ÖKO TEST is a leading independent consumer protection and product testing organization. For decades, our mission has been to evaluate everyday consumer goods—ranging from cosmetics and food to baby products and household cleaners—with a relentless focus on health, safety, environmental sustainability, and chemical transparency.

We purchase all products anonymously from retail stores, supermarkets, and online marketplaces, just like an everyday consumer. We never accept free samples or test batches from manufacturers. The samples are codified and sent to specialized, accredited external laboratories that conduct blind state-of-the-art chemical and physical analyses.

Our rating system ranges from "Very Good" (sehr gut) to "Unsatisfactory" (ungenügend). A "Very Good" rating indicates a product is free from hazardous chemicals, environmentally friendly, and performs exceptionally. If critical flaws, toxic contaminants, or misleading claims are detected, our strict downgrade principle automatically lowers the overall rating.

You can use our interactive comparison tools and detailed test reports across category pages. Each test table breaks down individual scoring parameters—such as ingredient safety, packaging sustainability, and practical performance—allowing you to easily compare rival brands side by side before making a purchasing decision.

Yes, 100%. Our editorial integrity is our highest asset. We are completely independent of advertisers, brand owners, and industry lobby groups. Test protocols are established solely by scientific experts and consumer protection criteria, ensuring every review is objective, neutral, and uncorrupted by commercial interests.

We publish new test reports and category updates every month. Furthermore, when manufacturers significantly reformulate existing products to remove problematic ingredients or improve safety, we re-evaluate those items in subsequent test cycles to provide consumers with the most current data.

Our analytical laboratories screen for thousands of potential health hazards and environmental toxins. Depending on the product category, tests include checks for endocrine disruptors, heavy metals, microplastics, synthetic fragrances (such as polycyclic musks), allergens, pesticide residues, mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOSH/MOAH), and PFAS ("forever chemicals").

A poor rating is typically triggered by the detection of questionable or hazardous ingredients, failure to comply with strict safety thresholds, deceptive labeling, or unsustainable packaging (such as excessive PVC or chlorinated plastics). Our test reports always detail the exact reason and scientific findings behind any rating downgrade.