Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap Concentrate (16 oz) Review (2026)
By Nate Sawyer, Editor · Updated July 2026
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- Aphids
- Organic
- Vegetable gardens
- Soft bodied insects
A go-to organic-approved contact spray for aphids, whiteflies, thrips and mites on vegetables and ornamentals, using OMRI-listed potassium fatty-acid salts that leave no soil residue and are labeled up to harvest. Follow the label: it works only on contact with no residual, it can burn tender or heat-stressed foliage so spot-test first, and it can harm beneficial insects.
Pros
- Low-toxicity, OMRI-listed option safe to use on food crops per label
- Kills soft-bodied pests on contact with no lasting soil residue
- Concentrate is economical, making several gallons of spray
Cons
- Only works on direct contact — no residual protection, so repeat sprays are needed
- Can cause leaf burn (phytotoxicity) on sensitive plants, in heat, or on drought-stressed foliage — spot-test first
- Ineffective against beetles, caterpillars, and other hard-bodied or chewing pests; can harm beneficial soft-bodied insects if sprayed directly
Specifications
| Active | Potassium salts of fatty acids (49.52%) |
|---|---|
| Organic | OMRI Listed for organic use |
| Targets | Aphids, whiteflies, thrips, spider mites, mealybugs |
| Use on edibles | Yes, up to day of harvest per label |
| Safety | Contact-only; follow label; can burn tender/stressed foliage; avoid spraying bees |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does insecticidal soap keep protecting after it dries?
- No. It works only on direct contact with no lasting soil residue, so anything that arrives after the spray dries is unaffected. Repeat sprays are part of using it correctly, not a sign it failed.
- Which pests does it not control?
- Beetles, caterpillars and other hard-bodied or chewing pests. It targets soft-bodied insects — aphids, whiteflies, thrips, spider mites, mealybugs — and can also harm beneficial soft-bodied insects it contacts.
- Can it damage plants?
- Yes, it can cause leaf burn on sensitive plants, in heat, or on drought-stressed foliage. Spot-test a leaf and wait a day before spraying a whole plant, and avoid spraying stressed plants in midday sun.