Label Lookup: Personal Care Products

When you're searching for cosmetics, shampoos or other personal care products, 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 word vegetarian or vegan in the U.S. Manufacturers say the claim indicates that products do not contain any animal ingredients or by-products, 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

• 100% Vegetarian (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Standards for this single-issue claim were 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 and welfare, environmentalism, 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, cosmetics / personal care

  Managing organization: Vegan Action

  Learn more: Vegan Action: Certified Vegan, Greener Choices

• Alcohol-Free (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is not meaningful or reliable.

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

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether a product contains alcohol

  Verification process: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not defined the term alcohol free, and without any formal definition, it is difficult for the FDA to take action against manufacturers making such claims. Manufacturers do appear to use the term alcohol-free on cosmetic products that are ethyl alcoholÐfree. However, several other types of alcoholÑbenzyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol, for exampleÑcan be in products labeled "alcohol-free," and these can be associated with the same skin- and eye-irritant effects as ethyl alcohol. Check the ingredients to be sure that products labeled alcohol-free are truly free of alcohol.

  Standards development process: None

  Claims seen on these product types: Baby products, eye care, feminine hygiene, fragrances, hair care, manicuring, makeup, oral hygiene, shaving, skin care, sunscreens

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

  Learn more: Greener Choices

• Allergy-Tested (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is not meaningful or reliable.

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

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether a product was tested for allergic reactions on skin

  Verification process: No organization verifies the use of this claim other than the company manufacturing or marketing the product.The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the regulatory authority given by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics (FD&C) Act, can take action on products it deems "misbranded" (misleading to consumers) or adulterated (contaminated and potentially unsafe) after such products have already reached the market. However, FDA has not defined the term "allergy-tested," and without any formal definition it would be difficult for the FDA to take action against manufacturers making such claims.

  Standards development process: None

  Claims seen on these product types: baby products, bath, eye care, fragrances, hair care, makeup, moisturizer, shaving, skin care, sunscreens

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

  Learn more: Greener Choices

• Antibacterial (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is not meaningful on personal care products, including soaps, lotions, hand washes and dishwashing detergent. The FDA has not approved any use of this claim on lotions.

  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 kills bacteria

  Verification process: FDA requires all manufacturers wanting to make antibacterial claims on lotions to submit data demonstrating safety and effectiveness of each product and obtain FDA approval prior to marketing. To date, FDA has approved no antibacterial claims on any lotion and has questioned the validity of such claims, but it is not clear how strongly FDA is enforcing its rules. For other personal care products that make an antibacterial claim, including soaps and dish soaps, manufacturers are currently not required to submit safety and testing data for FDA evaluation. Therefore, consumers cannot be sure that an antibacterial ingredient is safe or that it actually works. With the exception of antibacterial claims on lotions, there is no verification process for this type of claim on personal care products.

  Standards development process: Definition was developed with broad public and industry input.

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

  Managing organization: FDA

  Learn more: Greener Choices, Antibacterials: Triclosan & triclocarban

• Australian Certified Organic (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is third-party verified according to ISO Guide 65 Product Certification specs, meets detailed and rigorous standards developed via process that is open or consensus-based.

  Description: At least 95% of ingredients must be organic and must not use synthetic fragrances or dyes or be petroleum-based. Water and salt are not considered ingredients for the purpose of determining organic content, making this label more rigorous than USDA Organic for personal care products.

  Certified products: Find Australian Certified Organic products

  Issues addressed by this claim: Cultural, indigenous and minority rights; fair trade; human rights; animal welfare; biodiversity; GMOs; pesticides; herbicides; fungicides; soil; wastewater; sewage

  Verification process: Conformity with Australian Certified Organic's standard is verified by an independent organization (third party) following ISO Guide 65 Product Certification

  Standards development process: Standard-setting process included broad stakeholder input

  Claims seen on these product types:

  Personal care, fish, fisheries, food, forest products / paper, textiles

  Managing organization: Australian Certified Organic - subsidiary of Biological Farmers of Australia

  Learn more: Australian Organic, Ecolabel Index

• Bactericidal (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is not meaningful on personal care Products, including soaps, lotions, hand washes and dishwashing detergent. The FDA has not approved any use of this claim on lotions.

