A plant claim on a cleaning label sounds lovely. A little leafy, a little wholesome. But what does it actually promise?
Quick answer: there's no legal definition for plant claims on cleaning products in the US.† A label like that can mean every ingredient started as a plant, or just some. The only way to know is a full ingredient list and a clear explanation.
What it can mean
| Label says | Could mean |
|---|---|
| A plant claim | Some or all ingredients started as a plant, and may have been processed |
| Plant-powered | Usually marketing, ask what's behind it |
Questions to ask a brand
- What percent started as a plant?
- Which ingredients don't?
- Is it third-party certified? For example, the USDA BioPreferred program.†
If a brand can't answer, that's an answer.
How we say it
We list every ingredient in Just 7 and what it does, and we don't put plant claims on our label. Where an ingredient's source matters, we'll describe it only once we have the supplier spec to back it.†
Sodium carbonate, for example, is a mineral, not a plant. We'd rather tell you that than round up.
FAQ
Are plant claims on detergent regulated? Not as a defined term in the US.†
Is a plant claim the same as natural? Not exactly. See natural vs organic detergent claims.
Is a detergent with a plant claim automatically vegan? Not always. Check for animal-derived ingredients.
How do I check a plant claim? Ask for the full list and the percent.
Seven ingredients. Zero compromise.
Pre-order now. Orders ship Jan 11th. 7% of every sale goes to animal sanctuaries and nonprofits.†