The EU Cosmetics Directive (76/768/EEC) was adopted iN January 2003 and most recently revised in 2013. The EU law bans 1,328 chemicals from cosmetics that are known or suspected to cause cancer, genetic mutation, reproductive harm or birth defects.  In comparison, the U.S. FDA has only banned or restricted 11 chemicals from cosmetics. Unlike the United States, EU law requires pre-market safety assessments of cosmetics, mandatory registration of cosmetic products, government authorization for the use of nanomaterials and prohibits animal testing for cosmetic purposes.

Learn more here.

A globally recongised product endorsment for products which do not contain allergens likely to cause a reaction and have been independently clinically tested and assessed as more suitable for people affected by allergy.

Asthma Allergy Nordic isa collaboration between the asthma and allergy organizations in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. A label making it easier for customers to find gentle products selected with care. Learn more here.

The ASTM D5511 Test Method is a test used to determine the rate of biodegradation of plastic products in an anaerobic biodigester environment.

Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.
B Corps are accelerating a global culture shift to redefine success in business and build a more inclusive and sustainable economy. Society’s most challenging problems cannot be solved by government and nonprofits alone. B Corps form a community of leaders and drive a global movement of people using business as a force for good.

Learn more here

Organic cotton is a healthier and more eco-friendly choice for families, communities, and the environment. Conventional cotton is considered the world’s “dirtiest crop,” as it’s grown using large amounts of unsafe fertilizers and pesticides. In 2019 alone, over 68 million pounds of pesticides were used on cotton fields in the US. These fertilizers and pesticides are detrimental to the entire ecosystem, from the soil and water to the farmers who grow it. Cotton also uses a ton of irrigated water (often including groundwater)—for example, the average pair of jeans grown with conventional cotton requires a whopping 9910 gallons from seed to store. Conventional cotton is considered the world’s “dirtiest crop,” as it’s grown using large amounts of unsafe fertilizers and pesticides. In 2019 alone, over 68 million pounds of pesticides were used on cotton fields in the US. These fertilizers and pesticides are detrimental to the entire ecosystem, from the soil and water to the farmers who grow it. Cotton also uses a ton of irrigated water (often including groundwater)—for example, the average pair of jeans grown with conventional cotton requires a whopping 9910 gallons from seed to store. Organic cotton is grown without pesticides and fertilizers and is whitened and finished with safer substances, like soda ash—substances that are less risky for workers. In addition, most organic cotton is fair-trade, which means that the farmers and workers who grow and produce it do so in safe, healthy, environments with living wages.

Learn more here

China started studying and exploring forest certification at the end of the 1990s. We started building the national forest certification system in 2001 and the resulting China Forest Certification Scheme (CFCS) was launched in 2010. 

With efforts over more than ten years, important breakthroughs and progress have been made for forest certification in China, and the national forest certification scheme has been established, which is suitable to the national condition and forest situation in China and in line with international practice.

Current good Manufacturing practice regulations is enforced by the FDA and FDA inspected. and is used by manufacturing facilities to ensure proper quality, purity, design, monitoring, and control of the overall facility.

A type of plastic which biodegrades quickly in an open environment, and will not will not accumulate in the oceans or leave any microplastics or toxic residues. Watch how this works here.

The Dermatest seal of approval is a scientific label for independently tested products which come into contact with the skin. As an independent dermatology institute, Dermatest® guarantees you the maximum possible safety for your skin. Comprehensive and properly structured testing along with scientifically sound research make cosmetic products and consumer goods safe for you to use and make their efficacy measurable. Learn more here.

This means that the product has been tested on human skin.

That the formula has been found to be mostly safe when applied to the skin.

That the finished product was well tolerated by persons who tested it on their skin, and in most cases, it did not cause skin reactions.

ECOLOGO Certified products are verified for reduced environmental impact. ECOLOGO Certifications are voluntary, multi-attribute, life cycle-based environmental certifications that indicate a product has undergone rigorous scientific testing and exhaustive auditing to prove its compliance with stringent, third-party environmental standards. These standards set metrics for a wide variety of criteria in some or all of the following categories: materials, energy, manufacturing and operations, health and environment, product performance and use, and product stewardship and innovation. The ECOLOGO Certification helps companies and manufacturers credibly communicate the reduced environmental impact of their products and services. The certifications indicate a product has undergone rigorous scientific testing, exhaustive auditing or both, to prove its compliance with stringent, third-party, environmental performance standards.

All products certified to an ECOLOGO® standard must meet or exceed each of the listed criteria before receiving the mark. So ECOLOGO® Certification is classified as an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Type 1 ecolabel and has been successfully assessed by the Global Ecolabelling Network, further demonstrating its credibility.

Ellead is the Global Leader in Asian Cosmetics Clinical Testing which specializes in cosmetics and food supplliments. Ellead performs clinical studies according to protocols for efficacy, safety, sensory tests of cosmetics, cosmeceuticals and functional food products.

The EU Ecolabel, also known as the EU Flower, is the official environmental label in Europe. Products with the EU Ecolabel meet stringent environmental requirements with regards to raw material, production, use, documentation and safety.

Learn more here.

EWG VERIFIED: Baby Care is a dedicated page to all things baby. There are so many unknowns when you are starting your new journey to parenthood, and EWG wants to help answer those critical questions for you – so you can focus on your little one.

When you see the EWG VERIFIED™ mark on a product, you can be sure it's free from EWG's chemicals of concern and meets our strictest standards for your health.

Learn more here

FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) is an international non-governmental organization dedicated to the promotion of responsible forest management worldwide. FSC®-certified products are made from raw materials from well-managed forests and responsible sources. The label’s traceability and integrity are upheld through stringent control measures, and by choosing FSC®-certified products, you help take care of forests and the people and wildlife that call them home.

Learn more here.

Rigorous adherence to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) minimizes the risk of adulteration or misbranding of cosmetic products .Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) of cosmetic products are mandatory in the EU, and are highly recommended by many other countries, such as the United States.

The Green Good Housekeeping Seal is a multi-attribute consumer-focused certification program. It was developed to help consumers choose safer products and live a greener lifestyle, and to encourage manufacturers to incorporate more green practices into their production and distribution.

Certifications issued by Ecocert guarantee and highlight the best environmentally friendly and socially conscious practices . ECOCERT primarily certifies food and food products, but also certifies cosmetics, detergents, perfumes, and textiles.

I'm green plastic was developed to optimize the use of natural resources and post-consumer waste. Helping to build a circular future. The world's first bio-based plastic produced on an industrial scale, a polyethylene made from sugarcane. Created in 2010 at Braskem's Innovation & Technology Center, in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, with a major advantage: Made from renewable resources, which is why my production process captures carbon dioxide. This helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions!

They are testing, inspecting and certifying products; and are a Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide. Through our global network of state-of-the-art facilities and industry-leading technical expertise we provide innovative and bespoke Assurance, Testing, Inspection and Certification services to customers. We provide a systemic approach to supporting our customers’ Quality Assurance efforts in each of the areas of their operations including R&D, raw materials sourcing, components suppliers, manufacturing, transportation, distribution and retail channels, and consumer management.

ISO 14001 is the international standard that specifies requirements for an effective environmental management system (EMS). It provides a framework that an organization can follow, rather than establishing environmental performance requirements.

Learn more here.

ISO 26000:2010 is intended to assist organizations in contributing to sustainable development. It is intended to encourage them to go beyond legal compliance, recognizing that compliance with law is a fundamental duty of any organization and an essential part of their social responsibility.

ISO 13485:206 specifies requirements for a quality management system where an organization needs to demonstrate its ability to provide medical devices and related services that consistently meet customer and applicable regulatory requirements.

