Q: What is the EWG?
A: A nonprofit dedicated to protecting human health and the environment, The Environmental Working Group conducts independent research that empowers consumers to make safer, more informed choices — especially when it comes to everyday products like personal care, cleaning, and suncare. The EWG’s easy-to-read scoring system helps decode product labels, even when they’re filled with hard-to-pronounce ingredients.
Q: How does the EWG rating system work?
A: EWG ratings are based on scientific data from over 60 toxicity and regulatory databases. Each product is scored on a scale of 1 to 10:
1–2 = Low hazard (Best choice)
3–6 = Moderate hazard
7–10 = High hazard (Avoid when possible)
These scores take into consideration both individual ingredients and overall formulation safety, as well as flagging concerns related to cancer risk, reproductive toxicity, allergies, and environmental impact.
Q: What’s the difference between “EWG Verified” and “EWG Rated”?
EWG Verified™ means that a product meets the strictest standards, featuring a formula free from EWG’s known hazard list, transparent labeling, and has been fully reviewed and approved by the organization.
EWG Rated means that a product has been scored through one of EWG’s specific databases (like Skin Deep® or The Guide to Healthy Cleaning) and is evaluated based on available data. While not yet EWG Verified, EWG Rated products still meet higher standards than most conventional options.
Q: What are some of the limitations of ingredient vetting?
A: Unfortunately, there are still categories that are severely under-reviewed due to limited ingredient transparency in the industry and a lack of regulation for these types of products.
For instance, cosmetics and beauty products often contain undisclosed fragrance blends and colorants not required to be fully listed on labels. That makes third-party validation even more critical, and more rare. Additionally, products falling within the baby care category deserve the highest safety standards, but many mainstream brands don’t meet the mark, and only a small fraction have been evaluated by EWG. Supplements and vitamins are among the least regulated categories in personal health, which means few products are rated and even fewer are verified.
At Grove, we ensure that every product we carry is thoroughly vetted to meet a higher standard — so you can feel good about what goes into your home and your body.
