Methodology
RiskScore Rating System
How to read scores, colors, and risk labels
RiskScore is designed to translate complex laboratory test data into a clear, visual risk signal that is easy to understand at a glance, while remaining grounded in objective measurements.
Each product is evaluated using independent laboratory tests and assigned a numerical risk score, which is then converted into a letter grade, label, and color for clarity.
Numerical Risk Score (0–10)
Every tested product receives a risk score between 0 and 10, where:
10 = Lowest Risk
Safest observed outcomes
0 = Highest Risk
Most concerning outcomes
Higher scores indicate safer, more reliable test outcomes. Lower scores indicate elevated risk, inconsistencies, or quality concerns based on available data.
Rating Grades, Labels, and Colors
To make scores easier to interpret, RiskScore maps numerical values into five standardized rating grades, each with a descriptive label and color.
| Grade | Label | Score Range | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | GREAT | ≥ 7.0 | Very low observed risk. Results are consistently strong across tests. |
| B | GOOD | 6.0 – 6.9 | Low risk with minor variations. Generally reliable. |
| C | OKAY | 5.0 – 5.9 | Moderate risk. Acceptable but warrants caution. |
| D | POOR | 4.0 – 4.9 | Elevated risk. Quality or consistency concerns detected. |
| E | BAD | < 3.90.1 | High risk. Significant issues detected in testing. |
Colors are intentionally intuitive: Green = safer, Yellow = caution, Red = higher risk.
See It In Action
Here's how different numerical scores translate into visual ratings:
Score
9.2
Score
7.5
Score
6.3
Score
5.1
Score
4.2
Score
3.1
What the Color Gradient Means
In some views, RiskScore displays a color gradient instead of a single color. This gradient represents a range of observed outcomes, such as:
- Minimum vs. maximum test score
- Variability across multiple tests
- Confidence spread over time
A–B range indicates stable, reliable results with low variability.
A–E range indicates high variability and greater uncertainty.
Average, Minimum, and Maximum Scores
For products with multiple tests, RiskScore displays:
Average Score
Overall risk level across all tests
Minimum Score
Worst observed outcome
Maximum Score
Best observed outcome
This helps users distinguish between products that are consistently safe vs. those with mixed or unstable results.
Number of Tests & Confidence
RiskScore always shows how many independent tests contribute to a score.
More tests = Higher confidence
Reliable, well-documented rating
Fewer tests = Greater uncertainty
Rating may change with more data
Products with very limited data may be displayed as UNRATED until sufficient evidence is available.
What RiskScore Is — and Is Not
RiskScore is designed to support informed decision-making, not to provide medical, legal, or professional advice.
- Independent, data-driven analysis
- Transparent scoring logic
- Objective laboratory test results
- Clear visual risk communication
- Medical diagnosis or advice
- Product endorsements or recommendations
- Sell products or compounds
- Accept payment to modify ratings
All results reflect only the tested samples and may not represent every batch or production run.
Why Transparency Matters
RiskScore is committed to:
Publishing clear scoring logic
Open methodology, no black boxes
Showing all available test data
Full history, not just averages
Updating when data changes
Ratings evolve with evidence
Our methodology may evolve as testing standards improve. When it does, scores are reviewed and updated to maintain accuracy and consistency.
Ready to explore?
Browse products, brands, and categories to see RiskScore ratings in action.
Last updated: Methodology aligned with current RiskScore rating logic. Future updates will be documented publicly.
Just To Be Clear
This web site is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or professional services. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.