StratumSift Tool

StratumSift

Helps users to identify which cleanser types are unsuitable for their skin type.

1. What is your skin type?

Formula Auditor: The "Rule of 3"

Check your bottle: the first 3 ingredients after water represent ~80% of the formula.

Ingredient #1
Ingredient #2
Ingredient #3

Clinical Observations

Contextual Conflicts

Local Environment

60s

The 60-Second Principle

Surfactants need 60s to emulsify pollutants properly. Rushing the wash often leads to "over-washing" with harsher chemicals later.

Your Analysis Results

Surfactant Micelle Architecture

Diagram Explanation

Cleansers create Micelles. The "Hydrophilic Heads" (green) face water, while the "Lipophilic Tails" (black) grab oil. When they are too concentrated (High ASM), they penetrate the skin barrier and dissolve your natural, healthy oils.

Stratum Corneum Matrix

Diagram Explanation

Skin is like a "Wall". The Bricks are skin cells, and the Mortar is the Lipid Matrix (healthy fats). Harsh cleansers destroy the "Mortar," which allows internal water to escape (TEWL) and lets irritants enter more easily.

Enzymatic pH Gradient Threshold

Diagram Explanation

Research shows that skin repair enzymes work best only when surface pH is near 5.5. Alkaline bar soaps (pH 10+) temporarily "inactivate" these enzymes for 6–8 hours, stopping your skin from repairing its own barrier during that time.

Medical Disclaimer: This tool is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a dermatologist or qualified healthcare professional before starting new treatments or if you have persistent skin concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

StratumSift is a diagnostic framework designed to identify chemical conflicts between facial cleanser formulas and your specific skin barrier status. It uses your reported clinical signs and active skincare routine to determine which surfactant systems are most likely to cause damage.

Skincare ingredients are listed by concentration. In most facial cleansers, the first three ingredients after water typically account for 80-90% of the active cleaning power. By identifying these, the tool can predict how aggressive or gentle a formula will be on your skin.

Surfactants need time to properly encapsulate and emulsify urban pollutants and excess sebum. Rushing the wash often leads to incomplete cleaning, which tempts users to use harsher scrubs or multiple washes—both of which are destructive to the skin barrier.

No. StratumSift operates as a privacy-first tool. All calculations are performed within your browser session and are not uploaded to a database. Once you close or refresh the page, your specific diagnostic data is cleared.