Label Lookup: Cleaning Products

When you're searching the aisles for household cleaners, how can you distinguish reliable label claims from those that can't be counted on? Check out the list of claims below or in our iPhone app, available here. Learn what they mean, if there are standards behind them, and if and how they are verified.

or four leaves is the highest rating;
or zero leaves is the lowest and means the label has no meaning and is not reliable.

• 100% Vegan (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Single-issue claim. Standards were developed in a process that was not open or consensus based, and third-party verification is uncertain.

  Description: There is no federal regulation of the words vegetarian or vegan in the U.S. Manufacturers say the claim indicates that products do not contain any animal ingredients or by-products, do not use any animal ingredients or by-products in the manufacturing process, and are not tested on animals at any point during the development of the product.

  Certified products: Find 100% Vegan products.

  Issues addressed by this claim: Animal rights / welfare, environmentalism, human rights, human health

  Verification process: Certification process is unclear.

  Standards development process: Standard-setting process did not include broad stakeholder input.

  Claims seen on these product types: Cocoa, baby food, processed food, cleaning products, cosmetics / personal care

  Managing organization: Vegan Action

  Learn more: Vegan Action: Certified Vegan, Ecolabel Index, Greener Choices

• Antibacterial (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is somewhat meaningful for cleaning products (except dish soaps) but not for kitchen products, toys, and recreational products. EPA verifies the claim using standards that were developed with broad public input.

  Description: Claim indicates product contains a substance that kills or inhibits the growth of bacteria.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product contains ingredient that kills or inhibits bacteria

  Verification process: EPA classifies the active ingredient that kills bacteria as a pesticide and requires that it undergo safety and effectiveness testing prior to marketing. EPA also requires that the active ingredient be identified on the label.

  Standards development process: EPA regulates all household cleaning products and laundry detergents that claim to have antibacterial or antimicrobial properties, except dishwashing soaps (which are classified as hand soaps and placed under the authority of FDA).

  Claims seen on these product types: Lotions, skin care, soaps, cosmetics / personal care, oral hygiene, sunscreens, cleaning products

  Managing organization: FDA, EPA

  Learn more: FDA, EPA, Greener Choices, Antibacterials: Triclosan & Triclocarban

• Bactericidal (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is somewhat meaningful for cleaning products (except dish soaps) but not for kitchen products, toys, and recreational products. EPA requires companies to submit information on household cleaners that make an antibacterial claim; EPA verifies the claim using standards that were developed with broad public input.

  Description: Claim indicates that product contains a substance that kills or inhibits the growth of bacteria.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product contains ingredient that kills or inhibits bacteria

  Verification process: EPA classifies the active ingredient that works to kill or reduce microorganisms as a pesticide and requires that it undergo safety and effectiveness testing prior to marketing. EPA also requires that the active ingredient be identified on the label.

  Standards development process: EPA regulates all household cleaning products and laundry detergents that claim to have antibacterial or antimicrobial properties, except dishwashing soaps (which are classified as hand soaps and placed under the authority of FDA).

  Claims seen on these product types: Lotions, soaps, cosmetics / personal care, oral hygiene, sunscreens, cleaning products

  Managing organization: FDA, EPA

  Learn more: FDA, EPA, Greener Choices

• Biodegradable (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: There are no specific standards for the biodegradable claim and no organization or entity verifying manufacturers' use of the claim. However, the Federal Trade Commission has issued general guidelines on how the term should be used.

  Description: According to Federal Trade Commission guidance, a biodegradable product's materials should break down and return to nature within a reasonably short time when exposed to air, moisture, bacteria, or other organisms after customary disposal.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether a material breaks down and returns to nature when exposed to air, sun, moisture, bacteria or other organisms

  Verification process: FTC guidelines provide some meaning for this label, but there is no way to assess conformity and there is no verification process

  Standards development process: There are no specific standards for the biodegradable claim. However, the FTC has issued general guidelines on how the term should be used.

  Claims seen on these product types: Baby products, bath, eye care, fragrances, hair care, makeup, moisturizer, shaving, skin care, sunscreens, office paper, tissue, forest products / paper

  Managing organization: Federal Trade Commission

  Learn more: Greener Choices

• CarbonFree Certified (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Single-issue claim is third-party verified as meeting science-based standards that were developed with broad public input.

  Description: Claim signifies that through carbon reductions and offsets, product causes no net harm to our climate.

  Certified products: Find Carbon Fund certified products.

