You’ve probably seen them—those little badges and stamps on your shampoo bottle or almond milk carton. But what do they actually mean? In an age of shrinking government regulations, those tiny logos might be doing more heavy lifting than you think.
When environmental regulations started getting rolled back under the current administration, it puts more pressure on consumers like you to figure out what’s actually safe and sustainable. Things like loosening organic animal welfare standards or bringing back pesticides that had been banned left a lot of people wondering who’s really looking out for their health.
It’s clear in this political climate that we can’t always count on the government to step in. That’s why third-party certifications—like USDA Organic or EWG Verified—have become such a lifeline. They give us a way to navigate the aisles and vet whether the products we’re choosing meet actual safety and environmental standards.
Here’s what you need to know about these 13 important certifications.
Food & Agriculture Certifications
![USDA Organic]( "USDA Organic")
USDA Organic
The USDA Organic seal indicates that a product has been grown through approved methods that encourage good resources stewardship, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. This certification prohibits the use of synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation and genetic engineering in the production process of food and ingredients used in personal care products.
Applies to: Fruits and vegetables, grains and cereal, dairy and meat products, skincare and personal care products, and textiles such as cotton
Some USDA Organic Brands at Vitacost: Aloha, Alter Eco, Ancient Nutrition, Amy’s, Aura Cacia, Badger, Babo Botanicals, BareOrganics, Choice Organics and Wholesome Sweeteners
![Fair Trade Certified]( "Fair Trade Certified")
Fair Trade Certified
Fair Trade Certified products ensure that workers in developing countries are paid fair prices, work in safe conditions, protect the environment, and receive community development funds to empower and uplift their communities.
Applies to: Coffee, tea, cocoa and chocolate, sugar, stevia, honey, herbs, nuts, oils, shea butter and cocoa butter
Some Fair Trade brands at Vitacost: Simple Truth Organic, Wholesome Sweeteners, Tazo, Alter Eco, Lily’s, Endangered Species, Navitas, Hu, Traditional Medicines, Mount Hagen, Kicking Horse, Organic India, Numi and Divine
Rainforest Alliance Certified
The Rainforest Alliance certification focuses on sustainable agriculture, forestry and tourism. It ensures that products are produced using methods that support social, economic, and environmental sustainability, aiming to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihood.
Applies to: Coffee, tea, cocoa, bananas and forestry products
Some Rainforest Alliance Certified brands at Vitacost: Justin’s Peanut Butter, Yogi Tea, Tom’s of Maine, Seventh Generation, Choice Organics, Chocolove, Tazo
Non-GMO Project Verified
The Non-GMO Project Verified seal indicates that a product has been produced according to rigorous best practices for GMO avoidance, including thorough testing of risk ingredients.
Applies to: Packaged foods, supplements, skincare products and infant formula
Some Non-GMO Project Verified Brands at Vitacost: Chocolove, NOW Food, Lundberg, Choice Organic, TruRoots, Nature’s Way, Yum Organics, Manitoba Harvest, Go Macro, Woodstock and Garden of Life
Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC)
The Regenerative Organic Certified label goes beyond organic standards by focusing on soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness. It aims to promote farming practices that restore and maintain the health of the soil, animals and farming communities.
Applies to: Produce, grains, dairy and meat products, fiber products and supplements
Some Regenerative Organic Certified Brands at Vitacost: Ancient Nutrition, Navitas, Wholesome sweeteners, Lundberg, Tazo and Jovial
Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)
The MSC certification ensures that seafood products come from fisheries that are well managed and sustainable, protecting marine environments and ensuring the long-term availability of fish stocks.
Applies to: Fish and seafood products
Some Marine Stewardship Council Certified Brands at Vitacost: Dr. Mercola, Wiley’s Finest, Garden of Life, Barlean’s, Cento and Crown Prince
Personal Care & Household Products Certifications
EPA Safer Choice
The EPA Safer Choice label helps consumers identify products with safer chemical ingredients, without sacrificing quality or performance. Products with this label have been evaluated by the EPA to ensure they meet stringent human health and environmental criteria.
Applies to: Household cleaners, dish detergents, floor care products, glass cleaners, laundry products, hand soap and pet care products
Certified EPA Safer Choice Brands at Vitacost: Seventh Generation, Lemi Shine and ECOS
EWG Verified™
The EWG Verified™ mark, awarded by the Environmental Working Group, signifies that a product is free from EWG’s chemicals of concern, adheres to strict health standards and provides full transparency regarding its ingredients. This certification ensures that products are formulated with your health in mind, avoiding harmful substances and promoting safer choices.
Applies to: skincare, cosmetics, baby care and personal hygiene products
Some Certified EWG Verified™ Brands at Vitacost: Mustela, Avalon Organics, Babo, Earth Mama and Attitude
Leaping Bunny Certified
The Leaping Bunny certification, managed by Cruelty Free International, is a globally recognized symbol for cruelty-free products. It assures consumers that no animal testing was conducted at any stage of product development, including ingredients and final formulations.
Applies to: Cosmetics, personal care products and household cleaning items
Some Leaping Bunny Certified Brands at Vitacost: Acure, All Good, Blueland, Burt’s Bees, Molly’s Suds, EO, The Unscented Company, Earth Kiss, Everyone Kids and Andalou Naturals.
Clothing & Textiles Certifications
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
GOTS is the leading worldwide standard for organic textiles, ensuring that products are made with organic fibers and meet strict criteria throughout the entire supply chain. This certification covers everything from harvesting raw materials to environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing.
Applies to: Clothing, bedding, towels and textile-based household items
Some Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Certified Brands at Vitacost: OI Organic Initiative, Organyc and Superbee
Cradle to Cradle Certified™
Cradle to Cradle Certified™ is a globally recognized measure of safer, more sustainable products made for the circular economy, from creation to end-of-life. It assesses products across five categories: material health, product circularity, clean air and climate protection, water and soil stewardship and social fairness.
Applies to: Apparel, furniture, textiles, packaging and cleaning products
Some Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Brands at Vitacost: Blueland
Corporate Responsibility & Giving
![Certified B Corporation]( "Certified B Corporation")
Certified B Corporation
Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. This certification evaluates the overall impact of a company on its workers, customers, community, and the environment.
Applies to: Companies across various industries committed to social and environmental responsibility
Some Certified B Corporation Brands at Vitacost: All Good, Alter Eco and Seventh Generation
1% for the Planet
1% for the Planet is a global movement where businesses commit to donating 1% of their annual sales to environmental causes. This certification connects companies with approved nonprofit partners to ensure that their contributions make a meaningful impact on the planet.
Applies to: Businesses committed to environmental philanthropy
Some 1% for the Planet Certified Brands at Vitacost: Steaz, Ocean’s Halo, Theo’s Plant-Based Beet Jerky, Earth’s Care and Tazo
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