How We Calculate the Microbiome Health Score
For products with sufficient information, Probya uses a standardized scoring methodology to evaluate available ingredient information in light of published research relating to the intimate microbiome. The Microbiome Health Score is designed to help users understand available ingredient-level evidence. It is an educational research tool and is not a medical assessment, safety certification, or recommendation to use or avoid a particular product.
One score. Three clear answers.
We normalize every product to a 0–100 scale so you can compare anything — a wash, a wipe, a cup — at a glance.
Evidence of ConcernContains ingredients with documented potential to disrupt the feminine microbiome or irritate intimate skin.
Mixed EvidenceContains ingredients with mixed evidence or mild concerns. Fine for many, worth watching if you're sensitive.
Favorable EvidenceFormulated with ingredients that support or respect your intimate ecosystem.
Evidence of ConcernContains ingredients with documented potential to disrupt the feminine microbiome or irritate intimate skin.
Mixed EvidenceContains ingredients with mixed evidence or mild concerns. Fine for many, worth watching if you're sensitive.
Favorable EvidenceFormulated with ingredients that support or respect your intimate ecosystem.
Every ingredient earns its score.
Each ingredient is rated on a five-point impact scale based on published research about its effect on Lactobacillus — the beneficial bacteria that keep your intimate ecosystem balanced.
-2
Greater Potential Concern
Documented Lactobacillus suppressors, harsh surfactants, or known irritants.
Alcohol-1
Some Potential Concern
Limited intimate-health evidence or mild antimicrobial activity.
Synthetic preservatives0
Neutral
Well-tolerated with no meaningful microbiome effect.
Glycerin-free thickeners+1
Favorable Evidence
Supports healthy pH or soothes intimate skin.
Aloe vera+2
Stronger Favorable Evidence
Directly supports Lactobacillus.
Lactic acid-2
Greater Potential Concern
Documented Lactobacillus suppressors, harsh surfactants, or known irritants.
Alcohol-1
Some Potential Concern
Limited intimate-health evidence or mild antimicrobial activity.
Synthetic preservatives0
Neutral
Well-tolerated with no meaningful microbiome effect.
Glycerin-free thickeners+1
Favorable Evidence
Supports healthy pH or soothes intimate skin.
Aloe vera+2
Stronger Favorable Evidence
Directly supports Lactobacillus.
Lactic acidYour product’s final score is calculated from the impact scores of everything on its ingredient list.
B
How Ingredients Are Evaluated
Probya evaluates available evidence concerning each ingredient, including the relevance and directness of the research to the intimate-health context. Evidence may include direct human research, other relevant human evidence, and, where appropriate, indirect laboratory or non-human evidence. The strength, context, and limitations of the evidence are considered when an ingredient classification is assigned.
C
AI-Assisted Research and Human Scientific Review
Probya uses technology-assisted research tools, including artificial intelligence, to assist in evaluating published ingredient research and generating preliminary ingredient classifications, impact scores, and summaries. These outputs are subject to an ongoing human scientific review process using Probya's scientific evidence framework. Not every ingredient has completed human scientific review. Where a completed human scientific review differs from an automated assessment, the human-reviewed determination controls.
D
When the Evidence Is Limited
Probya does not treat missing or insufficient evidence as proof that an ingredient is safe, beneficial, harmful, or neutral. "Insufficient Relevant Evidence" means published information exists but does not support a reliable directional conclusion for the evaluated context. "No Published Research" means Probya has not identified relevant published research for the ingredient in that context. Ingredients in either category do not receive a directional impact score.
E
Ingredient-Level Evidence vs. Finished Products
Probya's methodology primarily evaluates ingredient-level information. Research concerning an individual ingredient does not necessarily establish the clinical effect, safety, or performance of a finished product. Formulation, concentration, exposure, product use, and individual response may affect real-world outcomes.
F
Research References
Where Probya identifies a relevant published source, the Application may provide or link to the citation. The availability of a citation does not mean that every ingredient or product has been clinically studied, and the absence of an identified source does not establish safety or harm.
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