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Griot's Garage Brilliant Finish Car Wash

liquid
4.7(812 ratings)Buy on Amazon

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From the Safety Data Sheet

Full SDS ↗ (rev. 2018-08-09)

GHS hazard codes are quoted from the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet. PPE tiers below translate those codes and the listed ingredient chemistry; they are not CarCareTruth recommendations.

EyesRequiredMfr. SDS §8 · 29 CFR 1910.133(a)(1) · GHS H318
SkinRecommendedMfr. SDS §8 · 29 CFR 1910.138(a) · GHS H317
LungsNo PPE in published sources
VentilationNo PPE in published sources

Show details for all categories ▾

EyesRequired

From the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet, Section 8

H318 (serious eye damage, Category 1) is classified in SDS §2 at concentrate strength — the GHS05 corrosion pictogram on the label reflects this classification. Eye protection is warranted when handling the undiluted concentrate.

Griot's Garage

U.S. regulatory standard

29 CFR 1910.133(a)(1); 1910.151(c)

The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from… liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids…

ANSI Z87.1 (chemical splash protection — incorporated via §1910.6)

OSHA standards apply to workplaces. Cited here as the U.S. reference threshold for the underlying hazard class.

UN GHS hazard statement

H318

Causes serious eye damage

UN GHS Rev. 9 (2021)

CarCareTruth publishes the cited sources verbatim and does not advise what action a user should take. Consult the full SDS before use.

SkinRecommended

From the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet, Section 8

H317 (skin sensitizer, Category 1) is on the SDS — present from fragrance and preservative ingredients (CMIT/MIT, Kathon CG). Skin sensitization is a one-way threshold: once sensitized, even trace exposures at working dilution can trigger a reaction. Gloves are warranted, particularly for anyone with prior sensitivity to isothiazolinone preservatives.

Griot's Garage

U.S. regulatory standard

29 CFR 1910.138(a); 1910.132(d)

appropriate hand protection when employees' hands are exposed to hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful substances.

OSHA standards apply to workplaces. Cited here as the U.S. reference threshold for the underlying hazard class.

UN GHS hazard statement

H317

May cause an allergic skin reaction

UN GHS Rev. 9 (2021)

CarCareTruth publishes the cited sources verbatim and does not advise what action a user should take. Consult the full SDS before use.

Lungs

No PPE specified in published sources for lungs. Absence does not imply “not needed” — consult the full Safety Data Sheet.

Ventilation

No PPE specified in published sources for ventilation. Absence does not imply “not needed” — consult the full Safety Data Sheet.

PPE tiers translate the manufacturer’s SDS and U.S. regulatory standards. Not professional safety advice. How we report safety.

CCT

CarCareTruth's Analysis

Last reviewed May 16, 2026

TL;DR Brilliant Finish cleans road film reliably at 1 oz per gallon and the community confirms it does not strip wax, sealants, or ceramic coatings. The SDS carries H317 (skin sensitizer) and H318 (serious eye damage) at concentrate strength.

What it is and how it performs

Brilliant Finish is a super-concentrated shampoo that lifts road film and brake dust while generating thick foam that lubricates the mitt through a full wash pass. Use 1 oz per gallon in a two-bucket setup or foam cannon. Amazon reviews at 4.7★ across 812 purchases confirm reliable cleaning, good mitt glide, and no wax or coating stripping at normal wash concentration.

Who should buy this — and who should skip it

Best for enthusiasts washing coated or waxed vehicles regularly — good foam volume and a proven coating-safe track record make it a solid weekly-wash choice for bucket, foam sprayer, or foam cannon. Skip it if you need a strip wash before reapplying wax or coating — use a dedicated strip shampoo for that step instead.

Safety and environmental impact

The SDS carries DANGER with H318 (serious eye damage, Category 1) at concentrate strength. H317 (skin sensitizer, Category 1) from isothiazolinone preservatives and fragrance carries no dilution exception — sensitization risk persists at any concentration for sensitized individuals. No Prop 65 warning. Both primary surfactants — sodium C10-16 alkylbenzenesulfonate and sodium lauryl sulfate — are flagged for aquatic toxicity in their ingredient profiles. SDS Section 12 provides no biodegradability data.

