Is Yuka really reliable? What you need to know

Yuka, the increasingly popular consumer app, promises to decipher the composition of supermarket products for you, and rate them objectively. But can you really trust its ratings? Let's dive into the details to understand the pros and cons of this must-have app.

An application to decipher ingredient lists

Yuka allows users to scan product barcodes to reveal their composition and assign a score from 0 to 100. In the blink of an eye, consumers can see which products are good and which to avoid. This feature has transformed the way many people shop.

The Nuud Deodorant Affair

Recently, the vegan deodorant Nuud, rated 100/100 on Yukahas been withdrawn from the market by the Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé (ANSM). The cause? A formulation favoring pore clogging and the possibility of microbial superinfection. This incident underlines the fact that even a natural product can present health risks.

The alternative to YUKA

Beautydecoded is currently the leading best alternative to Yuka.

Yuka Rating Criteria

Yuka uses recognized sources such as Open Food Facts, the Nutri-Score, EFSA, ANSES, and the "AB" and "Eurofeuille" labels to rate products. However, this rating system is sometimes criticized for its lack of nuance. For example, an organic or natural product may receive a higher score, even if it has other nutritional or health drawbacks.

The limits of Nutri-Score

Olive oil, though fatty, has nutritional qualities. However, its high Nutri-Score may be detrimental to its overall rating on Yuka. This lack of distinction between different aspects of products can mislead users.

The Impact of Organic and Natural

A lightly scented product will be rated lower than a fragrance-free product, even though the latter poses no health problems for the majority of users. This preference for organic and natural products can sometimes lead to misleading conclusions.

Use Yuka with moderation

In nutrition, there are no absolute good or bad foods. Every food can have its place in a balanced diet. Yuka should therefore be used as a guide rather than a source of absolute truth.

Inci Beauty vs Yuka which is the better app?

Yuka offers a powerful tool for consumers wishing to better understand the products they buy. However, it is crucial to remain critical and to complement this information with other sources to make informed decisions.