Photograph the label
Use a clear, well-lit photo with the complete ingredient list visible.
Mobile app feature
Skincare Ingredient Scanner
Photograph a product label, review recognized ingredients, and compare the formula with your latest visible skin profile and routine context. Results are educational—not a medical safety verdict.
The first skin scan is free. An active subscription is required for additional skin analyses, ongoing progress tracking, skincare routine guidance, and ingredient-label product matching after the free scan or any eligible introductory trial.
Example label
Aqua · Niacinamide · Glycerin · Zinc PCA · Panthenol
Recognized
Ingredient names found on the visible label.
Needs context
Concentrations and personal reactions may be unknown.
How label scanning works
Review recognized text
Confirm the extracted ingredient names; glare, folds, and small print can cause errors.
Read contextual guidance
Compare the recognized list with your recent SkinPal profile and routine—not a diagnosis.
Useful for
- ✓ Reading hard-to-parse ingredient lists
- ✓ Organizing products within a routine
- ✓ Identifying questions to research or ask a professional
Not designed for
- × Diagnosing allergy or skin disease
- × Guaranteeing that a product will not cause a reaction
- × Replacing a dermatologist, allergist, or pharmacist
Ingredient scanner FAQ
What does the ingredient scanner do?
In the SkinPal AI mobile app, you photograph an ingredient label. The feature extracts the visible label text and compares recognized ingredients with your latest SkinPal AI profile and routine context.
Can it determine whether a product is medically safe?
No. It cannot diagnose allergies, predict every reaction, or replace a clinician or pharmacist. Ingredient lists also do not disclose every concentration or manufacturing detail.
Should I patch test a new product?
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends testing a skincare product on a small area before wider use. Follow the product directions and seek professional care for concerning reactions.
Is the scanner available on this website?
No. This page explains the mobile-app feature. Ingredient-label scanning is available through the SkinPal AI app on iPhone and Android with the applicable feature access.
Sources and review method
Last reviewed July 17, 2026. Product facts come from official SkinPal AI documentation and store listings; educational guidance uses primary government or professional-association sources.
- Cosmetics Labeling Guide
U.S. Food and Drug Administration — Official requirements and guidance for cosmetic ingredient declarations.
- CosIng — Cosmetic Ingredients Database
European Commission — Reference database for cosmetic substances and ingredient functions.
- How to test skin care products
American Academy of Dermatology — Consumer guidance on testing a product before wider use.