How We Vet Every Product

Every product on Modern Natural Living must pass three non-negotiable standards before we'll recommend it. No exceptions, no "close enough," no paid placements. Here's exactly how we decide what makes the cut — and what doesn't.

The Three Standards

🚫 Zero Plastic

We do not recommend any product where plastic touches food, water, or skin. This means no polyester, no nylon, no BPS/BPF substitutes, no synthetic coatings, and no plastic packaging that contacts the product. Approved materials: glass, stainless steel, ceramic, cast iron, titanium, organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, linen, merino wool, beeswax, and plant-based silicone.

🛡️ PFAS-Free

PFAS ("forever chemicals") are a family of 12,000+ synthetic chemicals that never break down in the environment or human body. They're linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune suppression, and reproductive harm. We require brands to demonstrate PFAS-free status through third-party lab testing — not just marketing claims. If a brand says "PFAS-free" but can't show test results, it doesn't make our list.

✅ BPA-Free

BPA is an endocrine disruptor found in polycarbonate plastics and can linings. But "BPA-free" alone isn't enough — many brands substitute BPS or BPF, which have similar health concerns. We require products to be free of all bisphenol compounds, or to use materials (like glass, steel, or ceramic) that never contained them in the first place.

Our Research Process

Identify candidates: We find brands making clean-materials claims through industry databases, certification directories, consumer reports, and community recommendations.
Verify certifications: We check for recognized third-party certifications: GOTS, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, GOLS, B Corp, EWG Verified, Fair Trade, and USDA Organic. We verify directly with certifying bodies when possible.
Check lab testing: We look for independent third-party lab results — not just brand-sponsored tests. We prioritize brands that publish their test results publicly.
Review materials & supply chain: We examine every material in the product, including adhesives, coatings, dyes, threads, labels, and packaging. We evaluate supply chain transparency and manufacturing practices.
Monitor continuously: Products can change. We monitor for reformulations, certification lapses, and new test results. Products that no longer meet our standards are removed.

Why Products Get Rejected

We reject more products than we accept. Common reasons include:

"BPA-free" but uses BPS or BPF — these substitutes have similar endocrine-disrupting properties
PFAS-free claims without testing — if you can't prove it, we can't recommend it
Hidden plastic components — plastic gaskets, linings, or coatings that aren't disclosed upfront
Synthetic coatings marketed as "non-toxic" — "non-toxic" is not a regulated term
Lack of transparency — brands that won't share materials lists or test results
Certification gaps — expired or unverifiable certification claims

Certifications We Trust

These are the third-party certifications we consider most reliable. Each has specific, audited standards:

GOTS — Global Organic Textile Standard (organic fiber 70%+)
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 — tested for 100+ harmful substances
GOLS — Global Organic Latex Standard (organic latex 95%+)
B Corp — meets rigorous social and environmental standards
EWG Verified — meets Environmental Working Group's strictest health criteria
Fair Trade Certified — ensures fair wages and safe working conditions

See our full Certification Glossary →