The MADE Banned List 

Our goal in creating this list was to hone in on the worst toxic substances - those found in consumer products and daily routines - in order to help eliminate them from use. If all companies were to simply adhere to this list, we would have cleaner air, water, and soil almost immediately.

  • All products certified MADE WISE and/or MADE SAFE must be screened against the MADE Banned List, which contains over 15,000 of the most toxic and harmful substances. All of these substances are prohibited from use in certified product formulations. The goal in creating this list was to establish the most comprehensive list of the worst known toxic substances, especially those found in consumer products and daily routines. By naming them on this list we can work to eliminate them from use. If all companies were to simply refuse to use the inputs on this list, we could have a massive impact on improving air, water, and soil. 

  • Companies that adhere to this list are driving important changes to avoid harmful inputs in manufacturing and formulation as well as committing to meaningful progress in the sustainability realm. This monumental list is nearly five times the size of the European Union’s list of restricted substances. Stunningly, it is also hundreds of times larger than the lists of substances restricted by the US Food & Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency - combined.

THE LIST CONTAINS THE KNOWN SUBSTANCES OF HARM IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:

  • - Toxic antibacterials + antimicrobials
    - Harmful artificial colors + dyes
    - Bisphenols
    - Carcinogens
    - Chemicals of high concern
    - Coal tar ingredients
    - Endocrine disruptors
    - Behavioral toxicants

    - Neurotoxicants
    - Teratogens

    - Endangered species
    - Ethanolamine ingredients

  • - Formaldehyde releasers
    - Toxic flame retardants
    - Fluorinated + PFAS compounds
    - Toxic fragrance ingredients
    - Genotoxins
    - Heavy metals
    - Isothiazolinone preservatives
    - Isocyanates
    - Toxic solvents
    - Polyethylene glycol compounds (PEGs)

    - High-risk pesticides
    - Polysorbates

  • - Siloxanes + silanes

    - Ecotoxic surfactants

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

    - Parabens- Phthalates

    - Poisonous plants

    - Silver compounds

    - Synthetic musks

    - Harmful UV blockers + filters- Harmful VOCs

Note: Some substances may have category specific allowances or technically unavoidable content, in which case either additional testing or threshold requirements may apply.

  • The aim of determinations around banning or restricting certain substances is to eliminate the worst chemical hazards found in everyday products, and to stop the use of unsustainable and environmentally harmful production practices. These determinations are backed by science from government agencies, scientific organizations and/or subject-area experts.

  • In creating this list, our team compiled and cross-referenced data from authoritative lists around the world to pinpoint known or probable hazardous substances used in common consumer product categories..

  • If your company is interested in learning more, seeing if you’re eligible or want to know the difference between MADE WISE and MADE SAFE to determine which program is right for your brand, click here. 

HOW WE USE THIS LIST: 

  • This is the first step for every MADE WISE and MADE SAFE® certified product. Every product is screened for known or probable harmful substances on the Banned List.

    However, it is important to note that for the MADE SAFE program this is not an exhaustive list of all prohibited substances, but rather a starting point for companies wanting to pursue the MADE SAFE certification. Screening products for these ingredients and/or materials is only the first step in our unique Ecosystem Approach to screening, which is designed to adhere to the Precautionary Principle and proactively protect people and all of the resources we rely on for life. Additional steps in this approach focus on evaluating for endocrine disruption, as well as chemicals classified as persistent, bioaccumulative, or reproductive toxins. We also evaluate for chemicals that are problematic for air, water, soil, or sediment as well as toxic to aquatic life or terrestrial life. Any of these determinations may result in further restrictions to ensure product substance safety and certification compliance.