Scoring explainer
How the Yuka score works
Yuka publishes different methods for food and cosmetics. Food ratings combine nutritional quality, additives and organic certification. Cosmetic ratings start from the highest-risk ingredient and then use the remaining ingredients to determine the score within that band.
Research checked September 7, 2026. This page provides general information and does not offer medical or dietary advice.
Food score
- 60% nutritional quality, based on the Nutri-Score method.
- 30% presence of additives, using Yuka's editorial risk classifications.
- 10% organic certification bonus.
- A product containing an additive Yuka classifies as high risk is capped at 49/100.
Cosmetic score
Yuka assigns cosmetic ingredients to high, moderate, low or no-risk categories. The highest-risk ingredient determines the product's score band. Yuka states that its method evaluates ingredients but not product effectiveness, and its terms note that exact ingredient quantity is not generally incorporated.
Why two apps may disagree
An app can choose different evidence thresholds, precautionary rules, category exceptions and ways to handle missing concentration. Two calculations can both be internally consistent while expressing different editorial judgments.
Questions, answered
Is the Yuka score the same as Nutri-Score?
No. Nutri-Score contributes to Yuka's food rating, but Yuka also incorporates additive classifications and an organic component.
Do brands pay for higher Yuka scores?
Yuka says brands cannot influence its scores or recommendations and that its revenue comes from users rather than brands.
Does a cosmetic score measure effectiveness?
No. Yuka's published terms state that its cosmetic method evaluates ingredients and does not evaluate product effectiveness.