Reader FAQ
Your Review Questions Answered
The questions shoppers send us most, answered plainly, including the ones that expose our limits.
Do brands pay for reviews?
No. We buy every product at retail and accept no paid placements, free samples for review, or advertising from brands we score. Receipts are kept for every product on the site.
How many people test each product?
Five panellists with different skin types and tones, spanning Fitzpatrick types I to VI, use each product for four weeks. It is a structured consumer panel, not a clinical trial.
Can you verify SPF?
No. SPF requires accredited lab testing under ISO 24444, and UVA under ISO 24443. We score the filters, the labelling and how wearable the product is. See our sunscreen sheets.
Why is the overall score a weighted average?
Some criteria matter more for most shoppers. We publish every weight on the Method page so you can reweight for your own skin.
Do you use affiliate links?
No. The site currently carries no affiliate links. If that ever changes, it will be disclosed clearly on every page affected.
How often are scores updated?
We add new sheets monthly and re-check a product if its formula changes, or after 12 weeks for slow-acting actives like retinoids.
Is this medical advice?
No. Our reviews are editorial opinion. For acne, rosacea, eczema or any changing mole, see a GP, pharmacist or dermatologist.
Why does a product I love score low?
Check the breakdown. A product may score low on value or packaging while working beautifully for your skin. That is exactly why we show every line.
Can I suggest a product?
Yes. Use the contact tool to prepare a suggestion and email it to [email protected].