Designed to support organizations in all sectors, this ISO standard provides a practical way to improve energy use, through the development of an energy management system (EnMS).

Learn more here.

ISO 9001 is defined as the international standard that specifies requirements for a quality management system (QMS). Organizations use the standard to demonstrate the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements.

What is the Leaping Bunny Standard? The Standard is short for the Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals, a voluntary pledge that cosmetic, personal care, and/or household product companies based in the US or Canada make to clear animal testing from all stages of product development.

Nordic Ecolabel works to reduce the environmental impact from production and consumption of goods. This makes it easy for consumers and professional buyers to choose the environmentally best goods and services. The Nordic Swan Ecolabel sets strict environmental requirements in all relevant phases of a product's life cycle. Sets strict requirements for chemicals used in eco labeled products. Tightens requirements for goods and services continuously to create sustainable development. And certifies and verifies that all requirements are met before a product is approved.

Learn more here.

To be certified, each product must meet the following two requirements:

• the total carbon content of the product is at least 30%

• the carbon content of a renewable raw material (biobased) is at least 20 %.

How is this measured?

Both fossil and renewable raw materials consist mainly of carbon (C). Carbon occurs in several forms, called isotopes. Isotope C14 is radioactive and occurs naturally in all living organisms (plants, animals ...) in a fixed concentration of 1.2x10-12 %. At this concentration, the (radio) activity level of C14 is 100%. Once an organism is no longer living, this concentration, and thus the activity rate, decays with a half-life of 5700 years. The C14-activity of an unknown substance can therefore determine how old the organism is (or rather how long it has been dead). By determining the percentage of renewable materials (% Biobased) in an OK biobased product, we already know the age of the organic material. On the one side "young" carbon (0 to 10 years) derived from renewable raw materials (eg plants), with C14-activity of about 100%.On the other side "old" carbon (millions of years), derived from fossils with a C14 activity of about 0%. We therefore don’t use the C14 method to determine the age of the product (which would in fact be impossible because it is a mixture of different materials), but rather to determine the concentration of young (or renewable) materials in comparison with the concentration of old (or fossil) resources.

Example: If a product has a C14-activity of 80%, it means that the product consists of 80% renewable and 20% fossil carbon (C).

If you wish to learn more click here.

OHSAS18001 focuses on controlling hazards. It provides a framework for the effective management of occupational health and safety including all aspects of risk management and legal compliance. It addresses occupational health and safety rather than any specific product safety matters.

In order to be listed by PETA or carry the “Animal Test–Free” logo or the “PETA Approved Global Animal Test Policy” logo, companies and brands must commit never to conduct, commission, pay for, or allow tests on animals at any phase of development, for both ingredients and final products. They're required to have agreements in place with their suppliers guaranteeing that the suppliers will never, from the moment the agreement is signed, conduct, commission, pay for, or allow tests on animals for the ingredients purchased by the company or brand.

PETA’s cruelty-free certification program, which provides consumers with information about a company’s testing policies and practices. It is the ultimate resource for conscientious shoppers looking for cruelty-free products, with a searchable online database comprised of over 3,800 cruelty-free companies, with reaches over 2.7 million potential customers each year.

In order to be certified, companies are required to either sign PETA’s statement of assurance or provide a formal statement verifying that they do not conduct or commission animal tests with ingredients, formulations, or finished products – and they must pledge not to do so in the future.

Once approved, qualifying companies receive a seal of approval that ensures their product is made without harming animals and therefore by definition, all their products are concerned: the Beauty Without Bunnies logo. PETA will then add them to their Cruelty-Free Shopping Guide and to their online database.

PETA's statement of Assurance states that the company does not conduct, contract out, or fund studies on animals in the development, manufacturing, testing, or marketing of their products, nor do they intend to do so.

PEFC certification ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. PEFC is a leading global alliance of national forest certification systems. An international non-profit, non-governmental organization, dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management through independent third-party certification.

The product certification scheme for building and construction products and is regarded as one of the most rigorous certification processes available. A Q-Mark is obtained through BM TRADA which is one of the UK’s leading providers of independent third party certification.

If a product is RoHS-certified, this confirms that the proportion of hazardous, or difficult to dispose substances is limited to the maximum allowed. Examples of such substances are lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium and cadmium.

SAI works to protect the integrity of workers around the world by building local capacity and developing systems of accountability through socially responsible standards. The standard measures social performance in the following areas:

1. Child Labor

2. Forced or Compulsory Labor

3. Health and Safety

4. Freedom of Association & Right to Collective Bargaining

5. Discrimination 6. Disciplinary Practices

7. Working hours

8. Remuneration

9. Management system

Learn more here.

Healthy forests are not only essential for the long-term sustainability of forest resources, but for the many ecosystem services they support, such as soil retention, carbon sequestration, flood protection, habitat health, and water filtration and quality. A variety of certification programs and labels have emerged to drive responsible forest management and support markets for products derived from well-managed forests. SCS is one of the world’s leading providers of third-party certification in the forest products industry, operating from a position of deep knowledge and professionalism.

SGS is the abbreviation of Societe Generale de Surveillance S.A., translated as "General Notary Public". SGS is the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification organization. It is a globally recognized benchmark for quality and integrity.

Learn more here.

Independent testing provided by SGS. SGS-IPS Testing offers many valuable mannequin tests, with Absorption before Leakage (ABL) and Anarewet Skin Hydration (ASH) being among the most important. ABL testing determines the maximum fluid amount absorbed by the product before it leaks. Watch an example test here.

They award a professional accreditation to companies, services and brands seeking specialist independent dermatological recognition for their product research.

SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) assesses a site based on their organization's standards of labor, health and safety, environment and business ethics. ... SMETA is designed to help auditors conduct high quality audits that encompass all aspects of responsible business practice.

Learn more here.

STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® is a label for textiles and tests for harmful substances. The certification covers multiple human-ecological attributes, including harmful substances which are prohibited or regulated by law, chemicals which are known to be harmful to health, but are not officially forbidden, and parameters which are included as a precautionary measure to safeguard health.

The OEKO-TEX® laboratory tests include around 100 control parameters and take into account the intended use of the textiles. The more intensive the skin contact of a textile product, the stricter the limit values for each product class.

These products are in Product class I: Textiles and materials for babies and toddlers up to 3 years of age.
Learn more here.

The SFI program was developed in 1994 to ensure North America's valuable forests were protected and to document the commitment of forest products industry members to keep our forests healthy and to practice the highest level of sustainable forestry.

The standard human clinical test used for personal care and pharmaceutical products, is used to help predict the likelihood for induced allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) of topically applied products.

is bleaching which uses an oxygen process, such as hydrogen peroxide. Elementally Chlorine Free uses chlorine-contaminating chemicals such as chlorine dioxide. The use of TCF bleaching, also known as oxygen bleaching, is the safest process and is gentler on the environment.

Highly recognized worldwide as a trademark of trust and quality, a TÜV certification ensures that a product, service, or process has been tested for safety and that it complies with the requirements of national, regional, and international regulations.

The 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) to transform our world:

GOAL 1: No Poverty

GOAL 2: Zero Hunger

GOAL 3: Good Health and Well-being

GOAL 4: Quality Education

GOAL 5: Gender Equality

GOAL 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

GOAL 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

GOAL 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

GOAL 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

GOAL 10: Reduced Inequality

GOAL 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

GOAL 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

GOAL 13: Climate Action

GOAL 14: Life Below Water

GOAL 15: Life on Land

GOAL 16: Peace and Justice Strong Institutions

GOAL 17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal

CPSC works to save lives and keep families safe by reducing the unreasonable risk of injuries and deaths associated with consumer products and fulfilling its vision to be the recognized global leader in consumer product safety. learn more here

Their logo is a registered trademark for products that do not contain animal products or by-products and that have not been tested on animals.

