How We Choose

We want to be straight with you about how a product ends up on Old Ways Today, so you can decide how much weight to give our recommendations. A pick here is a research-based starting point, not a lab result or a promise.

What we do

• Favor brands with a track record for cleaner ingredients and honest labeling.
• Read the labels and manufacturer disclosures, and prefer products that are open about what’s inside.
• Note third-party certifications when the maker states them — EWG Verified, MADE SAFE, GOTS, GREENGUARD Gold, USDA Organic and similar. We report these as claims on the label, not as our own verification.
• Apply category guidance — for each type of product we track the common concerns (off-gassing in foam, PFAS in nonstick, fragrance in personal care) and lean toward options that avoid them.
• Prefer simpler materials — glass, stainless steel, solid wood, and natural fibers over mixed plastics where it makes sense.

What we don’t do

• We don’t run our own lab tests or independently verify ingredient safety.
• We can’t confirm every certification, and a manufacturer can change a formula after we list a product.
• We don’t give medical advice. Nothing here is a substitute for a doctor or your own judgment.
• A place in our catalog is a research-based suggestion, not a guarantee that a product is right for your situation.

How to use our picks

• Read the current label before you buy — formulations and certifications change over time.
• If a certification matters to you, check it directly with the issuer.
• For allergies, pregnancy, medical conditions, or anything involving babies and kids, talk to a professional.

A note on safety and accuracy

Recommendations reflect brand research and label claims, not independent lab testing or medical advice. Always read current labels and consult a professional. Manufacturers can change formulations at any time.

How we make money

Some links on Old Ways Today are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. It never changes which products we suggest. See our affiliate disclosure for the full details.