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Quick answer: No, Bon Ami is not the same as Ajax. Ajax Powder Cleanser with Bleach and Comet Disinfectant Cleanser Powder with Bleach are bleach-based powders. Bon Ami Powder Cleanser scrubs with mineral abrasives (calcium carbonate and feldspar) and contains no bleach. If you want a bleach-free scouring powder, the Bon Ami pick is in the product card below. EWG's Guide to Healthy Cleaning rates Comet and Ajax powder cleansers with bleach an F and Bon Ami Powder Cleanser an A. These are EWG's published assessments, not our own claims.
Powder cleansers work by abrasion: particles scrub the surface mechanically. That action does not require bleach. Bon Ami has been doing it with mineral abrasives since 1886, which makes it the simple swap for anyone who wants to stop buying a bleach-based can.
Bon Ami vs. Comet and Ajax: What Differs
| Product | EWG Grade | How it cleans | Disinfects? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bon Ami Powder Cleanser | A | Mineral abrasion (calcium carbonate and feldspar), no bleach | No |
| Comet Disinfectant Cleanser Powder with Bleach | F | Abrasion plus bleach-based disinfecting chemistry | Yes, by design |
| Ajax Powder Cleanser with Bleach | F | Abrasion plus bleach-based chemistry | Check the can |
EWG's Guide to Healthy Cleaning (ewg.org/cleaners) rates household cleaning products A through F based on ingredient hazard data and disclosure. EWG's concerns on the Comet and Ajax entries center on trichloroisocyanuric acid, a chlorine compound EWG flags in hazard categories including developmental and reproductive toxicity and cancer-related concerns. EWG grades individual product variants, not entire brands. These grades are EWG's independent published assessments, not safety certifications, and not our own claims. Check each can's label for its current ingredient list; formulas change. To look up your specific product, search by exact name at ewg.org/cleaners.
The Bleach-Free Pick
Bon Ami Powder Cleanser, 1 Pack: EWG Guide Grade A
Price: $4.62 | EWG Status: EWG Guide to Healthy Cleaning: Grade A (highest rating in the category)
Bon Ami earns a Grade A from EWG's Guide to Healthy Cleaning, the top rating available for scouring powders in EWG's database. The formula uses calcium carbonate and feldspar as abrasives. No chlorine compounds; no bleach; no trichloroisocyanuric acid. The application is identical to Comet or Ajax: shake a small amount onto a damp sponge or surface, scrub, rinse. No technique change required.
The Bon Ami Powder Cleanser card in the Featured Products section below links to the listing.
Making the Switch
- Same application, no learning curve. Bon Ami applies exactly like Comet or Ajax: shake onto a damp surface or sponge, scrub, rinse.
- Surfaces it works on. Bon Ami is effective on stainless steel, porcelain, ceramic tile, glass cooktops, and bathroom fixtures. It is not recommended for uncoated aluminum or highly polished chrome, where the feldspar abrasive may scratch. Check the can for the current surface advisory.
- No disinfection claim. Bon Ami does not contain bleach or EPA-registered disinfecting agents. For routine cleaning (grease, soap scum, stains, mineral deposits), it handles the job by abrasion. If surface disinfection matters for a specific application, use an EPA-registered disinfectant separately.
For a broader look at household cleaning products, see our guide to EWG-rated all-purpose cleaners and our EWG-rated bathroom cleaner guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bon Ami the same as Ajax?
No. They are different products. Ajax Powder Cleanser with Bleach is a bleach-based powder. Bon Ami Powder Cleanser uses mineral abrasives (calcium carbonate and feldspar) and contains no bleach. Check each can's label for the current ingredient list.
Is Bon Ami EWG VERIFIED® or just EWG-rated?
Bon Ami Powder Cleanser is rated Grade A by EWG's Guide to Healthy Cleaning (the top rating in the category), but it is not EWG VERIFIED®. EWG VERIFIED® is a separate, more intensive certification requiring the brand to formally apply, fully disclose all ingredients, and pass EWG's independent review process. The Guide to Healthy Cleaning A grade reflects EWG's ingredient hazard assessment finding minimal concern. If you're specifically asking about Comet, see our dedicated Comet cleanser ingredient guide.
What does EWG rate on Comet scouring powder?
EWG's Guide to Healthy Cleaning rates Comet Disinfectant Cleanser Powder with Bleach an F, EWG's highest concern level. The primary concerns EWG flags include trichloroisocyanuric acid (a chlorine compound) in hazard categories covering developmental and reproductive toxicity. These are EWG's published ingredient assessments from their database; they are not safety certifications and not our own claims. Search by exact product name at ewg.org/cleaners for the current grade and ingredient-by-ingredient breakdown.
Does Bon Ami disinfect?
No. Bon Ami does not contain bleach or EPA-registered disinfecting agents. It provides mechanical cleaning through mineral abrasion: effective for removing food residue, soap scum, stains, and mineral deposits. If you need surface disinfection for a specific application, use an EPA-registered disinfectant product alongside it.
What surfaces can Bon Ami be used on?
Bon Ami is suitable for stainless steel sinks, porcelain, ceramic tile, glass cooktops, fiberglass, and bathroom fixtures. It is not recommended for highly polished chrome or uncoated aluminum where abrasive cleaners may scratch. Check the can for the current advisory.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. NonToxicFinder (Solved Labs LLC) may earn commissions on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or partnered with the Environmental Working Group.