The Vegan Trademark has been helping people identify that a product is free from animal ingredients since 1990. Registration with the trademark gives brands the confidence to shout about their vegan credentials. Look out for the Vegan Trademark on over 61,000 products worldwide,

The amfori BSCI Code of Conduct refers to international conventions such as the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, the Children’s Rights and Business Principles, UN Guiding Principles
for Business and Human Rights, OECD Guidelines, UN Global Compact and International Labour
Organization (ILO) Conventions and Recommendations relevant to improve working conditions in
the supply chain.

Learn more here.

Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. Learn more here

BRC (British Retail Consortium) certification schemes are food quality and safety standards developed by British retailers. They are a requirement which many retail brands demand of their suppliers, mainly in the UK but also in Europe and North America.

The Business Social Compliance Initiative(BSCI) is a non-profit organisation. It was set up as an initiative of the Foreign Trade Association in response to the debate on how to achieve convergence in the field of corporate social responsibility.

CE marking indicates that a product has been assessed by the manufacturer and deemed to meet EU safety, health and environmental protection requirements. It is required for products manufactured anywhere in the world that are then marketed in the EU.

Section 14(a)(3)(E) of the Consumer Product Safety Act, as amended, requires the Commission to 'maintain on its Internet website an up-to-date list of entities that have been accredited to assess conformity with children's product safety rules.'

Third party testing is required to support a certification of compliance to the rules (shown below) for children's products. The laboratories in this list have been accepted as accredited to test products to one or more of these children’s product safety rules, as identified in the accreditation scope for each laboratory.

Here is more information on third party testing and children's product certificates

Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products is the main regulatory framework for finished cosmetic products placed on the EU market. It repeals the EU cosmetics Directive (Directive 76/768/EC). The regulation not only impacts manufacturers and importers of cosmetic products, but also affects suppliers of cosmetic ingredients. See the standards here.

A list of 26 substances that have to be identified on products to inform consumers was established in 1999 by the European Commission.

Their usage and limit are regulated by IFRA.

Alpha isomethylionone

Amyl cinnamal (Jasmonal A)

Amyl cinnamyl alcohol

Anisyl alcohol

Benzyl alcohol

Benzyl benzoate

Benzyl cinnamate

Benzyl salicylate

Butylphenyl methylpropional (Lilial)

Cinnamal

Cinnamyl alcohol

Citral

Citronellol

Coumarin

Eugenol

Farnesol

Geraniol

Hexyl cinnamal (Jasmonal h)

Hydroxycitronellal

Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde (Lyral)

Isoeugenol

Limonene

Linalool

Methyl 2-octynoate

Evernia furfuracea (Treemoss) extract

Evernia prunastri (Oakmoss) extract

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration responsibility is to ensure public health by ensuring the safety, security and efficacy of products.

This means that a company must demonstrate that its drug or biological product is safe and effective for the intended use, and that it can manufacture the product to federal quality standards.

There are the four fundamental principles and rights at work according to ILO. These categories are: freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining, the elimination of forced or compulsory labour, the abolition of child labour and the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

IAF members accredit certification or registration bodies that issue certificates attesting that an organization's management, products or personnel comply with a specified standard. Accreditation provides confidence in the quality, safety, and environmental credentials of goods, services, and processes.

International labour standards are legal instruments drawn up by the ILO's constituents (governments, employers and workers) and setting out basic principles and rights at work. They are either Conventions (or Protocols), which are legally binding international treaties that may be ratified by member states, or Recommendations, which serve as non-binding guidelines.

Learn more here.

IQNET - The International Certification Network,is an international non-governmental and not for profit association. Supported by more than 25 years of activity, IQNET is the leading, most credible, and reliable certification bodies network in the world. 
Through global branding, cooperation and harmonization activities, IQNET goal is to support its Partners in minimising risks and improving sustainable organizational performance for the benefit of certified customers and related interested parties, worldwide.

ISO 10993-5:2009 describes test methods to assess the in vitro cytotoxicity of medical devices.

These methods specify the incubation of cultured cells in contact with a device and/or extracts of a device either directly or through diffusion.

These methods are designed to determine the biological response of mammalian cells in vitro using appropriate biological parameters.

ISO 10993-10:200 describes the procedure for the assessment of medical devices and their constituent materials with regard to their potential to produce irritation and skin sensitization.

"The Mission Of OEKO-TEX is to create trust in textiles including non-woven, and in their production, by certifying the safety and sustainability of the products.

The OEKO-TEX® standard certification, also known as the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, is the most authoritative and influential textile eco-label in the world. OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 products provide a guarantee of ecological safety and meet consumers' requirements for a healthy life.

The OEKO-TEX® Association has been conducting hazardous substances tests on textiles since 1992, in accordance with the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 to ensure that textiles are healthy and harmless. With the advent of the OEKO-TEX® standard catalogue, there is a unified and scientifically based assessment standard f to ensure product safety."

The Rainforest Alliance is an international non-profit organization working at the intersection of business, agriculture, and forests to make responsible business the new normal.

Sedex is a global non-profit membership organization that prides itself on making it simpler to do business that's good for everyone. They are home to the world's largest collaborative platform for sharing responsible sourcing data on supply chains, used by more than 43,000 members in over 150 countries.

The Foreign Trade Association (FTA) is the leading business association of European and international commerce, promoting values of free trade and sustainable supply chains.

The United Nations Global Compact is a non-binding United Nations pact to encourage businesses and firms worldwide to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies, and to report on their implementation.

Learn more here.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is an international document adopted by the United Nations General Assembly that enshrines the rights and freedoms of all human beings.

Learn more here.

The BioPreferred program offers resources to businesses with biobased products including; a voluntary labeling process, a catalog of biobased products, training, and information on marketing of biobased products in the federal government.

For quality products with at least 15% cotton for consumer, institutional, and institutional, and industrial applications. Basically means that this product uses cotton.

The Awards celebrate exceptional products that are clean (non-toxic) and conscious (ethical, sustainable and responsible). Finalist products have been selected across Skincare, Makeup, Hair, Body, Zero Waste, Baby, Kids, Fashion, Fitness, Food & Nutrition and Home.

iF Design is a global symbol of excellent design - hosting the annual iF DESIGN AWARD, one of the most prestigious design awards worldwide.

The Mom’s Choice Awards® (MCA) evaluates products and services created for children, families and educators. The program is globally recognized for establishing the benchmark of excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. The organization is based in the United States and has reviewed thousands of items from more than 60 countries.

The MCA evaluation process uses a propriety methodology in which entries are scored on several elements including production quality, design, educational value, entertainment value, originality, appeal, and cost. To be considered for an award, each entrant submits five (5) identical samples for testing. Entries are matched to evaluators in the MCA database. Evaluators are bound by a strict code of ethics not only to ensure objectivity, but also to ensure that the evaluation is free from manufacturer influence. The five evaluations are submitted to the MCA Executive Committee for final review and approval. Learn more here.

Parent Tested Parent Approved is a parent-based, family-oriented community that shares tips gives feedback, and supports one another through various channels.

PTPA offers parents the opportunity to try and test thousands of dollars worth of products at zero cost in exchange for honest thoughts and opinions.

This invaluable feedback is sent back to the companies, and their products are awarded a Seal of Approval, helping to shape the way products are made with families in mind.

Tending to prevent the growth or spread of bacteria.

A substance that kills microorganisms such as bacteria or mold, or stops them from growing and causing disease.

“Biodegradable” refers to the ability of things to get disintegrated (decomposed) by the action of micro-organisms such as bacteria or fungi biological (with or without oxygen) while getting assimilated into the natural environment. There's no ecological harm during the process. Most diapers remain in a landfill for up to 550 years. There is no such thing as a 100% biodegradable diaper today.

