Nontox Standard
Nontox evaluates products using a toxicology-based, exposure-informed framework. Products are assessed according to the hazards of their ingredients and materials, expected human exposure, route and duration of exposure, vulnerable populations, and the strength of available scientific evidence.
A product qualifies for the Nontox Standard when available evidence indicates that its intended use does not present an unreasonable toxicological risk, while avoiding ingredients and materials associated with unacceptable levels of carcinogenic, mutagenic, reproductive, developmental, endocrine, neurotoxic, sensitizing, persistent, bioaccumulative, or other significant health hazards.
Precautionary Principle
Nontox may exclude ingredients or materials when credible lower-concern alternatives are reasonably available, even when existing evidence does not establish that the excluded material causes harm at typical exposure levels. The purpose is to reduce avoidable exposure to substances of concern and favor safer alternatives where practical.
Blocked List
Nontox maintains a strict exclusion list based on our toxicology-based and precautionary standards. The list covers ingredients, materials, contaminants, and formulation practices that do not meet the Nontox Standard.
This list highlights common examples of substances and materials we do not allow. Our full evaluation may also exclude related substances, derivatives, contaminants, or combinations where they present similar concerns.
- Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, and related variants)
- Phthalates
- Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
- PFAS ("forever chemicals")
- Sulfates (SLS, SLES)
- Synthetic musks
- Chemical UV filters (oxybenzone, octinoxate, and related compounds)
Product Listing Process
Meeting the Nontox Standard is the foundation. We then look at the product as a whole to make sure it holds up in the real world.
01 — Ingredients
We review the complete ingredient or material list against the Nontox Standard, including relevant formulation and ingredient concerns.
02 — Use Case
We consider how the product is actually used, including its route, frequency, duration, and potential exposure.
03 — Product & Brand Trust
We look at whether the product and brand are genuine and trustworthy—not just whether they make the right claims. We watch for misleading marketing, exaggerated claims, low-quality dropshipping, and other signs that the brand may not be acting in good faith.
04 — Check for Unknown Gaps
We look beyond the product page for relevant concerns that may otherwise be easy to miss, including packaging issues, manufacturing or quality concerns, product news, recalls, regulatory issues, misleading claims, or significant patterns of customer complaints.
05 — Ongoing Recheck
Products can change, and new information can emerge. We recheck when there is a meaningful formula, material, packaging, manufacturer, or brand change—or when significant new information becomes available.