Think Dirty App Review: What It Is, Why It Matters, and If It’s Worth Using

In today’s world of “clean beauty” and “non-toxic living,” it can be tough to separate meaningful ingredients from marketing buzzwords. I don’t know about you but I don’t even understand in most cases what the names of ingredients mean. That’s where the Think Dirty app comes in — a tool designed to help you decode what’s really in your personal care products.

What Is the Think Dirty App?

Think Dirty is a free mobile app (available on iOS and Android) that lets you scan barcodes of cosmetics, skincare, hair products, baby products and more to see how “clean” they are. It gives each product a score from 0 (cleanest) to 10 (dirtiest) based on the safety of its ingredients.

Rather than relying on vague labels like “natural” or “organic,” Think Dirty digs into the science — cross-referencing product ingredients with research from regulatory and health organizations. The app is especially helpful if you’re trying to avoid known irritants, hormone disruptors, allergens, or carcinogens.

How It Works

• Scan or search: Use your phone’s camera or QR scanner to scan a product’s barcode, or manually search by brand or name.
• Get a score: Products receive a rating from 0 to 10 based on the potential health impact of their ingredients.
• See the breakdown: Each ingredient is color-coded — green (clean), yellow (moderate), or red (potentially toxic) — with an explanation of the associated health concerns.
• Explore alternatives: The app suggests cleaner options if a product rates poorly.

If a product isn’t in the database, you can submit it for review — which they’ll usually add after processing.

Why It’s Useful

1. Cuts through greenwashing: Many products marketed as “natural” still contain synthetic or harmful chemicals. Think Dirty lets you check what’s really inside.
2. Saves time: No need to memorize ingredient lists or search every label on Google. One scan does it all.
3. Empowers change: If you’re trying to swap out conventional products for cleaner ones, this app can guide your transition.
4. Educates without overwhelming: Ingredient descriptions are written in clear language, making it accessible even for non-scientists.

Is It Really Free?

No — Think Dirty is free to download. There is a free week trial to see how the app works. This is what I did. There are various options of subscription available starting from 2.19 euro per week, 4.39 euro per month. Premium subscription unlocks:

• Detailed ingredient breakdowns with health impact breakdown, warnings, and ratings.
• Curated clean product lists.
• Ingredient lookup tools.
• Personalized filters (e.g. allergens).
• Priority submission of unrated products.
• Advanced list features and product tracking.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Not all products are listed: Especially newer or niche brands. But the database is growing, and you can help expand it by submitting unlisted items.
• Ratings may differ from other sources: Ingredient safety can be subjective. While Think Dirty is thorough, it’s always good to cross-reference if you’re unsure.
• Focus is on health impact, not sustainability: If you’re looking for info on packaging, environmental impact, or cruelty-free status, you may need to supplement with other tools (like EWG or Leaping Bunny).

If you’ve ever stood in an aisle wondering, “Is this actually safe to use?”, Think Dirty can take the guesswork out. It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s one of the most user-friendly tools for navigating ingredient labels in real time.