Bioplastics are plastic materials produced from renewable biomass sources, such as vegetable fats and oils, corn starch, straw, woodchips, sawdust, recycled food waste, etc. In contrast, common plastics, such as fossil-fuel plastics (also called petro-based polymers) are derived from petroleum or natural gas.

Typically people think if blockchain in crypto currency, but suppliers can use this technology to trace products in the supply chain as well.

Blockchain is a system of recording information in a way that makes it difficult or impossible to change, hack, or cheat the system. Each block in the chain contains a number of transactions, and every time a new transaction occurs on the blockchain, a record of that transaction is added to every participant's ledger. This information cannot be changed and is therefore seen as the most reliable way to trace information currently.

Blockchain based traceability has the potential to identify counterfeits or fake transactions, tracking/tracing product origin, and supply chain activities at the same time can ease paperwork processing.

Carbon neutral manufacturing considers how the products are made and how the company operates as a whole. To reach carbon zero manufacturing, companies will need to change their daily business interactions and manufacturing processes.

Chain of custody, in legal contexts, is the chronological documentation or paper trail that records the sequence of how the materials move through the supply chain with physical or electronic evidence. This process tracks the movement of "evidence" (paper or electronic) through its collection, safeguarding, and analysis lifecycle. This is done by documenting each person who handled the evidence, the date/time it was collected or transferred, and the purpose for the transfer.

The circular economy is a model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible. This is a departure from the traditional, linear economic model, which is based on a take-make-consume-throw away pattern.

Compostable materials are materials that have been certified to break down completely into non-toxic components (water, carbon dioxide, and biomass) that will not harm the environment, given the right conditions.

If something is Mostly Compostable it means that not all ingredients will break down fully. For example in the Nest Diaper, the only thing left would be plastics used in the diaper (the fasteners to hold the diaper).

(of cosmetics or other commercial products) manufactured or developed by methods which do not involve cruelty to animals.

Enhanced biodegradation is the practice of adding oxygen to saturated soil and groundwater to increase the number and vitality of indigenous microorganisms able to perform biodegradation. Oxygen is considered by many to be the primary growth-limiting factor for hydrocarbon degrading bacteria.

Allergen free or free from allergens, implies the absence of any risk of allergic reaction from any source. In current practice, corporate definitions might be restricted to absence of any major allergen, such as free of the Big 8.

While gluten cannot be absorbed through the skin, if your child has dermatitis herpetiformis, a rash related to celiac disease, you should avoid any skin or body products that contain gluten to avoid irritating any open lesions.

At Honest, we believe in Clean Beauty That Works™. What exactly does that mean?

For us, clean beauty begins with the ingredients not found in our products. Our Honest Beauty NO List is the foundation of the guiding principles we call our Honest Standard.

OUR CRUELTY-FREE PROMISE

Honest Beauty is a cruelty-free brand. We do not test on animals during product development or production — or allow any third parties to do so with our products.

THE HONEST BEAUTY NO LIST

BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)

A preservative that may be linked to cancer, skin irritation and hormone disruption.

BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)

A toluene-based preservative that may be linked to skin irritation.

Butylene/Propylene Glycols

Synthetic chemicals are used to attract moisture to the skin, but may irritate sensitive skin and have been  linked to other health concerns.

Chemical Sunscreens

The FDA recently issued a proposed rule that further data is required for chemical sunscreens to evaluate safety and efficacy, Chemical Sunscreens include benzophenone, diphenylmethanone, diphenyl ketone, 119-61-9, benzoylbenzene phenyl ketone, oxybenzone, 2-hydroxy-4 methoxybenzophenone, 131-57-7, benzophenone-3, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl and octinoxate.

Cyclic Silicones

There is a potential for reproductive toxicity and endocrine disruption with this class of silicones. Studies suggest they are also persistent in the environment, and may build up in the food chain. Cyclic silicones include cyclotetrasiloxane (D4), cyclopentasiloxane (D5), cyclohexasiloxane (D6), and cyclomethicone.

EDTA

Chelating agents, which bind to metal ions to inactivate them. They are not necessarily linked to health issues, but could be problematic for aquatic life since they don't break down in the environment and have been found in waterways. These include calcium disodium EDTA, tetrasodium EDTA and trisodium EDTA.

Ethanolamines

These compounds (including DEA/TEA/MEA/ETA) may be contaminated with chemicals like nitrosamines, which some studies suggest are linked to cancer concerns.

Formaldehyde Donors

Although typically not listed as an ingredient, formaldehyde "releasers" or "donors" are often listed on ingredient labels and include:

DMDM hydantoinDiazolidinyl ureaImidazolidinyl ureaTosylamide/formaldehyde resinQuaternium-15Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diolPolyoxymethylene urea5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3 dioxaneGlyoxalMethenamineBenzylhemiformal

Hydroquinone

Typically used for skin lightening, this ingredient inhibits melanin synthesis, causes skin irritation and possibly causing discoloration of the skin. Hydroquinone is a metabolite of the carcinogen benzene.

Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone (MCIT and MIT)

These preservatives can cause skin allergies and irritation and may be toxic to the nervous system. They are banned from use in leave-on cosmetic products in the EU.

Mineral Oil, Petrolatum and Paraffin

Petrolatum is a semi-solid mixture derived from processed crude petroleum. Mineral oil, paraffin wax and liquid paraffin are also petroleum distillation by-products. The concerns with these specific ingredients are unsustainable sourcing given the amounts typically used in products. There is also a potential health concern in some less refined sources of Mineral Oil, Petrolatum and Paraffin, due to possible PAH (Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons) contamination. Some studies have linked PAHs to cancer. These ingredients are ubiquitous in the cosmetic industry and are primarily used because they are inexpensive bases and fillers for formulas. We are able to source naturally derived alternatives that we deem to be more sustainable, and when possible, we prefer eliminating these synthetics. For more information on other Petroleum derived ingredients please look at the section: Petroleum-Derived and/or Synthetic Ingredients below.

Parabens

We prohibit formulating with any parabens, including ethylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, methylparaben and propylparaben, as they have been linked to potential hormone disruption.

Japanese Honeysuckle

This natural preservative compound looks like a paraben, and in chemistry — structure determines function. While there is not enough data indicating that it is a potential endocrine disruptor (the concern with parabens), we avoid it out of precaution.

Phthalates

Certain phthalates, like dibutyl phthalate (aka DBP), DEHP and DEP, appear on product labels, but most are not listed, hiding under the term "fragrance" or "parfum". We list all our fragrance ingredients and avoid using phthalates altogether as they have been linked to hormone disruption. All of our clean makeup and beauty products are free of these toxic ingredients for the safety and health of our customers.

Resorcinol

Usually used in hair dyes, this has been linked to several health issues including allergies, irritation and hormone disruption.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS and SLES)

SLS and SLES are surfactants and foaming agent commonly used in cosmetic washes that can strip the natural oils off of your skin and may cause skin irritation.

Talc

Usually used in color cosmetics and body (talcum) powders. In our opinion, there are two potential concerns that outweigh any benefits: the risk of asbestos contamination, and the risk of small particles entering the body through inhalation or perineal (genital) use.

Toluene

A solvent that may be toxic to the immune system and may cause birth defects.

Triclosan and Triclocarban

These preservative ingredients are used in personal care and home cleaning products and have already been banned in the US as antibacterial agents in hand soaps and hand sanitizers. They're persistent in the environment and may be associated with hormone disruption. These toxic ingredients are never included in our clean makeup products or skincare line.

