PerfectMatch

How we use science

Evidence first, marketing never.

Every skincare recommendation and every ingredient warning in PerfectMatch is tied to published dermatology research and graded by how strong that research is. Products are ranked by the evidence behind their active ingredients for your concerns, so an ingredient backed by clinical guidelines beats one that only looked good in a lab dish. Every source below was checked against its PubMed record.

How we grade evidence

  • Strong evidence

    Strongly recommended by a systematic, GRADE-based clinical guideline, or shown in large randomized controlled trials.

    ranking weight ×3
  • Moderate evidence

    Supported by randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses, or a conditional recommendation in a clinical guideline.

    ranking weight ×2
  • Limited evidence

    Small, short or uncontrolled studies, lab data, or mechanism only. Plausible, but not well proven.

    ranking weight ×1
  • Expert consensus

    Standard dermatology practice endorsed by expert bodies, without direct trial evidence for this specific use.

    ranking weight ×0.75

Grades are adapted from the GRADE approach used by the American Academy of Dermatology's guidelines. A strong guideline recommendation counts four times as much as expert opinion when we rank products.

What we're honest about

Your photo

Skin colour from a daylight photo is a useful starting point, but cameras and lighting shift it, so worn shades you log always outweigh it. Spotting redness, shine or texture from a photo is a rough on-screen estimate, not a diagnosis. Low-confidence readings never drive your skincare picks.

Your ingredient patterns

When an ingredient keeps showing up in products that bothered you, that's a pattern worth noticing, not proof. Products contain dozens of ingredients, and reactions have many causes. If you suspect a true allergy, patch testing by a dermatologist is the standard way to confirm it.

Ingredients vs. products

The evidence is about ingredients at the strengths that were studied. Brands often don't disclose concentrations, so a product containing a proven ingredient isn't guaranteed to match the trial. We note when a product's strength differs from the research (e.g. 10% vs 15–20% azelaic acid).

What we don't flag

We only warn about ingredients with published evidence of irritation or allergy. We don't flag things because of “clean beauty” marketing, “chemical-free” claims or vague “toxin” fears. A synthetic ingredient isn't worse than a natural one by default. Essential oils, for example, are natural and are well-documented allergens.

Sources

43 publications · 28 back ingredient benefits, the rest back irritant warnings and routine advice.

Clinical guidelines

  • Reynolds RV, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol, 2024. PubMed 38300170
  • Sidbury R, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis in adults with topical therapies. J Am Acad Dermatol, 2023. PubMed 36641009
  • Thiboutot D, et al. Standard management options for rosacea: the 2019 update by the National Rosacea Society Expert Committee. J Am Acad Dermatol, 2020. PubMed 32035944

Meta-analyses

  • Albzea W, et al. Azelaic acid versus hydroquinone for managing patients with melasma: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Cureus, 2023. PubMed 37457606

Randomized controlled trials

  • Hughes MC, et al. Sunscreen and prevention of skin aging: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med, 2013. PubMed 23732711
  • Kafi R, et al. Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol). Arch Dermatol, 2007. PubMed 17515510
  • Chao CM, et al. A pilot study on efficacy treatment of acne vulgaris using a new method: results of a randomized double-blind trial with Acne Dressing. J Cosmet Sci, 2006. PubMed 16688374
  • Bissett DL, et al. Niacinamide: a B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance. Dermatol Surg, 2005. PubMed 16029679
  • Hakozaki T, et al. The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer. Br J Dermatol, 2002. PubMed 12100180
  • Shalita AR, et al. Topical nicotinamide compared with clindamycin gel in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris. Int J Dermatol, 1995. PubMed 7657446
  • Weiss JS, et al. Topical tretinoin improves photoaged skin: a double-blind vehicle-controlled study. JAMA, 1988. PubMed 3336176

