Scoring methodology
Full transparency on how SkinScore rates every product. Five dimensions, weighting, data sources, and grade thresholds explained.
Five dimensions, one score
Every product is analysed across five independent dimensions. Each dimension produces a 0-100 score, then a weighted final score is calculated.
| Dimension | Weight | What we measure |
|---|---|---|
| Efficacy | 30% | Presence and position of proven actives (retinol, niacinamide, vitamin C, AHA/BHA, ceramides...) |
| Safety | 25% | Absence of harmful ingredients (allergens, endocrine disruptors, EU-restricted substances) |
| Comedogenicity | 20% | Pore-clogging risk based on the 0-5 comedogenic scale of each ingredient |
| Transparency | 15% | Full INCI disclosure, concentrations published, certifications (vegan, cruelty-free, organic) |
| Skin-type fit | 10% | How well the formula suits the declared skin type (dry, oily, combination, sensitive, normal) |
Grade thresholds
85-100
70-84
55-69
40-54
0-39
Data sources
- EU CosIng - Official European Commission database (30,000+ cosmetic ingredients, CAS numbers, functions, restrictions)
- SCCS - Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (safety opinions on cosmetic ingredients)
- Peer-reviewed dermatology - Publications and clinical trials in leading dermatology journals
- Manufacturer INCI lists - Full compositions from product packaging
Independence
SkinScore does not accept payment from brands to influence ratings. Our revenue comes from affiliate links to retailers (which never affect scores) and optional premium subscriptions. No brand can buy a better score.
Limitations
Our scoring is based on declared ingredients, not exact concentrations (rarely disclosed by brands). INCI order gives a relative indication, but two products with the same ingredients in the same order may have different concentrations. We update scores when brands reformulate.