Clean beauty, clean girl aesthetic, clean labels. Log onto the internet, and it’s clear, “clean” is in. In a world of international supply chains and head-scratching ingredients, people are seeking products that keep it simple and align with their values and health intentions.

But what does “clean” mean?

As an unregulated term, “clean” can crop up as a signal of a high-quality product, but also as a gimmick applied to less-than-satisfactory formulations.

At Ritual, when we say clean — we mean it. All of our products are Clean Label Project Certified. We are dedicated to providing high-quality, safe, and transparent supplements to help our community support their nutrition goals. For us, it's about ensuring we prioritize transparency in our raw material source, its final place of manufacturing, function, and supplier information. We believe that our customers deserve to know exactly what they're putting into their bodies and why.

We wish we could say this was true across the board. Unfortunately, our industry suffers from a lack of regulation, as the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act hasn’t had major updates since 1994 (that’s the year Friends premiered.)

Misleading claims run rampant, so it’s important to have a skeptical eye on what’s "clean" and what’s not. Knowing the red flags can empower shoppers to make informed choices about their health and wellness. By prioritizing transparency and safety, we at Ritual aim to debunk common misconceptions surrounding “clean” products.

Our Definition of “Clean”

At Ritual, we define “clean” as third-party tested, vegan, non-GMO, products with 100% Made Traceable® ingredients that aim for sustainability for our consumers and our environment. We're proud to set the standard for what clean should mean – a holistic approach that prioritizes transparency, quality, and sustainability throughout the product’s development journey.

Third-Party Tested

Firstly, all our supplements undergo rigorous third-party testing to ensure that they meet our standards of quality and safety. For us, this means we can take that additional step to protect our consumers. For you, this means that you can trust that what is on the label is exactly what is in the bottle – with no hidden ingredients or questionable additives.

Certification by reputable third-party organizations further solidifies a brand's credibility and trustworthiness. Ritual (ahem) holds several certifications, including the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) certification for Essential for Women Multivitamin 18+, highlighting our commitment to meeting stringent quality standards. Additionally, not to toot our own horn, but all of our products are once again Clean Label Project Certified and Certified CarbonFree. Toot, toot!

One of the critical aspects of third-party testing involves screening for heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium on the final product.

Unfortunately, some supplements may contain high levels of these metals, potentially due to contamination during the manufacturing process or the use of low-quality ingredients .This is unacceptable. Ritual recognizes the importance of safeguarding against such risks, and conducts thorough third-party testing for heavy metals in all our products. By prioritizing safety and transparency, we strive to provide our customers with supplements they can trust.

In essence, third-party testing and certifications help ensure the quality and safety of supplements. Remember, just because a social media influencer (even a really cool one) recommends a supplement, it does not guarantee it is high-quality or tested for safety. Before you put any supplement into your body, check the receipts.

Vegan

Animal-lovers rejoice! All of Ritual products are also vegan. By being vegan, our supplements cater to diverse dietary preferences and values, no matter if an individual chooses to avoid animal-derived products for ethical, environmental or health reasons. This commitment reflects our belief in providing inclusive options that empower customers to prioritize their well-being, while also respecting their choices.

Non-GMO

We know what's not included matters just as much as what is included. This is why we put in the work to ensure all of our ingredients are non-GMO. Genetically modified organisms (GMO) are living organisms that have been artificially modified through genetic engineering. Often, GMOs are engineered to withstand pesticides and other chemicals. The impact of GMOs isn’t entirely known. But we believe that our customers should have full confidence in the composition of their products, for themselves and for the planet. That’s why we opt for non-GMO ingredients.

Traceable Ingredients

When it comes to sourcing our ingredients, we go hard. At Ritual, we're proud to declare that 100% of our ingredients are "Made Traceable®," meaning that we publicly share the ingredient source, supplier, and final place of manufacturing.

We believe that consumers deserve to know exactly where their supplement ingredients come from, which is why we meticulously trace labeled ingredients back to their place of manufacturing. This helps you understand each product, provides transparency, and helps protect against environmental and human rights issues. From the supplier to your doorstep, you can trust that our ingredients are sourced responsibly.

Some call it obsessiveness, we call it traceability.

Sustainable

Ritual is committed to reducing our environmental footprint by using recycled packaging materials and partnering with suppliers who share our values.

Central to our commitment to sustainability is adherence to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) in our custom supplement manufacturing process. cGMPs are rigorous guidelines established by the FDA to ensure that supplements are produced in a manner that meets strict quality and safety standards. cGMPs play a crucial role in maintaining consistent production processes, high-quality control measures, and adherence to strict standards within supplement facilities. By adhering to cGMPs, we can guarantee that every Ritual product is manufactured with the utmost care and attention to detail, from sourcing raw materials to packaging the final product.

Clean in Action at Ritual

Our multivitamin and supplements, including products like Synbiotic+, Sleep BioSeries Melatonin*, and Stress Relief*, exemplify our definition of "clean" by prioritizing bioavailability (especially in our Essential Prenatal Multivitamin) and purity (shoutout to Sleep BioSeries Melatonin*). We utilize bioavailable forms of vitamins and minerals, to support absorption and efficacy, because who wants to take a supplement that doesn’t work? Our formulations are also free from common allergens such as gluten and soy, as well as unnecessary additives, fillers, and synthetic colors.

For expecting mothers, our prenatal multivitamins offer essential nutrients important for supporting both mom and baby's health. We understand the importance of safety during pregnancy, which is why our prenatal formulas are meticulously crafted to exclude unwanted ingredients.*

When it comes to our Essential protein, we uphold our clean standards by prioritizing plant-based protein sources and avoiding artificial flavors and colors. Our protein powders are crafted using high-quality plant proteins, such as pea protein, and sourced from regeneratively-farmed peas for individuals looking to support their active lifestyles without compromising quality.

How to Navigate “Clean" Claims:

So back to it, how do shoppers identify truly “clean” products, and sort through the bad actors?

Firstly, prioritize products with simple, recognizable ingredients. Look for supplements that list ingredients you can easily identify, pronounce and understand.

Be cautious of vague language on packaging. Words like "natural" or "clean" can be subjective and may not necessarily indicate a product's purity or quality. Instead, dive deeper into the brand's manufacturing practices and certifications (like checking if it is third-party tested) to ensure that they align with your standards for clean and transparent production processes.

And speaking of, research the brand's certifications and clinical studies, if available. This, too, can provide valuable insights into the product's safety and efficacy.

Finally, consider seeking recommendations from trusted sources or consulting with your healthcare provider who can provide guidance based on your individual health needs and goals.

Ritual's commitment to clean supplements is unwavering, with a clear understanding that "clean" extends beyond buzzwords. Our dedication to offering high-quality, clean, and transparent products is evident in every aspect of our formulations, from raw material source to its final place of manufacture, to its function. With Ritual, you'll know where ingredients come from and why they're there, empowering you to make more confident choices to support your everyday health.

Check out all the hard work we put in last year to make an even bigger impact and the goals we’ve set for ourselves for the future in our 2023 Impact Report.

References:

1.Tchounwou PB, Yedjou CG, Patlolla AK, Sutton DJ. Heavy Metal Toxicity and the Environment. Experientia Supplementum. 2014;101(1):133-164.