Method & scientific basis
SSS was built to translate real formulation inputs into a clearer sensitivity signal. The positioning comes from the SSS pitch deck, while the scientific logic is grounded in published literature on skin pH, active tolerability, and topical delivery.
Score design
1
Ultra-safe
2
Low risk
3
Moderate
4
Elevated
5
High reactivity
Workflow
Step 1
Identify tracked active ingredients and their percentages.
Step 2
Calculate relative irritation pressure against internal tolerance thresholds.
Step 3
Take the highest RIR as the primary ingredient stressor.
Step 4
Apply the pH penalty curve.
Step 5
Adjust for delivery format before mapping to the 1-5 SSS scale.
Scientific logic
Pillar A: pH stress
SSS treats pH as a barrier-context signal because the skin surface acid mantle helps regulate permeability, cohesion, and barrier performance.
Experimental and review literature show that shifts away from healthy acidic skin conditions can alter barrier homeostasis and irritation response.
Pillar B: concentration versus threshold
SSS converts the strongest active burden into a single RIR signal so the highest likely irritancy driver shapes the score instead of averaging everything away.
Topical retinoid and acid literature consistently shows that concentration, vehicle, and formulation context change tolerability.
Pillar C: delivery system
SSS weights delivery because exposure changes when an active is free, controlled, or encapsulated.
Controlled-release and encapsulation studies show delivery systems can materially change stability, release rate, and irritation burden.
API request
{
"pH": 3.7,
"ingredients": [
{ "name": "Retinol", "percentage": 0.3 },
{ "name": "Niacinamide", "percentage": 5 }
],
"delivery": "encapsulated",
"customThresholds": {
"Azelaic Acid": 10
}
}The threshold override object is optional. If omitted, SSS uses its standard internal coverage table for the ingredients listed below.
Access design
The evaluation flow is intentionally controlled. Users request their key by email, receive the same credential on future requests, and use that key to unlock the scoring workspace.
Complimentary access is limited to one formula screen per key. The same key can then be upgraded into paid access without reissuing credentials.
Standard threshold coverage
These are the built-in SSS tolerance values available when a team chooses to use the system default table instead of custom thresholds.
FAQ
What is SSS actually measuring?
SSS is a rules-based formula screening score. It estimates irritation pressure from three signals: pH stress, the strongest active burden, and delivery format.
Does SSS replace safety, patch, or clinical testing?
No. SSS is designed as a formulation-screening and communication layer, not as a replacement for formal safety, regulatory, or clinical programs.
Who is it for?
Founder-led beauty teams can use it to sharpen launch positioning, while enterprise groups can use it to compare products and align decisions across R&D, regulatory, and commercial teams.
Can the threshold table be customised?
Yes. SSS ships with a built-in threshold table for its standard covered ingredients, and the dashboard now allows optional custom threshold overrides when teams want to model a proprietary tolerance framework.
Source notes
The strategic framing on this page comes from the SSS pitch deck. The scientific claims below point to the external literature used to explain why pH, active burden, and delivery are reasonable screening inputs.
Hachem et al. — pH directly regulates epidermal permeability barrier homeostasis, and stratum corneum integrity/cohesion
Foundational experimental evidence that discrete pH shifts affect barrier homeostasis and stratum corneum integrity.
Schmid-Wendtner and Korting — The pH of the skin surface and its impact on the barrier function
Classic acid-mantle review explaining why skin surface acidity matters to barrier function and antimicrobial defense.
Culp et al. — Tolerability of Topical Retinoids: Are There Clinically Meaningful Differences Among Topical Retinoids?
Review showing tolerability varies with retinoid, vehicle, concentration, and skin type.
Babilas et al. — Cosmetic and dermatologic use of alpha hydroxy acids
Review describing AHA performance and tolerability as concentration-dependent.
Shields et al. — Encapsulation and controlled release of retinol from silicone particles for topical delivery
Peer-reviewed work showing controlled delivery can improve retinol stability and reduce irritation.