethoxylated (containing ethylene oxide) non-ionic types might raise concerns about potential contaminants, so choosing naturally-derived or reputable brands is best for maximum safety.

It’s great that there’s some indication there maybe an issue with these types of ingredients, but the advice provided is not the easiest to follow… Not all of us are professional researchers, so getting to the bottom of which products use naturally-derived ingredients is not so easily accomplished.

Non-Ionic Surfactants In Purdy and Figg Products

The main non-ionic surfactants in Purdy and Figg products are:

• Capryleth-4
• Lauryl Glucoside
• Caprylyl glucoside
• Polyglycerol-3-Caprate

Capryleth-4

The Hidden Dangers of Capryleth-4 in detergents, cleaning products and personal care products are as follows:

Capryleth-4 is a synthetic surfactant and emulsifier derived from caprylic acid (a fatty acid found in coconut oil) and ethylene oxide, a known carcinogen and endocrine disruptor.

While it is commonly used in cleaning products, cosmetics, shampoos, and skincare products for its cleansing and foaming properties, mounting evidence suggests it poses significant health risks due to its chemical composition, potential contamination, and long-term bioaccumulation effects.

Capryleth-4 belongs to the polyethylene glycol (PEG) family, a group of compounds synthesized by ethoxylation — a process that introduces ethylene oxide, a known carcinogen linked to leukaemia and other cancers. The ethoxylation process can also leave behind residual 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct classified by the EPA as a probable human carcinogen.

Studies indicate that 1,4-dioxane readily penetrates the skin and has been detected in breast milk, raising concerns about its long-term effects on hormonal and reproductive health. Additionally, capryleth-4 functions as a penetration enhancer, increasing the absorption of other harmful chemicals present in cleaning products and personal care products, including synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, etc.

This synergistic effect amplifies toxicity risks, particularly for individuals with compromised detoxification pathways or chronic exposure.

Health Risks Associated with Capryleth-4

Capryleth-4 can strip the skin of natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and contact dermatitis, especially in individuals with sensitive skin or pre-existing conditions like eczema. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel acknowledges that ethoxylated compounds like capryleth-4 may cause allergic reactions, though industry-funded studies often downplay these risks.

Ethylene oxide, a key component in capryleth-4’s synthesis, is a known endocrine disruptor that mimics oestrogen and interferes with thyroid function. Research suggests that prolonged exposure to PEG compounds may contribute to hormonal imbalances, early puberty, and reproductive disorders.

Animal studies reveal that PEG compounds, including capryleth-4, can accumulate in the liver and kidneys, impairing detoxification processes and potentially leading to organ damage over time. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) rates capryleth-4 as a moderate hazard due to its potential for contamination and systemic toxicity.

Like other ethoxylated surfactants, capryleth-4 does not readily biodegrade, contributing to water pollution and aquatic toxicity. Wastewater treatment plants struggle to remove these compounds, leading to bioaccumulation in marine life and potential re-entry into the food chain.

Despite these risks, regulatory agencies like the FDA and European Commission permit capryleth-4 in cleaning products and cosmetics at unrestricted concentrations, relying on outdated safety assessments that ignore cumulative exposure and synergistic effects.

The cosmetic and eco-cleaning products industries frequently mask ethylene oxide-derived ingredients under innocuous names like “coconut-derived” + “plant-based,” + “naturally derived”, misleading consumers who are seeking safer alternatives.

Capryleth-4 exemplifies the broader issue of synthetic chemicals dominating personal care products despite documented health and environmental risks.

Lauryl Glucoside

Lauryl Glucoside is another non-ionic surfactant in Purdy & Figg products.

Lauryl glucoside (C₁₈H₃₆O₆) is a surfactant derived from coconut oil and glucose, commonly marketed as a “gentle,” “natural,” or “plant-based” ingredient in shampoos, body washes, baby products and cleaning products.

However, emerging research data from toxicology studies, and clinical observations, reveal significant concerns about its safety, including skin irritation, contamination risks, and long-term bioaccumulation effects.

Chemical Composition and Manufacturing Risks

As with capryleth-4, Lauryl glucoside is synthesized through the ethoxylation of lauryl alcohol (from coconut oil) with glucose, a process that may introduce residual ethylene oxide—a known carcinogen linked to leukaemia and hormonal disruption. Ethoxylation also generates 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct classified by the EPA as a “probable human carcinogen” that persists in waterways and aquatic ecosystems.

While lauryl glucoside is less irritating than sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), its penetration-enhancing properties can increase the absorption of other toxic additives like fragrances, parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives in cosmetic formulations.

Documented Health Risks: Skin Irritation & Allergic Reactions

Lauryl glucoside disrupts the skin’s lipid barrier, leading to dryness, redness, and contact dermatitis, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema.

Ethylene oxide residues in lauryl glucoside mimic oestrogen and interfere with thyroid function, potentially contributing to hormonal imbalances, early puberty, and reproductive disorders.

Like other ethoxylated surfactants, lauryl glucoside does not readily biodegrade. It contaminates waterways, accumulates in marine life, and re-enters the food chain, posing ecological and health risks.

Manufacturers often mask lauryl glucoside under terms like “coconut-derived” or “glucose-based,” misleading consumers seeking genuinely natural products.

