The Busy Mom's Guide to Product Safety Ratings (And Why I'm Obsessed with EWG.org)
- Dominika
- Jan 3
- 5 min read
Let me paint you a picture: There I was, standing in the middle of Target, squinting at yet another "all-natural" label while my toddler systematically removed every item from the bottom shelf. (Sorry, Target employees!) Like many of you, I started my wellness journey after dealing with chronic fatigue and autoimmune issues that left me questioning everything in my medicine cabinet and pantry. That's when I discovered EWG.org, and honestly? It changed my life - even if my guy still rolls his eyes at how long our shopping trips take now! 😅
What's the Deal with Product Safety Ratings (And Why Should We Care?)
Look, I get it. Between managing soccer practice schedules and trying to remember if you fed the fish today, the last thing you need is another thing to research. But here's the truth bomb that got me: the average person uses 9 personal care products containing 126 unique ingredients every day. That's like eating a chemistry experiment for breakfast! The Environmental Working Group (EWG.org) has become my go-to resource for figuring out what's actually safe for my family.
H3: Understanding the EWG Skin Deep Database (Without Getting a Headache)
The Skin Deep database is basically like having a really smart, science-y friend who can tell you what's in the products you use on your skin. Here's what you need to know:
• Products are rated on a scale of 1-10 (think of it like Yelp reviews for your health)
• Lower numbers = safer products
• Higher numbers = maybe stick to washing your face with water 😉
The Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen: Your Grocery Shopping Cheat Sheet
Remember when grocery shopping just meant grabbing whatever was on sale? Those were simpler times! But once I learned about pesticide residues and how the workers that spray them are getting sick and dying, I couldn't unlearn it. I definitely don't want that glyphosate in my family's food. I doubt you want it in yours. Thankfully, EWG's lists make it super manageable:
The Dirty Dozen (aka what to buy organic):
Strawberries (yes, my kid's favorite 🙄)
Spinach
Kale, Collards, Mustard Greens
Grapes
Peaches
Pears
Nectarines
Apples
Bell and Hot Peppers
Cherries
Blueberries
Green Beans
The Clean Fifteen (save your money here!):
Avocados (guacamole for the win!)
Sweet corn
Pineapple
Onions
Papaya
Sweet Peas (frozen)
Asparagus
Honeydew Melon
Kiwi
Cabbage
Watermelon
Mushrooms
Mangoes
Sweet Potatoes
Carrots
Clean Beauty Standards: Because "Natural" Doesn't Always Mean Safe
True story: I once bought a "natural" face cream that made me look like a lobster had a baby with a tomato. That's when I learned that natural doesn't always equal safe (poison ivy is natural too, right?) And, just because it says it has natural ingredients doesn't mean that all the ingredients are natural, safe and gentle. Here's what to look for regarding product safety ratings:
• EWG Verified™ seal (the gold standard)
• Full ingredient transparency
• No known harmful chemicals (you can find this info on EWG)
• Third-party testing
Creating a Healthy Home Guide (Without Losing Your Mind)
Let's be real - transforming your home into a toxin-free paradise doesn't happen overnight. And honestly, it's not always easy to find these safe product options in a regular store or pharmacy. You might have to shop online for these products. If the stores around you carry them, you are lucky, but I would still check online for a better price. Here's my gradual approach:
Start with:
• Cleaning products (because they're everywhere)
• Personal care items you use daily
• Food storage containers
• Water filters
Chemical Safety Testing: What You Really Need to Know
The scary truth? Many chemicals in everyday products haven't been properly tested for safety. Also, something we don’t think about is that even if the chemicals were tested, they are tested all by themselves. Rarely are they tested with the hundreds or even thousands of other chemicals they will be mixed with to create that toy or meal-prep container. That mattress or sweater. That wood stain on your furniture or your toothpaste. But you and your family are exposed to ALL of it every single day. No one has done those tests. We are the experiment. But before you panic and move your family into a bubble, here's what you can do:
• Download the EWG app (it's like having a scientist in your pocket, and it's FREE)
• Start with replacing products you use most often
• Focus on items that stay on your skin (moisturizers, deodorants)
• Don't stress about making everything perfect immediately (changing habits requires time and consistent effort)
Conclusion:
Listen, lovey - I know this feels overwhelming. I've been there, crying in the shampoo aisle, inflamed and itchy AF, trying to Google ingredients I can't pronounce. But here's what I've learned: small consistent changes add up to big impacts. Start with one category, use EWG's resources, and give yourself grace. Rome wasn't built in a day, and your non-toxic lifestyle won't be either!
Remember: progress over perfection. Whether you're just starting your wellness journey or you're a veteran label reader, EWG.org is like having a smart friend who's done all the research for you. And hey, if you end up spending an extra 20 minutes at the store reading labels? Consider it self-care. 😉
Here's to reading labels and making better choices - one product at a time! Remember, you're doing great, and every small step counts.
With gratitude and hope for your wellness journey,
Dominika
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Here are all of the EWG links above and some extra ones I use, too. Just in case you missed them earlier.
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