FAQ
Answers about scanning, scores, privacy, and Premium
Getting Started
What is Purova?+
Purova is an independent barcode scanner for food and cosmetics. Scan a product to see nutritional quality, additives, allergens, cosmetic safety, environmental scores, and cleaner alternatives in your language.
Do I need an account?+
No. You can scan without creating a Purova account. Scan history and preferences stay on your device unless you export them yourself.
Which platforms are supported?+
Purova is built for Android. The Google Play listing will be linked on the Download page once it is live. iOS is not published yet.
Which languages are available?+
English, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, and Arabic (with a right-to-left layout). Change language anytime in Settings.
Scanning
Do I choose Food or Cosmetics first?+
No. Purova detects the type automatically using your regional catalog, then Open Food Facts and Open Beauty Facts.
Why doesn’t it lock instantly?+
On purpose. We wait for the same barcode to stay stable so a neighboring code or a partial read is less likely to be accepted.
Why do I see “product not found”?+
The code may be damaged, from a local brand not yet in public databases, or a misread. Try again in good light. QR codes on packs are ignored because they are usually websites, not the product identity.
Scores & Data
Can a brand pay for a better score?+
No. Purova does not sell ratings, ads, or featured placements to food or cosmetic brands. The same rules apply to every product.
Where does product data come from?+
Purova’s country catalogs, Open Food Facts, Open Beauty Facts, and scientific references for additive and cosmetic ingredient risks. Nutri-Score, NOVA, and Eco-Score appear when those public fields exist.
Is this medical advice?+
No. Scores are informational. Always read the physical label if you have allergies or a medical condition. Packaging and recipes can change.
Privacy & Premium
Where is my scan history stored?+
On your device. Opening a product from History uses the local copy, including translation maps when they were saved.
What leaves my device?+
Barcode lookups go to our product API and public Open Facts databases. If a translation is missing, product text (not your identity) may be sent to an AI translation provider. Successful translations can be stored on that product record so other users wait less. Subscription status may be validated through the app store and RevenueCat.
What does Premium include?+
Premium is designed for unlimited scanning, deeper ingredient insights, personalized healthier alternatives, and priority support. Exact features depend on the plan shown at purchase. Purova is 100% user-funded through these subscriptions.
Can I export or delete my data?+
Yes. Settings includes Export My Data and Delete All Data for the information stored on this phone.