EWG scores hazard potential. DARE scores the whole formula.
EWG's Skin Deep database rates ingredients on a 1-10 hazard scale based on available toxicology, regulatory, and study data. Products receive an overall score based on the hazard ratings of their ingredients.
EWG has been a pioneer in ingredient transparency, but their hazard-based scoring has significant limitations for modern consumers. A hazard score doesn't account for exposure, concentration, or whether the product actually works. Two products with identical EWG scores can have vastly different real-world performance.
DARE uses the Formulation Architecture Model™ to evaluate beauty products the way a cosmetic chemist would, analyzing the complete formula system, not just individual ingredients. Every product is scored across four pillars: Performance, Clean Standards, Innovative Ingredients, and Formula Sustainability.
| Feature | EWG Skin Deep | DARE |
|---|---|---|
| Formula-level analysis | ||
| Efficacy scoring | ||
| Claim verification | ||
| Hazard database | ||
| 4-pillar scoring | ||
| Side-by-side comparison | ||
| First analysis free |
DARE and EWG serve different purposes. EWG focuses on ingredient hazard data, which is useful for identifying potential concerns. DARE evaluates the complete formula for efficacy, clean standards, technology, and sustainability. For the most complete picture, DARE gives you what EWG can't: whether a product actually works.
No. DARE uses its own proprietary scoring methodology, the DARE Method, which evaluates formulation architecture, not just individual ingredient hazard scores. Our clean scoring incorporates modern green chemistry principles and considers the full formulation context.
If you want to know whether an ingredient has been flagged in studies, EWG is a useful reference. If you want to know whether a product will actually deliver on its claims, how modern its formula is, and how it compares to alternatives, DARE gives you that complete picture.
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