A short label can hide several different questions. What is in the formula? Is a certification attached to this product? Does it contain ingredients you prefer to avoid?
Check the exact claim
Natural, organic, vegan and cruelty-free describe different things. One does not establish the others. A manufacturing standard also serves a different purpose from certification of an individual formula.
Use the ingredient list
Read the complete list, including fragrance components. A botanical ingredient is not automatically suitable for sensitive skin, and the word “clean” is not a substitute for directions or a safety assessment.
Ask for product-level information
If a certification is essential to your choice, check its scope, certifier and the product it covers. A box with three formulas should be considered formula by formula.
See our guide to certifications and standards and the ingredients for each ritual.