  Issues addressed by this claim: Carbon/GHG emissions, carbon/GHG offsets, energy use/efficiency

  Verification process: Conformity with CarbonFree Certified's standard is verified by an independent organization (third party).

  Standards development process: The first version of the CarbonFree Product Certification Carbon Footprint Protocol was written jointly by the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Management and Carbonfund.org. The protocol is reviewed and revised annually by the Carbonfund.org Technical Advisory Group and Carbonfund.org staff. It also goes through an annual 30-day public comment period.

  Claims seen on these product types:

  Retail goods, textiles, food, electronics, building products, carbon offsets, cleaning, cosmetics / personal care, forest products / paper, household appliances, machinery and equipment

  Managing organization: Carbon Fund

  Learn more: Carbon Fund, EcoLabel Index

• Cradle to Cradle (more info) ↓

  

  Rating explained: Claim is a mix of third-party certification and second-party verification, addresses multiple issues, and meets rigorous standards, but standards were developed without broad public participation.

  Description: Cradle to Cradle certification requires manufacturer's achievement in multiple areas. Manufacturers must use materials that are safe for human health and the environment across their life cycles; design products and systems for material reutilization, such as recycling or composting; use renewable energy; make efficient use of water; use water of maximum quality for production; and develop company strategies for social responsibility.

  Certified products: Cradle to Cradle certified products

  Issues addressed by this claim: Safety of materials, material re-utilization, renewable energy use, water stewardship, social responsibility

  Verification process: Claim is second-party verified but requires certification by the Forest Stewardship Council or a third-party certifier, or adherence to U.S. Department of Agriculture standards.

  Standards development process: Standards were developed without broad stakeholder participation.

  Claims seen on these product types: Building products cleaning, cosmetics / personal care, forest products / paper, household appliances, machinery and equipment, textiles, transportation, electronics, food

  Managing organization: Cradle to Cradle

  Learn more: Cradle to Cradle, Ecolabel Index

• Certified Vegan (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: This single-issue claim was developed via a process that is not open or consensus based, and its third-party verification is uncertain.

  Description: There is no federal regulation of the words vegetarian or vegan in the U.S. Manufacturers say the claim indicates that products contain no animal ingredients or by-products, use no animal ingredients or by-products in manufacture and are not tested on animals at any point in the product's development.

  Certified products: Find Certified Vegan products.

  Issues addressed by this claim: Animal rights / welfare, human rights, human health

  Verification process: May be first-party declared or third-party certified

  Standards development process: Standard-setting process did not include broad stakeholder input.

  Claims seen on these product types: Processed food, beverages, chocolate, wine, clothing, cleaning products, personal care

  Managing organization: Vegan Action: Certified Vegan

  Learn more: Vegan Action: Certified Vegan, Ecolabel Index

• Contains no CFCs or other ozone-depleting substances (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Single-issue claim is somewhat meaningful, but standards were developed without broad public input.

  Description: The claim suggests products does not contain CFC or other ozone-depleting substances.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product contains ingredients that have a deleterious effect on the ozone layer

  Verification process: While this is not a premarketing verification system, EPA requires a company that wishes to use the claim to notify it. EPA will not approve the label claim to be used if the product contains class 1 or class 2 ozone-depleting substances. If EPA discovers at a later point that the claim is being used in a manner that is not in compliance with EPA policy, then EPA will notify the company that it must immediately submit an amended label with the ozone statement removed. In addition, enforcement action (such as a stop-sale notice) will likely be pursued if the company is not responsive.

  Standards development process: EPA issued a notice on permissible label claims regarding ozone-depleting substances; it did not go through a comment process to obtain public input.

  Claims seen on these product types: Kitchen and bathroom cleaners, air fresheners, room deodorizers

  Managing organization: EPA Ozone Layer Protection Program

  Learn more: EPA Ozone Layer Protection Program, Greener Choices

• Cruelty Free (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is not meaningful and is potentially misleading to consumers.

  Description: There is no official or government definition for this claim.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether animals were harmed in making or testing the product

  Verification process: FDA has not defined "cruelty free," nor has it taken any action against manufacturers making such claims.

  Standards development process: There is no organization that has established standards for this label.

  Claims seen on these product types: Baby, bath, hair care, shaving, skin care, sunscreen, cleaning, laundry cleaners, glass and metal cleaners, kitchen and bathroom cleaners

  Managing organization: There is no organization behind the claim other than the company manufacturing or marketing the product.

  Learn more: Greener Choices

• Design for the Environment (more info) ↓

  

  Rating explained: Claim is highly meaningful and third-party verified by EPA, though it is based on standards that were developed without full stakeholder participation and are not entirely transparent.

