Red List

This evaluation helps companies progress on their continued improvement by learning if they are using common ingredients of harm and helps participants deliver ingredient transparency.

Adherence to NTC’s Red List of Prohibited Substances demonstrates a commitment to better ingredients and a giant step toward eliminating the use of the most polluting chemicals in the marketplace.

This Red List evaluation can be used to jump start product transformation by identifying goals to move toward more Ecosystem-Sound products and to take part in the creation of a safer and healthier marketplace.

Using the Red List evaluation is beneficial for companies seeking to determine if they are using any of NTCs list of prohibited substances. This Red List is comprised of ~3,000 of the most harmful substances. Some companies may be seeking B Corp Certification and wish to demonstrate their conformity in avoiding such chemicals, while others may be working to eliminate these Red List substances from products.

Our monumental Red List is larger than the European Union’s restricted list of substances. It is also hundreds of times larger than the lists of substances restricted by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency - combined. It can be used to jump start product transformation by identifying goals to move toward more Ecosystem-Sound products and to take part in the creation of a safer and healthier marketplace.

The Red List includes the most harmful substances such as:

  • - Toxic antibacterials + antimicrobials

    - Harmful artificial colors + dyes

    - Bisphenols

    - Carcinogens

    - Chemicals of high concern

    - Chemicals classified as persistent, bioaccumulative, or toxic to aquatic life or terrestrial life

    - Coal tar ingredients

    - Endocrine disruptors

    - Behavioral toxins

    - Developmental toxins

    - Reproductive toxins

    - Neurotoxins

    - Teratogens toxins

  • - Ethanolamine ingredients

    - Formaldehyde releasers

    - Toxic flame retardants

    - Fluorinated + PFAS compounds

    - Toxic fragrance ingredients 

    - Genotoxins

    - Heavy metals

    - Isothiazolinone preservatives

    - Isocyanates

    - Nanomaterials

    - Toxic solvents

    - Persistent organic pollutants

    - PCBs

    - Polyethylene glycol compounds (PEGs)

  • - High-risk pesticides

    - Polysorbates

    - Retinol derivatives

    - 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

Companies will receive a report indicating harmful substances in their submission to be targeted for removal or, if applicable they will receive a statement of conformity, good for one year, which may be provided to B Lab.

This is a stand alone program and there is no certification included. The Red List evaluation is based exclusively on the information that is voluntarily provided by a company. To participate, companies must resubmit products in the program annually, and may receive a current statement of conformity, if appropriate.

Red List Evaluation fees and annual participation cost will be assessed based on company size and scope of ingredients reviewed. 

Red List Evaluation fees for B Corp companies are as follows:

Annual access fee of $50. Companies must participate and resubmit products in the program each year to receive a current statement of Red List conformity.

Additional flat fee based on the number of ingredients in the products submitted:

<199 = $150
<499 = $200
<999 = $250
<1,499 = $300
<4,999 = $400 
<5000 inquire

If you would like to learn more or to have your products or ingredients evaluated, contact programs@nontoxiccertified.org.

Red List