  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 kills bacteria

  Verification process: FDA requires all manufacturers wanting to make antibacterial claims on lotions to submit data demonstrating safety and effectiveness of each product and obtain FDA approval prior to marketing. To date, FDA has approved no antibacterial claims on any lotion and has questioned the validity of such claims, but it is not clear how strongly FDA is enforcing its rules. For other personal care products that make an antibacterial claim, including soaps and dish soaps, manufacturers are currently not required to submit safety and testing data for FDA evaluation. Therefore, consumers cannot be sure that an antibacterial ingredient is safe or that it actually works. With the exception of antibacterial claims on lotions, there is no verification process for this type of claim on personal care products.

  Standards development process: Definition was developed with broad public and industry input.

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

  Managing organization: FDA

  Learn more: Greener Choices, Antibacterials: Triclosan & triclocarban

• BDIH (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is third-party verified, addresses multiple issues, meets detailed and rigorous standards, but standards development process was not open or consensus-based.

  Description: The makers of the products marked with this label use natural raw material such as plant oils, fats and waxes; herbal extracts; essential oils; and aromatic materials from EU defined organic systems. In addition to the careful selection of raw materials, the ecological impact of each product plays an important role.

  Certified products: Find BDIH Certified products

  Issues addressed by this claim: Fair trade, animal welfare, biodiversity, chemicals, GMOs, material use, natural resources, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, soil, toxics, waste

  Verification process: Conformity with BDIH Certified Natural Cosmetics Seal's standard is verified by an independent third-party organization. Recognized as equivalent: EU Organic Products Label

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

  Claims seen on these product types: Cosmetics / personal care

  Managing organization: BDIH

  Learn more: Naturkosmetik, Ecolabel Index

• 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 Federal Trade Commission (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

• 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

• 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 manufactures making such claims.

  Standards development process: There is no organization that has established standards for this label, nor is there an independent organization verifying manufacturers' use of this claim.

  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

• DEA-Free (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: There is no official definition for DEA-free and no organization or entity verifying manufacturers' use of the claim.

  Description: There is no official or government definition for "DEA-free," though the claim asserts that the product does not contain the ingredient diethanolamine, or DEA.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product contains Diethanolamine (DEA). There is some evidence that DEA causes cancer.

  Verification process: No organization 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: baby products, bath, eye care, fragrances, hair care, makeup, moisturizer, skin care

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

  Learn more: Greener Choices

• Dermatologist-Tested (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: There is no official definition for dermatologist-tested and no organization or entity verifying manufacturers' use of the claim.

  Description: There is no official or government definition for "dermatologist-tested," though the claim implies a product was tested by a dermatologist and shown to not cause any skin reactions.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product causes skin allergies, sensitivities, etc.

  Verification process: According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), manufacturers are not required to perform any tests or provide supporting evidence to demonstrate that products labeled "dermatologist-tested" were actually tested by a doctor and produced fewer allergic reactions than other products.

  Standards development process: None

  Claims seen on these product types: Baby products, bath, feminine hygiene, fragrances, hair care, makeup, oral hygiene, skin care, sunscreens

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

  Learn more: Greener Choices

• Ecocert "Organic" (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is second-party verified by Ecocert auditor and meets detailed and rigorous standards that address multiple issues and were developed in conjunction with all stakeholders in the value chain.

  Description: Requires that by weight, 95% of ingredients be of natural origin and at least 10% of ingredients in finished product be certified organic.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product contains GMOs, parabens, phenoxyethanol, nanoparticles, silicon, PEG, synthetic perfumes and dyes, animal-derived ingredients (unless naturally produced by them: milk, honey, etc.); the use of natural ingredients from organic farming

  Verification process: Onsite audit is performed by Ecocert auditor

  Standards development process: Standard-setting process did include broad stakeholder input

  Claims seen on these product types: Moisturizer, base, foundation, face powder, lotions, eye makeup, lipstick

  Managing organization: Ecocert

  Learn more: Ecocert

• Environmentally Friendly (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: There is no official definition for "environmentally friendly," which the Federal Trade Commission considers "difficult, if not impossible, to substantiate."

  Description: There is no official or government definition for "environmentally friendly."

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Implies 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: Federal Trade Commission's Green Guide, Greener Choices

• Environmentally Preferable (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: There is no official definition for "environmentally preferable," which the Federal Trade Commission considers "difficult, if not impossible, to substantiate."

  Description: There is no official or government definition for "environmentally preferable."

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Implies 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: Federal Trade Commission's Green Guide, Greener Choices

• Environmentally Safe (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: There is no official definition for "environmentally safe," which the Federal Trade Commission considers "difficult, if not impossible, to substantiate."

  Description: There is no official or government definition for "environmentally safe."

