What is the EWG?
The EWG is the Environmental Working Group that holds a database to give practical solutions to protect yourself and family from everyday exposures to chemicals in personal care and cleaning products.
The EWG is composed of a team of toxicologists, chemists, and epidemiologists that scrutinize every product, and hold companies to strict, scientific standards.
They have an app where you can search personal care and cleaning products and view their professional rating, as well as the full ingredient list, a break down of the ingredients, and their possible side effects and contraindications - backed up by scientific research.
Can Companies Pay for Higher Ratings?
According to the EWG companies cannot pay to have a better hazard score in their database, and the EWG does not charge a fee for a product to be rated in their Skin Deep database or Guide to Healthy Cleaning.
“But could they be lying?”
Well, sure. But why would they? That would be an extremely easy thing to prove, which could lead to lawsuits. However, even in the case that they are, each product in their database has their ingredient list extensively broken down - so you are able to do your own research and make your own informed decision regardless of the rating (which I encourage, and we will dive into more on the next slide).
Is the EWG the End All Be All?
In my opinion, no. But it can be a GREAT resource.
The EWG is a great app and resource, but not necessarily something to take as gospel. There are many products with high ratings that, personally, I disagree with. And there’s other products with lower ratings that I’m totally comfortable with. It all comes down to each individual’s personal opinions and unique situation. However, it is a great starting off point and resource to help you make informed decisions.
I will always encourage digging into ingredients and details for yourself, and make decisions that YOU are comfortable with for your family - the EWG makes this very easy to do!
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