Review methodology
Every review states its type. A research-based review is not a tested review, and we never blur the two.
Review types
- Research-based review — built from manufacturer data, ingredient analysis and published evidence. No hands-on use.
- Aggregated user feedback — patterns across named, attributed sources, presented as reported experience rather than fact.
- Independently tested — used only when we have genuinely tested the product and can describe how.
The 100-point score
- formula suitability — up to 20 points.
- evidence support — up to 15 points.
- barrier profile — up to 15 points.
- uk value — up to 15 points.
- transparency — up to 10 points.
- packaging stability — up to 10 points.
- routine compatibility — up to 10 points.
- availability — up to 5 points.
Where a component cannot be assessed from verified information, it scores zero and the page states that the score is provisional. An unscored product is shown as “not yet scored” rather than given a placeholder number.
Publication gate
A product page is only published when the brand, product type, size and ingredient status are known and at least one source is recorded. Pages that fail the gate stay in draft rather than going live with gaps filled by assumption.