About
A data platform that makes skincare ingredient information searchable, comparable, and understandable. We analyse what's in the bottle so you can choose with information.
The Skin Formulary is built by Helena DeMaria-Williams, a software engineer who specialises in making hard-to-search information discoverable. The Skin Formulary is part of Pearl, a collection of discovery platforms for data that's abundant but poorly organised.
Skincare ingredient data is a perfect example: the information exists across INCI databases, EU regulations, published research, and product labels — but it's scattered, inconsistent, and difficult to compare. This platform brings it together in one place.
Every ingredient guide on this site is built from structured data, not opinion. Our research process:
We start with the official INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name and cross-reference CAS numbers to ensure we're identifying ingredients precisely.
We check the EU CosIng database and Annex restrictions to understand permitted concentrations, required warnings, and any usage limitations.
We reference published studies and dermatological literature for efficacy data, safety profiles, and concentration recommendations. Sources are linked on each ingredient page.
We parse full ingredient lists from 500+ products, normalise naming variations, and cross-reference to show which products contain which actives at what position in the formula.
Every ingredient guide is built from structured data sources — INCI databases, EU regulations, and published research. We prioritise verifiable information over marketing claims.
We're transparent about our methodology, our affiliate partnerships, and the limits of our expertise. We're data analysts, not dermatologists.
We make ingredient data searchable so you can make your own informed decisions, without needing to decode INCI lists or navigate inconsistent product labels.
Browse our comprehensive library of active ingredients with detailed guides on benefits, concentrations, and skin types.
Understand which ingredients work best for your skin type and concerns, from acne to aging.
Filter our curated product selection by active ingredients and find exactly what your skin needs.
The Skin Formulary is an ingredient data platform, not a medical resource. Our guides are educational and based on published research, but they are not a substitute for professional dermatological advice. If you have specific skin concerns or conditions, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
We're always working to improve our data accuracy. If you spot an error or have a correction, please let us know.
Have questions about an ingredient or one of our recommendations? We'd love to hear from you.
hello@theskinformulary.com