Privacy Policy

MelaninWise is a United States-based informational website about undertone matching, foundation depth, and how formulas behave on melanin-rich skin. This Privacy Policy explains what information is collected when you visit this site, how it is used, and the choices available to you. By using the site, you agree to this policy.

Information We Collect

Reading our guides does not require an account, and we do not ask you for your name, address, or payment details. Most of what we collect is technical and aggregated.

Analytics data. We use analytics tools to understand how readers find and move through the site. These tools may record pages viewed, time on page, referring URLs, approximate location derived from IP address, browser type, device type, operating system, and screen size. This information is reported in aggregate and is not intended to identify you personally.

Cookies and similar technologies. Cookies are small text files placed on your device. We use them for basic site function, for analytics, and, where advertising is served, for ad delivery and measurement. You can block or delete cookies through your browser settings, though some parts of the site may not work as intended.

Log files. Like most websites, our servers may automatically log IP addresses, browser user agents, timestamps, and requested pages. These logs help us diagnose errors, prevent abuse, and maintain security.

Email. If you write to us, we receive your email address and whatever you choose to include in your message.

How We Use Information

Collected data is used to operate and improve the site, understand which guides are useful, respond to messages you send, detect spam and abuse, and meet legal obligations. We do not sell your personal information, and we do not rent or trade email addresses.

Google AdSense and Third-Party Advertising

MelaninWise may display advertising served by Google AdSense and other third-party partners. Google, as a third-party vendor, uses cookies to serve ads on this site. Google's use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads to you based on your visits to this site and other sites on the internet.

Third-party vendors and ad networks may also place and read cookies, web beacons, or similar identifiers on your browser to collect information about your activity on this and other websites in order to provide interest-based advertising and measure ad performance. We do not control these third-party technologies, and their use of your data is governed by their own privacy policies.

Opting Out of Personalized Advertising

You can control interest-based advertising in several ways. To manage or turn off Google's personalized ads, visit https://adssettings.google.com. To opt out of personalized advertising from many participating companies in the United States, visit https://optout.aboutads.info. You may also adjust cookie settings in your browser or use the advertising settings on your mobile device. Opting out does not stop ads from appearing; it means the ads you see are less likely to be based on your browsing behavior.

Third-Party Privacy Policies

We encourage you to review the privacy policies of the services that may collect data through this site. Google's privacy policy is available at https://policies.google.com/privacy, and information about how Google uses data from partner sites is at https://policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites. This site also links to other websites; we are not responsible for their content or privacy practices.

Children's Privacy

MelaninWise is intended for a general audience and is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. In line with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), if we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under 13 without verifiable parental consent, we will delete it promptly. If you believe a child has provided information to us, contact [email protected].

Data Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect the limited data we handle, including secure connections and restricted access. No method of transmission or storage over the internet is fully secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security. Analytics and log data are retained only as long as needed for the purposes described here.

Your Choices and Rights

You may disable cookies, use browser privacy controls, or opt out of personalized advertising as described above. Depending on your state of residence, you may have additional rights to access, correct, or delete personal information, or to opt out of certain sharing. To make a request, email us and we will respond as required by applicable law.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, the revised policy will be posted on this page, and continued use of the site means you accept it.

Questions About Privacy

If you have questions about this policy or how your information is handled, email [email protected].