Skin Bliss: Frequently Asked Questions
Skin Bliss scan scores may differ from cataloged products due to image quality, formulation variations, or ingredient interactions; trust your product's ingredient list and dermatologist's advice.
You Ask - We Answer 💜
Why is the rating of my scan different from the one in the product catalog?
Great question-and you're not alone in noticing this!
There are a couple of reasons why the score from a scanned product might not match the one you see in the Skin Bliss library:
🖼️ 1. Scan Accuracy Depends on Image Quality
When you scan a product, our algorithm extracts the ingredient list from the photo. If the image is:
- Blurry
- Cut off
- Has shadows or glare
…some ingredients might get missed or misread, which can lead to an incomplete or altered score. Even a few missing ingredients can make a big difference in how the product is rated.
We always recommend:
✅ After scanning, check the ingredient list
🌍 2. There Might Be Multiple Formulations
Some products have different versions depending on the country or market they're sold in. For example:
- The US version might have fragrance, while the EU version doesn't
- A sensitive skin variant might exist under the same brand name
Even if the product looks the same on the outside, the ingredient list inside might be slightly different-and that can affect the score.
🧾 ✅ Trust the Local Ingredient List
If you're ever unsure, the most reliable source is the ingredient list on your own product.
That version is what's on your skin-and that's what matters most.
If you're using a scan, make sure it reflects what's printed on your actual packaging.
🙏 If you see any differences between our catalog and your scan, please submit a manual correction-we're always working to improve accuracy and coverage!
Thanks for helping us keep Skin Bliss sharp and helpful 💜
I've been using this product for years and I love it, but it scores low on Skin Bliss. Why?
That's a great observation-and one we totally understand!
Here's the thing: loving a product and it scoring low in Skin Bliss are not mutually exclusive. Let us explain why.
🧪 Skin Bliss scores are ingredient-based and profile-matched
Our algorithm evaluates products objectively, based on:
- Your skin type and concerns
- The ingredient list
- Scientific data on how those ingredients typically affect certain skin types or issues
If a product scores low, it might mean:
- There are other products in the same category that are even better matches for your skin profile
- The product contains ingredients that might be less ideal for your concerns
- Or simply that it doesn't have many active ingredients, even if it's a great daily staple
But that doesn't mean your product is "bad." It just means it's not a top match relative to other options-in the way our algorithm sees things.
💜 Skincare is personal-and that matters too
If the product works for you, that's important. Skin Bliss is here to inform and guide, not dictate. We've seen many cases where:
- A "low score" product is well-tolerated and loved by someone
- It works despite not fitting the typical profile
- Or it's just the perfect texture, feel, or scent that makes it part of your routine
💡 What you can do with this info
Use the Skin Bliss score as a curiosity trigger, not a verdict. You might want to:
- Explore why the score is low-check flagged ingredients or profile mismatches
- See if there's a version of this product with a slightly better formulation
- Or simply keep using it, knowing it's part of what makes your skin feel good
You're the expert on your skin. We're just here to help you explore what's out there-if and when you're ready.
This product was recommended by my dermatologist, but the app says it's a poor match. Who should I trust?
It can absolutely happen that a product recommended by your dermatologist shows up with a low score in the Skin Bliss app. Here's why:
👩⚕️ Dermatologists work with more context
Skin Bliss bases its evaluations purely on the product's ingredient list and how well it matches your profile (skin type, concerns, sensitivities, etc.). But a trained dermatologist has a lot more information:
- They can see and feel your skin
- They can ask about your routine, habits, and history
- They may be treating something specific that Skin Bliss isn't aware of
So in general, we recommend you trust your dermatologist and follow their advice-especially if you're seeing them for a medical condition or complex skin concern.
📱Skin Bliss offers extra tools-not replacements
The advantage of Skin Bliss is speed and scale. Our algorithm can:
- Scan thousands of products
- Match them to your unique skin profile
- Flag ingredients that are commonly irritating, or that you've personally marked to avoid
- Offer alternative suggestions if something isn't working
Dermatologists often rely on a smaller set of trusted products, and that's totally normal. But if the product they recommend causes irritation or just doesn't seem to help, Skin Bliss can be a great way to explore other options.
💬 Let's Talk Ingredients
One helpful next step is to look at the ingredients flagged by Skin Bliss and discuss them with your dermatologist. They'll be able to explain:
- Why they still recommended the product
- Whether the flagged ingredients are relevant for your case
- If alternatives might be worth exploring
Skincare is a journey, and sometimes it's the combination of clinical experience + data tools that leads to the best results.
We're here to support you every step of the way 💜
Why are there both negative and positive interactions between the same ingredients?
Great question! Skincare formulations can be surprisingly complex, and ingredient interactions are no exception.
Here's why you might see both positive and negative interactions in the compatibility analysis:
⚖️ 1. Some Ingredients Are Double-Edged Swords
Certain ingredients can be beneficial in some combinations, but potentially problematic in others. It all depends on:
- Their concentration
- The formulation type
- Your skin profile and concerns
For example:
- Niacinamide + Retinol can work well together in stable, gentle formulations-but may cause irritation in sensitive skin or at high concentrations.
- Vitamin C + AHAs can boost brightness but might increase the risk of irritation if the pH levels clash.
So even though an ingredient has known benefits, context matters.
🧪 2. Skin Bliss Flags Potential Interactions Based on Current Knowledge
Our compatibility feature looks at:
- Known synergies between ingredients (which boost performance)
- Known conflicts or risks (which may reduce effectiveness or increase irritation)
These flags are based on scientific literature and formulation experience, but they don't mean the product is automatically good or bad-it's about helping you make informed choices.
🧠 3. The Full Formula Makes the Difference
The exact impact of any interaction depends on:
- The formulation as a whole
- The order of ingredients
- Whether stabilizers or buffering agents are used
- And your skin's tolerance and needs
That's why Skin Bliss shows these interactions as guidelines, not hard rules.
The ingredient list can only give us so much info. We're doing our best to share all the details we have, so you can decide if it's a good idea to test a product or routine on your skin before trying it out on a bigger scale.