Standards
Source policy
Where our facts come from matters. Here's what we trust, and how we back up what we say.
Last updated July 5, 2026
Sources we prioritise
- Peer-reviewed studies and reviews in dermatology and cosmetic science.
- Official regulatory guidance (for example, FDA and EU cosmetic regulation).
- Established ingredient and safety references, and reputable textbooks.
- Primary ingredient documentation — read critically, since suppliers have an interest.
Sources we treat with caution
- Brand marketing pages and influencer claims.
- Single small studies presented as definitive.
- Research on injected or lab-dish peptides used to imply topical results.
Specific vs general references
Where a claim rests on a particular study, we name and, where possible, link it. Where a claim reflects the broad consensus of a body of literature, we cite that literature generally rather than cherry-picking one paper. We’re expanding direct citations as the site matures, and we welcome corrections if you believe a source is missing or misused.
Links
External source links are provided for verification. We don’t control third-party sites and their inclusion isn’t an endorsement of everything they publish.