THE GLOW FORMULA
Every product in our library carries a Formula Check — an independent score from 1 to 10. Here is exactly how we calculate it, what the badges mean, and why you can trust it.
Our independence promise. ✦
The Formula Check score is calculated before any affiliate relationship is considered. A product that generates affiliate revenue for us receives the same honest score it would receive if it paid us nothing. A high-commission product with a weak formula will show a low score. We believe the trust this builds is worth more than any short-term affiliate gain.
Affiliate disclosure: Product links to Douglas and Amazon may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you. This never influences the Formula Check score.
The Formula Check is a composite score out of 10, calculated across six criteria. Each criterion is assessed independently — no criterion can inflate another.
Ingredient Evidence
0–3 ptsAre the hero ingredients backed by peer-reviewed research? We look at concentration relevance, clinical trial quality, and whether the evidence is independent or manufacturer-funded.
Formulation Quality
0–2 ptsBeyond ingredients: are they at effective concentrations? Does the formula avoid unnecessary irritants, high-fragrance loads, or destabilising ingredient combinations?
Condition Safety
0–2 ptsHow broadly safe is this product? Flags for pregnancy, PCOS, sensitivity, rosacea and other declared conditions. More conditions safely covered = higher score.
Clinical Testing
0–1 ptHas this specific product been independently tested? Dermatologist-tested and clinically studied actives add to the score. Manufacturer self-tests count less.
Price / Value
0–1 ptDoes the price reflect the formulation quality? We compare active concentration vs. price-per-ml. Luxury pricing with generic actives scores lower.
Ethical Standards
0–1 ptCruelty-free and vegan certification. Clean beauty formulation. Fragrance-free where relevant. These are not marketing claims — only verified certifications count.
9.5 – 10
Exceptional
Outstanding ingredient evidence, clean formulation, broad safety range, verified testing
9.0 – 9.4
Excellent
Strong portfolio with well-studied actives and good safety profile
8.5 – 8.9
Very Good
Solid product worth recommending — minor formulation trade-offs
8.0 – 8.4
Good
Reliable option with clear strengths and identifiable limitations
Below 8.0
Mixed
Noteworthy concerns in formulation, evidence gap, or value mismatch — shown honestly
We do not inflate scores to make our library look better. A product with a weak formula will show its honest score — including products we sell affiliate links to.
Badges appear only when they are genuinely earned. We never apply a badge as a general claim to all products — only to specific products where it has been confirmed.
The finished product was tested by an independent dermatologist. Not to be confused with individual ingredient safety.
The hero ingredients have peer-reviewed clinical evidence behind them at relevant concentrations.
No known teratogens. Retinoids, hydroquinone, high-dose salicylic acid and other flagged ingredients are absent. Always confirm with your doctor.
No added fragrance compounds — neither natural nor synthetic. Lower sensitisation risk for reactive or sensitive skin.
No animal-derived ingredients. Verified by brand disclosure or third-party certification.
No animal testing at any stage of production. Verified by PETA, Leaping Bunny, or equivalent.
OUR EDITORIAL STANCE
"We have researched deeply and stand behind our selections. We don't claim they will work for everyone." ✦