Have you ever considered what is in a rose? Or a banana, raspberry or Brussels sprout? They are made up of chemicals, just like everything else on Earth.
That might seem obvious, but you would be surprised how often we hear from people saying they want household products that are “chemical-free.” So, we wanted to start a conversation about chemistry, responsibility and transparency, and the steps SC Johnson takes to make choices you can trust.
Many people assume that natural chemicals are better than synthetic chemicals. And, unfortunately, claiming “natural” as a product benefit has become a bit of a marketing trend.
As our Chairman and CEO, Fisk Johnson, explains, “For too long, some companies have perpetuated the myth that so-called ‘natural’ products are chemical-free or somehow are always safer. And that is simply not true. The truth is: All of nature contains chemicals.”
Importantly, sometimes synthetic chemicals can be a responsible choice. For example, if not harvested sustainably, using a natural ingredient like palm oil could lead to negative impacts such as deforestation. Alternatively, a natural ingredient might include an allergen that can be engineered out in a synthetic version.
So, sometimes a synthetic ingredient is a better choice. And, other times, a natural ingredient might be perfect for a product formula. At SC Johnson, we think what matters most is evaluating the options for any given product and making an informed choice.
Part of this is setting standards for what is safe. Any potential ingredient on Earth – including oxygen and water – can be toxic at a high enough amount. So, every ingredient in an SC Johnson product is assessed to determine how much is and is not safe.
Importantly, we don’t assume we have all the answers. The Greenlist™ programme’s foundation is an ongoing effort to collect about ingredients and their potential impact on health and the environment.
We get information from suppliers and fill gaps with publicly available, scientifically rigorous data. We also took our entire programme to a panel of experts on human and environmental toxicity, for their .
Our Greenlist™ programme and commitment to transparency are currently featured on the U.S. version of WhatsInsideSCJohnson.com, our ingredient website. You can see more about the conversation we are trying to encourage and why it matters.
All chemicals are not equal, but with scientific data and responsible choices, we believe we are making products you can trust for your home. We would not expect any less for our own.