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Implies 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: Federal Trade Commission's Green Guide, Greener Choices

• Fragrance-Free (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is not meaningful and may even be deceptive.

  Description: There is no official or government definition for "fragrance free," though the claim implies the product does not contain any fragrances.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether a product contains synthetic fragrances. A number of chemicals in fragrances are known or suspected to cause harm to human health.

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

  Standards development process: According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is no standard definition that governs the use of the term "fragrance free." Moreover, products labeled as "fragrance free" can contain fragrances that are used to cover up the chemical smell of the other ingredients in the product.

  Claims seen on these product types: Baby products, bath, feminine hygiene, fragrances, hair care, makeup, oral hygiene, skin care, sunscreens

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

  Learn more: FDA, Greener Choices

• Germicidal (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is not meaningful on personal care products. The FDA has not approved any use of this claim.

  Description: "Germicidal" means that the substance or product kills bacteria or other microbes that cause disease, generally in or on foods, 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 a product or ingredients kills germs

  Verification process: FDA requires all manufacturers wanting to make germicidal claims on lotions to submit data demonstrating safety and effectiveness of each product and obtain FDA approval prior to marketing. To date, FDA has not approved a germicidal claim on any lotion, and has questioned the validity of such claims. However, it is not clear how strongly FDA is enforcing its rules. With the exception of germicidal claims on lotions, there is no verification for this type of claim on personal care products.

  Standards development process: The standards for most personal care products, where they exist, are only proposed; the proposals are publicly available.

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

  Managing organization: FDA

  Learn more: Greener Choices, Antibacterials: Triclosan & triclocarban

• 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: Requires effective product performance; 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 and minority rights; human rights; labor relations; human resource policies; training and education; work safety; worker health conditions; biodiversity; carbon/GHG emissions; chemicals; energy production and sources; energy use and efficiency; forests; material use; natural resources; recycling; soil; toxics; waste; water quality; water use

  Verification process: Conformity with Green Seal's standard is third-party verified following ISO Guide 65 Product Certification. Recognized as equivalent: EcoLogo, Environmental Choice New Zealand, Good Environmental Choice: Australia, Green Mark

  Standards development process: Green Seal develops and revises environmental standards following procedures in accordance with ISO 14020, ISO 14024 and ANSI. The process was open and included multi-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

• Hypoallergenic (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: There is no official definition for hypoallergenic and no organization or entity verifying manufacturers' use of the claim.

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

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether a product will be less likely to cause allergic reactions.

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

  Standards development process: There are no federal standards or definitions that govern the use of the term "hypoallergenic." Manufacturers of cosmetics labeled hypoallergenic are not required to submit substantiation of their claims to FDA.

  Claims seen on these product types: Baby products, bath, feminine hygiene, fragrances, hair care, makeup, oral hygiene, skin care, sunscreens, tissue

  Managing organization: None

  Learn more: Greener Choices

• Kills Germs (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: A "kills germs" claim is not meaningful on personal care products. The FDA has not approved any use of this claim. Contact the FDA if you encounter a "kills germs" claim.

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

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Implies the product or its ingredients kills germs.

  Verification process: FDA requires all manufacturers wanting to make "kills germs" claims on lotions to submit data demonstrating safety and effectiveness of each product and obtain FDA approval prior to marketing. To date, FDA has not approved a "kills germs" claim on any lotion, and has questioned the validity of such claims. However, it is not clear how strongly FDA is enforcing its rules. For other personal care products that make a "kills germs" claim, including soaps, manufacturers currently are not required to submit safety and testing data for evaluation by FDA. Therefore, consumers cannot be sure that the kills germs ingredient is safe or that it actually works.

  Standards development process: The standards for most personal care products, where they exist, are only proposed; the proposals are publicly available.

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

  Managing organization: FDA

  Learn more: FDA, Greener Choices

• Leaping Bunny (more info) ↓

  

  Rating explained: Claim is highly meaningful and first-party declared by companies applying for it, though it is based on standards that were developed without full stakeholder participation.

  Description: 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 product

  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, a "spot-check," commissioned by the CCIC 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

• Made with Organic Ingredients (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Though claim is third-party verified and addresses multiple issues, it is not meaningful on cosmetics and personal care products. While some agricultural based ingredients in these products may be certified as organic, many personal care products claiming to be organic also contain synthetic and petroleum-derived ingredients that have not been reviewed by the National Organic Standards Board.

