Are KilgourMD products clean?Updated 2 days ago

What does “clean” mean at KilgourMD? You may see apps or websites rate cosmetic products as “clean” or “not clean.” While these tools can be helpful for ingredient awareness, it’s important to know that there is no legal, regulatory, or scientific definition of the word “clean” in cosmetics.

At KilgourMD, we take a different—and more rigorous—approach. Our dermatologist-grade definition of “clean”. For us, clean means safe, evidence-based, and appropriate for long-term scalp health, not simply whether an ingredient sounds good or bad in isolation. Our promise is built on five core principles:

1. Dermatologist-grade, clinically informed formulas

Every KilgourMD product is developed by board-certified dermatologist Dr. James Kilgour using peer-reviewed science, clinical data, and real-world patient experience. We evaluate ingredients based on:

• Skin and scalp safety at real-world concentrations
• Clinical performance
• Long-term tolerability—not just short-term trends

2. Evidence over fear-based ingredient lists

Some rating apps rely heavily on:

• User-submitted ingredient data
• Broad hazard classifications
• Ingredient “flags” without considering formulation, dosage, or route of exposure

This can lead to false alarms, especially for ingredients that are:

• Safe at cosmetic concentrations
• Supported by decades of dermatologic use
• Necessary for product stability, safety, or performance

We don’t formulate to satisfy an algorithm—we formulate to protect your scalp.

3. Thoughtful exclusions (without compromise)

We intentionally exclude ingredients that are outdated, overly harsh, or unnecessary, especially when safer, modern alternatives exist. This includes avoiding:

• Aggressive scalp irritants
• Obsolete actives with poor tolerability
• Ingredients that disrupt the scalp barrier or microbiome

At the same time, we do not automatically exclude ingredients that are safe, well-studied, and beneficial simply because they’re misunderstood online.

4. Scalp-first, microbiome-aware formulation

Hair grows from skin—so scalp health comes first. Our products are designed to:

• Support the scalp barrier
• Maintain a healthy scalp microbiome
• Reduce inflammation without over-stripping

This approach often differs from “clean beauty” trends, which can unintentionally damage the scalp by removing too much, too often.

5. Safety, compliance, and transparency

All KilgourMD products are:

• Manufactured in the U.S. by regulated facilities
• Compliant with U.S. and international cosmetic safety standards
• Reviewed for ingredient safety, stability, and performance

The bottom line

“Clean” should not mean fear-based, trend-driven, or algorithm-approved.

At KilgourMD, clean means:

• Dermatologist-led
• Evidence-based
• Safe for long-term scalp use
• Designed to actually work

If you’re ever unsure about an ingredient rating you’ve seen elsewhere, reach out—we’re always happy to explain why something is in our formulas and how it supports scalp health.