How we source our claims
Every benefit or concern on this site is tied to a source, and every ingredient carries a plain-language disposition. Here is what each disposition means and how we arrive at it.
What the disposition labels mean
A disposition is a summary of the sourced evidence we have gathered — not a safety guarantee, a verdict, or medical advice. It can change as the evidence changes.
- Well-tolerated — Widely used with little credible evidence of harm at the levels found in finished products. This is not a claim that it is risk-free for everyone.
- Use-dependent — Whether it is a concern depends on how it is used: concentration, whether the product is rinsed off or left on, and individual sensitivity. Context matters more than the ingredient name alone.
- Notable concerns — Credible sources raise specific, documented concerns worth knowing before you choose. We link those sources. It is not a declaration that the ingredient is unsafe, or that any particular product using it is harmful.
- Not yet assessed — We list the ingredient but have not yet published a graded, sourced review of it. We would rather say nothing than guess.
How we grade every claim
Each individual benefit or concern also carries two independent grades, so you can weigh it for yourself:
- Find the primary source — a regulator, a peer-reviewed study, or a reputable database.
- Grade the evidence strength — Strong, Moderate, Limited, or Anecdotal.
- Label the source type — peer-reviewed, regulatory, database, news, or brand.
- Write it plainly — no jargon, no fear-mongering.
- Review and date it — so you can see how current it is.
Corrections and right of reply
We correct ourselves in public. If you represent a brand or have a sourced correction, use the Submit a product or Contact form and we will review it.
Read The Label is an independent resource for general information only. It is not medical, safety, or regulatory-compliance advice, and a disposition label is not a guarantee about any ingredient or product. Always read the product's own label, and consult a qualified professional for medical concerns.