Understanding Misunderstood Ingredients

During the risk assessment phase of our Honest Standard, we meticulously review current research and data compiled to determine which ingredients make the cut for our formulations. We carefully determine ingredients and their concentrations based on exposure scenarios, material source and safety data to provide you with a product that meets our Honest safety standards.

Our goal is to use the safest ingredients possible and we will continue to evaluate the latest science and research, to ensure a continuous evolution of our ingredient choices.

The following list of commonly misunderstood ingredients meet our safety standards:

Beeswax (and other Bee Products)

Honest allows beeswax, honey, pollen and propolis (all from bees), which are safe, effective ingredients. In our vegan formulas, we use a nature-like synthetic beeswax as an alternative.

Carmine

This red pigment (also called cochineal, cochineal extract, crimson lake, carmine lake or natural red 4 C.I. 75470) may be used in non-vegan color cosmetics, and is clearly indicated on ingredient labels. It comes from scale insects, such as the cochineal scale, and is a safe, natural alternative for other synthetic dyes of concern.

Colorants

There are three types of colorants: natural, naturally-derived and synthetic. We allow all versions in our color cosmetics, but avoid them in baby, skincare or body care products because they don't add any inherent product benefit. Natural and naturally-derived colorants are from plants, minerals or insects. We source these responsibly to avoid human and environmental harm (like labor exploitation or unsustainable mining). We also make a conscious choice to use synthetic colorants where necessary to help us create colors with amazing payoff that consumers love. But in this sensitive ingredient space, we do a lot of work evaluating the science and getting third party expert opinions on the synthetic dyes we use and exclude those of concern (like red 28 and carbon black 2).

Fragrance

Fragrance is a combination of ingredients added to a product to produce a scent or to mask an odor, often listed by brands under the blanket "fragrance" term to hide what is in the formula. Our use of the term refers to the scent ingredients added to skincare and cosmetics. Honest only uses natural fragrances, and for complete transparency, we list all the fragrance subcomponents on our product labels.

Palm Oil and Palm-Derived Ingredients

This is a natural, effective, highly useful, safe ingredient and a potentially sustainable crop. However, most palm oil is currently grown and harvested in an unsustainable and destructive manner. Rather than prohibiting palm oil, Honest chooses to bolster the demand for sustainably produced palm oil. We work closely with our suppliers to vet all sources.

Petroleum-Derived and/or Synthetic Ingredients

Wherever possible, we strive to use natural or naturally-derived ingredients instead of petroleum-derived ingredients, but we do not prohibit all petroleum-derived or synthetic ingredients. Why? Clean beauty is about evaluating ingredient sources, whether natural or synthetic, for their potential impacts. To that end, we avoid the worst of synthetic ingredients (which are on our "NO" List), and obtain certificates of analysis and manufacturing practices to address potential contamination issues.

Phenoxyethanol

Despite being controversial, phenoxyethanol has a similar safety profile to other commonly used preservatives. Preservatives are necessary to kill and prevent the growth of microbes in any product that contains water, so they are a necessary ingredient. The EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety considers phenoxyethanol safe for use as a preservative with a maximum concentration of 1.0%, which is the maximum level that our formulators use.

Silicones

While we never use cyclic silicones, other classes of silicones demonstrate more favorable human and environmental health profiles. For Honest Beauty products, we may carefully select from this list of silicones to formulate clean beauty that works. These silicone classes include:

Silicone Fluids: Silicone fluids provide smooth product application and high spreadability with a non greasy, powdery afterfeel. The favorable spreading properties can improve color uniformity in color cosmetics and even boost SPF in sun care products! These silicone fluids form a non-occlusive barrier meaning they allow air and water to pass freely in and out of the skin and some have skin protecting properties. Common example is “Dimethicone” which is also an FDA approved active ingredient for skin protection!

Silicone Gums: These higher molecular weight silicone fluids drastically improve product application at very low levels and can improve long wear for cosmetics. They offer many of the same benefits as silicone fluids but with a richer, heavier texture, long lasting slip and more shine so you may commonly see these in hair care where they help detangle and protect against heat. Common example is “Dimethiconol”.

Silicone Gels: These lightly crosslinked silicones provide the superior sensory properties of silicone fluids and gums but also help create unique textures and improve product stability. Additionally, silicone gels can help blur the appearance of fine lines and uneven texture which is why these are a go-to ingredient in many primers. “Dimethicone Crosspolymer” is a common INCI name for this class of silicones.

Silicone Resins: These larger, more intricate silicones are solid at room temperature and provide a variety of benefits depending on the type. Specialty silicone powders like “Polymethylsilsesquioxane” improve product payout while creating a soft focus effect. Silicone film formers also fall under this category and offer the superior benefit of being both water and oil resistant for ultimate long wear. This explains why “Trimethylsiloxysilicate” is one of the most widely used film formers for long wear color cosmetics.

All silicone types used at Honest are chemically inert meaning they do not support bacterial growth, nor do they interact with or penetrate the skin. This leads to their favorable safety profile and low irritation potential which is why they are so commonly used in medical devices such as catheters. While silicones are widely used across skin care, color cosmetics and hair care, the chemists at Honest still approach them with the same skepticism of any other ingredient we choose to use. Prior to using any new silicone, it must be fully vetted by our in house toxicologist and must provide a clear benefit to the skin or product performance. We may also choose to use silicones when the alternative is a petroleum derived ingredient, as we believe silicones to be a more environmentally friendly option. We may also choose to use silicones in place of natural emollients which possess high irritation or allergy potential, such as soybean or peanut oil.

As leaders in clean beauty, we try to approach every formula using the most sustainably sourced or naturally derived ingredients and try to highlight the unique sensory that natural ingredients can provide without relying on silicones as sensory modifiers. Bottom line, silicones are treated just like the rest of the ingredients we choose to incorporate in our formulas – if they are consciously added to a product, its because they are safe, necessary to product performance, and providing a clear benefit to the end consumer.

(Used especially with cosmetics and textiles) Means the product is relatively unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.

Product lifecycle sustainability is an approach to managing the stages of a product's existence so that any negative impact on the environment is minimized. For example, if materials are chosen with an eye to reuse, that will increase the sustainability of the practices at the end of the product's usable life.

It is a microscopic organism, like a bacterium, virus, or fungus. Several microorganisms, including fungi, bacteria and yeasts are involved in biodegradation process. Biodegradation processes vary greatly, but frequently the final product of the degradation is carbon dioxide.

A product can be certified non-toxic only if it contains no materials in sufficient quantities to be toxic or injurious to humans, or to cause acute or chronic health problems.

The original origin means the first stage of existence. This is important in sustainability and human rights so you can know by using this material there isn't disruption of the biodiversity, people who are producing it are treated fairly, and ultimately know that the supply chain is clean from any negative behaviors.

Plant-based refers to materials and products that are partially or wholly derived from plants or other renewable agricultural, aquatic, or forestry inputs.

Plastic neutrality means that for every amount of plastic created, an equal amount of plastic waste is retrieved from the environment to be appropriately disposed of - either recycled or repurposed. This can be through waste management efforts, recycling, or the use of plastic credits.

Post-consumer recycled paper embodies the circular economy. It's manufactured from recycled products that have served a purpose for end-users, then sold on the market where it again serves a useful purpose, and then can be recycled again. Essentially it is paper that has been used before, and repurposed for use again.

Proposition 65 requires businesses to provide warnings to Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. These chemicals can be in the products that Californians purchase, in their homes or workplaces, or that are released into the environment.