  Description: Requires 70% organic ingredients. In food products, water and salt are not considered ingredients for the purpose of determining organic content. However, for personal care products, water can be included in a product's organic weight. Water usually being one of the first three ingredients listed on personal care products, it is easier for personal care products than for food to be labeled organic.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product contains organic ingredients

  Verification process: A USDA-accredited certifier verifies that farmers and producers meet the standards set by the USDA National Organic Program. USDA does not verify products but does accredit all organic certifiers to use the USDA organic label. Enforcement of these standards appears to be less rigorous on personal care products than on food products.

  Standards development process: Standards were developed with broad stakeholder participation.

  Claims seen on these product types: Processed food, moisturizer, shampoo, face powder, lotions, deodorant, eye makeup, lipstick

  Managing organization: USDA Certified Organic

  Learn more: USDA National Organic Program, Greener Choices

• Natural Products Association Natural Standard (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Though meaningful and based on rigorous standards, the claim is first-party declared by the manufacturer, and the standards were was developed without broad public participation.

  Description: Under the Natural Standard for Personal Care Products, allowed ingredients come from or are made from a renewable resource found in nature (flora, fauna, mineral), with absolutely no petroleum compounds.

  Certified products: Find NPA-certified products

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether ingredients come from or are made from a renewable resource found in nature (flora, fauna, mineral), with absolutely no petroleum compounds

  Verification process: To determine if an ingredient is appropriate for an NPA-certified Natural Product, manufacturers must evaluate the ingredient to assure that it is made with raw materials from natural sources, that it has been manufactured using the allowed ecological processes outlined in the NPA Natural Standard, and that the ingredient does not contain any prohibited substances identified in the Natural Standard. Manufacturers and retailers can find the definition of Natural and a list of allowed and prohibited ingredients and processes in the appendix of the Natural Standard for Personal Care Products. The Natural Standard for Personal Care Products requires that companies be transparent, fully disclosing their ingredients accurately and truthfully.

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

  Claims seen on these product types: Shampoo, lotions, deodorant

  Managing organization: Natural Products Association

  Learn more: Natural Products Association

• 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: 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 this 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: 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 this claim other than manufacturer.

  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: Animal testing

  Verification process: There are no standards, and 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 this 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 no 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 term. This claim is generally used on products sold in aerosol cans to mean that the product does not contain chlorofluorocarbons, one type of chemical that harms the earthÕs ozone layer.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product contains chlorofluorocarbons

  Verification process: No organization 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.

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

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

  Learn more: Greener Choices

• No Detergents (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is somewhat meaningful to convey that the product uses soap rather than detergent. However, there are no standards or verification, and the product may contain harsh solvents or cleaning chemicals as detergent alternatives.

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

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product contains detergents

  Verification process: No organization 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 Methylparaben, No Propylparaben, No Methyl or Propyl Paraben (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is somewhat meaningful for dishwasher detergents, but is not verified and could be misleading. Best advice: Read the label.

  Description: There is no government or official definition of no methyl paraben, no propylparaben, or no methyl or propyl paraben, but these claims seem to indicate that the product contains no parahydroxy-benzoate (paraben) preservatives.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether the product contains parabens, which can be irritating to the skin and eye and can cause allergic reactions. People who are allergic or have other sensitivity reactions to one paraben are often affected by other parabens as well. In addition, there is some evidence that parabens may disrupt the bodyÕs hormone systems by mimicking the effects of estrogen.

  Verification process: No organization verifies the use of this claim other than the company manufacturing or marketing the product.

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

  Claims seen on these product types: Baby products, bath, fragrances, skin care, sunscreens

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

  Learn more: Greener Choices

• No Parabens (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is somewhat meaningful for dishwasher detergents, but is not verified and could be misleading. Best advice: Read the label.

  Description: There is no government or official definition of no methyl paraben, no propylparaben, or no methyl or propyl paraben, but these claims seem to indicate that the product contains no parahydroxy-benzoate (paraben) preservatives.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether the product contains parabens, which can be irritating to the skin and eye and can cause allergic reactions. People who are allergic or have other sensitivity reactions to one paraben are often affected by other parabens as well. In addition, there is some evidence that parabens may disrupt the bodyÕs hormone systems by mimicking the effects of estrogen.

  Verification process: No organization verifies the use of this claim other than the company manufacturing or marketing the product.

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

  Claims seen on these product types: Baby products, bath, fragrances, skin care, sunscreens

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

  Learn more: Greener Choices

• No Paraffin (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is specific and clear, but there is no official definition, no standards, and no independent verification of it.