To avoid lauryl glucoside, opt for products with:

• Decyl glucoside: A milder surfactant with lower irritation potential.
• Saponins: Plant-based cleansers from soapwort or soapberries.
• Castile soap: A traditional olive-oil-based cleanser.

*See a fuller list of non-toxic, natural cleaning agents on the Multipurpose Cleaning Essential Oil Blends product page.

Lauryl glucoside exemplifies the broader issue of synthetic chemicals dominating “natural” personal care and home cleaning products.

By prioritising label literacy and supporting brands that reject ethoxylated ingredients, consumers can reduce exposure to this hidden toxin.

And, of course, please consider using Wild As The Wind cleaning essential oil blends in your genuinely non-toxic green cleaning products.

***Any fragranced cleaning product with a persistent scent will contain toxic synthetic fragrances… this includes almost all washing up liquids and floor cleaning products, from brands like Method.

***Method is owned by a big American multi-national – find out which one here: Safe Home Cleaning Products Debunked

It also includes all heavily scented surface cleaners and personal care products.

Caprylyl glucoside

Caprylyl glucoside is another non-ionic surfactant made from fatty alcohols and sugar that helps with “wetting and cleaning”.

Caprylyl glucoside (also labelled as capryl glucoside) is a surfactant derived from caprylic acid (a medium-chain fatty acid found in coconut oil) and glucose through a glycosidation reaction. And, yes… you guessed it… it is commonly marketed as a “mild,” “plant-based,” or “natural” ingredient in cleaning products, shampoos, facial cleansers, and baby products, due to its foaming and emulsifying properties.

Caprylyl glucoside is equally responsible for all of the negative outcomes and concerns associated with the other non-ionic surfactants found in Purdy and Figg products, like Capryleth-4 and Lauryl Glucoside.

Polyglycerol-3-Caprate

Polyglycerol-3-Caprate is a polymeric glycerol ester used as a mild non-ionic surfactant / emulsifier.

Again, it is as equally responsible for all of the negative outcomes and concerns associated with the other non-ionic surfactants found in Purdy and Figg products.

By prioritising label literacy and supporting brands that reject ethoxylated ingredients, consumers can reduce exposure to this hidden toxin.

To avoid capryleth-4, opt for products preserved with natural surfactants, for example: decyl glucoside and coco glucoside, derived from coconut or corn.

Better still, opt to clean with essential oils that possess antimicrobial + antibacterial + anti-fungal and disinfecting properties, of which there are many.

Wild As The Wind Cleaning Essential Oil Blends

In January 2026, Wild As The Wind launched ten new Multipurpose Cleaning Essential Oil Blends in direct response to the ongoing greenwashing of toxic cleaning products.

The Wild As The Wind Cleaning Essential Oil Blends are deeply beneficial and were launched at a 50% discount.

Voracity Of The Reported Facts

In the interest of transparency it is important to state that Wild As The Wind is an indirect competitor of Purdy & Figg.

Wild As The Wind are best known for natural skincare (that is genuinely 100% natural in the truest sense of the word). In addition, Wild As The Wind offer a proprietary range of purely natural essential oils and carrier oils.

As part of our essential oil offering, Wild As The Wind also offer a proprietary range of purely natural essential oil blends, some of which are advocated for cleaning purposes.

The Difference Between Wild As The Wind & Purdy & Figg

Wild As The Wind has developed a number of proprietary cleaning essential oil blends, because the use of pure natural essential oils for sanitation is an age-honoured tradition.

Many essential oils are antimicrobial, making them an ideal ingredient in antibacterial and antifungal cleaning products. Hence, essential oils have been used for sanitation purposes, within detergents and cleaning products, for centuries.

However, it remains concerning, that despite continued efforts, there has been no reference found to the antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal or antiviral properties in reference to the essential oils used in Purdy & Figg products.

There certainly seems to be no apparent mention of this on the Purdy & Figg website.

It is clear that Purdy & Figg are well resourced in terms of marketing muscle, and are more than adept at presenting a very cohesive brand, and (albeit manipulative), really cohesive brand messaging.

There is much emphasis placed on the inclusion of essential oils within Purdy & Figg cleaning products, in all of their website marketing content, and therefore ample opportunity to wax lyrical about all of the antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties of the essential oils.

Instead, we are romanced into falling in love with plucky old Purdy & Figg, and hoodwinked into believing that we could even fall in love with cleaning itself, if we use Purdy & Figg products.

(Thankfully I’m not that gullible… And, I’m guessing you are not, too!)

A deliciously scented luxurious multi-surface cleaning spray using high-quality, natural ingredients and organic essential oils to protect your health and… Naturally powerful… Protect your home with plant-based ingredients… Sensationally scented… Feel uplifted with beautiful essential oil blends…

This is just a small taste of the marketing blurb on the Purdy & Figg website.

Before setting up Wild As The Wind I was a professional writer for about 20 years. Prior to that I was a Marketing and Business Development Consultant.

If you would like me to provide you with a more in-depth analysis of the rather sophisticated, deeply cynical and slightly nauseating, marketing of Purdy & Figg, I would be happy to go into more detail for you.

Just let me know in the comments or via email.

Wild As The Wind Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to present the facts as they truly are.The facts presented in this article are verified as true at the time of publishing, based on weeks of in-depth research using big data obtained via AI / LLMs (large language models).