Yuka's scoring method for cosmetics analyzes every ingredient that goes into the product.
Based on the current state of science, we assess the risk levels by looking at the potential effects the ingredient may have on health and the environment: endocrine disruption, carcinogenic, allergenic, irritant or pollutant.
Ingredients are classified into four risk categories:
- Risk-free (green dot)
- Low risk (yellow dot)
- Moderate risk (orange dot)
- High-risk (red dot)
The score is based on the level of the highest-risk ingredient present in the product.
If a high-risk ingredient (red) is present in the product, the score will automatically be red (lower than 25/100).
If the highest-risk ingredient is a moderate-risk ingredient (orange), the product’s score will be lower than 50/100.
The other ingredients will determine precisely which score the product receives within the defined range. The calculation of penalties based on potential health or environmental impacts is detailed here.
Yuka's database contains approximately 12,500 cosmetic ingredients. Some may not yet be listed, but they are added after analysis by our toxicologist.
The details of risk associated with each ingredient, as well as the corresponding main scientific sources, are displayed in each application.
