Certification Glossary

bluesign

bluesign is a trusted certification for safer, more sustainable textiles. It looks at the entire supply chain—from raw materials to finished product—to ensure high standards for chemical safety, resource use, and environmental impact. The result: cleaner water, safer work environments, and products made without harmful substances.

Free from: Azo dyes, formaldehyde, heavy metals, phthalates, chlorinated solvents, VOCs, and environmentally persistent or toxic substances.

Learn more about bluesign.

CertiPUR-US

CertiPUR-US is a trusted certification for foam in mattresses, sofas, and pillows. Certified foams are tested for content, durability, and low emissions, with annual recertification and random checks to ensure they stay safe, clean, and high quality.

Free from: PBDEs and other flame retardants, formaldehyde, phthalates, heavy metals (like lead and mercury), ozone depleters, and high-VOC emissions.

Learn more about CertiPUR-US.

Clean Label Project

The Clean Label Project is a nonprofit that pushes for transparency around hidden contaminants—like heavy metals, pesticides, and plasticizers—that aren’t listed on product labels. They go beyond standard safety checks by testing hundreds of products in third-party labs for toxins like lead, arsenic, BPA, and phthalates. Products that exceed FDA requirements and prioritize purity can earn a Clean Label Project award. It’s a trusted certification for categories like baby food, pet food, and supplements.

Tests for: Heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury), pesticide residues, plasticizers (like phthalates), residual solvents, BPA, BPS, acrylamide, melamine, and mycotoxins.

‍Learn more about the Clean Label Project.

COSMOS Organic + COSMOS Natural

A trusted certifier for organic and natural cosmetics, COSMOS (COSMetic Organic and Natural Standard) sets high standards for performance, health, and sustainability. Products go through rigorous evaluations and regular audits—including surprise visits—so you can feel confident the certification is earned, not just claimed.

Learn more about COSMOS.

Cradle to Cradle

Cradle to Cradle is a global certification that evaluates products for safety, sustainability, and responsible design across their entire lifecycle. Products are scored in five areas: material health, circularity, clean air and climate, water stewardship, and social fairness. Material Health certification means every ingredient is disclosed and screened for safety, with higher tiers requiring even stricter standards. It’s a strong signal that a product was designed with both people and the planet in mind.

Free from (Gold level and above): Carcinogens, mutagens, and reproductive toxins (CMRs), endocrine disruptors, phthalates, PFAS (when identified as a concern), chlorinated solvents, heavy metals, VOCs and organohalogens (when applicable).

‍Learn more about Cradle to Cradle.

eco-INSTITUT

eco-INSTITUT certification sets some of the strictest standards for low emissions and material safety in building and home products. Certified items are rigorously tested for VOCs, formaldehyde, heavy metals, and other harmful substances—ensuring cleaner indoor air and safer spaces. It also requires sustainable sourcing, like FSC- or PEFC-certified tropical wood. With ongoing testing and regular updates, this is one of the most trusted certifications for non-toxic, eco-conscious materials.

Always ultra-low in or free from: Formaldehyde, phthalates, VOCs (like benzene + toluene), halogenated flame retardants, chlorinated phenols, heavy metals, pesticide residues, PAHs, aromatic amines, and toxic plasticizers.

‍Learn more about eco-INSTITUT.

EPA Registered

EPA Registered means a disinfectant or pesticide has been reviewed by the Environmental Protection Agency for both safety and effectiveness. It confirms the product kills the germs it claims to and meets strict federal standards for human and environmental health when used as directed.

‍Learn more about EPA Registered.

EPA Safer Choice

The EPA Safer Choice label is given to chemical-based products that meet strict safety and environmental standards. Every ingredient is reviewed by the EPA for human health and environmental impact—no vague “proprietary blends” allowed. Products with this label are safer for you, your family, and the planet.

