
Why You Should Care About EWG (Environmental Working Group) Ratings
By Joanna Wang
What Are EWG Ratings?
The Environmental Working Group is a non-profit organisation that evaluates the safety of ingredients in consumer products, including haircare. Their ratings range from 1 to 10, with lower scores indicating safer, less toxic ingredients.
EWG’s mission is to empower consumers with transparent information about the products they use daily, ensuring they are both safe for you and kind to the planet.
1. Safety First: Protecting Your Health
Many conventional haircare products contain harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, which can irritate your scalp or harm your overall health over time. EWG-rated products help you avoid these harmful ingredients by highlighting clean, non-toxic alternatives. Choosing products with low EWG scores ensures that you’re not exposing your body to unnecessary risks.
For example: At A+S Haircare, we use naturally derived, biodegradable ingredients that are EWG-rated green, meaning they meet the highest safety standards for your hair and scalp.
2. Transparency You Can Trust
How many times have you picked up a bottle of shampoo and struggled to decipher the ingredient list? EWG ratings cut through the jargon, offering clear, science-backed information about what’s in your products. This transparency builds trust between brands and consumers, ensuring you’re making educated decisions.
3. Environmental Impact: A Cleaner Planet
EWG ratings don’t just focus on human safety—they also assess the environmental impact of ingredients. Products with low EWG scores often use biodegradable, eco-friendly components that reduce pollution and minimise harm to aquatic ecosystems. By choosing EWG-rated products, you’re contributing to a healthier planet.
At A+S Haircare, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We’re committed to creating products that are as good for the earth as they are for your hair.
4. Supporting Ethical Practices
Many EWG-rated products align with cruelty-free and vegan standards, reflecting a commitment to ethical sourcing and manufacturing. If you value brands that prioritise animal welfare and ethical practices, EWG ratings can guide you toward businesses that share your values.
5. Better Haircare Results
Low EWG-rated products often feature high-quality, nourishing ingredients like botanicals, vitamins, and essential oils that are gentle yet effective. These ingredients work in harmony with your scalp’s natural microbiome, promoting healthier, shinier hair without causing irritation or buildup.
How to Spot EWG-Rated Products
Look for brands that proudly display their commitment to EWG standards. Many companies, like A+S Haircare, are transparent about their ingredient sourcing and safety ratings.
You can also visit the EWG’s Skin Deep database (https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/) to research specific products and their ratings.
Why It Matters to You
Caring about EWG ratings isn’t just about following a trend—it’s about protecting your health, supporting ethical practices, and contributing to a more sustainable future. By choosing EWG-rated haircare products, you’re making a conscious decision to prioritise safety, transparency, and environmental responsibility.