The Wise List powered by MADE SAFE™

The Wise List powered by MADE SAFE™ is a new certification designed to eliminate the most harmful chemicals from commerce for a safer and more sustainable world. The program drives marketplace transparency and helps expedite the change to more sustainable production practices and goods worldwide.

Earning the Wise List powered by MADE SAFE certification means a company is avoiding more than 15,000 harmful chemicals. Participation helps to set a level playing field by creating a common baseline standard that should be met by all companies who aim to produce clean, green, or eco products.

With significant growth of consumer packaged goods in the “green” sector, there is no singular approach or definition of “green”. As a result, generic terms like “clean,” “eco,” “natural,” and claims of “free from” have proliferated, confusing the marketplace and diminishing the chance to eliminate harmful substances. Nowhere is this more true than in the US, where chemical legislation lags behind use. Additionally, harmful chemistries are proliferating with the use of regrettable substitutions. Our newest certification program aims to resolve this.

By reducing the intentional use of harmful chemicals, we can drive reductions in use and lower demand for them harmful chemicals around the world. The more companies that move away from these chemicals, the more likely it is for legislation to follow. Participating in the Wise List powered by MADE SAFE is a bold step toward transforming how products are made for a safer and more sustainable future.

Why it Works 

The Wise List certification will help to expedite the shift to safer chemistries across consumer good categories. Adopting use restrictions for toxic substances, the Wise List moves chemical safety and toxics work ahead in meaningful ways.

Over time, adherence to the Wise List pushes change to eliminate these chemicals from the planet. When all companies adopt the Wise List as a starting commitment to sustainability, we will have cleaner air, water, and soil – for everyone.

The Wise List certification requires adherence to a list of harmful chemicals that is larger than the European Union’s banned and restricted list of substances, and all restricted substances by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency – combined.

Compliance with the Wise List requires complete ingredient transparency, the first step to a commitment to cleaner products or a more significant ESG effort. This evaluation also helps companies progress by learning if they are using substances of harm and provides documentation that enhances transparency.

The Wise List can be used to jump-start product transformation by identifying goals to move toward more ecosystem-sound products and to contribute to the creation of a safer and healthier marketplace.

What’s on the Wise List

The Wise List bans or restricts over 15,000 harmful substances including:

- Toxic antibacterials + antimicrobials

- Harmful artificial colors + dyes

- Bisphenols

- Carcinogens

- Endocrine disruptors

- Developmental and reproductive toxicants

- Neurotoxicants

- Formaldehyde releasers

- Heavy metals

- High-risk pesticides

- PCBs

- PFAS

- Paraffin oil, paraffin wax, petrolatum + liquid paraffinum ingredients

- Parabens

- Phthalates

- Harmful UV blockers + filters

- Harmful VOCs

If you agree that these chemicals should be out of green products, sign on to support the Wise List concept and help us get these chemicals out of clean, green, and natural products. 

How the Process Works

  • Company signs agreement
  • Company submits Wise List screening fee payment
  • Company submits ingredient information
  • Company undergoes screening and provides required ingredient documentation
  • Company receives Statement of Certification or Statement of Improvement, depending on Wise List screening results
    • If the company is compliant with Wise List requirements, certification is granted upon receipt of annual licensing fee payment
    • If the company is non-compliant with Wise List requirements, they are provided a report with recommendations for improvement. The company may re-submit any time after making improvements

Product Categories Eligible for Wise List Certification

  • Personal Care
  • Cleaning Products
  • Home Fragrances and Candles
  • Sexual Health Personal Care (exception: condoms are ineligible)
  • Perfume
  • Cosmetics
  • Skin Care
  • Sunscreens (non-aerosols)
  • Supplements
  • Oral Care

MADE SAFE Resources

Contact programs@madesafe.org to learn more.