The Johansson Non-Toxicity
Scoring Criteria
The complete, published methodology behind every Johansson star. Each property is scored against measurable thresholds grounded in peer-reviewed science and regulatory databases. The criteria are public so the standard can be trusted — and so properties know exactly what is being measured.
Absence of Toxins
Products and materials are screened against the JOHA database of 400+ substances cross-referenced to IARC, EFSA, EWG, Prop 65, and REACH.
Natural Alternatives
The property must demonstrate the availability of genuinely natural choices in every category — not just the absence of the worst offenders.
Transparency & Proof
Full ingredient disclosure, third-party certifications (GOTS, OEKO-TEX, COSMOS), and documented test results for water and air.
Domain-by-Domain Criteria
Room Toiletries & Cosmetics
Shampoo, lotion, soap, amenity kits, spa products.
Scoring Levers
- % of products scoring 80+ on the JOHA toxin engine
- Full ingredient transparency (INCI disclosed)
- Refillable / dose-controlled dispensers over single-use plastic
- Absence of parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, triclosan
Environmental Health Perspectives (2012), PMC3404651
Parabens detected in >96% of urine samples in a study of 100 adults; phthalates show near-universal exposure in Western populations with the strongest human evidence base for endocrine disruption of any chemical group tested.
Bedding & Textiles
Sheets, pillows, robes, towels, mattress covers.
Scoring Levers
- GOTS organic or OEKO-TEX certified cotton
- No PFAS stain-resistant treatments
- No chemical flame retardants (organophosphate esters)
- No synthetic fragrances in laundry
University of Toronto / EWG (2025), Environmental Science & Technology Letters
Mattresses emit phthalates and organophosphate flame retardants into bedroom air; levels highest near the bed during sleep. Warmth and body weight increase chemical release. OPEs linked to premature birth and impaired thyroid function.
Furniture & Furnishings
Mattresses, upholstery, curtains, carpets, paint.
Scoring Levers
- No VOC-emitting foams, adhesives, or MDF where solid wood is available
- Natural latex and natural-fibre upholstery
- Low-VOC / zero-VOC paints and finishes
- No PFAS-treated carpets or stain guards
EPA Indoor Air Quality / Sleep Foundation
VOC exposure from mattresses and furnishings causes respiratory irritation, asthma triggers, and long-term cancer risk. Flame retardants in mattresses linked to infertility, cancer, obesity, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Food & Beverage
Restaurant, room service, minibar, all-day dining, cookware.
Scoring Levers
- % organic / regenerative produce on the menu
- No ultra-processed items or artificial additives
- Filtered drinking and cooking water
- Non-toxic cookware (no PFAS non-stick)
- Natural sweeteners; no artificial colours or preservatives
EWG / IARC Monographs
100,000+ synthetic chemicals in commercial use; fewer than 1% safety-tested. 515 synthetic chemicals found in average newborn umbilical cord blood (EWG, 2023). Dietary exposure is a primary pathway for pesticide and additive intake.
Cleaning & Laundry
Housekeeping chemicals, laundry detergents, pool chemicals.
Scoring Levers
- Phthalate- and paraben-free cleaning products
- Fragrance-free options available for sensitive guests
- Non-chlorinated pool and spa water where possible
- No quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) in guest areas
Journal of Endocrine Disruptors (2022); ORAPI Asia review
Phthalates widely detected in human urine in Western countries with the strongest evidence base for endocrine disruption. Fragrance mixtures introduce unstudied novel chemicals into indoor air. Cleaning product reduction rapidly lowers body burden of BPA and phthalates (Inserm, 2023).
Water & Air Quality
Drinking water, shower water, indoor air, EMF.
Scoring Levers
- Whole-property water filtration (drinking + shower)
- Air purification in guest rooms and common areas
- Low-EMF design in sleeping areas
- Radon and VOC indoor air testing with documented results
EPA PFAS Assessment; Berkeley Chemistry — Endocrine Disrupters
PFAS linked to prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers, immune suppression, and increased cholesterol. Shower steam volatilises chlorine by-products and any dissolved contaminants. Indoor air in sealed luxury environments concentrates SVOCs.
Ambience & Sensory
Candles, diffusers, fragrances, lighting, noise.
Scoring Levers
- No synthetic fragrances or paraffin candles
- Essential-oil-only scenting with disclosed oils
- Circadian-aware lighting in guest rooms
- Acoustic design for restorative sleep environments
NRDC — Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals; C&EN (2025)
Fragrance is a leading source of unstudied novel chemical exposure. Paraffin candles release benzene and toluene. Semi-volatile organophosphate flame retardants continue to off-gas from soft furnishings into indoor air over years.
Star Thresholds
Aware
1 star · 40+ scoreComplete a baseline audit and commit to a documented toxin-free improvement plan.
Committed to the toxin-free journey. Baseline audit completed, improvement plan in place, and at least one domain scoring above threshold.
Engaged
2 stars · 50+ scoreBegin replacing conventional products with natural alternatives across multiple domains.
Active progress across multiple domains with documented natural alternatives beginning to replace conventional products.
Strong
3 stars · 70+ scoreReach 70% toxin-free across all seven domains with natural alternatives available.
70%+ of products toxin-free across all seven domains. A credible wellness property with real substance behind the marketing.
Advanced
4 stars · 78+ scoreDeliver measurable chemical-exposure reductions with guest-facing sourcing transparency.
Deep commitment with measurable reductions in chemical exposure and guest-facing transparency on sourcing.
Excellent
5 stars · 85+ scoreReach 85% toxin-free with documented natural alternatives in every category.
85%+ toxin-free with documented natural alternatives in every category. A genuine leader in non-toxic hospitality.
Exceptional
6 stars · 92+ scoreNear-comprehensive elimination with advanced water, air, and EMF protocols.
Near-comprehensive toxin elimination with advanced water, air, and EMF protocols. World-class by any standard.
World-Class
7 stars · 95+ scoreAchieve 95%+ toxin-free, full ingredient transparency, and pass annual re-audit.
95%+ toxin-free, full ingredient transparency, annual re-audit, guest-facing disclosure. The highest standard of non-toxic luxury on Earth.