At Go For Zero, we've always believed that what's inside a product is just as important as the packaging it comes in. That's why every product we stock goes through a detailed review process, including ingredient checks against the Environmental Working Group (EWG) database, supplier questionnaires, certification reviews, and ongoing research. It's all part of our commitment to helping you shop with confidence.

Key Takeaways

• Go For Zero was founded from a personal search for safe, toxin-free products.
• Every product we stock undergoes a detailed ingredient review before being approved.
• We assess ingredients using the Environmental Working Group (EWG) database and supplier documentation.
• We continually review emerging research and update our standards.
• We're committed to products that are better for both people and the planet.
  

Why Did Go For Zero Start?

Before Go For Zero became known for low-waste living, it started with something much more personal...

When my eldest daughter Gracie was a newborn in 2013, she developed rashes after using mainstream skincare products. Like many parents, I assumed products marketed for babies would be gentle and safe. 

The more I researched ingredient labels, the more shocked I became. I learned that many everyday personal care and household products contain ingredients linked to skin irritation, allergies, hormone disruption, or other health concerns. What started as a search for answers quickly became a passion for understanding what was really inside the products we use every day. I was a mum trying to help my daughter.

Safe, natural and toxin-free products became the focus long before plastic-free living entered the picture. I often say when we know better, we can do better,  and that belief still guides every decision made at Go For Zero today.

We're Toxin-Free, Not Just Plastic-Free

Many people know Go For Zero as a sustainable, zero-waste store, but our mission has always been about more than just reducing waste. We believe you shouldn't have to choose between products that are good for your health and products that are better for the environment. That's why every product must meet two important standards before it earns a place on our shelves:

• It must be safe for people.
• It must be better for the planet.

In fact, if a product has beautiful eco-friendly packaging but contains ingredients we wouldn't personally use on ourselves or our families, we won't stock it. It's as simple as that.

So, How Do We Check Every Product?

One of the questions we're asked most often is: "How do you know the products are actually toxin-free?"

The short answer is: we do a lot of homework.

Before we onboard any new brand, we go through A LOT of checks. One of the most important is a detailed ingredient review.

Step 1: We Review Every Ingredient Ourselves

Before a brand is even considered, we review and score every single ingredient on the ingredient list ourselves. We don't rely on marketing claims like "natural", "clean" or "eco-friendly". Every ingredient is reviewed individually.

Our team uses the Environmental Working Group (EWG) database as one of our key research tools. As a general rule, we only accept ingredients that score in EWG's lowest hazard ratings (1-2), which fallin the green category. If an ingredient falls outside those parameters, we investigate further before making any decision.

Step 2: We Ask Lots of Questions

Once a brand passes our initial review, the founders receive a detailed "supplier questionnaire" consisting of over 100 questions. I know, it's a lot. But is so worth it!

This isn't a simple tick-box exercise. To dive deeper into the ingredients in their products, we ask brands to provide:

• A full ingredient list for every product
• Information about sourcing and manufacturing
• Relevant certifications
• Details about ingredient concentrations where needed
• Confirmation regarding specific ingredients and materials we monitor closely

We believe transparency matters, and we're not afraid to ask the tough questions.

Step 3: We Dig Deeper When Something Needs Clarification

Ingredient research is rarely black-and-white. For example, some essential oils can receive higher hazard ratings in databases because of concentration levels. That doesn't automatically mean the ingredient is unsafe. Instead of instantly ruling an ingredient out, we go back to the supplier, request further information, review usage rates, and assess whether the ingredient is being used safely and appropriately.

The same applies to ingredients such as titanium dioxide in cosmetics. We don't just look at the ingredient name itself. We look at the finer details, including how it's processed and used.

These extra checks help us understand the full picture rather than making assumptions.

We Stay Curious and Keep Learning

One thing we've learned over the years is that science evolves. New research emerges. New ingredients enter the market. New concerns are identified.

PFAS is a great example. Many people hadn't heard of PFAS a decade ago. Today, PFAS is one of the biggest concerns in consumer products because of its persistence in the environment and potential health impacts.

As new information becomes available, we update our processes, ask new questions, and continue refining our standards. We don't claim to know everything. What we do promise is that we'll keep researching, learning and doing our best to make informed decisions.

Why We Go to So Much Effort

The truth is, this process takes a lot of time. It would be much easier to accept marketing claims at face value or have a short list of ingredients to avoid and call it a day. But that's just not how we operate.

We're researchers. We're curious. We're detail-oriented. And we're incredibly passionate about helping people make informed choices. Every product on our website has undergone hours of review, questioning, testing, and learning. Not because we have to. Because we care.

More Than a Store Zero-Waste & Toxin-Free Store

Go For Zero began with one mum searching for safer products for her newborn. Today, that same passion drives everything we do.

We're more than just a zero-waste and toxin-free store. We're a community of people who want to make healthier, more sustainable choices without feeling overwhelmed.

That's why we continue to ask questions, review ingredients, challenge suppliers, personally test everything and stay curious about the products we stock. Our goal is simple: to do the research for you, so you can shop with confidence. Because when we know better, we can do better. And together, that's exactly what we're working towards.

If you ever have a question about an ingredient, product, or anything we've covered in our blogs, please get in touch by emailing askusanything@goforzero.com.au. We love researching this stuff and are always happy to share what we've learned.

With Love, 
Ellie xx

FAQs

1. Are all products at Go For Zero toxin-free?

Yes. Every product undergoes a detailed ingredient assessment before approval. We review ingredients individually, request supplier documentation, and conduct additional research where needed.

2. What does toxin-free mean at Go For Zero?

For us, toxin-free means avoiding ingredients that raise concerns for human health based on current research and trusted safety databases, while prioritising safer alternatives wherever possible.

3. Do you check ingredients yourself?

Absolutely. We review every ingredient list ourselves and conduct independent research before approving any product.

4. Why do some natural ingredients need further review?

Natural doesn't always automatically mean suitable. Factors like concentration, processing methods, and intended use all matter, which is why we investigate ingredients on a case-by-case basis.

5. Do your ingredient standards change over time?

Yes. As new research becomes available, we continue to learn, refine our standards, and update our review process to reflect the latest information.