  Description: The Design for the Environment (DfE) logo on a product indicates that the DfE scientific review team has screened each ingredient for potential human-health and environmental effects and thatÑbased on currently available information, EPA predictive models, and expert judgmentÑthe product contains only those ingredients that pose the least concern among chemicals in their class.

  Certified products: Find EPA Design for the Environment certified products.

  Issues addressed by this claim: Human health, environmental attributes, safe chemicals, worker safety, worker health conditions

  Verification process: Though third-party verified by EPA, there is not full transparency of information, including how individual products are certified, nor whether all product ingredients are disclosed to allow consumers to make the most informed purchasing decisions.

  Standards development process: The DfE Program promotes safer product design and green chemistry alternatives through informed substitution: the considered transition from a chemical of particular concern to safer chemicals or non-chemical alternatives. DfE convenes partners, including industry representatives and environmental groups, to help in development of goals and guide the work of the partnership. However, standards are not developed with broad stakeholder input.

  Claims seen on these product types: Cleaning, building products, paints, inks

  Managing organization: Design for the Environment

  Learn more: Design for the Environment, Eco Label Index

• EcoLogo (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is third-party verified and addresses multiple health and environmental issues. Standards are rigorous and were developed in an open, public, and transparent process.

  Description: EcoLogoTM is a third-party certified program approved by the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN) as a Type I Label, according to the ISO 14024 Standard. EcoLogo standards endeavor to address multiple environmental attributes related to both human health and environmental impacts across the life cycle of a product or service.

  Certified products: Find EcoLogo Certified products.

  Issues addressed by this claim: Biodiversity, carbon/GHG emissions, chemicals, energy use, efficiency, forests, recycling, toxins, water use

  Verification process: Following a successful third-party audit of the product, EcoLogo certification can be claimed and the product can bear the EcoLogo mark.

  Standards development process: EcoLogo standards are developed with broad stakeholder input and are designed so that only the top 20% of products available on the market can achieve certification.

  Claims seen on these product types: Building products cleaning, cosmetics / personal care, electronics, energy, forest products / paper, machinery and equipment

  Managing organization: Eco Logo

  Learn more: Eco Logo, Eco Label Index

• Eco-Safe (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim has no official definition, and the FTC considers it "difficult, if not impossible, to substantiate."

  Description: There is no official or government definition for this claim.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product provides general environmental benefit

  Verification process: There is no organization independently certifying this claim.

  Standards development process: None

  Claims seen on these product types: Skin care, cleaning

  Managing organization: There is no organization behind the claim other than the company manufacturing or marketing the product.

  Learn more: FTC Green Guides, Greener Choices

• Effective Against E. coli and Staphylococcus (more info) ↓

  Single-issue claim is somewhat meaningful for cleaning products (except dish soaps), but not for kitchen products, toys, and recreational products. EPA verifies the claim using standards that were developed with broad public input.

  Description: Label means the product inhibits growth of E.coli and staphylococcus. This is considered by EPA and FDA to be a subset of antimicrobial claims but is meaningful only in the case of cleaning products other than dishwashing detergents (which are treated as hand soaps) and kitchen, recreational, and children's products, for which such claims are not permitted.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product contains antimicrobials effective against E.coli and staphylococcus

  Verification process: To ensure safety and efficacy, the EPA requires testing of active ingredients prior to marketing before cleaning products can make an "Effective against E. coli and staphylococcus" claim. The EPA and FTC may take action against some false claims, but their ability to do so is significantly limited by legal and resource constraints.

  Standards development process: EPA regulates all household cleaning products and laundry detergents that claim to be effective against E. coli and staphylococcus or to have antimicrobial properties (except dishwashing soap, which is considered a hand soap). EPA classifies the active ingredientÑthat is, the ingredient that works to kill or reduce microorganismsÑas a pesticide and requires it to undergo safety and effectiveness testing prior to marketing, and the active ingredient to be identified on the label. The standards were developed with broad public and industry input.

  Claims seen on these product types: Kitchen and bathroom cleaners, laundry cleaners

  Managing organization: EPA Pesticides Fact Sheets

  Learn more: EPA Pesticides Fact Sheets, Greener Choices

• Environmentally Friendly (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim has no official definition, and the FTC considers it "difficult, if not impossible, to substantiate."

  Description: There is no official or government definition for this claim.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product provides general environmental benefit

  Verification process: There is no organization independently certifying this claim.

