Cosmetics Evidence Scoring
Cosmetics Evidence database is a growing repository of skincare products. We compile detailed information on these products from their company websites and product packaging. In most cases the information we obtain includes a brand name, product name, ingredients, claims and any information available to support the performance claims of the specific product. If a product has been in the database for 4 years without updating it will be referred as “old formulation’. We will seek to update product information periodically (either voluntary or by initiation from the product company) so that the consumer has up to date information when searching the database.
Product Details
Product type: Cosmetics Evidence categorises each skincare product into the following categories: Serum, Exfoliator, Hydrating & Anti-ageing cream, Toner, Eye cream, Moisturiser, Cleansing lotion, and Facial mask.
Performance claims: We compile information about performance claims made by cosmetic companies and shared in the marketing materials, primarily the cosmetic company website.
Claim substantiation: For each claim, we search and compile for evidence of claim substantiation and reach out to cosmetics companies, if necessary, to provide such information
Brand and company information: Cosmetics Evidence collects brand names and company names for each product.
Product safety: Because product safety is an issue of concern for many consumers, we also compile information on whether the product has any EU-listed allergens, whether it contains parabens, sulphates, or alcohol. This list is periodically updated to reflect any ingredient changes.
Ingredient Details
Our database currently contains information on 27,434 unique ingredients. Each ingredient is assigned a standardised name, based on the International Nomenclature for Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) standard. Furthermore, each ingredient contains information on its Function, as defined by INCII database, its Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number, any restrictions in the EU associated with its use, and the date the ingredient record was updated.
The ingredient list items on reviewed products are matched automatically with the ingredient information in our database. The matched list (exact name matching) is then individually reviewed for any errors in parsing (caused, for instance, by the misspelling of product ingredients or not following industry naming conventions). Unmatched ingredient names are individually reviewed against the Cosmetic Ingredient Review database. If ingredient information is not found in the CIR database, we will contact the cosmetic company for further information.
Claim Substantiation Details
Claim substantiation is reviewed based on clinical studies supporting the performance of the cosmetic skincare product or, in its absence, based on ingredient-based reasoning.
Clinical study information supporting the claim substantiation. To review evidence supporting the substantiation of the individual product, we will initially search for published data on any clinical studies related to the product in questions. Initial step of the search is on the company website, followed by a structured search of published scientific publications. Furthermore, the cosmetics company will be contacted to provide any further unpublished literature regarding the claim substantiation. Relevant clinical studies will be reviewed for their methodological quality and efficacy of the intervention will be assessed. Study information will be extracted into the Cosmetics Evidence database and efficacy metrices, including any meta analyses will be extracted and, if required, re-calculated.
Cosmetics Evidence Score
The overall Cosmetics Evidence score uses a proprietary formula which considers factors such as the performance of the product within a published clinical study, and the methodological quality of the study. The Cosmetics Evidence score is initially calculated for each of the claims. Following this, all individual claim scores are amalgamated into an overall score ranging from 0 (worst) to 100 +(best). If the claim substantiation evidence is based only on ingredients (i.e. no published or shared evidence of clinical studies in humans supporting the claims), the maximum score cannot be more than 20.
Brand/Company Evidence Score
Evidence scores for companies and brands are taken as the average value for product claims per brand/company. Calculation of this score starts with a minimum sample of 5 reviewed products
Brand/Company Claim Transparency Score
Claim Transparency scores for companies and brands are taken as the average response per product information request. Calculation of this score starts with a minimum sample of 5 reviewed products
