Methodology v3.0
The SAFE Scoring Methodology
A rigorous, transparent framework for evaluating femtech products across four weighted dimensions.
Created by Bethany Corbin, femtech advocate and author.
Each femtech product reviewed receives a SAFE Score from 0 to 100, based on four dimensions: Security & Privacy, Accuracy, Foundation, and Equity. We review publicly available information including research publications, regulatory filings, company websites, app store descriptions, marketing materials, and privacy policies.
Product Classification
Before scoring, every product is classified as either Medical or Wellness. In v3.0, this classification no longer affects the scoring weights — the same formula applies to both. However, classification still matters for how sub-criteria are interpreted, particularly in the Accuracy dimension.
A product is Medical if any of the following are true:
- ✓Has FDA clearance, approval, or equivalent
- ✓Makes diagnostic, prognostic, or treatment claims
- ✓Marketed as a medical device or digital therapeutic
- ✓Requires a prescription or clinical referral
A product is Wellness if:
- ✓Does not make clinical or diagnostic claims
- ✓Positioned as general health, tracking, or education
- ✓Available directly to consumers without clinical gatekeeping
- ✓E.g. period trackers, health education platforms, wellness wearables
Edge cases: When a product has both wellness and medical features, classify based on the primary marketed use case. When in doubt, classify as Medical — the higher standard protects users.
Unified Scoring Formula
As of v3.0, all products — Medical and Wellness — are scored using the same dimension weights. The weights reflect the dimensions that matter most to consumers regardless of product type. Each dimension is scored on a raw scale of 0 to 25 using the sub-criteria below, then converted to weighted scores.
| Dimension | Weight | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| S — Security & Privacy | 35% | Always high — core to brand promise and consumer trust |
| A — Accuracy | 35% | Critical for clinical claims; still essential for wellness products making health representations |
| F — Foundation | 15% | Matters for trust but not the primary consumer deciding factor |
| E — Equity | 15% | Important across all product types; scored with context for each |
Formula
SAFE Score = (S × 1.40) + (A × 1.40) + (F × 0.60) + (E × 0.60)
Maximum score check: (25 × 1.40) + (25 × 1.40) + (25 × 0.60) + (25 × 0.60) = 35 + 35 + 15 + 15 = 100
A multiplier of 1.00 means the dimension contributes exactly 25% of the total. A multiplier of 1.40 means the dimension is weighted 35% (25 × 1.40 = 35 max points).
Dimension Sub-Criteria & Point Values
Each dimension is scored out of 25 raw points distributed across specific, observable sub-criteria. For each sub-criterion: full points = clear, strong evidence; partial points = some evidence with gaps; zero points = no evidence or significant problems.
S — Security & Privacy (0–25 raw points)
How well does the product protect user data?
A — Accuracy (0–25 raw points)
Are health claims supported by evidence and appropriate regulatory status?
F — Foundation (0–25 raw points)
Is the company credible, transparent, and mission-aligned?
E — Equity (0–25 raw points)
Does the product intentionally serve diverse users and advance health equity?
Handling Missing Information
Absence of information is not the same as negative information. Missing information means we could not find evidence one way or the other. Negative information means we found evidence of a problem.
| Scenario | How to Score | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Information exists and is positive | Full or partial points based on quality | Clear, specific privacy policy with user controls |
| Information exists and is negative | Zero points or negative | Privacy policy reveals data sold to brokers |
| Information is missing (should exist) | Half the available points, rounded down | No public privacy policy for a health app = 2/5 |
| Information is missing (not expected) | Mark as N/A; redistribute points | Wellness education site with no reason for FDA status |
Every scorecard includes a "What We Couldn't Find" section listing any sub-criteria scored as missing or N/A, with an explanation of what information was sought and where we looked.
Minimum Dimension Thresholds
A high composite score can mask a critical weakness in a single dimension. To prevent this, minimum dimension thresholds apply before a product can receive a positive rating.
Requires 15/25 in every dimension. If any dimension < 15, capped at Good.
SAFE Recommended — a product you can feel confident about.
Requires 10/25 in every dimension. If any dimension < 10, capped at Poor.
Use with awareness — check the dimension breakdown.
No minimum threshold. Score stands as calculated.
Proceed with caution — review the specific concerns before using.
Example: A product scores S=22, A=24, F=20, E=7. The composite calculates to (22×1.40)+(24×1.40)+(20×0.60)+(7×0.60) = 30.8+33.6+12+4.2 = 80.6, which falls in the Excellent range. However, E=7 is below the minimum threshold of 15 for Excellent and also below 10 for Good. The product is therefore capped at Poor despite its high composite. When a cap is applied, the scorecard shows which dimension triggered it.
The SAFE Standard Badge
Products that score 80 or above with no individual dimension below 15/25 earn the "Meets SAFE Standard" designation. This indicates the product has demonstrated strong performance across all four evaluation dimensions.
This is an informational designation based on our standardized evaluation criteria. It reflects the results of the SAFE scoring methodology and is not a product endorsement. Consumers should consider their individual needs when choosing health technology.
Our Review Process
Every evaluation is based on publicly available evidence. We review:
- ✓ Privacy policies and terms of service
- ✓ Published research studies and clinical trials
- ✓ Regulatory filings and approvals (FDA, CE, etc.)
- ✓ Company websites, app store listings, and marketing materials
- ✓ Third-party security assessments and certifications
Score Disputes & Reconsideration
We believe in fairness and accuracy. If a product manufacturer or user believes a score does not accurately reflect a product's current state, we offer a formal reconsideration process.
Submit a Request
Email us at hello@safefemtech.com with the product name, the specific dimension(s) you believe should be reconsidered, and supporting evidence.
Evidence Review
Our team reviews the submitted evidence against the SAFE criteria. We may request additional documentation or clarification.
Decision & Update
If the evidence warrants a score adjustment, we update the scorecard and notify the requester. All decisions are documented for transparency.
Reconsideration requests are typically reviewed within 14 business days. Score adjustments are based solely on evidence — not on the identity of the requester.
100% Independent
The SAFE Standard for Femtech maintains complete independence from product manufacturers. We do not accept payment for reviews, and products cannot buy better scores. All evaluations are based solely on publicly available evidence and our standardized methodology.