1. What the nemi Score is
The nemi Score rates a product's ingredients against publicly available safety information. Products with the same ingredient list always get the same score. AI does not assign scores (it is used to write ingredient explanations, see our AI usage section).
A score does not guarantee or deny that a product is "safe" or "dangerous." It is a reference guide based on public information. The specific criteria behind the calculation are proprietary and not disclosed.
1.1 The score and your skin fit
The nemi Score adapts to your skin. If you haven't set up a skin profile yet, you'll see a prompt to add one instead of a plain number. Once you add your skin type, concerns, and any ingredients you want to avoid (like fragrance or parabens), your score gets adjusted for you. The adjusted score is free for everyone, with no limit on how many you can see. You can also chat with the in-app assistant (the mascot, a Pro feature) about a product for a more detailed skin-fit read on top of that score.
2. What it draws on
We don't rely on any single source. Ratings combine several kinds of public information: cosmetic regulations from around the world, international toxicology and chemical-safety assessments, dermatology research, and international ingredient-naming standards. All of it is publicly available.
3. Scoring caveats and special cases
Quasi-drugs (医薬部外品, medicated cosmetics) are scored the same way as regular cosmetics. Full ingredient disclosure isn't legally required for them, but most quasi-drug products do publish their full ingredient list, and we score whatever is disclosed just like any other product.
In these cases, we handle the score with extra care and add a note:
- Ingredients with little research: where public data is thin, we say so and treat them conservatively.
- Products with many undisclosed ingredients: when a lot is hidden (e.g. fragrance), we flag that the rating is less reliable.
4. How similar products are chosen
The "similar products" on a product page are picked by ingredient-profile similarity within the same category, not by score. No commercial factors (partners, ads) play any part.
5. Independence from affiliate links
Purchase links on product pages are affiliate links, but that relationship has no effect on scores or ingredient ratings. See our affiliate disclosure.
6. Limitations and disclaimer
- A score is a snapshot of public information at a point in time. When a brand reformulates, there may be a lag before it's reflected.
- This is not a medical service. Scores and explanations are not a substitute for a dermatologist or pharmacist. For skin problems, pregnancy or breastfeeding, or known allergies, always consult a medical professional.
- Skin and sensitivity differ from person to person. An ingredient generally considered safe may still cause a reaction for some people.
7. Reporting errors and inquiries
If you find an error in a score or ingredient, or have questions about how we evaluate, use the in-app "Report issue" flow or email support@nemi.beauty.