Are Mary Ruth's Vitamins Clean? A Deep Dive into Purity and Certifications

November 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to MaryRuth Organics, over 130 of their products are certified by the Clean Label Project, a non-profit that tests for environmental contaminants. This article explores whether Mary Ruth's vitamins are clean as claimed, examining their testing protocols, ingredients, and certifications.

Quick Summary

An investigation into Mary Ruth's vitamins, evaluating the brand's third-party testing, Clean Label Project certifications, and quality assurance processes to determine the cleanliness and purity of their supplements.

Key Points

Extensive Third-Party Testing: MaryRuth Organics voluntarily partners with the Clean Label Project to test its products for over 200 contaminants, including heavy metals and pesticides.
Clear Certification Status: The company has achieved Clean Label Project certification for over 130 of its products and is also B Corp and USDA Organic certified on many offerings.
Proactive Transparency: MaryRuth's publicly shares its testing protocols and commits to ingredient transparency, using ISO 17025 Certified labs for lot testing.
Vegan and Allergen-Conscious: The brand offers a wide range of vegan, non-GMO, and free-from-common-allergen products.
A Balanced View is Important: Past reports of lead in a specific prenatal product highlight the need for continuous vigilance, although the company responded by updating its formulations.
Above and Beyond Requirements: The brand's extra effort in seeking certifications like CLP and B Corp goes beyond the minimum FDA requirements for supplement manufacturers.

Understanding the 'Clean' Label in the Supplement Industry

In the unregulated and rapidly expanding supplement market, the term "clean" lacks a universal legal definition. For consumers, it typically implies a product free from harmful contaminants, unnecessary fillers, and artificial ingredients. Unlike prescription drugs, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not pre-approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they are sold. The responsibility of ensuring product safety and accurate labeling falls primarily on the manufacturer, which is why third-party testing and transparent certifications are critical.

The Lack of Pre-Market FDA Approval

Without pre-market approval from the FDA, it is difficult for consumers to know if a supplement contains what its label claims, or if it is free from unwanted substances. This makes credible, voluntary third-party testing a gold standard for transparency and consumer trust. While the FDA requires manufacturers to follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), this standard alone does not guarantee the absence of industrial contaminants.

Mary Ruth's Transparency and Third-Party Testing

MaryRuth Organics distinguishes itself by voluntarily undergoing extensive third-party testing with the Clean Label Project (CLP). This non-profit organization tests products for hundreds of industrial and environmental toxins that are not typically disclosed on labels. The brand proudly states that over 130 of its products have achieved CLP certification, going above and beyond minimum industry requirements.

What the Clean Label Project tests for:

Heavy Metals: Including arsenic, lead, and mercury.
Pesticides: Covers over 200 contaminants, including glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup.
Plastics: Screens for BPA, BPS, and phthalates.
Accurate Labeling: Verifies that ingredients and nutritional information match the bottle's label.

To ensure ongoing compliance, CLP-certified products are subjected to random annual testing. MaryRuth's also uses ISO 17025 Certified labs for its internal quality assurance testing of each product lot before it is released for sale.

Other Certifications and Quality Control Measures

Beyond CLP, Mary Ruth's holds several other certifications that speak to its quality and ethical standards. In 2023, the company achieved Certified B Corporation (B Corp) status, demonstrating a commitment to high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Many of their products are also USDA Organic, guaranteeing that they are made with at least 95% organic ingredients and handled according to organic standards from start to finish. The majority of their product line is also vegan and non-GMO, appealing to a wide range of consumers with dietary restrictions.

Addressing Concerns and Maintaining a Balanced View

While MaryRuth's commitment to transparency is robust, it is not without scrutiny. One independent report from early 2025 noted detectable levels of lead in a legacy liquid prenatal product. In response, MaryRuth's worked to adjust its formulations and improve testing, focusing on cleaning up liquid supplements. This incident highlights a crucial point: even brands committed to purity can face challenges with sourcing and manufacturing in a world with ubiquitous environmental contaminants. Consumers should consider that third-party certifications are snapshots in time and that even the best companies require vigilant oversight. Consumers can check product-specific certifications on the Clean Label Project website.

Comparison: Mary Ruth's vs. Standard Multivitamin


Feature	Mary Ruth's (CLP Certified)	Standard Competitor (Not Certified)
Third-Party Testing	Extensive testing via Clean Label Project for heavy metals, pesticides, plastics.	Potentially minimal or no public third-party testing beyond manufacturer's own claims.
Transparency	High degree of transparency, publishes certifications and shares testing info.	Varies widely; information can be opaque or difficult to find.
Ingredient Quality	USDA Organic and non-GMO options widely available. Minimizes allergens and unnecessary fillers.	Often contains cheaper, synthetic ingredients, and fillers; quality can be inconsistent.
Ethical Practices	B Corp certified, demonstrating commitment to social and environmental impact.	No public-facing commitment to ethical sourcing or environmental responsibility.
Contaminant Screening	Screens for over 200 industrial and environmental contaminants.	Unverified; relies solely on standard GMPs, which don't test for specific contaminants.

The Final Word: The Verdict on Mary Ruth's Cleanliness

Overall, MaryRuth's vitamins can be considered a "cleaner" option compared to many competitors, thanks to their transparent and voluntary third-party testing with the Clean Label Project and other certifications. While no company operates without potential issues, MaryRuth's proactive approach to quality assurance and their public response to past concerns demonstrate a genuine commitment to purity. Consumers can find a great deal of assurance in the brand's visible certifications and the depth of their testing. However, it is always recommended to verify certifications for specific products and stay informed about a brand's ongoing practices.

For more information on what products are certified, you can visit the Clean Label Project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Mary Ruth's voluntarily tests its products for heavy metals and other contaminants through its partnership with the Clean Label Project, a third-party non-profit organization.

The Clean Label Project certification means that a product has been independently tested and verified for the absence of hundreds of environmental contaminants and toxins, including heavy metals, pesticides, and plastics.

Yes, Mary Ruth's commits to a high degree of transparency by actively and voluntarily third-party testing its products and providing information about its certifications and testing processes.

While the brand is a Clean Label Project Brand Certified, individual product certification varies. They state they are actively working to add more products to their CLP certified list, and each lot of products is internally third-party tested for quality.

An independent report identified detectable lead in a specific older liquid prenatal formulation. The company acknowledged the report and stated it has adjusted its formulations since then to ensure lower toxicant levels.

Mary Ruth's is also a Certified B Corporation, meaning it meets high standards of social and environmental performance. Some products also carry the USDA Organic seal.

Consumers can check for specific product certifications on the Clean Label Project's website. They can also contact Mary Ruth's customer care to request information about a product's specific testing results.