Accessibility

Our Accessibility Philosophy

Accessibility at CleanFormulation extends beyond visual design or assistive technology support. It also includes intellectual accessibility: presenting formulation and ingredient information in ways that are understandable to non-specialists without oversimplifying the evidence.

Many ingredient disclosures and technical datasets are written for chemists or regulators. Our work focuses on translating that information into structured, plain-language explanations while preserving scientific context, limitations, and uncertainty.

Website Accessibility Standards

CleanFormulation is designed to align with the principles of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA, emphasizing content that is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.

• Use of semantic HTML5 elements (<header>, <main>, <article>, <section>, <footer>) for structural clarity.
• Descriptive alt attributes for images with educational or contextual relevance.
• Text contrast levels designed for readability across light and dark environments.
• Full keyboard navigation support without reliance on a mouse.
• Appropriate use of ARIA attributes for assistive technology compatibility.
• Logical heading hierarchy to support screen readers and reading flow.

Real-World Accessibility Improvements

Over recent development cycles, CleanFormulation reviewed multiple pages and layouts to improve assistive usability. Examples include:

• Ingredient Library (Beta): Earlier versions relied heavily on visual indicators to distinguish information categories. These were supplemented with text-based labels so meaning is not conveyed through color alone.
• Comparison Tables: Tables were rebuilt using semantic HTML (<th>, scope) to improve screen-reader interpretation.
• Mobile Navigation: Touch targets and spacing were adjusted to improve usability for users with motor or precision limitations.
• Contrast Review: Dark-mode and low-contrast scenarios were reviewed using assistive-technology simulations and user feedback.

Accessible Research and Ingredient Data

Accessibility also includes comprehension. Ingredient entries in the Ingredients Library are written to support readers without formal chemistry training while remaining grounded in verifiable sources.

• Both scientific and commonly used ingredient names are presented where applicable.
• Plain-language summaries explain what evidence exists and where limitations remain.
• Pronunciation guidance is included for complex ingredient names when helpful.
• Descriptive information is clearly separated from interpretation.
• No medical, diagnostic, or usage recommendations are provided.

Our Accessibility Roadmap (2025–2027)

Accessibility is treated as an evolving part of the project’s research integrity. Planned initiatives include:

1. 2025 Q1: Expanded automated testing combined with manual review.
2. 2025 Q2: Optional reduced-motion and simplified-layout modes.
3. 2025 Q3: Downloadable ingredient summaries formatted for accessible PDF reading.
4. 2026: Gradual multilingual support for selected ingredient entries.
5. 2027: Periodic review by an external advisory group.

A Reflection from the Founder

"When I started CleanFormulation, I noticed that formulation science was often communicated for laboratories rather than everyday readers. My goal has been to present that science in formats people can access, language they can follow, and structures that respect different ways of reading and understanding. Transparency includes accessibility: not only what information is shared, but how it is made usable."

Rifat Jalal, Founder & Independent Ingredient Researcher, CleanFormulation

Continuous Improvement & Feedback

Accessibility evolves alongside technology and user needs, within the boundaries defined by CleanFormulation’s terms of use. CleanFormulation maintains internal review cycles that include automated checks, structural reviews, and user feedback, in line with its privacy policy.

Our Vision of Inclusivity

Accessibility is about reducing barriers between evidence and understanding. Whether content is accessed through a screen reader, translation tool, simplified layout, or standard browser view, the goal is respectful and informed engagement.

For CleanFormulation, accessibility is part of responsible research communication: not a checkbox, but an ongoing commitment.