Free from or strictly limited in: Carcinogens, reproductive or developmental toxicants, persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) chemicals, ozone-depleting substances, formaldehyde and formaldehyde donors, phthalates, heavy metals, ammonia (in many categories), chlorine bleach (in many categories), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) above strict thresholds, synthetic dyes or fragrances (unless they meet strict safety screening).

‍Learn more EPA Safer Choice.

EWG VERIFIED

EWG VERIFIED is the highest standard from the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit known for pushing transparency and ingredient safety. This seal means a product avoids harmful chemicals, meets strict health criteria, and fully discloses every ingredient so you can shop with confidence.

Always free from: Parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde + formaldehyde releasers, PEGs, BHA + BHT, SLS + SLES, oxybenzone + other chemical sunscreens, synthetic fragrance (unless fully disclosed and rated safe), and known carcinogens + reproductive toxins flagged by leading health authorities.

‍Learn more about EWG Verified.
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About EWG Ratings:

Even if a product isn’t EWG VERIFIED, EWG still rates thousands of products based on ingredient safety and transparency. Their scores range A–D for cleaning products and 1–9 for personal care. Lower scores = safer products with better disclosure.

Learn more about EWG’s ratings here and here.

GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) 

GOLS certifies latex products made from organically grown natural rubber, like mattresses, pillows, and shoe soles. It ensures the latex is at least 95% organic and processed without harmful chemicals. To earn certification, products are tested for emissions, material composition, and must meet strict social and environmental criteria. Full traceability is required from plantation to retailer.

Free from: Synthetic latex, VOCs, heavy metals, formaldehyde, flame retardants, pesticide residues, and chlorine compounds.

‍Learn more about GOLS.

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)

GOTS certifies that textiles meet strict organic and environmental standards from farm to finished product. Every step is reviewed annually and verified through on-site inspections. GOTS-labeled products guarantee organic origins and responsible processing, backed by third-party checks you can trust.

Free from: Conventional pesticides, herbicides, and GMOs (in fiber production), azo dyes and heavy metals, formaldehyde, chlorinated bleach, flame retardants, PVC, and phthalates.

‍Learn more about GOTS.

Green Seal Certified

Green Seal is a trusted nonprofit that’s been setting the standard for safer, more sustainable products for over 30 years. Their certification applies to individual products—not brands—and reflects strict criteria for safety, performance, and environmental impact. Every formula is reviewed by scientists and industry experts to ensure it meets Green Seal’s high bar for health and sustainability.

Free from: Carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive toxins, endocrine disruptors, phthalates, heavy metals, chlorine bleach, 1,4-dioxane, and VOCs (for indoor air quality).

‍Learn more about Green Seal Certified.

GREENGUARD + GREENGUARD GOLD

GREENGUARD limits chemical emissions to help reduce indoor air pollution. Products are tested for over 15,000 VOCs and must meet strict low-emission standards. GREENGUARD Gold goes further with even lower formaldehyde levels, making it a safer choice for homes, schools, and healthcare settings.

Free from: High VOC-emitting substances, formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and phthalates.

‍Learn more about GREENGUARD.

MADE SAFE

MADE SAFE is the only certification focused entirely on human and environmental health. It bans over 6,500 harmful substances and requires full transparency from brands. Using what they call the Ecosystem Approach, MADE SAFE looks at how every ingredient affects people and the planet. Their seal means the product has cleared some of the toughest safety checks out there, so you can feel good about what you’re bringing home.

Always free from: Carcinogens, neurotoxins, developmental + reproductive toxins, endocrine disruptors, flame retardants, synthetic fragrance, heavy metals, VOCs, PFAS, phthalates, SLS/SLES, and harmful solvents and preservatives.

‍Learn more about Made Safe.

OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100

OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 is a globally trusted textile certification that ensures every part of a product—from fabric to thread to buttons—is tested for harmful substances. Testing is done by independent OEKO-TEX partner institutes and goes beyond legal limits, with criteria updated regularly based on the latest science.