  Standards development process: None

  Claims seen on these product types: Skin care, cleaning

  Managing organization: There is no organization behind the claim other than the company manufacturing or marketing the product.

  Learn more: FTC Green Guides, Greener Choices

• Environmentally Preferable (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim has no official definition, and the FTC considers it "difficult, if not impossible, to substantiate."

  Description: There is no official or government definition for this claim.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product provides general environmental benefit

  Verification process: There is no organization independently certifying this claim.

  Standards development process: None

  Claims seen on these product types: Skin care, cleaning

  Managing organization: There is no organization behind the claim other than the company manufacturing or marketing the product.

  Learn more: FTC Green Guides, Greener Choices

• Environmentally Safe (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim has no official definition, and the FTC considers it "difficult, if not impossible, to substantiate."

  Description: There is no official or government definition for this claim.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product provides general environmental benefit

  Verification process: There is no organization independently certifying this claim.

  Standards development process: None

  Claims seen on these product types: Skin care, cleaning

  Managing organization: There is no organization behind the claim other than the company manufacturing or marketing the product.

  Learn more: FTC Green Guides, Greener Choices

• Germicidal (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is somewhat meaningful for cleaning products (except dish soaps) but not for kitchen products, toys, and recreational products. EPA verifies the claim using standards that were developed with broad public input.

  Description: "Germicidal" means that the substance or product kills bacteria or other microbes that cause disease, generally in or on foods, inanimate surfaces, or hands. In other words, it is or contains substance(s) that are antibacterial or antimicrobial.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Bacteria and microbial exposures

  Verification process: EPA classifies the active ingredient that works to kill or reduce microorganisms as a pesticide and requires that it undergo safety and effectiveness testing prior to marketing. The active ingredient must be identified on the label.

  Standards development process: EPA regulates all household cleaning products and laundry detergents that claim to have antibacterial or antimicrobial properties, except dishwashing soaps. EPA has not registered nor reviewed any antibacterial dishwashing soaps despite the fact that there are many "antibacterial" dish soaps on the market. These antibacterial dishwashing soaps are actually classified and labeled by the manufacturer as hand soaps, which means they are personal hygiene products and fall under the authority of the FDA. The standards were developed with broad public and industry input.

  Claims seen on these product types: Cosmetics / personal care, cleaning products

  Managing organization: FDA, EPA

  Learn more: Greener Choices

• Gray Water Safe (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is not meaningful. It has no definition or specific standards, and there is no assurance that such a claim has been independently verified.

  Description: There is no official or government definition for this claim.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product will interfere with the proper functioning of gray-water collection and treatment systems

  Verification process: There is no organization that verifies the use of this claim other than the company manufacturing or marketing the product.

  Standards development process: There are no standards behind the claim "gray water safe." In fact, according to the National Small Flows Clearinghouse (NSFC), any cleaning product is safe to use with gray water systems, as long as the product is used in amounts typically used in cleaning in accordance with the product label. Only products like pesticides and paint thinner are not gray water safe.

  Claims seen on these product types: Wood cleaners, glass and metal cleaners, kitchen and bathroom cleaners

  Managing organization: There is no managing organization.

  Learn more: Greener Choices

• Green Seal (more info) ↓

  

  Rating explained: Claim is third-party verified according to ISO Guide 65 Product Certification specs, addresses multiple issues, and meets science-based standards developed through a multi-stakeholder process.

  Description: Green Seal requires effective cleaning performance. It prohibits carcinogens, mutagens, and reproductive toxins as well as materials hazardous to human health or the environment.

  Certified products: Find Green Seal Certified products

  Issues addressed by this claim: Cultural/indigenous/minority rights, human rights, labor relations/human resource policies, training and education, work safety, worker health conditions, biodiversity, carbon/GHG emissions, chemicals, energy: production/sources, energy: use/efficiency, forests, material use, natural resources, recycling, soil, toxins, waste, water quality, water use

  Verification process: Conformity with Green Seal's standard is third-party verified by Green Seal following ISO Guide 65 Product Certification

  Standards development process: Green Seal develops and revises environmental standards following procedures in accordance with ISO 14020, ISO 14024, and ANSI. The standard-setting process included broad stakeholder input

  Claims seen on these product types: Food, building products, cleaning, cosmetics / personal care, forest products / paper, household appliances, machinery and equipment, paints, tourism

  Managing organization: Green Seal

  Learn more: Green Seal, EcoLabel Index

• Kills Germs (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is somewhat meaningful for cleaning products (except dish soaps) but not for kitchen products, toys, and recreational products. EPA verifies the claim using standards that were developed with broad public input.

