How We Research & Rate Products
Every review on this site tells you what it's based on. This page explains the process in full, so you can judge how much weight to give our recommendations.
What our reviews are based on
- Formulation analysis. We start with the published ingredient list and concentration claims, and compare them against what peer-reviewed research on those ingredients actually used. A "peptide serum" with an unnamed peptide blend at an undisclosed concentration is not the same product as 1% GHK-Cu, and our reviews say so.
- Published research. For headline ingredients (copper peptides, Matrixyl, retinol and its alternatives), we read the available studies — what was tested, at what concentration, for how long, and on whom. Where the evidence is thin or early-stage, we say that plainly rather than rounding up to "proven."
- Aggregated user feedback. We read large volumes of verified-buyer reviews across retailers, looking for consistent patterns rather than cherry-picked praise — recurring complaints get reported as drawbacks, even for products we rate highly.
- Value comparison. Price per volume against every comparable product in the category, because a good formula at 4× the price is not a good buy.
What our reviews are NOT based on
Unless a review explicitly says otherwise, we have not lab-tested the product or run controlled trials on it. When we describe expected results or timelines, those come from the published research on the ingredients and from patterns in user reports — and the review will say so. We will never present second-hand findings as first-hand testing.
How the rating is scored
| Factor | Weight | What we're asking |
|---|---|---|
| Formulation & evidence | 40% | Are the active ingredients present at research-backed concentrations? |
| Value for money | 30% | How does the price compare to equivalent formulations? |
| User feedback | 20% | What do verified buyers consistently report — good and bad? |
| Fit for men's routines | 10% | Does it work with daily shaving? Is the routine simple enough to keep? |
Affiliate links and independence
We earn affiliate commissions on some links, disclosed on every page where they appear. Ratings are set before affiliate considerations, and we do not accept payment for reviews, sponsored placements presented as reviews, or rating changes. If a brand sends us a product for free, the review will say so.
Updates and corrections
Formulations, prices, and evidence change. When we update a review, the "Updated" date on the page reflects it. Factual errors are corrected as soon as we're aware of them — see the about page for how to reach us.