Renewable energy is energy that is collected from renewable resources that are naturally replenished on a human timescale. It includes sources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat. ... About 20% of humans' global energy consumption is renewables, including almost 30% of electricity.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes vary widely by industry, revenue and employment. It defines small business by firm revenue (ranging from $1 million to over $40 million) and by employment (from 100 to over 1,500 employees)

A supply chain is a network between a company and its suppliers to produce and distribute a specific product to the final buyer. This network includes different activities, people, entities, information, and resources. The supply chain also represents the steps it takes to get the product or service from its original state to the customer.

Learn more here.

Supply chain traceability is the process of tracking the provenance and journey of products and their inputs, from the very start of the supply chain through to end-use. ... In the sustainability context, traceability provides an opportunity for a company to credibly make and verify sustainability claims.

This FDA law identified eight foods as major food allergens: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybean. Click here to learn more.

The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights are a set of guidelines for States and companies to prevent, address and remedy human rights abuses committed in business operations.

A product that is vegan does not contain any animal ingredients or animal-derived ingredients. This includes, but is not limited to: honey, beeswax, lanolin, collagen, albumen, carmine, cholesterol, gelatin, and many others. To many, the term “vegan” also means that a product is free from animal testing as well.

Are found in many of the inks solvents and cleaning solvents across the printing and packaging industry.

Volatile organic compounds are organic chemicals that have a high vapour pressure at room temperature. High vapor pressure correlates with a low boiling point, which relates to the number of the sample's molecules in the surrounding air, a trait known as volatility.

As a compound, water-based ink is much more gentle on the environment than plastisol ink. It simply doesn't contain any of the toxic chemicals of its plastisol counterparts (no PVC, no phthalates). Instead it's comprised of naturally occurring substances.

Wind power or wind energy describes the process by which the wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power.

Wind power is considered a renewable energy. Wind energy produced through wind farms does not pollute the earth with nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide or sulfur dioxide, smog, or acid rain, which many other forms of traditional fuels do. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) predicts that wind energy may prevent 12.3 gigatons of greenhouse gases by 2050.

A Woman Owned Business Enterprise is defined as one that is at least 51% owned, operated and controlled on a daily basis by one or more female American citizens.

Zero waste means that they send zero discards to the landfill or high-temperature destruction. Instead, products are designed and used according to the principle of highest and best use and the waste reduction hierarchy: Prevent wasteExit. Reduce and reuse firstExit. Recycle and compostExit.

1 for 1 diaper donation to a U.S. family in need for every one you buy.

Carbon dioxide is a chemical compound made up of molecules that each have one carbon atom covalently double bonded to two oxygen atoms. In the air, carbon dioxide is transparent to visible light but absorbs infrared radiation, acting as a greenhouse gas. CO2 has proven to be a significant contributor to air pollution, taking a substantial role in the greenhouse effect. That's because carbon dioxide traps radiation at the ground level, resulting in ground-level ozone. That prevents the earth from cooling during the night and warms ocean waters, melts the polar ice caps and is contributing to killing our planet

They are a nonprofit, cutting through accessibility barriers, and providing diapers and basics, free of charge, to partner agencies and families facing homelessness in urban, rural and underserved communities.

Led by Co-CEOs Kelly Sawyer Patricof and Norah Weinstein, Baby2Baby is a mega diaper bank and nonprofit organization providing essential items to children in need across the country. In the last 10 years, Baby2Baby has distributed over 200 million items to children in homeless shelters, domestic violence programs, foster care, hospitals and underserved schools as well as children who have lost everything in the wake of disaster.

Pampers has a program called Bright Beginnings which enable healthy development and early success for babies and families through education, hospital partnerships, and donations.

Cradles to Crayons provides clothing and essentials to children from birth through age 12, living in homeless or low-income situations.

A non-profit organization that provides fair wage employment while acting as an agent of global reforestation. They hire villagers to grow, plant and guard to maturity native species forests on a massive scale. Their “employ to plant” methodology generates change both socio-economically and environmentally.

The Feeding America network is the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization, working to connect people with food and end hunger. Donors, staff, and volunteers all play an important role in our efforts to end hunger in the United States.

9 out of 10 dads have used a public restroom that lacks a changing table. As part of their “Love the Change” campaign, they are providing 5,000 changing tables for men’s restrooms across North America.

Founded in 1938 to fight polio, March of Dimes currently focuses on prevention of birth defects and preterm birth and has had a major influence on surveillance, research, advocacy, awareness, and education related to birth defects prevention and care.

The mission of Matthew 25: Ministries is to fulfill Matthew 25:34-40 of the New Testament by providing nutritional food to the hungry, clean water to the thirsty, clothing to the naked, affordable shelter to the homeless, medical care to the ill, and humanitarian supplies to those in need.

One Tree Planted is an environmental non-profit organization with a focus on global reforestation. Their system is simple : a 1$ donation = 1 planted tree.

Adhesive

also known as glue, cement, mucilage, or paste, is any non-metallic substance applied to one or both surfaces of two separate items that binds them together and resists their separation.

Alcohol

A colorless volatile flammable liquid which is produced by the natural fermentation of sugars.

With chronic use, alcohol can disrupt your skin's barrier. A disrupted barrier allows moisture to escape skin and gives potential irritants entry in, resulting in redness and inflamed skin.

Alkyl polyglucoside 

Is a mild, non-ionic 'Green' surfactant that is used for cleansing, foam stabilization, and dispersing cationic surfactants, as well as solubilizing oils and fragrances.

Aloe barbadensis leaf extract 

A natural substance that has been used medicinally for centuries. It’s especially helpful in soothing diaper rash because it moisturizes, has anti-inflammatory effects, and leaves behind a protective layer on the skin after drying.

Bamboo Viscose

sometimes referred to as bamboo rayon fabric or regenerated bamboo, is a regenerated cellulose fiber created using natural cellulose from the crushed bamboo grass plant.

Biodegradable corn-starch based biopolymer

Biodegradable corn-starch based biopolymer is superabsorbent polymer that uses corn starch instead of the 'normal' petroleum-based ingredients, making it greener than petroleum based products.

Bisphenol (BPA)

BPA stands for bisphenol A, an industrial chemical that has been used to make certain plastics and resins since the 1950s. BPA is found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastics are often used in containers that store food and beverages, such as water bottles. Some research has shown that BPA can seep into food or beverages from containers that are made with BPA. Exposure to BPA is a concern because of the possible health effects on the brain and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children. It can also affect children's behavior. Additional research suggests a possible link between BPA and increased blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Calcium Carbonate

Calcium carbonate's fine particles and other properties are ideal for creating the microporous breathable backsheet. Learn more here.

Cellulose (TCF fluff)

the fibers obtained from plant-based materials that create a soft filling, or fluff; our diapers and training pants use fluff that is TCF—totally chlorine-free.

Chemicals

a distinct compound or substance, especially one which has been artificially prepared or purified. Because it's easier for harmful substances to enter an infant's body, it's also easier for these substances to accumulate in the baby's body over time.

Chlorine

Chlorine is typically used in diapers and sanitary productsto “purify” and bleach the absorbent pulp so that it looks clean, white and fluffy. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, exposure to chlorine dioxide in children may reduce the capacity of blood to carry oxygen, making it difficult to breathe. According to the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, chlorine derivatives can produce toxic chlorinated organic compounds, such as chloroform, which cause environmental and aquatic damage in our waterways.

Citric acid 

An odorless and colorless organic acid is used to eliminate bacteria.

Dioxins

Dioxins are called persistent organic pollutants (POPs), meaning they take a long time to break down once they are in the environment. Dioxins are highly toxic and can cause cancer, reproductive and developmental problems, damage to the immune system, and can interfere with hormones.

Disperse Dyes

An insoluble dye used in the form of a dispersion (as in water) for dyeing acetate and other synthetic fibers. Discharge of colored effluents into surface water bodies pose adverse effects to aquatic ecology and human beings due to mutagenic and carcinogenic effects of dyes responsible for producing color. Disperse dyes cause risk of sensitization and elicitation to the body when colored clothes contact to the body.

