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A tool that allows you to instantly analyze any skin care product based on its ingredients.
You’ll get an overview of how the ingredients perform (rated from BEST to WORST), along with key benefits—all fueled by the expert-evaluated data in our Skin Care Ingredient Dictionary.
Take a photo of the ingredient list straight from the packaging or copy and paste from the product’s site. The analysis can be sorted by benefits, ratings and functions to easily understand how the formula will impact your skin. If there are any BAD/WORST ingredients, you’ll be given the option to explore alternative products better suited for your skin.
Outstanding ingredients with true benefits for skin. Proven and supported by independent studies.
GOODIncludes non-irritating, effective ingredients. Not quite as beneficial as BEST ingredients, but often necessary to improve a formula’s texture, stability, or penetration.
AVERAGEMay have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness. Sometimes, it’s just a no-frills ingredient or ingredient that doesn’t have much research behind it yet.
BADThere is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients. May offer some benefits to skin but overall, proven or highly likely to do more harm than good.
WORSTProven to cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. An ingredient in this category should be avoided, especially when used in high concentrations or combined with other irritants.
Our Research & Education Team and Science Advisory Board continually review and interpret the latest studies from a range of fields including skin physiology, dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, longevity and safety. We then break down the ingredient analysis in an easy-to-understand way to ensure you get the most useful, accurate, and up-to-date info.
We base our analysis on peer-reviewed, published research so that anyone using the tool can rest assured they’re getting facts not fearmongering about what’s best for skin.
Consider the Beautypedia Skin Care Ingredient Checker your starting point for analyzing a product’s formula. There are other important factors that go beyond the scope of what information an ingredient list alone can provide, including assessment of the packaging. Take into consideration that jars, clear bottles and other types of packaging that allow significant air and light exposure will impact the efficacy of the key ingredients inside.
Other factors such as the ingredient concentration necessary to see results, the use of enhanced delivery systems and the formulary pH have an influence on the product’s effectiveness. This type of information is expanded upon when you click on the ‘Read More’ section of applicable ingredients.
Typically, ingredients are listed in descending order of concentration, meaning those present in the highest amounts are found at the top of the list and so on. Ingredients present in concentrations of 1% or less may be listed in any order, at the discretion of the brand.
You may notice some brands list their ingredients alphabetically, instead of in order of concentration. This is not best practice as it makes it difficult for consumers to know which ingredients are being used in the highest amounts.
For skin care products that are considered over-the-counter drugs (such as sunscreens and anti-acne products), the active ingredient(s) will be listed at the top in their own special section with the concentration disclosed.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires all skin care products to disclose their ingredients. Ingredient lists can be found on the product’s packaging (either on the container holding the formula itself or its outer carton). However, “trade secret” ingredients that compose fragrance or flavor blends don’t have to be listed individually. These may be simply disclosed as “parfum/fragrance” or “flavor” on the ingredient list.
This is typically what you will find with products from other countries as well, although the specific regulations can vary.
While the focus of the Beautypedia Skin Care Ingredient Checker is skin care, this tool can also help identify potential irritants and beneficial ingredients in other types of beauty products. Bear in mind the subjective attributes of what makes a good hair care or makeup formula can differ from skin care, so the ingredient analysis is best thought of as a jumping off point for your consideration.
