In today’s world, where we are constantly surrounded by beauty, skincare, and household products, the need to be an informed consumer has never been more critical. Every day, we apply lotions, use cleaners, and apply cosmetics without truly understanding the effects these products might have on our bodies and the environment. One valuable tool that has emerged to help consumers navigate the overwhelming world of ingredients is the Environmental Working Group (EWG) score. But what is the EWG score, and why is it important to research the ingredients in the products you’re using? Let’s dive in.

What is the EWG Score?

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping consumers make informed choices about the products they use. One of their most impactful tools is the Skin Deep® Database, where they rate thousands of products and ingredients based on their potential hazards to human health and the environment. This rating system, known as the EWG score, provides a snapshot of how safe or harmful an ingredient might be. EWG scores range from 1 to 10, with 1-2 representing the safest products and 7-10 being the most concerning. The score is determined by analyzing the potential risks associated with each ingredient, including cancer risk, developmental toxicity, reproductive harm, and allergies.

Why You Should Research Product Ingredients

• Protecting Your Health: 
  Many everyday products contain ingredients that can pose long-term health risks, from endocrine disruptors to potential carcinogens. Even if these ingredients are present in small amounts, repeated use over time can accumulate in your body, leading to unintended health consequences. Take parabens, for instance. These chemicals, found in a range of cosmetics and personal care products, are known to mimic estrogen in the body and have been linked to reproductive issues and even cancer. Researching ingredients and checking EWG scores helps you avoid products with potentially harmful substances.
• Reducing the Risk of Allergies and Irritation:
  For individuals with sensitive skin or allergies, the ingredients in products can make all the difference. Fragrances, dyes, and preservatives like formaldehyde are often culprits of skin irritation and allergic reactions. By reviewing EWG scores, you can find safer alternatives that are less likely to cause a reaction.
• Transparency from Brands:
  When companies are transparent about the ingredients they use, it builds trust. Brands that openly share their ingredients and strive to maintain low EWG scores are generally more committed to consumer safety and environmental responsibility. Conversely, brands that use obscure or potentially harmful ingredients might avoid disclosing the full impact of their products. By doing your own research, you take back control and can choose brands that align with your values.
• Environmental Impact:
  Not only do the ingredients in your products affect your body, but they can also harm the environment. Many personal care items, like shampoos, exfoliators, and sunscreens, wash off into the water system, contributing to water pollution and harming marine life. Chemical filters in sunscreen, for example, are known to damage coral reefs.

Using products with low EWG scores ensures you are selecting items that are not only safer for you but also gentler on the environment.

How to Use the EWG Score Effectively

• Check Individual Ingredients:
  Even if a product itself doesn’t have an EWG score, you can search for individual ingredients to assess the safety of the formulation.
• Cross-Check with Other Resources: While the EWG database is comprehensive, it’s always a good idea to cross-check ingredients with other scientific databases, especially for products that you use frequently.
• Balance Safety with Performance: Sometimes, the safest product might not work as well for your personal needs. It’s about balancing safety with effectiveness while staying informed about potential risks.

Researching the ingredients in the products you use every day is an essential step towards protecting your health, reducing exposure to harmful chemicals, and making environmentally responsible choices. The EWG score is a powerful tool that simplifies this process, allowing you to quickly assess the safety of the items you bring into your home. By making conscious decisions and choosing safer, lower-risk products, you’re investing in both your well-being and the planet.Remember, when it comes to what you put on your skin or in your home, knowledge is power.