Dibutyltin (DBT)

According to the ILO, DBT Causes skin and eye irritation, is suspected of causing genetic defects, it may damage fertility or the unborn child, it causes damage to the immune system through prolonged or repeated exposure, and toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.  

Dyes

A dye is a colored substance that chemically bonds to the substrate to which it is being applied.

Studies show that dyes in products used on the skin are damaging. Many dyes have the potential to cause horrible health issues. These include chromosomal damage, tumors, hyperactivity, lymphomas, neurochemical effects, asthma, insomnia, allergies, and eczema.

Elastane

a polyurethane material that is elastic for a snug—but comfortable—fit.

Elastic

Elastics are a crucial component of making an effective cloth diaper. Elastic materials regain their original shape if they are distorted with some common elastics being rubber made out of polymers. Without them, you don't have the adjustability or containment needed. This is especially important with the growing trend of One Size cloth diapers. You will want to look for a cloth diaper that has a sufficient amount of elastics to ensure that the diaper will gently hug your baby's bottom all over and contain all the mess so you don't have to deal with messy leaks or blowouts!

Elastomeric film

Elastomeric coatings are fluid-applied roofing membranes with elastic properties that allow it to expand and contract with the substrate. Elongation in roof coatings typically ranges from 300 – 800%. Without good elongation, a roof coating is no longer considered an elastomeric.

Elemental Chlorine

Added elemental chlorine (as part of the wood pulp manufacturing process) A small amount of wood pulp is used in diapers to absorb wetness. The pulp is purified in a multistep process called “bleaching,” which makes the fibers soft, fluffy and absorbent. The problem with chlorine is that it emits small traces of known toxic chemicals called dioxins during the bleaching process. The desire to keep baby from being exposed to dioxins is the primary motivation for using chlorine-free diapers.

Ethanol/Alcohol

A colourless volatile flammable liquid which is produced by the natural fermentation of sugars; alcohol.

Fluff

Fluff pulp is a plant-based cotton-like material (cellulose fibers) that creates a soft filling in the diapers. It is placed in the absorbent core where it absorbs liquid to keep your child's skin dry.

Fragrance

The word "fragrance" or "parfum" on the product label represents an undisclosed mixture of various scent chemicals and ingredients used as fragrance dispersants such as diethyl phthalate. Learn more here.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a colorless chemical with a strong odor that is often used in manufacturing a variety of products. It is classified as carcinogenic in humans, mutagenic and triggers allergic skin reactions. It is banned in toys and other consumer products but can sometimes be found in diapers.

Gluten

The main protein of wheat, wheat gluten is known for being highly absorbent and could therefore soon be a alternative sustainable option for diapers-layer material.

Glycerin

Is a substance that softens and moisturizes skin, decreasing itching and flaking.

GMO

We don't know the long-term impact of GMOs on our bodies, but skin irritation, allergies and digestive issues are some of the known side-effects so far. GMOs may also clog pores, cause breakouts and leave you feeling foggy or fatigued.

Heavy Metals

They have a high degree of toxicity, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and mercury rank among the priority metals that are of public health significance. These metallic elements are considered systemic toxicants that are known to induce multiple organ damage, even at lower levels of exposure. Learn more here.

Hydrocarbon resins

They add water resistance and improved adhesion and weather resistance to Industrial coatings and Roadmarking paints. Their biggest use however is as a tackifier in Adhesives, primarily in hotmelts, but also in liquid pressure sensitive adhesives. According to EWG is is not toxic - see here

Hydrogenated Castor Oil (Castor Wax)

An emollient carrier oil that leaves the skin soft and supple, while keeping cosmetic formulations together.

Hydrogenated Naphthenic Processing Oil

Naphthenic process oils are light-colored and non-staining compounds that have properties, such as thermal stability, excellent compatibility with synthetic elastomers, greater solvating power than paraffinic oils, and low viscosity.

Hygiene Grade Elastic

Medical grade silicones are silicones tested for biocompatibility and are appropriate to be used for medical applications.

Isoprene

is used in the manufacture of butyl and synthetic rubber, plastics, and a variety of other chemicals. The isoprene unit is the most important building block for lipids, steroids, terpenoids, and a wide variety of natural products, including latex, the raw material for natural rubber. Isoprene is classified under GHS as a possible human carcinogen and is suspected of causing genetic defects.

Lanolin

Has long been used in the skin care and cosmetics industry as an effective emollient, commonly used in body creams and lotions to lock in much-needed moisture and prevent water loss. But lanolin also has a bad rep for irritating sensitive skin and causing allergic reactions.

Latex

A synthetic product resembling latex used to make paints, coatings, etc. Latex is the milky sap from the rubber tree. It is used to make many rubber products that are used in the hospital, home and community. If your child is allergic to this milky sap, he or she has a latex allergy. A child who has an allergy to latex will always be allergic to it.

With a latex allergy, the body treats certain proteins in latex as if they were harmful and triggers an allergic immune response. This may happen when products made from latex touch your child's skin, mouth, or even if they are just inhaled.

Lead

Chronic exposure to lead is a well-known threat to health, especially for children, but it’s still a persistent problem. All diapers in the US are required to be free from lead. Learn more here.

Lotions

a thick, smooth liquid preparation designed to be applied to the skin for medicinal or cosmetic purposes. There are commonly harmful ingredients for children in lotions.

Magnesium Sulphate

this compound is easily absorbed by the skin and has long been hailed for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. The ingredient has stabilizing properties.

Mercury

A heavy silvery white poisonous metallic chemical element that is liquid at ordinary temperatures. Mercury is well known as one of the world's most potent neurotoxins. Exposure to mercury causes Minamata disease, birth defects, neurological damage, kidney damage, heart damage and bioaccumulates in the environment.

Methylchloroisothiazolinone

Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) is a preservative that's active against bacteria, yeast, and fungi. It's used in the manufacture of water-based cosmetics and personal care products. It's also used in industrial processes, including the manufacture of: paper coatings. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), methylchloroisothiazolinone is a standardized chemical allergen.
In high concentrations, MCI can cause chemical burns and it’s a skin and membrane irritant.

Nonwoven fabric

Nonwoven fabric are fine synthetic fibers that have been intertwined to form a fabric. The main synthetic fibers used in disposable diapers come from polypropylene. When you take a closer look, the fabrics used in nonwovens perform in unique ways that differentiate them from regular fabrics, paper, or films.

Optical Brighteners

Optical brighteners are a type of chemical used to enhance the white or bright appearance of fabrics. Optical brighteners can irritate peoples skin, but it's also believed they bioaccumulate in our water ways causing eutrophication which is out of control algae growth which suffocates fish.

Organotins

Used as a pesticide, hitherto considered to decompose safely, now found to be toxic in the food chain. Potential health effects include:
Immune system damage, nervous system damage, reproductive, developmental harm and toxicity to aquatic life.

Paraffinic Hydrocarbons

Paraffin is commonly used as a fuel for jet engines and rockets, as well as a fuel or fuel component for diesel and tractor engines. Common paraffin uses include: Paraffin wax: a white or colourless soft solid used as a lubricant, candles, crayons, electrical insulation and petroleum jelly. Paraffins are key components of petroleum and natural gas.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

are a group of manmade chemicals. They are oily liquids or solids, clear to yellow in color, with no smell or taste. PCBs are very stable mixtures that are resistant to extreme temperature and pressure. PCBs have been demonstrated to cause a variety of adverse health effects. Studies of PCBs in humans have found increased rates of melanomas, liver cancer, gall bladder cancer, biliary tract cancer, gastrointestinal tract cancer, and brain cancer, and may be linked to breast cancer. PCBs are known to cause a variety of types of cancer in rats, mice, and other study animals.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

These are a class of chemicals that occur naturally in coal, crude oil, and gasoline. They result from burning coal, oil, gas, wood, garbage, and tobacco. PAHs can bind to or form small particles in the air. High heat when cooking meat and other foods will form PAHs. Some PAHs may cause cancer and may affect the eyes, kidneys, and liver.