  Description: There is no official or government definition of "no paraffin" or "no paraffin wax."

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether the product contains paraffin, which can refer to several substances that are generally derived from petroleum, coal tar, wood tar, etc. Liquid paraffin is another name for mineral oil. Paraffin oil is another name for kerosene. White soft paraffin is another name for petroleum jelly. Paraffin wax is a white or colorless, odorless solid waxy substance that is a complex mixture of chemicals, mostly paraffins, that is often used in candles and wax paper.

  Verification process: No organization verifies the use of this claim other than the company manufacturing or marketing the product.

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

  Claims seen on these product types: Hair care, makeup, skin care, sunscreens

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

  Learn more: Greener Choices

• No Sodium Lauryl or Laureth Sulfate (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is specific and clear, but there is no official definition, no standards, and no independent verification of it. Best advice: Read the label.

  Description: There is no official or government definition of "no sodium lauryl or laureth sulfate."

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether the product contains sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate, which can produce eye and skin irritation and allergic or sensitivity reactions

  Verification process: No organization verifies the use of this claim other than the company manufacturing or marketing the product.

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

  Claims seen on these product types: Baby products, bath, hair care, makeup, oral hygiene, skin care

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

  Learn more: Greener Choices

• No Synthetic Detergents (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: This claim can be misleading, is not officially defined, and is not verified by an independent organization.

  Description: There is no official definition for "synthetic detergent" and no organization or entity verifying manufacturers' use of the claim, which can be misleading.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether the product contains synthetic detergents

  Verification process: No organization verifies the use of this claim other than the company manufacturing or marketing the product.

  Standards development process: There are no standards for this term, and the claim is misleading, since all soaps and detergents are synthetically produced (i.e. they are formed by chemical reaction). The main cleaning ingredients in detergents are surfactants, chemicals that reduce the surface tension of water so that it can quickly wet a surface and remove soil. Oils used to make surfactants can come from animals or plants, or petroleum. Regardless of its source, the oil must be chemically processed to make the surfactant. Therefore, all detergents are "synthetic."

  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 label.

  Learn more: Greener Choices

• Non-Comedogenic (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: There is no official definition for "non-comedogenic" and no organization verifying manufacturers who use the claim.

  Description: There is no official or government definition of this term.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether the product contains common pore-clogging ingredients that could lead to acne

  Verification process: No organization verifies the use of this claim other than the company manufacturing or marketing the product.

  Standards development process: There is no official FDA definition or list of ingredients that are considered to be non-comedogenic, and there is no officially recognized standard or test to determine the comedogenicity of ingredients.

  Claims seen on these product types: Hair care, foundation, moisturizer, sunscreens

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

  Learn more: Greener Choices

• Non-GMO Verified (more info) ↓

  

  Rating explained: Single-issue claim is third-party verified and meets rigorous standards that were developed with broad stakeholder input.

  Description: Verifies that all ingredients (though not all final products) are tested for genetically modified organisms and found to contain no more than 0.9 percent GMO.

  Certified products: Find Non-GMO Verified products.

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product contains GMOs

  Verification process: Third-party testing of all ingredients, followed by rigorous traceability and segregation practices

  Standards development process: Consensus-based standard and independent product-verification program

  Claims seen on these product types: Processed food, canned beans, canned vegetables, soy milk, grains, tea, baby food, milk, dairy, cosmetics / personal care

  Managing organization: Non-GMO Project

  Learn more: Non-GMO Project, Ecolabel Index

• Non-Irritating (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: There is no official definition for "non-irritating" and no organization verifying manufacturers who use the claim.

  Description: There is no official or government definition of this term.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether a product irritates the skin or causes allergic reactions

  Verification process: No organization verifies the use of this claim other than the company manufacturing or marketing the product.

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

  Claims seen on these product types: Baby products, bath, eye care, feminine hygiene, fragrances, makeup, shaving, skin care, sunscreens

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

  Learn more: Greener Choices

• OASIS (more info) ↓

  

  Rating explained: Though claim is third-party verified, the standards were developed without broad public participation, and claim allows water to be considered an organic ingredient.

  Description: Requires 90% organic content. The standard includes water as an organic ingredient.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product contains organic ingredients

  Verification process: Conformity with the standard is third party verified.

  Standards development process: OASIS is an industry consensus standard and was not developed with full stakeholder participation.

