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If you’ve spotted the MADE SAFE® badge on a shampoo bottle, baby blanket, or cleaning spray, you’ve probably wondered: what does MADE SAFE certified actually mean, and how does it differ from the EWG VERIFIED® mark you may have seen on other products? Both certifications signal something meaningful about ingredient transparency, but they work differently, cover different product categories, and are run by entirely separate organizations. This guide explains both clearly, so you can make sense of what you’re seeing on the shelf.
Already familiar with MADE SAFE® and want to understand EWG’s certification? See our in-depth guide: What EWG VERIFIED® Means, and How It Differs From a Skin Deep Score.
What the MADE SAFE® Certification Screens For
MADE SAFE® is an independent, nonprofit certification program that screens product ingredients against a list of more than 15,000 banned and restricted substances. The program is operated by Nontoxic Certified, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
To earn the MADE SAFE® seal, every ingredient in a product must be reviewed by toxicologists against MADE SAFE®’s screening criteria, which draw on peer-reviewed science, government research, and authoritative hazard databases. MADE SAFE® requires that ingredients have not been identified as posing known or suspected risks in categories such as:
- Carcinogenicity (substances linked to cancer in research or regulatory databases)
- Endocrine disruption (interference with hormonal systems)
- Reproductive or developmental toxicity
- Environmental persistence and bioaccumulation (substances that accumulate in ecosystems)
- Aquatic toxicity and harm to other species
MADE SAFE® takes what it calls an “Ecosystem Approach”: screening not just for effects on human health but also for impacts on wildlife and the environment. Manufacturers must disclose all known added substances in a formulation for MADE SAFE® to review, including processing aids and components that may not appear on a standard retail label.
If any ingredient fails to meet MADE SAFE®’s criteria, the product does not qualify. There are no partial certifications; every component must pass the screen before the seal is awarded. Brands must also reapply if their formulation changes.
What MADE SAFE® Does Not Certify
MADE SAFE® certifies that a product’s ingredients were screened against its list of substances of concern. It does not constitute a guarantee of product safety, efficacy, or performance. Specifically, MADE SAFE® does not certify:
- That a product works as claimed (efficacy and performance are not evaluated)
- That a product is free of every possible hazardous substance (the screen covers MADE SAFE®’s defined list; substances not yet assessed may not be included)
- That a product is appropriate for every user or health condition: those with specific sensitivities or medical needs should consult a qualified healthcare provider
- That other label claims (such as “fragrance-free” or “organic”) have been independently verified through MADE SAFE®’s process
Like all third-party certifications, MADE SAFE® reflects the standard as defined by the certifying organization at the time of certification. Formulations can change; always look for the current MADE SAFE® seal on the specific product you’re purchasing, not just the brand as a whole.
How MADE SAFE® Compares to EWG VERIFIED®
Parents researching certifications often encounter both the MADE SAFE® seal and the EWG VERIFIED® mark on similar products. They share a commitment to ingredient transparency but differ in their standards and scope:
| Feature | MADE SAFE® | EWG VERIFIED® |
|---|---|---|
| Run by | Nontoxic Certified (nonprofit) | Environmental Working Group (nonprofit) |
| Screening basis | 15,000+ substance banned/restricted list | EWG’s Unacceptable Ingredients list (200+ ingredients) |
| Ingredient disclosure required | All added substances, including processing aids | Full ingredient disclosure to EWG, including fragrance components |
| Product categories | Personal care, baby, cleaning, apparel, bedding, home goods | Personal care, cleaning, and baby products |
| Ecosystem/environmental screening | Yes (aquatic toxicity, persistence, bioaccumulation) | Not a primary focus of the VERIFIED program |
| Skin Deep® score required | No | Yes (must score 1–2 on EWG Skin Deep®) |
| Registry of certified products | madesafe.org catalog | ewg.org/ewgverified |
Both programs require manufacturer opt-in and disclose more than U.S. law requires. Neither is affiliated with, endorsed by, or partnered with NonToxicFinder. MADE SAFE® and EWG VERIFIED® are independent programs operated by separate organizations.
A product can carry MADE SAFE® certification without being EWG VERIFIED®, and vice versa. Some products carry both. For an in-depth look at EWG’s program, see: What EWG VERIFIED® Means and How It Differs From a Skin Deep Score.
Which Products Can Carry the MADE SAFE® Seal
One notable difference between MADE SAFE® and EWG VERIFIED® is the range of product categories covered. MADE SAFE® certifies products across a broader set of categories, including:
- Personal care products (shampoo, lotion, sunscreen, deodorant, lip balm)
- Baby and infant products (baby wash, diapers, wipes, baby lotion)
- Household cleaning products (all-purpose cleaners, laundry detergents)
- Apparel and textiles (clothing, baby onesies, activewear)
- Bedding and home goods (mattresses, pillows, rugs)
This broader category coverage matters for parents researching ingredient screening on items like baby bedding and children’s clothing, categories where EWG VERIFIED® has less presence. For personal care and cleaning products specifically, both certifications may appear on competing options, and the comparison table above can help distinguish them. See also our guide to top-rated non-toxic baby shampoos for examples of how certifications appear across product listings. For a bedding example, see our MADE SAFE certified crib mattress guide, which also explains how the mark differs from GREENGUARD Gold. For a personal-care example, see our MADE SAFE certified baby wash spotlight, profiling the one verified pick in that category today.
Where to Find MADE SAFE® Certified Products
MADE SAFE® maintains a publicly searchable registry of certified products. You can browse the full catalog at the MADE SAFE® Certified Product Catalog on madesafe.org. The catalog is searchable by brand and product category and is updated as new products earn certification.
Many MADE SAFE® certified products also carry other third-party certifications, such as USDA Organic for personal care or GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) for apparel and bedding. Multiple certifications address different aspects of a product’s ingredient profile and production practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is MADE SAFE® the same as EWG VERIFIED®?
No. MADE SAFE® and EWG VERIFIED® are entirely separate certifications run by different nonprofit organizations with different screening criteria. They share a focus on ingredient transparency and the avoidance of chemicals of concern, but they are not interchangeable. See the comparison table above for the key differences.
Q: Does MADE SAFE® certification mean a product is guaranteed safe?
No. MADE SAFE® certifies that a product’s ingredients were screened against a list of substances of concern. It does not constitute a guarantee of safety or health outcomes. The certification screens for the absence of defined chemicals of concern and does not evaluate product efficacy, performance, or every possible exposure scenario.
Q: What kinds of products can earn the MADE SAFE® seal?
MADE SAFE® certifies a wide range of product categories, including personal care, baby care, cleaning products, apparel, bedding, and home goods. This broader category coverage distinguishes it from EWG VERIFIED®, which focuses primarily on personal care and cleaning products.
Q: How do I find MADE SAFE® certified products?
You can browse the full list of MADE SAFE® certified products at the MADE SAFE® certified product catalog on madesafe.org. The catalog is maintained by the organization and updated as new products earn the seal.
Q: Is NonToxicFinder affiliated with MADE SAFE® or the Environmental Working Group?
No. NonToxicFinder is operated by Solved Labs LLC and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or partnered with MADE SAFE®, Nontoxic Certified, or the Environmental Working Group. Our articles reference publicly available certification information from independent organizations.
Disclaimer: NonToxicFinder is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or partnered with MADE SAFE®. NonToxicFinder is also not affiliated with the Environmental Working Group. Content on this site references publicly available information from independent certification organizations. NonToxicFinder is operated by Solved Labs LLC.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. NonToxicFinder (Solved Labs LLC) may earn commissions on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or partnered with the Environmental Working Group.
