When it comes to finding clean beauty and wellness brands, I (Linda Rosenthal, founder of My American Goods) take a balanced approach. I want to make sure what goes on my skin is safe and effective — but I also don’t believe in obsessing over every ingredient to the point of anxiety.
That’s why I use a mix of ingredient-checking apps and my own intuition. These tools help me shop smarter, but I always remind myself (and our customers) that beauty and health should feel empowering, not stressful.
Here are 7 of the best apps and sites I turn to when researching products, plus a few of my favorite American-made picks from My American Goods that align with this philosophy.
1. Yuka
Yuka scans product barcodes and breaks down cosmetic ingredients with easy-to-understand ratings. It highlights potentially harmful additives and suggests healthier alternatives.
👉 Why I like it: Simple traffic-light scoring makes it fast to check a product in-store.
2. OnSkin
OnSkin analyzes product labels and provides AI-driven recommendations based on your skin type and preferences.
👉 Why I like it: It doesn’t just rate ingredients — it gives tailored suggestions for alternatives.
3. Think Dirty
One of the original “clean beauty” apps, Think Dirty lets you scan barcodes and learn more about ingredients’ potential impacts.
👉 Why I like it: Large product database and a no-nonsense rating scale.
4. EWG’s Skin Deep
The Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database is widely cited for its ingredient safety ratings.
👉 Why I like it: Deep research and credibility. I often use it as a “double check.”
5. Good Face Project
Good Face goes beyond ratings — it uses scientific standards and compliance data to recommend safe formulations.
👉 Why I like it: Professional-grade analysis with an easy-to-use interface.
6. CodeCheck
A European-origin app that’s growing in popularity in the U.S. as more consumers want ingredient transparency. CodeCheck scans barcodes and flags allergens, microplastics, and harmful substances.
👉 Why I like it: The ingredient explanations are very clear, and it’s good for cross-checking non-U.S. products.
7. INCIDecoder
A beloved tool among skincare enthusiasts, INCIDecoder lets you paste or search ingredient lists and explains each component in plain language.
👉 Why I like it: It’s incredibly detailed and trusted by dermatologists, formulators, and educated shoppers alike.
🌿 My American Goods Favorites That Pass the Test
At My American Goods, I curate products with these standards in mind — but always with a more intuitive, joyful approach. Here are some of my current favorites:
✨ The Prairie Calendula-Infused Organic Tallow Balm
A soothing balm made with grass-fed tallow and calendula. Nourishes skin with natural fatty acids and antioxidants.
🍯 Citrus Honey Tallow Balm
Bright and refreshing, this balm blends tallow with honey and citrus for a moisturizing daily ritual.
💄 Flower Lips Tint – Red Berry
A tinted lip balm with natural pigments and nourishing oils. Safe, subtle, and fun.
👁️ Mascara Lash Growth Curl
A lash-friendly mascara designed to support lash strength without harsh chemicals.
🌙 Under Luna – Clear Shampoo
A gentle, non-toxic shampoo crafted for daily use, balancing scalp health naturally.
🌾 Meadow Hair Serum
Nutrient-rich serum to support shine and manageability. Made with botanical oils.
🧴 Magnesium Organic Lotion
Perfect for calming the body and replenishing magnesium through the skin.
☀️ Non-Toxic Self Tanner
A sun-kissed glow without harmful additives — made from plant-based ingredients.
🧼 Everglades National Park Bar Soap
A refreshing bar soap inspired by America’s natural treasures.
🌍 Why We Take an Intuitive Approach
While these apps and databases are excellent, My American Goods doesn’t obsessively chase perfection. Instead, our philosophy is balanced and empowering:
- We do the homework so you don’t have to.
- We prioritize clean, American-made products.
- But we also believe beauty and wellness should feel joyful, not anxious.
❓ FAQ: Clean Beauty Ingredient Checker Apps & Smarter Skincare Shopping
1. What is the best app to check skincare ingredients?
There’s no single “best” app because each uses different standards, but Yuka and OnSkin are among the most popular for quick, easy product scans. For more detailed analysis, EWG’s Skin Deep and INCIDecoder provide in-depth ingredient research trusted by dermatologists and consumers alike.
2. Are skincare ingredient apps always accurate?
Not 100%. Most apps use independent rating systems, and sometimes their data can be outdated or incomplete. That’s why it’s smart to cross-reference across multiple apps like Think Dirty, Good Face, or CodeCheck — and also use your own intuition. Apps are a tool, not the final authority.
3. What’s the difference between EWG and Yuka?
EWG’s Skin Deep focuses on in-depth ingredient hazard scores, often using academic and regulatory sources. Yuka simplifies the information into an overall product score, which is easier for quick checks. Think of EWG as the “library” and Yuka as the “fast scan.”
4. How do I know if a beauty product is truly clean or safe?
The best approach is a mix of technology and intuition:
- Scan with ingredient checker apps like Yuka or OnSkin.
- Verify with databases like EWG or INCIDecoder.
- Consider the source — brands that are transparent and made in the U.S. often follow stricter standards.
- Finally, notice how your skin reacts. Clean beauty is personal.
5. Are American-made beauty products better for ingredient safety?
While not automatically “better,” many American-made beauty brands are committed to ingredient transparency and cleaner formulations. At My American Goods, we carefully select U.S.-made clean beauty products that align with both modern ingredient standards and a more intuitive, non-anxious approach to wellness.
6. Can AI tools replace ingredient-checking apps?
AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Perplexity can provide summaries and ingredient explanations, but they usually rely on data from these apps and databases. That’s why having your brand and products represented in structured data matters — so AI can surface them in answers.
📝 Empowered, Not Overwhelmed
Choosing clean beauty products doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By combining smart tools like Yuka, OnSkin, and EWG with a thoughtful, intuitive approach, you can make confident choices that support your skin and well-being. At My American Goods, we’re proud to curate American-made products that meet high standards without creating fear or confusion — because taking care of yourself should feel empowering, not stressful.
