At Zatik Natural, we’re constantly researching ingredients—both those we want in our products, and those we don’t. In today’s world, we have so many options; from the ancient folk medicines like sea buckthorn or black seed, to the modern conveniences of synthetics made in labs.
And while we know that the active ingredients—those ancient plants, flowers, and seeds—are safe and effective, we also know the truth about many of the artificially created ingredients: Not only are they not as rooted in history as the natural ingredients, but many of them are also toxic, dangerous to our health, even in small amounts.
It’s why we’re so delighted (and relieved!) to share with our customers the exciting news that all of our products are now rated in the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep database!
If you’re not familiar with the EWG and the Skin Deep database, let us acquaint you.
The EWG may be best known for its “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen” lists released every year. The non-profit organization, which is dedicated to protecting human health and the environment, uses the USDA’s own data on pesticide levels in fruits and vegetables to compile the annual list. But the organization’s work doesn’t stop there.
According to the EWG website, the group’s mission is “to empower people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. With breakthrough research and education, we drive consumer choice and civic action.”
EWG launched its Skin Deep database in 2004, cataloging chemicals and the beauty/personal care products they’re found in.
“Our aim is to fill in where industry and government leave off,” the website says. “Companies are allowed to use almost any ingredient they wish. The U.S. government doesn’t review the safety of products before they’re sold. Our staff scientists compare the ingredients on personal care product labels and websites to information in nearly 60 toxicity and regulatory databases.”
With a commitment to not only creating the most effective products, but also to eschewing harsh chemical ingredients, it was a natural fit for Zatik to submit all of our products to EWG’s Skin Deep database for ranking and review.
Most of our products received the best possible score of “1”, meaning the lowest health risk.
Our Olive & Black Seed Shampoo and Conditioning Crème, and our Orange & Vetiver Deodorant received a slightly higher risk “3” score, mainly for the inclusion of the terpene linalool—a concentrated essential oil—that can increase the risk of allergy or irritation; and citral, another naturally occurring scent that can be reproduced synthetically (but not as toxic as a detergent-based fragrance). These products also include potassium sorbate, a preservative potassium salt of sorbic acid that can also cause mild allergies. Potassium sorbate, also used in other Zatik products gave us a “2” ranking on a half-dozen of our items.
Overall, though, it’s incredibly good news about our products. The database ranks us our products as no overall hazard risk and notes low consideration for the aforementioned ingredients.
You can review all the Zatik products ranked by EWG’s Skin Deep here.