  Description: "Germicidal" means that the substance or product kills bacteria or other microbes that cause disease, generally in or on foods, inanimate surfaces, or hands. In other words, it is or contains substance(s) that are antibacterial or antimicrobial.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product or ingredients kill germs

  Verification process: EPA classifies the active ingredient that works to kill or reduce microorganisms as a pesticide and requires that it undergo safety and effectiveness testing prior to marketing. The active ingredient must be identified on the label.

  Standards development process: EPA regulates all household cleaning products and laundry detergents that claim to have antibacterial or antimicrobial properties, except dishwashing soaps. EPA has not registered nor reviewed any antibacterial dishwashing soaps despite the fact that there are many "antibacterial" dish soaps on the market. These antibacterial dishwashing soaps are actually classified and labeled by the manufacturer as hand soaps, which means they are personal hygiene products and fall under the authority of the FDA. The standards were developed with broad public and industry input.

  Claims seen on these product types: Lotions, soaps, cosmetics / personal care, cleaning

  Managing organization: EPA

  Learn more: EPA, Greener Choices

• Kills Pathogenic Bacteria (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is somewhat meaningful for cleaning products (except dish soaps) but not for kitchen products, toys, and recreational products. EPA requires companies to submit safety and efficacy information on household cleaners that make this claim. EPA verifies the claim using standards that were developed with broad public input.

  Description: Claim means that the product or substance kills bacteria that cause disease. It is more specific but similar to the terms "antibacterial" and "antimicrobial," which describe a substance or product that kills or inhibits the growth of bacteria, generally in or on foods, inanimate surfaces, or hands.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product contains ingredient that kills pathogenic bacteria

  Verification process: The EPA requires manufacturers to submit detailed and specific information concerning the chemical composition of their product, toxicology data documenting any hazards associated with use of the product, effectiveness data provided by the manufacturer of the active ingredient to document claims against specific microorganisms, and labeling that reflects most of the required elements of safe and effective use.

  Standards development process: EPA regulates all household cleaning products and laundry detergents that claim to kill pathogenic bacteria or have antimicrobial properties, except dishwashing soap (which is considered a hand soap). EPA classifies the active ingredientÑthat is, the ingredient that works to kill or reduce the microorganismsÑas a pesticide and requires it to undergo safety and effectiveness testing prior to marketing, and the active ingredient to be identified on the label. The standards were developed with broad public and industry input.

  Claims seen on these product types: Kitchen and bathroom cleaners, sponges, oral hygiene, skin care, sunscreen

  Managing organization: EPA

  Learn more: EPA, Greener Choices

• Leaping Bunny (more info) ↓

  

  Rating explained: Claim is highly meaningful and based on standards created by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics, whose members include animal-protection organizations. However, the claim is first-party declared by companies applying for it, and standards were developed without full stakeholder participation.

  Description: Label signifies that manufacturer and its ingredient suppliers do not conduct or commission animal testing of their cosmetic, personal hygiene, or household products after the date of the agreement.

  Certified products: Find Leaping Bunny Certified products.

  Issues addressed by this claim: Animal testing, cruelty

  Verification process: Conformity with Leaping Bunny's standard is declared by the company or organization applying for the label (first party). Companies using the logo agree to be audited once every three years by an independent assessor or, in the case of smaller companies, agree to a "spot-check" commissioned by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics and performed by an accredited auditor.

  Standards development process: Though the standards were developed without broad public input, they were developed by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics, whose members include animal protection organizations, none of whom have financial interest in products bearing the logo.

  Claims seen on these product types: Eye makeup, fragrances, hair care, skin care, sunscreen, oral hygiene, cleaning

  Managing organization: Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics

  Learn more: Leaping Bunny, Greener Choices, EcoLabel Index

• Mold and Mildew Resistant (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is somewhat meaningful for cleaning products (except dish soaps), although efficacy data is not collected, so there is no certainty of product effectiveness. EPA verifies the claim using standards that were developed with broad public input.

  Description: Claim means product is or contains an antimicrobial chemical that interferes with the growth of mold and mildew. Technically, something that is "mold and mildew resistant" is considered by EPA and FDA to be a subset of antimicrobials.This doesn't mean, however, that the product has health benefits or will kill disease-causing bacteria.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product contains anti-microbials effective against mold and mildew

  Verification process: Although products making claims of mold and mildew resistance must be registered with the EPA and safety data reviewed, efficacy (effectiveness) data are not required. Thus there is no independent assurance that the product will be effective. The EPA and FTC may take action against some false claims, though their ability to do so is significantly limited by legal and resource constraints.

