Understanding Your HumanSafe™ Score
A practical guide to reading and interpreting HumanSafe™ scores, badges, and classifications. Learn what each letter grade means and how to make informed decisions.
The HumanSafe™ Scoring System
HumanSafe™ evaluates products across four independent dimensions. Each serves a different purpose and helps you make informed decisions based on what matters most to you.
HSS - Human Safety
Letter Grade (A+ to F)
Health risk assessment considering concentration, exposure, duration, and target population. This is the most important score for safety.
ESS - Environmental
Numerical (1.0–10.0)
Environmental impact including biodegradability, aquatic toxicity, and manufacturing footprint. Higher is better for the planet.
CTS - Transparency
Numerical (1.0–10.0)
How openly the company shares ingredient data, concentrations, and sourcing information. Higher means more transparent.
CES - Experience
Numerical (1.0–10.0)
Real-world performance and user satisfaction based on verified customer feedback. Higher means better experience.
What Each HSS Score Means
Human Safety Score (HSS) uses letter grades for quick recognition. Here's what each grade means in plain language, with both consumer-friendly and technical classifications.
9.0–10.0 Range
Elite Biocompatibility
8.0–8.9 Range
High Safety Integrity
7.0–7.9 Range
Functional Safety
6.0–6.9 Range
Exposure-Conditional
5.0–5.9 Range
Toxicological Alert
4.0–4.9 Range
High Toxicological Risk
< 4.0 Range
Biocompatibility Breach
HSS Score Chart: Full Breakdown
Use this chart to understand what each score means, both in everyday language and technical terms.
| Grade | Range | What It Means | What To Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | 9.0–10.0 | Exceptionally Safe Best-in-class formulations with minimal concerns |
Trust and confidence. These are elite safety profiles. |
| A | 8.0–8.9 | Very Safe Reliable and trustworthy products |
Very safe for most users. Only minor considerations. |
| A- | 7.0–7.9 | Generally Safe Acceptable safety, context-dependent concerns |
Check ingredient details for your specific situation. |
| B | 6.0–6.9 | Use With Caution Moderate concerns present, review carefully |
Consider your personal sensitivities and usage patterns. |
| C | 5.0–5.9 | Significant Concerns Notable considerations for some users |
Review allergens carefully and consider patch testing. |
| D | 4.0–4.9 | High Concern High risk profile with serious concerns |
Avoid or consult healthcare provider before use. |
| F | < 4.0 | Avoid If Possible Very high risk, may be restricted |
Do not use without medical supervision. |
Context Changes Everything
The same ingredient can have different scores depending on how it's used. We factor in concentration, product type, and target users.
Example: A Preservative in Different Products
In rinse-off shampoo (0.2%): Score A — Brief contact, low concentration, washes away quickly.
In leave-on face cream (0.5%): Score A- — Longer exposure on sensitive facial skin, higher concentration.
For baby products (0.2%): Score B — Higher safety standards for infants even at low concentration.
Understanding Allergen Notices
Some products may show allergen warnings even with high safety scores. This is part of our "allergen fairness" approach—protecting the 2% who are sensitive without penalizing the 98% who aren't.
Example: Linalool (Natural Lavender Component)
General Population Score: A (Very Safe)
Safe for 98%+ of people. Natural, well-studied ingredient with excellent safety profile.
Allergen Notice: ⚠️ ~1-2% may be sensitive
Small percentage of people have fragrance allergies. Check if you have known sensitivities
to lavender or essential oils.
If You Have Linalool Allergy: Score C (Avoid)
Personalized score reflects documented allergy. System adjusts for your needs.
How We Calculate Your Score
Every score is based on scientific factors, weighted by importance, and adjusted for real-world context.
The 7 Core Factors (Weighted):
- Acute Toxicity: Immediate harm potential based on LD50 data
- Chronic Toxicity : Long-term repeated exposure effects
- Skin Safety : Irritation and sensitization potential
- Organ/System Toxicity: Effects on organs and body systems
- Carcinogenicity : Cancer risk based on IARC/NTP classifications
- Regulatory Approval : FDA, EU, and international clearances
- Quality of Evidence : Strength and reliability of data
Then We Adjust For:
- Product Type: Rinse-off vs. leave-on vs. spray
- Concentration: How much of the ingredient is actually present
- Exposure Route: Skin contact vs. ingestion vs. inhalation
- Target Population: Adults, children, babies, pregnancy
What Scores Don't Tell You
HumanSafe™ scores are powerful tools, but they have limitations. Here's what they do and don't cover.
✓ What Scores Tell You
- Safety based on peer-reviewed toxicology research
- Real-world risk considering how products are used
- Context-appropriate assessment for your situation
- Known allergen prevalence and warnings
✗ What Scores Don't Tell You
- Product performance: We assess safety, not whether it works well
- Personal suitability: Individual reactions vary—always patch test
- Medical advice: Consult healthcare providers for health decisions
- Regulatory compliance: We're independent, not a certification agency
Ready to Start Making Safer Choices?
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