Start with what matters most
Make one realistic change at a time.
Prioritize products you use often, inhale, spray into the air, or leave on your skin.
A simple three-step approach
Pause before replacing everything
If a product is working well and is not causing a problem, you do not need to throw it away today. Start when it is time to repurchase.
Prioritize higher-contact products
Begin with items used daily, sprayed into the air, used around children or pets, or left on the skin for many hours.
Compare products in the same category
Compare an all-purpose cleaner with another all-purpose cleaner, or one foundation with another. Choose the best fit for your needs, budget, and sensitivities.
Household products
Where to begin
Best first check
Look for EPA Safer Choice
EPA reviews every ingredient in certified products and also evaluates performance, pH, packaging, and VOC limits. Use the EPA product search for the exact product.
If fragrance bothers you
Look for the fragrance-free label
EPA offers a separate Fragrance-Free Safer Choice label. For cosmetics, check the current ingredient list and your own history of irritation or allergy.
Air freshener
Try ventilation, odor-source removal, or a fragrance-free alternative before adding scent.
All-purpose cleaner
Choose a certified product when possible and use only the amount directed on the label.
Laundry
Consider fragrance-free detergent and skip scent boosters if fragrance is a concern.
Choosing a product tool
EPA Safer Choice, EWG, and Think Dirty
All three can support informed choices, but they work differently and their ratings and labels do not mean the same thing.
Government product certification
EPA Safer Choice
Best for
Household cleaners, laundry products, and other eligible chemical products.
How it works
EPA reviews the complete formula and every ingredient. It also considers performance, pH, VOC limits, packaging, and ingredient disclosure.
What you see
A pass-or-fail certification seal—not a numerical score. Certified products are subject to continuing oversight and audits.
Consumer databases + EWG VERIFIED
EWG
Best for
Personal care, makeup, and comparisons; EWG also includes household cleaners and foods.
How it works
Database scores or grades draw on disclosed ingredients and available research. Scores reflect ingredient concerns and data availability.
Important distinction
A database rating is not the same as EWG VERIFIED. The VERIFIED mark is a separate program using EWG’s strictest criteria.
How to use them together
Shopping for a household cleaner?
Start with EPA Safer Choice, then check EWG. Favor EWG VERIFIED or a Healthy Living score of 1-2 (A/B on the web guide). For disinfectants, look for DfE.
Shopping for makeup or personal care?
Use EWG Skin Deep or Think Dirty to scan and compare. Favor EWG VERIFIED or an EWG score of 1-2. In Think Dirty, lower scores indicate fewer flagged concerns.
Before making the final choice
Match the exact formula, check fragrance and allergens, follow label directions, and consider your own sensitivities.