Research & Review Methodology
This page explains how our team researches, fact-checks and updates the product guides on this website. We built this process so readers can see exactly how a conclusion was reached, not just what the conclusion is.
In short: we review primary sources directly, separate marketing claims from independent evidence, avoid inventing facts we can't verify, and disclose commercial relationships clearly. If something can't be confirmed, we say so instead of guessing.
What We Review
Before publishing or updating a guide, our editorial process typically covers the following:
-
Primary source review
We start with the seller's or manufacturer's own page, reading the claims, specifications and positioning as written, rather than relying on secondhand summaries.
-
Label, specification or documentation review
Where a product has a label, spec sheet, terms document or similar official documentation, we check it directly and note anywhere it differs from what's promoted on the main sales or marketing page.
-
Pricing and checkout review
We review the current pricing, package options and checkout flow so cost information reflects what a visitor will actually see, not an outdated or assumed figure.
-
Independent evidence search
We look for independent, third-party information, such as published research, credible news coverage or independent user feedback, separate from the seller's own marketing material.
-
Claim-versus-evidence separation
We distinguish between what a brand claims and what independent evidence actually supports. A claim being present on a sales page does not mean we treat it as verified.
-
Limitation notes
Where we cannot verify something, whether that's a testimonial, a result, a policy detail or a specification, we say so directly on the page rather than filling the gap with an assumption.
How We Handle Brand Claims and Testimonials
Marketing claims and customer testimonials published on a brand's own page are treated as brand-published content, not independent proof. When we reference this kind of material, we label it clearly as brand-published and unverified, and we do not present it as evidence of typical results.
We do not fabricate customer experiences, test results, endorsements or reviews. If we have not personally tested a product, we say so rather than implying hands-on use that did not happen.
Sources We Prioritize
| Source Type | How We Use It |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer or seller's official page | Primary reference for claims, pricing and positioning |
| Official labels, spec sheets or terms documents | Verification against marketing claims |
| Government or recognized authority sources | General factual and safety context, where relevant |
| Independent, third-party reviews or reporting | Cross-checking brand claims against outside evidence |
We do not invent citations, studies, statistics or sources. If a claim cannot be traced to a verifiable source, we remove it or clearly mark it as unverified.
Commercial Relationships
Some guides on this website may include affiliate links, meaning we can earn a commission if a reader makes a purchase through them, at no extra cost to the reader. This relationship does not change how a product is described. A claim we can't verify stays labeled as unverified whether or not it affects a potential commission.
Corrections and Updates
Pricing, availability, formulas, policies and terms can change after a guide is published. We aim to review and update pages periodically, and we note a "last reviewed" date at the top of each guide rather than changing the date without an actual review taking place.
If you believe something on this site is inaccurate or out of date, we welcome the correction. Details on how to reach our editorial team are available on our contact page.
What This Process Does Not Do
- It does not replace professional advice, medical guidance or your own due diligence before a purchase.
- It does not guarantee that a product will work as marketed for any individual.
- It does not substitute for testing every product firsthand, where that has not occurred.
This methodology page is intentionally general so it can describe our editorial approach across different guides and categories on this website.