Frequently asked questions

Is Griot's Garage Brilliant Finish Car Wash safe for ceramic coatings?

Griot's Garage markets Brilliant Finish as safe for waxes, sealants, ceramic coatings, and vinyl wraps — and Amazon long-term reviews are consistently positive on this point. The brand labels it as pH-balanced, though the SDS does not confirm pH at working-solution dilution. For maintenance washes on coated vehicles, the community consensus supports safe use. If you need a strip wash before reapplying protection, use a dedicated strip shampoo instead.

What is the dilution ratio for Griot's Garage Brilliant Finish Car Wash?

The label specifies 1 oz per gallon (1:128) for standard bucket use, which produces thick, rich lather per Amazon reviews. For foam cannon use, the product works at the same dilution in the cannon reservoir with water. Griot's markets it for bucket-and-mitt, foam sprayer, and foam cannon use.

Does Griot's Garage Brilliant Finish have a Prop 65 warning?

No. The Rainforest API data for ASIN B00PA2LMVY shows no Prop 65 warning, and the SDS §15 makes no mention of California Proposition 65 substances.

What are the safety classifications for Brilliant Finish Car Wash?

The SDS carries a DANGER signal word with H317 (skin sensitizer Category 1) and H318 (serious eye damage Category 1) at concentrate strength. H318 drives the GHS05 (corrosion) pictogram. Both classifications apply to the undiluted concentrate — at 1:128 working-solution dilution the surfactant fraction is reduced significantly, but H317 sensitization risk does not fully resolve at dilution for sensitized individuals.

Is Brilliant Finish Car Wash environmentally safe to rinse down the drain?

Like most car shampoos, the wash solution goes to driveway runoff and storm drains. The formula contains two surfactants — sodium C10-16 alkylbenzenesulfonate (LAS) and sodium lauryl sulfate — both flagged for aquatic toxicity in their ingredient profiles. The SDS Section 12 reports no mixture-level aquatic H-codes and no biodegradability data. The environment score of 5/10 reflects these ingredient-level concerns.

From the manufacturer

Marketing copy from Griot's Garage, via Amazon. Not editorial.

  • CONCENTRATED CAR WASH SOAP: Formulated with premium ingredients and special brighteners, this car wash detergent boosts gloss and clarity for a brilliant, streak-free finish
  • RICH, FOAMY SUDS FOR POWERFUL CLEANING: Just one ounce of this car wash concentrate per gallon of water produces thick, rich lather that lifts dirt and grime while helping prevent swirl marks and scratches
  • SAFE FOR ALL FINISHES AND PAINT PROTECTION: This foaming car wash soap is pH-balanced and safe to use on waxes, sealants, ceramic coatings, and vinyl wraps; your paint protection stays intact wash after wash
  • VERSATILE CAR WASH LIQUID FOR MULTIPLE METHODS: This pressure washer car wash soap can also be used with a bucket and mitt, foam sprayer, or foam cannon; ideal for any car wash kit
  • IDEAL FOR ROUTINE CAR CARE: This car washing soap is safe on all paint types and great for maintaining a freshly detailed look with every regular wash

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Brilliant Finish Car Wash
Brilliant Finish Car Wash
Brilliant Finish Car Wash
Brilliant Finish Car Wash
Brilliant Finish Car Wash
Manufacturer specifications
Brand
Griot's Garage
Item Form
Liquid
Scent
Unscented
Specific Uses For Product
Automotive Exterior
Material Feature
Concentrated
Special Features
PH Neutral
Special Ingredients
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium C10-16 Alkylbenzenesulfonate , Sodium Lauryl Sulfate ,Sodium Chloride,Fragrance, Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate,Pink Dye
Contains Liquid Contents?
Yes
Material Features
Concentrated
Item Volume
1800 Milliliters
Unit Count
64 Fluid Ounces
Number of Items
1

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