FAQ

Are you wondering whether this site may help you, or how to use it? The answer is here! Didn’t find it? Feel free to ask us, we’ll post the answer in this space!

Why this site? How is it different from other sites on cosmetics?

Cosmetics Observatory is not affiliated with any cosmetics brand or lobby. It is designed to provide users with easy-to-understand, balanced, practical information about cosmetics and cosmetic ingredients. This is the information you need every day for yourself, your baby, and your family.
Unlike other websites, a team of independent professional experts provides a thorough and objective appraisal of cosmetic products. We are truly independent and unbiased.

Some sections require a fee. Why?

In order to provide you with a lot of information, which is both exhaustive and professional, about products as complex as cosmetics, the team of experts and journalists needs to work hard. A lot of information is available free of charge, but the paid sections help to make the website viable by covering costs and compensating employees.

Must I pay to ask a question of your experts?

Our experts provide answers to site users free of charge. Our only requirement is that you provide your email address so that we can send you a message when the answer is available.

Must I pay to read a product factsheet or an ingredient factsheet?

Many of our factsheets are available free of charge. A fee is required to access the expert evaluations. For prices, check the list displayed in the Legal Notice and Terms and Conditions of Online Service.

Can I get an invoice if I need one?

When you pay online, a receipt is sent to the email address you provide. Should you need an invoice, please ask info@observatoiredescosmetiques.com and provide your name and postal address, as well as the reference number, date, and amount of the purchase.

What is in the paid section of a product factsheet?

When you are logged into the paid section, you may read our experts’ comments after their evaluation, along with the rating for the different criteria and the overall rating. To access a product factsheet in full, including free and paid sections, click here. You must register (free of charge) to view it in full.

Must I pay to post a comment online?

All website users may share comments about a product, an ingredient, or an article with other users. Just log in before posting a comment. Refer to the Legal Notice and Terms and Conditions of Online Service for more information.

How are products rated?

Products are rated, evaluated, and detailed by the Cosmetics Observatory team of experts.

1. The ‘Cosmetic Formula’ rating is given by our cosmetologists, who consider the balance of the formula, the synergy of the ingredients, and the formula’s usefulness.
2. The ‘Aesthetician Formula’ rating is given by our team of aestheticians (or by the hairstylist for hair products) and is based on the formula’s effectiveness and usefulness.
3. The ‘Cosmetology Labelling’ rating is given by our cosmetologists: does the labelling comply with regulatory requirements? Is the information given to consumers correct, in view of the formula?
4. The ‘Aesthetician Labelling’ rating is given by the team of aestheticians (or by the hairstylist for hair products) and is based on the quality of the information written on the label, the convenience of the packaging, its appearance, and more.
5. The ‘Tolerance’ rating is given by our dermatologists: it is based on the potential allergenic and/or irritant effect of the product, and also considers whether some ingredients are known to be well tolerated by or even beneficial to the skin.
6. The ‘Comfort’ rating is given by the team of aestheticians (or by the hairdresser for hair products): it gives an idea of how pleasant the product is to use in terms of its fragrance, texture, ease of application, and so on.
7. The ‘Principle of Precaution’ rating is a synthesis of the safety assessment of the product, based on the latest available scientific data: it considers all information or concerns about the toxicity of ingredients, either for users’ health or for the environment.
8. The ‘Price’ rating is given by the Cosmetics Observatory team: it considers the relationship of the price with the attractiveness and effectiveness of the formula, and compares it to prices of similar or equivalent products already on the market.

The overall rating, on a scale of 1 to 20, is a combination of all these ratings.

Ingredient factsheets: assessment criteria

The ingredients used in cosmetics are checked, rated, and detailed by the Cosmetics Observatory team of experts.

1. ‘Irritant risk’ takes into account the effects on skin reported by users or professionals, be they irritation, redness, a burning sensation, etc.
2. ‘Allergenic risk’ takes into account the number of occurrences of allergy-like reactions when the ingredient is used.
3. ‘Toxic risk’ is based on the available data on the possible effects of an ingredient on human health.
4. ‘Pollutant risk’ is assessed using the available data on the polluting or toxic effects on the environment of a substance, its biodegradability, or its manufacturing process.

The overall rating, on a scale of 1 to 20, is a combination of all these ratings.

What does ‘N.R.’ mean?

This is a French acronym that stands for ‘non-renseigné’, or ‘no information’. It means that our experts are still reviewing the product and that pertinent data are not yet available.

What happens when the Experts’ opinion is not available in the Product Sheet?

When the Experts’ opinion is not available in a factsheet for a PRO subscriber, the following message is displayed in the Experts’ opinion tab: ‘Our Experts’ opinion will be available soon. To get it when available, send a request to info@observatoiredescosmetiques.com.’
When notified by email, the Cosmetics Observatory team will do its best to put the data online rapidly. When data are available, the user will be informed. Before trying to access the sheet, contact the team with the same email address used for your account, or mention your account email address if you’re writing from a different address.