Everything is Chemistry: Why SC Johnson is Tackling Negative Perceptions about Synthetic Chemicals

Have you ever considered what’s in a rose? Or a banana, raspberry or Brussels sprout? They’re made up of chemicals, just like everything else on Earth.

That might seem obvious, but you’d 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’s 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.

At SC Johnson, we carefully review every chemical we use for human health and environmental impact. We created a way to evaluate ingredients called the Greenlist™ program, which has rigorous standards and helps us continually improve our products. 

Part of this is setting standards for what’s 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. We take the industry standards for safe, and then we go further.

Importantly, we don’t assume we have all the answers. The Greenlist™ program’s foundation is an ongoing effort to collect best-in-class scientific data 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 program to a panel of experts on human and environmental toxicity, for their independent review.

Our Greenlist™ program 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’re trying to encourage and why it matters.

All chemicals aren’t equal, but with scientific data and responsible choices, we believe we’re making products you can trust for your home. We wouldn’t expect any less for our own.