Skin Deep Cosmetic Database: Strengths and Limitations

Consumers who rely on Skin Deep's Cosmetic Database appreciate the uncomplicated rating system and detailed safety concerns. Its expansive database of not only cosmetic ingredients, but specific products and brands as well, has become a trusted friend to many shoppers in search of healthier products and safe cosmetics for themselves and their families.

The information provided below is intended to expand the value of this useful tool by examining both the strengths and weaknesses of the platform used and the information used to calculate rankings and cosmetic safety data.

Strength:
The Cosmetic Database is among the most comprehensive database of products and product ingredients available to consumers. The inclusion of both the INCI name and common names of cosmetic ingredients helps users better understand product labels.
Limitation:
While virtually all commonly used ingredients are listed, some have not been evaluated for safety by the Cosmetic Database. These ingredients are given a rating of "0" by default and therefore at first glance appear to have been given the highest safety rating possible. However, the "100% data gap" notation next to these ingredients indicates that the "0" rating is based on a complete absence of data. While it would seem more accurate and useful if ingredients with a 100% data gap were flagged as "not available" or "not yet reviewed," currently this is the system used.

Strength:
The Cosmetic Database serves as an excellent first-step in ingredient research.
Limitation:
The information found on this database is not comprehensive and should be further researched through other researches. The indication of a 100% data gap on the Cosmetic Database is not suggestive that no research on that ingredient has been done. It only means that the findings have not made their way into the database yet. Use other other resources to find meaningful information that will assist you in your product search.

Strength:
Scores of high concern (3+) are excellent indicators that safer ingredients are available.
Limitation:
As indicated by the high ratings assigned to them, fragrance cosmetic ingredients, parabens, pthlates and others are strongly linked to health and safety concerns. Drawing attention to these high-risk igredients is one of the most reliable uses of the Cosmetic Database.

Although not perfect, ratings of concern ranging between 1 and 2 are actually quite good and the majority of consumers are comfortable using ingredients and products within this range. While a score of "0" seems appealing, the safety of any ingredients with a 100% data gap can not be judged with any confidence. These ingredients could have no safety concerns or they could have many. This call simply can not be made when the data gap is 100%. Again, checking other other resources is strongly urged when this is the case.

Strength:
References used for ingredient evaluation are well-established and trusted sources of information.
Limitation:
While the sources of information are listed, the actually studies and findings used in determining database rankings are difficult to access and definitely not user-friendly.

Practical Cautions to Consider:
Any ingredient rated as a "0" should only be considered as an actual "0" when listed in conjunction with a 95% or less data gap.

From a factual perspective, ingredients with a "1" or "2" coupled with a lesser data gap are more appealing than "0" rating ingredients that have a 100% data gap.

Ingredients that have been given a high score (3 or higher) and a 100% data gap are absolutely reason for concern. Even in the absence of official study findings, the potential danger of these ingredients is so well-established that Cosmetic Database felt the need to warn consumers about its use even without official data.

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Visit the Salon Naturals Ingredient Research page for information that explores resources beyond those provided in the Cosmetic Database ingredient summary data. You will also find clear and concise language that sheds light on independent testing and research you may find useful, along with links that take you to the sites used in gathering this information.

Note: All Salon Naturals products have been given a "0" ranking by the Cosmetic Database. Obviously, we are pleased with these ratings, however, we do not necessarily perceive it as among our more notable achievements.

Rather our confidence in our products comes from the knowledge that we started with a good foundation. There are ingredients in our products that have not yet been evaluated by the Cosmetic Database. At the risk of deminishing the confidence our customers feel in this system and causing concern among the many customers who have come to us because of these "0" rankings, the information above applies to our products as well. Learn more about what really makes our products trustworthy and safe. Continue using the Cosmetic Database as it was intended - it is unquestionably an extremely useful source. We simply encourage you to do so fully aware of its limitations.