Help center/Scanning cosmetics
Guides

Capture flawless cosmetic scans

Follow these steps to help Zeta decode INCI lists, halal/vegan badges, and micro print even on reflective packaging.

Step-by-step

1. Prep the product

Clean the label and flatten any curves. Peel back sleeves if possible so the ingredient list is visible.

2. Use natural light

Point the label toward a window or soft lamp. Avoid overhead glare—matte light makes INCI text easier for OCR.

3. Scan slowly

Hold the camera 15cm away, align the barcode or ingredient box in the guide, and wait for the haptic vibration.

4. Confirm the match

If Zeta surfaces multiple variants, tap “Verify ingredients” to photograph the full list for human review.

Troubleshooting

Barcode not recognized

Tap “Manual search” and type the brand + product. Upload the ingredient photos so our moderators can attach the correct UPC.

Tip: This helps future scans too!

Glare or reflective packaging

Switch to text scanning mode. Place the product on a dark cloth, tilt 45°, and use the flash diffused through thin paper.

Tip: Try the in-app “steady mode” toggle for glass bottles.

Language mismatch

We support Arabic, French, English, Bahasa, and Spanish. For other languages, submit photos and select “Need translation.”

Tip: Volunteer translators respond within 12 hours.

FAQ

Still curious?

Do I need to scan every side of the box?

Yes—front, ingredient panel, and certification seals. Use the + button to add multiple angles so moderators can confirm halal/vegan claims.

How long until cosmetic scores update?

Instant provisional verdicts appear within 4 seconds. Human review and dermatologist notes land within 24 hours if additional proof is required.

Will brands see my scans?

No. We anonymize every scan before sharing aggregated data. Only Zeta moderators can view your raw uploads.

Need eyes on a tricky label?

Moderators answer in under 2 hours.

Upload your scan inside the app, then ping us with the reference ID. Dermatologists and halal reviewers will reply right inside your history thread.

Last updated May 2025 by the Cosmetic Safety team.