The Groundwell Vetting Guide
GROUNDWELL
clean living made easy…and fun
The Groundwell Vetting Guide
What makes a product Groundwell approved?
Most products marketed as “clean,” “natural,” or even “non-toxic” don’t meet our standards. We don’t approve products based on marketing claims. We look at ingredients.
Every product is reviewed against our ingredient standards, with extra attention to ingredients linked to hormone disruption, carcinogenicity, bioaccumulation, respiratory concerns, developmental toxicity, and unnecessary daily exposures. While no single ingredient determines overall safety, these are some of the biggest red flags we watch for.
Ingredients we watch for
Phthalates
Why we watch for itWidely recognized endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can interfere with hormone function. Used to make plastics more flexible and fragrances last longer.
Often found inFragrance blends, air fresheners, candles, perfumes, laundry products, personal care products
Label cluesUndisclosed Fragrance
Why we watch for itA single fragrance blend can contain dozens or even hundreds of ingredients that don’t have to be individually disclosed on a label.
Often found inCandles, laundry detergent, fabric softener, cleaning sprays, shampoo, body care products
Label cluesParabens
Why we watch for itPreservatives with estrogen-mimicking properties, frequently discussed as potential endocrine disruptors.
Often found inLotion, shampoo, conditioner, makeup, moisturizers, sunscreen
Label cluesEthoxylated Ingredients & 1,4-Dioxane Risk
Why we watch for itCan be contaminated during manufacturing with 1,4-dioxane, a compound classified as a possible or likely human carcinogen.
Often found inShampoo, body wash, bubble bath, dish soap, household cleaners
Label cluesFormaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives
Why we watch for itFormaldehyde is a known carcinogen and can be released over time by certain preservatives used in consumer products.
Often found inShampoo, conditioner, body wash, cleaning products, cosmetics
Label cluesPFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)
Why we watch for itPFAS break down extremely slowly and can build up in the body and environment over time. Studies have linked exposure to immune, reproductive, and metabolic concerns.
Often found inFood packaging, water-resistant products, some cosmetics, certain dental flosses, stain-resistant materials
Label cluesTriclosan
Why we watch for itAn antimicrobial ingredient with safety concerns around long-term exposure and hormone-related effects. The FDA no longer allows it in many over-the-counter antibacterial wash products.
Often found inAntibacterial soaps, toothpaste, personal care products, household products
Label cluesMethylisothiazolinone (MI)
Why we watch for itBecame known for causing significant rates of allergic contact dermatitis and skin sensitization.
Often found inWet wipes, shampoo, conditioner, cleaning products, laundry products
Label cluesQuaternary Ammonium Compounds (“Quats”)
Why we watch for itCommon disinfectant ingredients associated with work-related asthma and respiratory concerns in some exposure settings.
Often found inDisinfecting sprays, sanitizers, fabric softeners, household disinfectants
Label cluesOxybenzone
Why we watch for itA chemical UV filter that has been the subject of endocrine disruption and systemic absorption concerns.
Often found inConventional sunscreen, SPF moisturizers, lip products with SPF
Label cluesSynthetic Dyes
Why we watch for themMost synthetic color additives are made from petroleum. Some have been linked to cancer in animal studies, and researchers have raised concerns about effects on children’s behavior. In everyday products, color is an unnecessary exposure.
Often found inMakeup, shampoo, body wash, laundry and cleaning products, medications, candy and snack foods
Label cluesMost people don’t have hours to spend reading labels.
Researching ingredients and trying to decide what’s actually safer takes time. I didn’t have it either. That’s why Groundwell was built. Every product is screened through our ingredient standards before it ever reaches a box.
- No endless research.
- No standing in store aisles comparing labels.
- No perfection required.
Just thoughtfully vetted products that help make non-toxic living more doable.
I do the vetting so non-toxic living is actually doable.
Kelley, founder of Groundwell
Let us do the vetting.
Every product is screened through our ingredient standards before it ever reaches a box.
Choose your box