How We Review Supplements
Every product on HealthConsumerRatings is reviewed with the same process and scored on the same six criteria. This page explains exactly what we check, where the information comes from and how we decide the verdict.
The six-point scorecard
Each criterion is marked Pass or Partial. We show the full scorecard at the end of every review, together with a short note on the main gaps.
| Criterion | What we check | Pass | Partial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ingredient transparency | Are all ingredients and doses disclosed, or hidden in a proprietary blend? | Full label with doses | Ingredients named but amounts hidden, or some ingredients unnamed |
| Formula vs. research | Do the ingredients and doses match what published studies used? | Key ingredients at or near research doses | Doses below research levels or unknown |
| Refund policy | How long is the guarantee, and what are the conditions? | 60 days or more, simple process | Short window or restrictive conditions |
| Checkout & sales channel | Is the product sold through a known platform on the official site? | Known platform (e.g., ClickBank, BuyGoods), official site | Unclear seller or checkout |
| Shipping & billing | Are shipping and billing terms clear? Any auto-ship? | Clear one-time pricing, free shipping on bundles | Hidden fees or subscription by default |
| Clinical evidence | Is there research on the ingredients or the finished product? | Studies on the finished product | Studies on ingredients only, or none |
Our review process
- Official offer check. We visit the product's official website and record every package, the price per bottle, shipping, bonuses, guarantee and checkout platform. The review shows the date the price was checked.
- Label review. We list all disclosed ingredients and doses. When only part of the formula is named, we say so.
- Research check. We compare each key ingredient with published studies and official fact sheets, and note when doses are below research levels.
- Safety review. We list who should skip the product, known side effects and common drug interactions.
- Refund and billing check. We confirm the guarantee length, refund conditions and whether the purchase is one-time.
- Verdict. We write a plain-language verdict: Legit when the product is real, sold through a known checkout with a refund policy; or Real, but claims overstated when the marketing goes beyond the evidence.
Sources we use
- The official product website, order page and label.
- PubMed for published clinical and laboratory research.
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements fact sheets.
- U.S. FDA guidance on dietary supplements.
How we handle testimonials and urgency
We never write testimonials. When a review shows customer quotes, they come from the brand's official website and are labeled that way. When a brand claims limited stock or a time-limited price, we attribute that claim to the brand instead of presenting it as fact.
Updates and corrections
Supplement offers change often. We re-check prices, packages and refund terms and update the date shown in each review. If you see something out of date or wrong, email contact@healthconsumerratings.blog and we will review it.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Legit verdict mean?
It means the product is real, sold through its official website on a known checkout platform, and backed by a refund policy. It does not mean the product will work for everyone.
Do brands pay for better scores?
No. Scores follow the same six criteria for every product, and affiliate commissions never change them.
Why do most products get Partial on clinical evidence?
Most supplements have research on individual ingredients but no clinical trial on the finished product, so we mark that criterion as Partial.