  Claims seen on these product types: baby products, base, lotions, deodorant, face powder, fragrances, lipstick, moisturizer, shampoo, sunscreens

  Managing organization: OASIS

  Learn more: OASIS

• Organic (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is meaningless and deceptive when it appears without the USDA certification logo.

  Description: When used without the USDA certification logo, the term "organic" is undefined for personal care products and not reliable.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether some ingredients are organic

  Verification process: The absence of the USDA certification logo means the manufacturer's use of the claim is not verified.

  Standards development process: Standards were developed for use of the term "USDA Certified Organic" but not for "organic" alone.

  Claims seen on these product types: Moisturizer, shampoo, face powder, lotions, deodorant, eye makeup, lipstick

  Managing organization: USDA Certified Organic

  Learn more: USDA National Organic Program, Greener Choices, Ecolabel Index

• Sensitivity-Tested (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: There is no official definition for "sensitivity-tested" and no organization verifying manufacturers who use the claim.

  Description: This is a general claim that a product was tested on the skin for sensitivity though there is no government or official definition for the term.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product has been tested for sensitivity on skin

  Verification process: No organization verifies the use of this claim other than the company manufacturing or marketing the product.

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

  Claims seen on these product types: Baby products, eye makeup, feminine hygiene, fragrances, foundation, moisturizer, sunscreens

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

  Learn more: Greener Choices

• Unscented (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is not meaningful and may even be deceptive.

  Description: This is a general claim that the product has no odor or scent. Moreover, products labeled unscented may contain fragrances used to conceal the chemical smell of other ingredients in the product.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product contains scents

  Verification process: No organization verifies the use of this claim other than the company manufacturing or marketing the product.

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

  Claims seen on these product types: Baby, fragrances, sunscreen, forest products / paper

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

  Learn more: Greener Choices

• USDA Certified Organic (more info) ↓

  

  Rating explained: Though claim is third-party verified and addresses multiple issues, it is not as meaningful on cosmetics and personal care products as it is on food. While some agricultural based ingredients in these products may be certified as organic, many personal care products claiming to be organic also contain synthetic and petroleum-derived ingredients that have not been reviewed by the National Organic Standards Board.

  Description: Requires at least 95% organic ingredients. In food products, water and salt are not considered ingredients for the purpose of determining organic content. However, for personal care products, water can be included in a product's organic weight. Water usually being one of the first three ingredients listed on personal care products, it is easier for personal care products than for food to be labeled organic.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product contains organic ingredients

  Verification process: A USDA-accredited certifier verifies that farmers and producers meet the standards set by the USDA National Organic Program. USDA does not verify products but does accredit all organic certifiers to use the USDA organic label. Enforcement of these standards appears to be less rigorous on personal care products than on food products.

  Standards development process: Standards were developed with broad stakeholder participation.

  Claims seen on these product types: Meat, poultry, berries, cheese, dairy, eggs, vegetables, fruit, wine, beer, coffee, chocolate, peanut butter, nuts, juice, soy milk, sugar, olive oil, milk, cocoa, cereal, beverages, baby food, personal care, clothing, moisturizer, shampoo, face powder, lotions, deodorant, eye makeup, lipstick

  Managing organization: USDA Certified Organic

  Learn more: USDA National Organic Program, Greener Choices

• Water-Based (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: There is no official definition for "water-based" and no organization verifying manufacturers who use the claim.

  Description: There is no official or government definition of "water-based."

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product contains solvents other than water

  Verification process: No organization verifies the use of this claim other than the company manufacturing or marketing the product.

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

  Claims seen on these product types: Baby, eye makeup, shampoo, foundation, moisturizer, sunscreen, cleaning, personal care, glass and metal cleaners, kitchen and bathroom cleaners

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

  Learn more: Greener Choices

• Whole Foods Market "Premium Body Care" (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Though meaningful and based on rigorous standards, the claim is first-party declared by the manufacturer, and the standards were was developed without broad public participation.

  Description: Product does not contain any of over 400 ingredients considered unacceptable for health reasons.

  Certified products: Find Premium Body Care products

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether product contains prohibited ingredients

  Verification process: Presumably no product can bear the logo that contains a prohibited ingredient.

  Standards development process: Using the most current safety and efficacy date, expert advisors developed the list of prohibited ingredients.

  Claims seen on these product types: Sunscreen, moisturizer, shampoo, lotions, soaps

  Managing organization: Whole Foods Market Premium Body Care

  Learn more: Whole Foods Market Premium Body Care