Washington, D.C.—As of June 2016, the Environmental Working Group EWG Verified program expanded to 252 products including lipsticks and glosses, blushes, eye makeup, skin care products, moisturizers, lotions, shampoos, soaps and more. The good news is that shoppers can now quickly and easily identify cosmetics and personal care items that meet EWG's strictest health and transparency standards by looking for the EWG Verifiedmark. This means that consumers can more easily avoid harmful chemicals widely used in cosmetics and personal care products.

Items that carry the mark must meet stringent criteria set by EWG researchers as follows: Products must be free of EWG’s ingredients of concern, fully disclose all ingredients on the label, and be produced using best manufacturing practices.

Chemicals in food and cosmetics have been linked to multiple health disorders including cancer, preterm births, low birth weight, as well as other major neurological and degenerative diseases.

So when you shop, look for the EWG Verified mark on the package. Or you can do your homework online by checking the website of your favorite products. Participating manufacturers will feature the EWG Verified logo on their websites.

 

Published in WholeFoods Magazine Online, 8/8/16