Free from: Azo dyes, formaldehyde, heavy metals (like lead, cadmium, nickel), phthalates, PFAS (if tested, varies by product class), pesticides and chlorinated phenols, VOCs and allergenic colorants.

‍Learn more about OEKO-TEX.

Oregon Tilth Certified Organic (OTCO)

Oregon Tilth is a nonprofit certifier accredited by the USDA’s National Organic Program. For more than 50 years, they’ve advanced organic food systems through certification, education, and advocacy. OTCO provides trusted verification while also promoting practices that are environmentally sound and socially equitable. When you see OTCO on a label, it means the product is certified to USDA Organic standards.

Learn More about Oregon Tilth Certified Organic.

Organic Content Standard (OCS) 

OCS verifies the presence and traceability of organic materials throughout the supply chain. Only materials from certified organic farms under IFOAM standards qualify. Third-party audits at every step ensure organic integrity from farm to final product.

‍Learn more about Organic Content Standard.

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, Restriction of Chemicals)

REACH is an EU regulation that limits harmful chemicals in consumer products. Companies must register ingredients and meet strict safety standards—often through third-party testing or self-declaration. It applies across the supply chain, even outside the EU, making it one of the world’s strongest chemical safety laws.

Restricts: SVHCS (substances of very high concern), carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive toxins, endocrine disruptors, heavy metals, certain phthalates, and PBTS (persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic substances).

‍Learn more about REACH.

USDA Certified BioBased

The USDA Certified Biobased label verifies that a product is made from renewable biological ingredients like plants, agricultural materials, or forestry resources. Products must go through third-party testing and USDA review to confirm their biobased content before earning the label. This certification ensures transparency and authenticity around biobased claims, helping you spot more sustainable options at a glance.

‍Learn more about USDA Certified BioBased.

USDA Organic

USDA Organic is the leading U.S. certification for organic agricultural products. Farms and businesses undergo annual on-site inspections and follow strict standards set by the National Organic Program. It’s a widely trusted seal for verified organic practices and environmental stewardship.

‍Learn more about USDA Organic.

Welpr Approved

Welpr Approved means a product meets our strict, category-specific standards and is free from anything on our no list. We made these standards because what you want to avoid in a face serum isn’t the same as what matters in a mattress or baby toy.

If a product doesn’t have the certification, it’s just because that category is tougher to make fully non-toxic (like nail products or drain cleaners). It’s still the safest option we could find, and our goal is for every product on Welpr to eventually be certified :)

‍Learn more about how we vet products.

ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals)

ZDHC helps eliminate harmful chemicals from textile, leather, and footwear production. Manufacturers must follow the ZDHC MRSL, test wastewater, and follow strict chemical management protocols. On-site audits ensure brands are reducing toxic discharge and protecting people and the planet.

Targets elimination of: APEOs (like nonylphenol ethoxylates), chlorinated solvents, formaldehyde, heavy metals, phthalates, organotins, and PFCs (perfluorinated chemicals).

‍Learn more about ZDHC here.

Certified Vegan

The Certified Vegan label means a product contains no animal-derived ingredients. It's awarded by trusted third parties like PETA or Vegan.org, who verify claims through a detailed review process. To get certified, brands submit an application and a Statement of Assurance from manufacturers or suppliers. This third-party oversight helps ensure transparency and trust in a product’s vegan status.

Learn more about Certified Vegan here and here.

Leaping Bunny

Leaping Bunny is one of the most trusted cruelty free certifications. Brands must prove that neither their products nor ingredients are tested on animals, backed by supplier audits and a strict no-animal-testing policy across the board.

‍Learn more about Leaping Bunny.

PETA Certified

Since 1987, PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies certification has helped consumers find cruelty-free cosmetics, personal care, and household products. To qualify, companies must confirm that neither they nor their suppliers test on animals anywhere in the world. PETA offers two labels: Global Animal Test-Free and Animal Test-Free + Vegan, the latter also ensuring products are free from animal-derived ingredients. Their mark is a globally recognized signal of ethical, compassionate practices.

