When it comes to creating a healthier home, choosing the right cleaning products is a great place to start. However, natural cleaning labels can be confusing—full of unregulated buzzwords and incomplete ingredient lists. This guide breaks down how to read natural cleaning product labels, so you can make informed choices, avoid harmful ingredients, and feel confident in the safety of your space.
First, read the full ingredient list.
Because U.S. law doesn’t require full transparency, many brands get away with vague claims like “green” or “eco-friendly” without listing what’s actually inside. Many cleaning brands only list active ingredients, such as disinfectants. However, the inactive ingredients can be just as important to understand. Instead, look for natural cleaning labels that include all ingredients, not just the marketable ones.
What are inactive ingredients?
Inactive ingredients are used to support a product’s texture, shelf life, or scent, but they don’t do the actual cleaning. These ingredients are sometimes labeled as “other” or “non-active.” Common examples include Fragrance, Preservatives, Colorants, Solvents, and Stabilizers. While these may be “inactive,” they can still cause skin irritation or respiratory issues, so always read them carefully.
“Fragrance” is the hidden chemical cocktail.
One of the most misleading terms on natural cleaning labels is fragrance. Legally, this single word can represent dozens of undisclosed chemicals, including phthalates and allergens. However, better options exist, like “Natural fragrance, derived from lemon.” Better yet, look for “fragrance-free” which isn’t the same as unscented.
Watch for these common toxins.
Even products labeled as natural or green can include toxic ingredients. So as you review natural cleaning labels, avoid substances like SLS, Parabens, and Phthalates. If a product includes any of these, it’s not as natural as it could be. Get the full list of hidden toxins in cleaning products.
What we want to see on natural cleaning labels.
The best natural cleaning products usually have short, simple ingredient lists that include clean ingredients like sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), citric acid, coconut-derived cleaners, castile soap, essential oils, and plant-based surfactants, like decyl glucoside. These ingredients are not only safer; they’re proven to be effective.
Here are our favorite transparent brands.
Some brands go above and beyond when it comes to ingredient transparency. Companies like Branch Basics and Blueland clearly list all their ingredients with no hidden fragrance blends and no “proprietary” mystery formulas.
Also, other reputable brands like Grove Co., Puracy, and Seventh Generation are making progress. However, it’s always smart to check the full ingredient list online.
There’s an App for that.
Free mobile apps like Think Dirty, Yuka, and the EWG Healthy Living App allow you to scan barcodes and instantly view ingredient safety ratings. These tools make it easier to choose non-toxic cleaning products without hours of research.
Let Lemon Fresh Cleaners do the work for you.
Natural products are more than a wellness trend—it’s a practical step toward a healthier, safer home. That’s why we only use non-toxic, plant-based products with clear, honest ingredient lists, and zero greenwashing.
Get a free quote and enjoy a clean you can feel good about.