Parabens

Parabens are a class of widely used preservatives in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. The concern with these chemicals is that scientific studies suggest that parabens can disrupt hormones in the body and harm fertility and reproductive organs, affect birth outcomes, and increase the risk of cancer. Learn more here.

Pentaerythritol tetrakis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate)

is a chemical compound composed of 4 sterically hindered phenols linked through a pentaerythritol core. It is used as a primary antioxidant for stabilizing polymers, particularly polyethylene and polypropylene. Tests concluded that it caused no treatment-related adverse effects. Learn more here.

Perfume

If applied in large quantities, allergies and other health concerns can develop. The most common chemicals found in fragranced products are known to: interfere with hormone function in the body, irritate the skin, and cause allergic skin reactions

Petroleum-based lotion

When properly refined, petrolatum has no known health concerns. However, petrolatum is often not fully refined in the US, which means it can be contaminated with toxic chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). (see definition above for PAHs).

Pesticide

A substance used for destroying insects or other organisms harmful to cultivated plants or to animals. Pesticide exposure can be linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive effects, neurotoxicity, kidney and liver damage, birth defects, and developmental changes in a wide range of species. Exposure to pesticides can also alter an organism's behavior, impacting its ability to survive.

PFAS

Per- or poly-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of over 4,700 industrial chemicals used in everyday products. The PFAS used in our everyday products leak into our environment during production, use and disposal, and now contaminate our blood, water, air and food. they are often referred to as the ‘forever chemicals’ because of their inability to degrade in the environment.

Phthalates

Phthalates are a common industrial chemical used in PVC plastics, solvents, and synthetic fragrances. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors linked to problems of the reproductive system, including decreased sperm motility and concentration in men and genital abnormalities in baby boys. More recently they've also been linked to asthma, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, breast cancer, obesity and type II diabetes, low IQ, neurodevelopmental issues, behavioral issues, autism spectrum disorders, altered reproductive development and male fertility issues Learn more here.

Phenol

A mildly acidic toxic white crystalline solid obtained from coal tar and used in chemical manufacture, and in dilute form (under the name carbolic ) as a disinfectant. Exposure to phenol may cause irritation to the skin, eyes, nose, throat, and nervous system. Some symptoms of exposure to phenol are weight loss, weakness, exhaustion, muscle aches, and pain. Severe exposure can cause liver and/or kidney damage, skin burns, tremor, convulsions, and twitching.

Plant-based Polyethylene

is a type of bioplastic that is created from agricultural scraps, often from corn, sugarcane, wheat or food waste. The term 'plant-based' refers to the source of the material itself, not how the resulting plastic will behave after it's been thrown away.

Polyacrylate (SAP)

a superabsorbent polymer with the ability to absorb. This is used to absorb liquid.

Polyethylene (PE)

the most commonly used plastic in production globally; Bambo Nature's however, is made with biodegradable raw materials from renewable resources rather than petroleum or natural gas.

Polylactic Acid (PLA)

Polylactic Acid is biodegradable and has characteristics similar to polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or polystyrene (PS). Polylactic Acid (PLA) is different than most thermoplastic polymers in that it is derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugar cane. Most plastics, by contrast, are derived from the distillation and polymerization of nonrenewable petroleum reserves. Plastics that are derived from biomass (e.g. PLA) are known as “bioplastics.”

Poly(methylstyrene-co-indene)

Additive to adhesives and paper coatings. Substitute for polyterpenes and rosin derivatives.

Polyester

is a synthetic fabric that's usually derived from petroleum (oil). This fabric is one of the world's most popular textiles, and it is used in thousands of different consumer and industrial applications.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET/Co-PET)

a thermoplastic polymer that serves as a moisture barrier.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene is widely used in diapers and sanitary products owing to their higher water absorption capacity. PP nonwoven fabric has been increasingly gaining acceptance due to its superior physical qualities such as lightweight, reusability, toughness, and flexibility as compared to other nonwoven fabrics.

Polyurethane

These fibers are referred to as “Spandex” as a generic name. The fiber itself is highly stretch and elastic as rubber, stronger than rubber, and resistant to aging.

Potassium sorbate 

Is a white crystalline powder, pellet, or granule that forms when sorbic acid and potassium are combined.

Preservatives

A substance used to preserve foodstuffs, wood, or other materials against decay. For example formaldehyde is a preservative commonly found in cosmetics, including baby wipes and soaps. While formaldehyde does prevent bacteria from growing, it can also irritate and prompt an allergic reaction when used on sensitive baby skin.

This is a substance or a chemical that is added to products such as food products, beverages, pharmaceutical drugs, paints, biological samples, cosmetics, wood, and many other products to prevent decomposition by microbial growth or by undesirable chemical changes.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

PVC contains dangerous chemical additives including phthalates, lead, cadmium, and/or organotins, which can be toxic to your child's health. These toxic additives can leach out or evaporate into the air over time, posing unnecessary dangers to children. During its lifecycle PVC plastic releases toxic, chlorine-based chemicals that build up in the world's ecosystems and end up in the food chain and eventually in humans and animals. These chemicals include dioxins that are among the most toxic chemicals known to science.

Polyvinyl ethers(PVE)

are either viscous oils or soft and tacky rubbery materials depending on the chemical composition and molecular weight.

Reverse Osmosis Water

Pure clean water resulted from pressure pushing water through a semi-permeable membrane to remove a large majority of bacteria and contaminants. 

Silicone

Silicones are a classification of chemicals that are synthetically created and derived from silicon (a mineral sand element).

Sodium Polyacrylate

A white granular powder which rapidly absorbs water. It will instantly absorb from 500 to 1,000 times its mass in water. One of its greatest uses is in making diapers super-absorbent.

Spandex

A synthetic fibre composed of at least 85 percent polyurethane by weight and is generally used for its highly elastic properties

Spunlace fabric 

Carded fibers bonded with water jets. For Strength and greater absorption.

Styrene butadiene block copolymer (SBC)

is a transparent thermoplastic resin that is transparent with high impact-resistance. It is often used as an impact modifier in general purpose polystyrene but is also used in small tubes, containers, toys, cosmetics and in food and display packaging. The rubber is not irritant or toxic.

Styrene-isoprene block copolymer

are widely used to make hot melt adhesives for a wide variety of uses
including diaper assembly. Hot melt adhesives based on styrenic block copolymers provide excellent adhesion to non-polar substrates such as polyethylene which are commonly used in diaper manufacturing. Learn more here.

Super Absorbent Polymer

A polymer is used to absorb liquid in the diaper. The main ingredients are acrylic acid, sodium hydroxide (or a similar neutralizing agent) and water plus a cross linker which forms the bridge that links one polymer chain to another.

Tributyltin - TBT

Is an organotin compound, meaning it's an organic compound with an associated tin molecule. Of all organotins TBT is the one which in the past has caused most damage to the marine environment. TBT slowly leaches out into the marine environment where it is highly toxic toward nontarget organisms and it leads to the collapse of local populations of organisms.

TCF Fluff

totally chlorine-free fibers obtained from plant-based materials that create a soft filling.

Wood Fluff

Absorber inside the diaper, made from wood.

Xylitol

Provides a soothing sensation on the skin, and it's also a humectant, which means it keeps products moisturized.