What is Greenwashing?
Greenwashing is the process of conveying a false impression or misleading information about how a company’s products are environmentally sound, non-toxic, all-natural, “healthy,” etc.
They may use buzz words such as organic, natural flavors, vegan, cruelty free, plant-based, just to name a few. And while these buzzwords may be true, when you look closely at the ingredients you’ll often spot many harmful ingredients.
For example, a lotion may be labled as “plant based” and “gentle,” but still contain fragrance - a major endocrine disruptor.
Greenwashed buzzwords to look out for
All-natural
Green
Eco-friendly
Non-toxic
Biodegradable
Non-Toxic
Recyclable
Organic
Plant-based
Herbal
Gentle
Paraben-free
Sulfate-free
Chemical-free
Oil-free
Extract
Pure
Natural
Dermatologist recommended
These words may apply to some of the ingredients, but it does not mean they apply to the entire product. You must read the label carefully!
ingredients to avoid
Aluminum
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Benzyl Alcohol
Cocamidopropyl betaine
Dimethicone
Fragrance
Parabens
Phthalates
Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs)
Ammonia
Butyl Cellosolve (also known as butyl glycol, ethylene glycol, monobutyl)
Petroleum Solvents
Monoethanolamine (MEA) Diethanolamine (DEA) & triethanolamine (TEA).
Glycol Ethers (ethylene glycol mono-butyl ether, EGBE or 2-Butoxyethanol)
Triclosan
Phenols
Phosphates
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Boric Acid
Paraffin Wax
Metal Wicks
Chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite)
Antibacterials & Disinfectants
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