About

We review the scientific evidence behind the claims cosmetic companies make about their products. Our mission is to provide you with reliable scientific reviews, so you can make informed decisions when choosing the best product to use on your skin.

 

 

What is the problem?

Does your moisturizer really reduce wrinkles by 95% within seven days? Does that serum really help reduce hyperpigmentation? What about that toner that promises to reduce the sizes of the pores within three weeks? Many of us are always on the hunt for the next best skincare product. On that journey, we often try many products that, despite grand promises, reviews, or influencer endorsements, don’t seem to help. Sometimes, they also can make our skin worse.

Did you know that the promises (claims) cosmetics companies make about their products (such as reducing wrinkles, invisible pores, etc.) generally do not have to be pre-approved before they are sold on the US market? In the end, we, as consumers, are expected to trust cosmetic companies word that their product really works as they say.

 

How can I know if a skincare product will work?

The best way to understand how a skincare product works is to test it in a study. Testing how well a product works would usually mean giving this product to a group of people to try it. After a specific time (for example, seven days, two weeks, etc.), researchers then can examine the skin for improvements of interest or ask users about their experience. Skin improvements are measured and used as a basis to support claims about what can a cosmetic product do- and how well it can do it.

 

Isn’t it enough just to know that a skincare product contains an active ingredient to understand that it works?

A lot of cosmetic companies skip testing of their products on real people. They base their claims only on the ingredients that are in the product. For example, if there is some Vitamin C in the moisturizer, the company may say that it helps skin brightening. The truth is that the concentration of this Vitamin C needs to be at the right level to benefit the skin. Furthermore, the interaction of Vitamin C with other ingredients in the moisturizer (such as glycerin, parabens, etc.) may make it not active on your skin at all. Therefore, testing of each skincare product on real people is the best way to understand whether it works or not.

 

How we can help you

We look at the claims cosmetic companies are making about their products. Then we search for the scientific evidence that exists on those products in support of the claims cosmetic companies make. For each cosmetic claim, we seek and review any studies that have been tested with real people who have used this product. We review the results of the studies and their scientific quality. Our scoring system helps you understand the level of evidence there is that a cosmetic product can deliver on its promises. Our scientists are well trained in clinical research, and we apply our scoring system in the same way for all products.

In the sea of information and misinformation, we are proud to help you on the journey to find the best product that stands up to its claims. We believe in the right to know, so you can make more informed choices about the cosmetic skincare products you invest in and the companies you support.