EWG verified
EWG Verified is a certification program offered by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organization that focuses on advocating for public health and environmental protection. The EWG Verified seal is used to identify personal care, household cleaning, and cosmetic products that meet EWG's strict standards for transparency and safety.
To obtain EWG Verified certification, products must undergo a rigorous evaluation process conducted by EWG's team of scientists and experts. The criteria for certification include:
Transparency: The product's ingredients must be fully disclosed on the product label and/or company website, including fragrance ingredients and potential contaminants. Full ingredient transparency helps consumers make informed choices and avoid potentially harmful substances.
Safety: The product must meet EWG's criteria for ingredient safety, which involves an evaluation of potential health hazards based on scientific research and regulatory guidelines. EWG focuses on avoiding ingredients associated with allergies, hormone disruption, and other adverse health effects.
Avoidance of Certain Chemicals: EWG Verified products must be free from certain ingredients that are commonly found in personal care and cleaning products and are known or suspected to pose health risks. This includes substances such as parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, and artificial fragrances.
Manufacturing Practices: The certification also takes into account the company's manufacturing practices. This includes requirements related to animal testing, product labeling, and adherence to good manufacturing practices to ensure quality and safety.
By displaying the EWG Verified seal, companies demonstrate their commitment to providing consumers with products that meet EWG's rigorous standards for safety and transparency. The certification gives consumers confidence that the product has been thoroughly evaluated and is free from potentially harmful ingredients.
It's important to note that EWG Verified certification is specific to personal care, cleaning, and cosmetic products and does not cover other categories such as food or clothing. Additionally, while EWG Verified provides valuable information and a recognized certification, it is one of several certifications and resources available to consumers for assessing product safety and environmental impact. It is always recommended to read product labels, do research, and consider multiple sources of information when making purchasing decisions.