GET TO KNOW: EWG's Criteria

EWG’s research team has worked hard to develop a strict set of standards for all products that bear the EWG VERIFIED^® mark.

The EWG VERIFIED^® mark demonstrates to consumers that a product meets our strictest criteria. Download the full criteria document here.

EWG’s criteria are based on a variety of health standards. Products that meet our standard must:

• Be formulated to minimize the potential for harm to people and the environment.
• Disclose all intentionally added ingredients, including those used in fragrance.
• Disclose all fragrance allergens and nanomaterials.
• Meet air quality standards.
• Pass microbial challenge tests to ensure they will be shelf stable for an appropriate period of time.

Companies with products bearing the EWG VERIFIED^® mark must:

• Disclose results of efficacy testing.
• Follow standard ingredient naming guidelines.
• Develop and follow best manufacturing practices.
• Commit to submitting all information on potential substantial product hazards to the Consumer Product Safety Commission; or to the Environmental Protection Agency if the product is a registered, or conditionally registered, disinfectant; and to EWG.

In addition, companies must:

• Agree that EWG has the right to perform random product testing to ensure that all products meet the provisions outlined in our criteria.
• Understand that EWG’s science and review is dynamic and that our “Unacceptable” and “Restricted” lists will be reviewed annually and updated as needed, with a phase-in period to allow companies to comply with updates so they may maintain the use of the EWG VERIFIED^® mark.