How Do You Define ‘EWG-Verified’?

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has created a database that aims to be the gold standard in rating cleaning and beauty products based on their ingredients. The EWG is a non-profit and its label ensures products are free from the chemicals of concern to human health that are outlined in their unacceptable list. Their list of products that are EWG Verified contains 2,127 products, in the categories of personal care, cleaning products, and baby products.

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Is ‘EWG-Verified’ regulated?

Yes. While EWG verification happens internally against the Environmental Working Group’s standards, companies are also required to disclose product problems and any serious adverse effects to the FDA. Because the scoring criteria are rigorous, not just any company can slap on an EWG-verified logo. Phew!

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How does EWG Verification work?

The EWG verifies products using data on ingredients and chemicals banned by governments, or known carcinogens or developmental toxins. They also require that companies provide full disclosure of the ingredients contained in their products, including fragrance ingredients, which can pose risk to human health and development. Companies can apply for EWG verification, and undergo an assessment process to determine if they meet the outlined criteria above. Because companies have to pay for the verification, there is inherent bias… but they do source their ingredients data from reputable sources. In Finch’s rating system, we look to their ingredients data rather than companies certified by the EWG. 

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What kind of products can have an EWG Verification?

• Detergents
• Dish soap
• Bar soap
• Shaving cream

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So… is a company “good” if it has an EWG Verification?

Well… depends on what you’re looking for in your products. If you’re only looking for human health impacts, then the EWG verification is a great one to look at. If you’re also considering environmental impacts (shoutout intersectional sustainability!), then it could be a great idea to supplement the EWG verification with other product certifications. A good rule of thumb? Just because a product doesn’t pose risks to human health, doesn’t mean it has the same impact on the environment. 

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Still want to learn more? Check out some of our favorite references:

• Why The Mark Matters
• How We Work With Companies
• EWG’s Licensing Criteria

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