‍Learn more about PETA Certified.

PETA Vegan

The PETA-Approved Vegan logo helps shoppers easily identify products made without animal materials like leather, fur, silk, or feathers. Used by 1,000+ brands, it applies to individual items, collections, or entire product lines. Certification doesn’t require testing but does involve a Statement of Assurance from manufacturers or suppliers. It’s a clear, flexible way for companies to show a transparent commitment to cruelty-free standards across fashion, furniture, and more.

‍Learn more about PETA Vegan.

1% for the Planet

1% for the Planet certifies brands that commit at least 1% of annual sales to vetted environmental nonprofits. Every donation is verified, so you know your purchase is supporting real impact.

‍Learn more about 1% for the Planet.

Certified B Corp

Certified B Corporations meet high standards for social and environmental impact. The certification looks at how a company treats its workers, customers, community, and the planet, making it a trusted sign of ethical business practices.

‍Learn more about Certified B Corp. 

Fair for Life

Fair for Life certifies brands that uphold fair trade, ethical sourcing, and decent working conditions throughout their supply chain. Products are tracked from start to finish, ensuring human rights and transparency at every step.

‍Learn more about Fair for Life.

JPMA Certified

The JPMA Certification Seal makes it easy to find baby gear that meets top safety standards. Covering 29 product categories, certified items are tested annually by independent labs to meet federal, state, and ASTM guidelines. When a brand certifies a category, every model in it follows the same strict rules. The JPMA seal is a quick way to know a product is safe and parent-approved.

‍Learn more about JPMA Certified.

CarbonNeutral

CarbonNeutral certifies that a company has calculated and reduced its carbon footprint to zero using internal efficiencies, renewables, and verified offset projects. The process follows the publicly available CarbonNeutral Protocol, reviewed annually. It is trusted for its clear standards and third-party oversight.

‍Learn more about CarbonNeutral.

Certified Plastic Negative

Plastic Negative means a brand removes twice as much plastic from the environment as it creates. To qualify, brands measure their plastic footprint and invest in recovery programs. It’s a strong signal of environmental responsibility.

‍Learn more about Certified Plastic Negative.

Climate Neutral Certified

Climate Neutral Certified verifies that a brand measures, reduces, and offsets all of its carbon emissions across operations. The process is independently reviewed and follows science-based standards. It's a simple, transparent way to confirm a company is doing its part for climate.

‍Learn more about Climate Neutral Certified.

EcoCert

EcoCert certifies products are made with high environmental standards, from raw materials to production. It bans petrochemical ingredients and supports organic, sustainable practices. Third-party audits ensure transparency and integrity.

‍Learn more about EcoCert.

EcoLogo

EcoLogo is a Type 1 ecolabel based on lifecycle criteria like energy, waste, and health. Administered by UL, it requires products to meet rigorous environmental standards. It is globally recognized and ISO-compliant.

‍Learn more about EcoLogo.

Fair Trade International

Fairtrade certifies products that support fair wages and better working conditions for farmers and workers. FLOCERT, an independent body, verifies compliance with standards like traceability and minimum pricing. Random audits add extra trust.

‍Learn more about Fair Trade International.

FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)

FSC ensures wood and paper products come from responsibly managed forests. Certification covers both forest management and supply chain. Third-party audits verify compliance, making FSC a leading mark of sustainable sourcing.

‍Learn more about FSC.

Made in USA

“Made in USA” means a product was substantially made in the United States, as defined by the FTC. To qualify, it must contain significant U.S. content and undergo major manufacturing domestically. This label is voluntary but regulated—brands must hold solid proof that most production costs and the final transformation happened in the U.S. Trusted for its clear, government-backed standards.

‍Learn more about Made in USA.

Plastic Neutral Certified

Plastic Neutral means a company recovers as much plastic from the environment as it creates. Brands measure their plastic use, reduce where possible, and offset the rest through certified collection efforts.

‍Learn more about Plastic Neutral Certified.