An evidence-based reference for over-the-counter dermatology.
Every product, ingredient, and behavioral intervention on this site is graded using a transparent methodology adapted from GRADE and SORT. No ads. No affiliate links. No industry funding.
We read the clinical trials, synthesize the evidence, and assign a grade. The grade tells you how confident you should be — not what to buy.
Multiple human RCTs with consistent, clinically meaningful results.
Limited but positive human data. Probably works; evidence has gaps.
Preliminary, in-vitro, or expert opinion without supporting trials.
No reliable evidence. This is not the same as disproven.
The most extensively studied OTC acne ingredient. Dozens of RCTs confirm efficacy. A 2025 JAAD Delphi consensus of 62 dermatologists at 43 institutions reached 95.2% agreement on its use for acne.
Zero clinical studies exist evaluating beef tallow for acne or any skin condition. A 2025 analysis of 200 social media posts found widespread promotion with frequent financial bias. Popularity is not evidence.
Each page synthesizes the evidence for OTC products, behavioral interventions, and trending claims — organized by the concern itself, not by product category.
Social media claims graded against published research. Updated as new claims emerge.
Evidence-based skincare content exists. Independent, structured, peer-reviewable skincare content does not.
We have no ads, affiliate links, sponsored content, or financial relationships with any product manufacturer. We do not list specific branded products on concern pages — only active ingredients at specific concentrations, because that is what the clinical trials studied.
If a product's formulation changes next year, our page is still accurate. If a new brand enters the market with the same active ingredient, our grade applies without revision.
Every grade is based on published peer-reviewed research. Every claim is cited. Content is reviewed by board-certified dermatologists before publication and re-reviewed at least annually or when new evidence emerges.
We publish our methodology. We document our updates. We welcome corrections. This is how evidence synthesis is supposed to work.
informed.care. (2026). Evidence-based reference for over-the-counter dermatology. Retrieved from https://informed.care
I built this because patients asked me what to buy — and the honest answer was longer and more nuanced than either a dermatology visit or a TikTok video could hold.