🤖 AI-powered analysis
Every scan runs a live Claude AI query with a carefully engineered system prompt referencing EWG Skin Deep scoring methodology, IARC Group classifications, NTP carcinogen reports, EU SCCS opinions, and Endocrine Society scientific statements. Results are generated fresh each time — not pulled from a pre-loaded table.
📊 EWG 1–10 scores
Hazard scores align with EWG Skin Deep's documented scores for each ingredient. The AI is instructed to apply product-type weighting (leave-on higher than rinse-off) as EWG does, and to flag penetration enhancers and spray-form ingredients at elevated concern.
♋ Cancer classifications
IARC Group 1 (known carcinogen) ingredients score 8–10. Group 2A (probable) score 7–9. Group 2B (possible) score 5–7. NTP classification "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" aligns with IARC 2A. All classifications are cited in the result.
🧬 Endocrine & fertility
Endocrine disruptors are flagged using the EU Commission's ED list, the Endocrine Society's 2020 Scientific Statement, and EPA Endocrine Disruptor Screening. Phthalates, parabens, triclosan, oxybenzone, and BPA are the most commonly flagged in personal care products.
🥬 Food & produce
Food analysis references EWG's 2026 Shopper's Guide (54,344 USDA samples; methodology peer-reviewed in Int. J. Hygiene & Environmental Health 2025). PFAS pesticide contamination — found on 63% of Dirty Dozen samples in 2026 — is highlighted specifically.
🚫 No hallucinations policy
The AI is explicitly instructed never to fabricate citations, study titles, or risk scores. If evidence is limited or inconclusive, it says so. When citing a journal, it names the actual journal and year — not invented references.
📖 Sources the AI references
EWG Skin Deep® Database Hazard scores 1–10; weight-of-evidence across 17 health endpoints. ewg.org/skindeep — 100,000+ products rated. Methodology: ewg.org/skindeep/learn_more/about/
IARC Monographs on Carcinogenic Hazards Groups 1, 2A, 2B. iarc.who.int — formaldehyde (Vol. 100F), PFOA elevated to Group 1 (Vol. 135, 2023), benzene, coal tar.
NTP 15th Report on Carcinogens (2021) U.S. National Toxicology Program. ntp.niehs.nih.gov — formaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane, BHA, coal tar.
Frontiers in Toxicology (2025), PMC12425936 "The impact of perfumes and cosmetic products on human health: a narrative review." Parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, oxybenzone, triclosan.
Endocrine Society Scientific Statement (2020) Phthalates, parabens, BPA, triclosan as endocrine disruptors with reproductive toxicity evidence.
EU SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) Opinions on parabens, oxybenzone, octinoxate, formaldehyde-releasers. ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/consumer_safety
EWG Toxic Twelve Chemicals in Cosmetics ewg.org/toxic-twelve — mercury, parabens, phthalates, DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, PFAS, PPD, lead acetate.
EWG 2026 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce 54,344 USDA samples. Methodology: International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health (2025). ewg.org/foodnews
Environmental Science & Technology (2023) PFAS exposure and 4.5× higher NAFLD risk. American Chemical Society.
FDA Final Rule (2016) Triclosan banned from OTC antiseptic soaps. FDA cosmetics ingredient bans and restrictions.
Consumer Reports (2026) "5 Concerning Ingredients in Cosmetics and Beauty Products." consumerreports.org