What does plant-based mean on cleaning products?

What the term can mean

Brands use plant-based in different ways. For one maker it may mean the cleaning agents are made from plant sources such as coconut or corn. For another it may describe only part of the formula, with the rest made from other materials. The front label rarely says which.

The FTC Green Guides are the U.S. federal guidance for environmental marketing claims. They warn that broad claims are hard to substantiate and advise marketers to qualify them. Plant-based is not one of the terms the guides define, so look for the maker's own explanation on its website.

A useful habit is to compare the claim on the front with the list on the back. If a package says plant-based but the list is hard to find or incomplete, that is worth noting before you buy, and many makers publish full lists online.

What it does not tell you

• How much of the product is plant-derived.
• Whether the ingredients are biodegradable. Our biodegradable label page explains that term separately.
• Whether the product is free of fragrance or other added ingredients.
• Whether it is suitable for sensitive skin or for use around pets and children.

What to check instead

1. Read the full ingredient list on the package or the maker's website.
2. Look for a percentage or a clear description from the maker of what part is plant-derived.
3. Check for a third-party program such as EPA Safer Choice, which publishes its criteria.
4. Follow the directions on the label, including any warnings.

Natural is not a safety rule

A plant source does not by itself make an ingredient mild or safe for every use. Essential oils, for example, are plant-derived and are also fragrances, which matter if you are sensitive to scents. Our fragrance-free page explains how to read for that.

Where to compare

The all-purpose cleaner guide compares products by ingredient disclosure, refill options and cost per use. Use the maker's stated dilution or load count to compare on the same scale.

Sources

• FTC Green Guides (16 CFR Part 260)
• EPA Safer Choice program information
• Product ingredient lists