About & method
Our Method, Laid Bare
Lookoutrabexum exists because star ratings hide too much. Here is everything that goes into a score.
Who we are
We are a small independent team based in London: a panel lead, an ingredients editor and testers chosen to cover a wide range of skin types and tones. None of us are dermatologists, and we never pretend to be. When a question needs medical expertise, we point you to sources such as the NHS, the British Association of Dermatologists or the American Academy of Dermatology.
Independence
We buy every product at full retail price. We do not accept free products for review, paid placements, sponsored posts or advertising from skincare brands. The site carries no affiliate links. It is funded by its founders and reader support. If that model ever changes, we will say so on this page and on every affected review.
The testing cycle
- Purchase at retail and log batch number and price.
- 48-hour patch test on each panellist's inner arm.
- Four weeks of daily use as directed, with a structured diary.
- Standardised photos on day 0, 14 and 28 under the same light.
- Scoring by each panellist, then averaged and checked by the ingredients editor.
The six criteria
| Criterion | Weight | Scored by | Main evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formula & ingredients | 25% | Ingredients editor | INCI list, disclosed concentrations, published research |
| Claim match | 20% | Panel average | Diaries and day 0/14/28 photos |
| Skin feel & finish | 15% | Panel average | Diaries, six-hour finish check |
| Tolerance | 20% | Panel, lowest score weighted double | Reaction logs |
| Packaging | 10% | Panel lead | Light/air protection, dosing, waste |
| Value | 10% | Panel lead | Price per ml on test date |
What we will never claim
We do not verify SPF, clinical efficacy or long-term results. Our panel is five people, not a population. A score is a structured opinion with the working shown, and you should weigh it against your own experience.
Corrections
If we get something wrong, email [email protected]. Corrections are noted at the bottom of the affected sheet with the date.