Sources, review, and corrections.

Follow the source

We link to the original document behind a factual claim wherever possible. A scientific definition, agency announcement, supplier document, and product study support different kinds of statements. We identify the source and its scope so readers can assess that distinction.

An ingredient study does not by itself establish the performance of every finished product that contains it. Illustrations are labeled as conceptual when they are not measurements. Practical writing examples are identified as examples.

Credit the work

Articles identify their author or publication credit. Named contributors have a profile explaining their relevant background. A reviewer credit is added only after that person has reviewed the piece; it includes the review date. Publication, revision, and review dates describe separate events.

Guest contributors can choose a public byline and contributor page listing their articles, or publication without their name under the Cosmetic Affairs Editorial credit. Guest articles must be original human work and may not promote companies, brands, products, or services. Entirely AI-generated submissions are not accepted. See our guest contribution guidelines for submission details and attribution choices.

Read regulatory documents in context

Regulatory briefings retain the jurisdiction, issuing authority, document status, original source date, source links, and the date those sources were checked. Draft guidance, scientific opinions, consultations, and binding legislation keep their original status labels.

We distinguish adoption, publication, application, and transition dates. A passed deadline stays labeled as passed. Great Britain coverage is not presented as covering Northern Ireland. A source-check date changes only after the documents have actually been reviewed.

Recognize paid content

Paid stories carry a Sponsored label and name the partner before the article begins. The same attribution appears in story previews, search results, and RSS summaries. The Sponsored topic collects these stories.

An editorial article may also include a clearly labeled sponsored resource. These short placements are separate from the article text and identify the paying partner. A sponsored resource does not make the surrounding article a sponsored story or imply an editorial endorsement of its claims. Paid links are marked as sponsored.

Keep changes visible

Substantive revisions display an updated date. Corrections identify the changed statement, explain the correction, and carry a date. Minor spelling and formatting changes do not imply a new scientific or regulatory review.

Send corrections or questions to info@cosmeticaffairs.com. A useful correction request includes the article link, the statement in question, and a supporting primary source if available.

Be open about AI

Our articles are written by humans and may be edited with AI assistance. People retain editorial responsibility for the final text. AI output is not a source or an expert review. AI-generated illustrations are labeled in their captions and are not presented as photographs or scientific evidence.

Our transparency page explains these practices, our approach to disclosure, and the values behind our work.

Read with the right scope

Our explainers and source briefings support learning and source reading. Facility procedures, product-specific assessments, and regulatory decisions require their own evidence and appropriate professional review.