Frequently Asked Questions

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 claims about skincare ingredient origin, sourcing, production, processing, certification, and identity.
No. Verification applies only to the specific product and eligible ingredient claims identified and reviewed. TSB Verified™ does not constitute approval of the entire formula.
No. TSB Verified™ is not a product-safety certification, clinical evaluation, efficacy test, or regulatory approval.
No. Brands determine what they formulate and manufacture. TSB does not prescribe formulations, rate ingredients, or place products into good-or-bad categories.
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.
Depending on the ingredient and claim, documentation may include supplier records, applicable certifications, specification sheets, processing records, sourcing information, producer documentation, ingredient declarations, attestations, or other credible supporting records.
No. Different claims may require different forms and combinations of documentation. TSB evaluates the support applicable to the particular claim under review.
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, brand websites, and marketing materials. When displayed on a homepage, collection page, or other general brand page, 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.

Have Additional Questions?

Have a question about an ingredient claim or TSB Verified™? Reach out to us and we’ll be happy to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about skincare ingredient-claim verification.

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