How We
Score Products
Every product analyzed through OhDaisey is evaluated against our ingredient database and clean beauty standards. Rather than focusing on marketing claims, we look at the ingredients that make up the formula.
How It Works
STEP 1
We Read the Entire Ingredient List
Every ingredient is matched against the OhDaisey ingredient database and classified as:
- Approved
- Use with Caution
- Avoid
- Not Yet Reviewed
STEP 2
We Evaluate the Formula
The overall product score reflects the balance of ingredient classifications within the formula.
We also identify ingredient families and provide additional educational context throughout the report.
STEP 3
We Generate Your Report
Your Ingredient Intelligence Report includes:
- Overall Score
- Formula Snapshot
- Ingredient Breakdown
- Ingredient Details
- Evidence Levels
- Educational Resources
What Each Status Means
Approved
Ingredients that currently align with OhDaisey’s clean beauty standards based on the available scientific evidence.
These ingredients generally have low concern when used as intended in cosmetics.
Use with Caution
Ingredients that may warrant additional consideration.
Reasons may include irritation, sensitization, limited research, environmental concerns, or potential contamination risk.
Avoid
Ingredients that do not align with the OhDaisey Clean Standard.
Reasons may include evidence of irritation, endocrine activity, carcinogenicity concerns, formaldehyde release, contamination concerns, or regulatory restrictions.
Not Yet Reviewed
Our database is continuously growing. If an ingredient has not yet been reviewed, it will appear here until our research team evaluates it.
Understanding Your Score
Instead of assigning a simple “safe” or “unsafe” label, OhDaisey evaluates the entire formula.
96–100
Approved
Exceptional Choice. Aligns closely with our Clean Standards.
80–95
Good Choice
Thoughtful formula with high percentage of Approved ingredients.
60–79
Mixed Formula
Some ingredients may require additinal consideration.
40–59
Proceed Carefully
Contains several ingredients that fall outside of our Clean Beauty Standards.
0–39
Avoid
Contains multiple ingredients that do not align with our Clean Beauty Standards.
A lower score doesn’t necessarily mean a product is unsafe, and a higher score doesn’t mean it is perfect. The score summarizes how closely a product aligns with the OhDaisey Clean Standard.
Evidence Levels
Every reviewed ingredient includes an evidence level based on the current body of research.
Strong
Multiple high-quality studies or broad scientific consensus support the concern.
Moderate
Evidence suggests a concern, but additional research is still developing.
Limited
Early or limited evidence exists, and conclusions may change as new research becomes available.
Why It Matters
Many salons claim to be “clean” or “natural” but those terms are rarely defined and often unregulated. That leaves clients confused and salon owners unfairly competing with greenwashed claims.
Clean beauty is constantly evolving, and so is our database. We regularly review new research, update ingredient classifications, and expand our educational resources to provide the most current information possible.
Oh Daisey exists to change that.
Our standards:
- Protect client health
- Eliminate greenwashing
- Reward salons doing the work
- Create trust on both sides of the chair
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a low score dangerous?
Not necessarily. The score reflects how closely a formula aligns with the OhDaisey Clean Standard and highlights ingredients that may warrant additional consideration.
Why does OhDaisey disagree with another ingredient checker?
Different organizations use different methodologies, evidence thresholds, and clean beauty standards. OhDaisey’s classifications are based on our own ingredient database and published standards.
Can scores change?
Yes. Ingredient classifications and product scores may change as new research becomes available and our database is updated.
Does a high score mean a product will work better?
No. The score evaluates the formula against the OhDaisey Clean Standard. It does not measure a product’s effectiveness or guarantee that it will work for every person.
How does Oh Daisey come up with what is good vs what to avoid?
The Oh Daisey Dirty List is informed by:
- EU cosmetic regulations
- Current scientific research
- Environmental health data
- Best practices in ingredient transparency
This list is reviewed and updated as research evolves.