  Standards development process: EPA regulates all household cleaning products and laundry detergents that claim to have mold or mildew resistant or antimicrobial properties, except dishwashing soap (which is considered a hand soap). EPA classifies the active ingredient as a pesticide and requires it to undergo safety and effectiveness testing prior to marketing, and the active ingredient to be identified on the label. The standards were developed with broad public and industry input.

  Claims seen on these product types: Kitchen and bathroom cleaners, sponges

  Managing organization: EPA

  Learn more: EPA, Greener Choices

• No Animal Byproducts (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Not reliable. Claim is sometimes meaningful but not verified.

  Description: There is no uniform definition.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product contains animal by-products

  Verification process: There is no verification process behind this claim.

  Standards development process: None

  Claims seen on these product types: Processed food, cleaning, personal care

  Managing organization: There is no organization behind the claim other than manufacturer.

  Learn more: Greener Choices

• No Animal Ingredients (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Not reliable. Claim is sometimes meaningful but not verified.

  Description: There is no uniform definition.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product contains animal ingredients

  Verification process: There is no verification process behind this claim.

  Standards development process: None

  Claims seen on these product types: Processed food, cleaning, personal care

  Managing organization: There is no organization behind the claim other than the company manufacturing or marketing the product.

  Learn more: Greener Choices

• No Animal Testing (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is not meaningful and is potentially misleading to consumers.

  Description: This is a general claim that indicates that no animal testing was done for the product or its ingredients.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product or its ingredients were tested on animals

  Verification process: There is no verification process behind this claim.

  Standards development process: None

  Claims seen on these product types: Baby, bath, feminine hygiene, fragrances, hair care, makeup, oral hygiene, skin care, sunscreen, cleaning, laundry cleaners, glass and metal cleaners, kitchen and bathroom cleaners

  Managing organization: There is no organization behind the claim other than the company manufacturing or marketing the product.

  Learn more: Greener Choices

• No CFCs (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is not meaningful and could be misleading to consumers. It is not a guarantee that the product does not harm the ozone layer, since it may contain other ozone-harming chemicals.

  Description: There is no government or official definition for this claim. It is generally used on products sold in aerosol cans to mean that the product does not contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), one type of chemical that harms the earthÕs ozone layer.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product contains chlorofluorocarbons

  Verification process: There is no organization that verifies the use of this claim other than the company manufacturing or marketing the product.

  Standards development process: CFCs are banned from nearly all consumer products. No standards have been developed to justify this claim.

  Claims seen on these product types: Hair care, oral hygiene, cleaning, personal care

  Managing organization: There is no organization behind the claim other than the company manufacturing or marketing the product.

  Learn more: Greener Choices

• No Detergents (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: This claim is somewhat meaningful to convey to consumers that the product uses soap rather than detergent. However, there are no standards and no verification organization behind it, and the product may contain harsh solvents or cleaning chemicals as an alternative to detergents.

  Description: There is no government or official definition for this claim.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product contains soap rather than detergents, which can have adverse effects on people's skin

  Verification process: There is no organization that verifies the use of this claim other than the company manufacturing or marketing the product.

  Standards development process: None

  Claims seen on these product types: Shampoo, skin care, cleaning, laundry cleaners, glass and metal cleaners, kitchen and bathroom cleaners

  Managing organization: There is no independent organization behind this label.

  Learn more: Greener Choices

• No Synthetic Detergents (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: While claim may be somewhat meaningful, there are no standards behind it, and it is always misleading since all soaps and detergents are synthetically produced.

  Description: There is no government or official definition for this claim, which is found on shampoo, soap, and laundry soap. In fact, this label is always misleading, since all soaps and detergents are synthetically produced (that is, formed by a chemical reaction). The main cleaning ingredients in detergents are surfactants, chemicals that reduce the surface tension of water so it can quickly wet a surface and remove soil. Oils used to make surfactants can come from animals, plants, or petroleum. Regardless of its source, the oil must be chemically processed to make the surfactant. Therefore, all detergents are "synthetic."

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product contains synthetic chemicals, which can have adverse effects on people's skin

  Verification process: There is no verification process behind this claim.

  Standards development process: There are no standards for this term.

  Claims seen on these product types: Cleaning products, cosmetics / personal care, baby, hair care, oral hygiene, skin care

  Managing organization: There is no independent organization behind this claim.

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