Reviews

  • McMullan P, et al. Safety of dermatologic medications in pregnancy and lactation: an update — Part I: Pregnancy. J Am Acad Dermatol, 2024. PubMed 38280679
  • Jenkins BA, Belsito DV Lanolin. Dermatitis, 2023. PubMed 36917502
  • Fatima S, et al. The role of sunscreen in melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Indian J Dermatol, 2020. PubMed 32029932
  • de Groot AC Fragrances: contact allergy and other adverse effects. Dermatitis, 2020. PubMed 31433384
  • Draelos ZD The science behind skin care: Cleansers. J Cosmet Dermatol, 2018. PubMed 29231284
  • Jacob SE, et al. Propylene glycol. Dermatitis, 2018. PubMed 29059092
  • Taraz M, et al. Tranexamic acid in treatment of melasma: a comprehensive review of clinical studies. Dermatol Ther, 2017. PubMed 28133910
  • Proksch E, et al. Topical use of dexpanthenol: a 70th anniversary article. J Dermatolog Treat, 2017. PubMed 28503966
  • Vrcek I, et al. Infraorbital dark circles: a review of the pathogenesis, evaluation and treatment. J Cutan Aesthet Surg, 2016. PubMed 27398005
  • de Groot AC, Schmidt E Essential oils, part IV: contact allergy. Dermatitis, 2016. PubMed 27427818
  • Schulte BC, et al. Azelaic acid: evidence-based update on mechanism of action and clinical application. J Drugs Dermatol, 2015. PubMed 26355614
  • Petersen B, Wulf HC Application of sunscreen — theory and reality. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed, 2014. PubMed 24313722
  • Heurung AR, et al. Benzophenones. Dermatitis, 2014. PubMed 24407064
  • de Groot AC, Roberts DW Contact and photocontact allergy to octocrylene: a review. Contact Dermatitis, 2014. PubMed 24628344
  • Telang PS Vitamin C in dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J, 2013. PubMed 23741676
  • Bylka W, et al. Centella asiatica in cosmetology. Postepy Dermatol Alergol, 2013. PubMed 24278045
  • Castanedo-Tardana MP, Zug KA Methylisothiazolinone. Dermatitis, 2013. PubMed 23340392
  • Kornhauser A, et al. Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol, 2010. PubMed 21437068
  • de Groot AC, et al. Formaldehyde-releasers in cosmetics: relationship to formaldehyde contact allergy. Part 1. Contact Dermatitis, 2010. PubMed 20136875
  • Gorouhi F, Maibach HI Role of topical peptides in preventing or treating aged skin. Int J Cosmet Sci, 2009. PubMed 19570099
  • Lachenmeier DW Safety evaluation of topical applications of ethanol on the skin and inside the oral cavity. J Occup Med Toxicol, 2008. PubMed 19014531
  • Nakada T, et al. Use tests: ROAT (repeated open application test)/PUT (provocative use test): an overview. Contact Dermatitis, 2000. PubMed 10902580
  • Lee CH, Maibach HI The sodium lauryl sulfate model: an overview. Contact Dermatitis, 1995. PubMed 7493454

Clinical & laboratory studies

  • DeKoven JG, et al. North American Contact Dermatitis Group patch test results: 2019–2020. Dermatitis, 2023. PubMed 36917520
  • Bennike NH, et al. Allergic contact dermatitis caused by hydroperoxides of limonene and dose-response relationships. Contact Dermatitis, 2019. PubMed 30378136
  • Reynertson KA, et al. Anti-inflammatory activities of colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) contribute to the effectiveness of oats in treatment of itch associated with dry, irritated skin. J Drugs Dermatol, 2015. PubMed 25607907
  • Pavicic T, et al. Efficacy of cream-based novel formulations of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment. J Drugs Dermatol, 2011. PubMed 22052267
  • Kornhauser A, et al. The effects of topically applied glycolic acid and salicylic acid on ultraviolet radiation-induced erythema, DNA damage and sunburn cell formation in human skin. J Dermatol Sci, 2009. PubMed 19411163
  • Draelos ZD, et al. The effect of 2% niacinamide on facial sebum production. J Cosmet Laser Ther, 2006. PubMed 16766489
  • Draelos ZD, DiNardo JC A re-evaluation of the comedogenicity concept. J Am Acad Dermatol, 2006. PubMed 16488305
  • Lin FH, et al. Ferulic acid stabilizes a solution of vitamins C and E and doubles its photoprotection of skin. J Invest Dermatol, 2005. PubMed 16185284
  • Charbonnier V, et al. Subclinical, non-erythematous irritation with an open assay model (washing): sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) versus sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). Food Chem Toxicol, 2001. PubMed 11278060

PerfectMatch gives cosmetic guidance, not medical advice. See a dermatologist for acne that scars or doesn't improve after 8–12 weeks of consistent treatment, a rash that spreads or blisters, a changing mole, or any skin problem that affects your quality of life. Prescription treatments are often far more effective than anything sold over the counter.