Frequently asked questions
Everything about how Glow Grader tests and scores beauty and skincare tools.
How do you grade a beauty product?
We read the full ingredient list - which actives, at what concentration, for which skin type - and weigh what verified buyers report, then grade it 1 to 5 on ease of use, features, value for money, and support. The overall grade is the average of those four on a 10-point scale.
Do you personally use every product you grade?
No, and we will not pretend otherwise. Skin varies too much for one person's face to settle anything. Grades come from the ingredient list, the concentrations, and what verified buyers report.
Are your grades independent, or do brands pay for better ones?
Independent. Affiliate commissions keep the site running, nothing more. No brand sees a grade before it is published and none has ever changed one.
What do the four score pillars mean?
Ease of use is texture and how it behaves in a routine you will actually keep. Features means the formula - which actives, at what concentration, and for which skin type. Value is cost per use, not the price on the box. Support covers ingredient transparency, returns, and whether the claims on the label survive scrutiny.
How often are grades updated?
Brands reformulate quietly and often. We revisit a grade when the ingredient list changes or the size and price shift, because a reformulated product is a different product.
Do you earn money from the links on this site?
Yes - some are affiliate links that may pay us a commission at no extra cost to you. Our disclosure page explains it fully.
Can I suggest a product for you to grade?
Yes, please. The contact page comes straight to us, and reader suggestions are where most of the viral products on this site came from.
Can I leave my own review or comment?
Yes. There is a discussion section under every review, comparison, and guide - skin varies enormously, and other people's experience matters.
Still have a question? Get in touch - we read everything.