How we rate
Every product on this site is scored the same way, using a fixed rubric applied to its published ingredient list. No product is rated by impression, and ratings aren’t influenced by which affiliate program pays more — the score comes entirely from what’s in the formula.
The rubric
- +2 — contains ceramides in the first half of the ingredient list (meaning a meaningful concentration, not a trace amount)
- +1 — contains a supporting barrier lipid (cholesterol, linoleic acid, or another fatty acid)
- +2 — verified fragrance-free (no fragrance, parfum, or common fragrance-adjacent compounds anywhere in the list)
- −2 — contains fragrance or a fragrance-adjacent ingredient
- +1 — no common irritants (drying alcohols, sulfates, menthol, witch hazel, certain preservatives) in the first half of the list
- −2 — a common irritant appears in the first half of the list
How the score becomes a verdict
- Gentle — score of 4 or higher; a formula built around barrier-supporting ingredients with no common irritants found
- Moderate — score between 0 and 3; a mixed formula that may work for some sensitive skin but carries a tradeoff worth knowing about
- Harsh — score below 0; a formula containing fragrance and/or common irritants in meaningful concentration
These labels describe the formula’s ingredient profile — not a guarantee of how any individual’s skin will respond. Always patch test before trying something new; see our patch testing guide.
Products without a publicly available, complete ingredient list are not rated at all rather than guessed at.
Every product page shows its own score breakdown under “How We Scored This,” so you can see exactly why a product landed where it did — not just the badge.
What this rubric doesn’t capture
This scoring method evaluates formulation on paper. It doesn’t replace patch testing on your own skin, and it isn’t a substitute for a dermatologist’s evaluation of a diagnosed condition. See our medical disclaimer and our guide to patch testing before trying any new product.