Understanding Verification

Answers to common questions about skincare ingredient-claim verification.

Learn what the TSB Verified™ mark means, how eligible claims are reviewed, what documentation may be required, and what verification does.

The Skincare Bureau™ independently reviews the documentation supporting eligible skincare ingredient claims. Verified claims must meet applicable published TSB standards.
Verification means the product’s eligible ingredient claims are supported by documentation, and its labeling and marketing accurately reflect the claims reviewed.
We verify eligible claims related to ingredient sourcing, processing methods, and ingredient identity or attributes, such as organic, wildcrafted, cold-pressed, vegan, non-GMO, and plant-derived. Each claim must be supported by appropriate documentation.
The Skincare Bureau focuses specifically on the documentation behind ingredient claims. Rather than rating or approving the product as a whole, we verify whether eligible claims are supported and accurately reflected in its labeling and marketing.
We review documents relevant to the claim, including INCI lists, supplier declarations, certifications, specifications, COAs, sourcing or processing records, and current product labeling and marketing materials.
Yes. Product information and supporting documents are protected under a confidentiality agreement and used only for verification. Only approved details included in the public verification record are made public.
The verification review fee is $299 per product. Licensing fees are separate and apply only after a product is approved to use the TSB Verified™ mark.
If a product cannot be verified, we identify which claims were not supported and what information is missing. The brand may provide additional documentation or revise or remove the unsupported claims before approval.
No. The verification fee is non-refundable once review has begun, as it covers the time and resources required to evaluate documentation and claims. Submission does not guarantee approval.
The Verified Directory is a public record of TSB Verified™ products, including the brand, product, claims reviewed, and current verification status.
No. The Skincare Bureau is an independent third-party verification organization, not a government or regulatory agency. TSB verification does not replace regulatory compliance or constitute regulatory approval.
Verification is for skincare brands of all sizes that make eligible ingredient claims and can provide documentation to support them.
Application review typically takes 7–10 days. Once accepted and complete documentation is submitted, product verification generally takes 2–3 weeks, depending on documentation completeness and claim complexity.
The TSB Verified™ mark may be used on approved product packaging, product pages, websites, and marketing materials. When displayed on a brand homepage, it must clearly identify the specific verified product or products and must not imply brand-wide verification.
If your formula changes, you must notify The Skincare Bureau and provide updated product information. Changes affecting a verified claim may require additional documentation or re-review before continued use of the TSB Verified™ mark.
Yes. We provide guidance on documentation requirements, claim eligibility, and any information needed to complete the review. Guidance does not guarantee verification or replace legal, regulatory, or formulation advice.
We can help identify what to request from your supplier. If sufficient documentation cannot be obtained, the related claim may need to be revised or removed before the product can be verified.

Supplier statements alone are not sufficient for verification. If an ingredient is represented as organic, documentation must support that claim. This may include third-party organic certification or other records that substantiate organic status.
Verification confirms whether documentation supports an organic claim. The Skincare Bureau™ does not certify organic ingredients and does not replace third-party organic certification bodies.
If an organic claim cannot be supported by documentation, it may need to be removed or revised for verification purposes. Brands receive guidance outlining where documentation is missing or unclear.

Verification ensures that what is communicated publicly aligns with what can be supported behind the label.
Documentation provides evidence that an ingredient claim is accurate and supportable. It helps ensure that product labeling and marketing are consistent with the information behind the claim.
We focus on transparency, not ingredient bans. Unless an ingredient is formally restricted or prohibited by regulatory authorities, our role is to verify documentation and disclosure—so consumers can make informed decisions for themselves.

A document that reports the test results and specifications for a specific ingredient or product batch. A COA may help confirm identity, purity, composition, and compliance with stated quality requirements.
A standardized naming system used to identify cosmetic ingredients on product labels. INCI names help ensure ingredients are listed consistently across brands and markets.
An industry organization that publishes safety standards and usage guidelines for fragrance ingredients. Suppliers may provide an IFRA certificate showing the maximum recommended fragrance level for different product categories.
A document that outlines a material’s hazards, safe handling, storage, protective measures, first aid, and emergency response information.

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Understanding Verification

Answers to common questions about skincare ingredient-claim verification.

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