Methodology

How We Test and Rate Products

This page explains, step by step, exactly how Reviews and Buy evaluates every product we review. We use the same framework for every supplement, gut health product, and wellness item — so readers can compare scores across categories.

Last updated: 23 May 2026

The 6-Pillar Scoring System

Every product is scored out of 100 points, divided across six pillars:

A product needs 80+ to be recommended, 90+ to make a “Best Of” list, and anything below 60 is published as a “Not Recommended” review.

Pillar 1 — Ingredient Quality & Dosage (25 pts)

We check whether each active ingredient is:

• Present at a clinically studied dose (not “fairy dust” sprinkles)
• Sourced in its bioavailable form (e.g., methylcobalamin vs cyanocobalamin for B12; CFU count and strain ID for probiotics)
• Free from unnecessary fillers, artificial colors, and questionable additives
• Disclosed by amount — no “proprietary blends” that hide doses

A product with the right ingredients but underdosed loses points here. A product with disclosed, clinically backed doses earns full marks.

Pillar 2 — Third-Party Testing & Safety (20 pts)

We award points based on independent verification:

• NSF Certified for Sport — 20 pts
• USP Verified — 20 pts
• Informed Sport / Informed Choice — 18 pts
• ConsumerLab Approved — 15 pts
• Brand-published COA from accredited lab — 10 pts
• No third-party testing disclosed — 0 pts

We also check the FDA recall database and the manufacturer’s cGMP status.

Pillar 3 — Scientific Evidence (15 pts)

We review the published evidence behind the product’s main claims:

• Multiple RCTs (randomized controlled trials) supporting the formula — full points
• Single RCT or strong mechanism studies — partial points
• Only animal/in-vitro studies — minimal points
• No published evidence — 0 points

Sources: PubMed, Cochrane Library, NIH ODS, EFSA opinions.

Pillar 4 — Real-User Results (15 pts)

We aggregate verified reviews from at least three independent platforms:

• Amazon (verified purchase reviews only)
• Reddit (relevant subreddits — r/Supplements, r/GutHealth, etc.)
• Trustpilot
• iHerb / brand site reviews

Minimum sample: 100 verified reviews. We weight by recency (last 12 months matter more) and discount reviews that look incentivized.

Score is based on:

• Average rating across platforms
• Consistency of reported benefits
• Frequency and severity of reported side effects

Pillar 5 — Value (15 pts)

We calculate cost-per-serving and cost-per-clinical-dose of the key active ingredient, then compare against the category median.

• Top 25% of category by value — full points
• Median — partial points
• Bottom 25% — minimal points

A premium price is fine if ingredient quality and testing justify it.

Pillar 6 — Brand Transparency (10 pts)

We score brands on:

• Public ownership / leadership disclosure
• Manufacturing location disclosed
• Customer service responsiveness (we email every brand anonymously)
• Refund/return policy clarity
• Response to negative reviews

Our Testing Process — Step by Step

Step 1 — Category research (1–2 weeks) We identify the 15–30 most-searched products in the category using SEMrush, Amazon Best Sellers, and Reddit discussions.

Step 2 — Shortlist (3–5 days) We narrow to 8–12 products based on Pillars 1–3 (ingredients, testing, evidence).

Step 3 — Purchase & receive (1–2 weeks) We buy products at retail. Any free samples sent by brands are disclosed and scored identically.

Step 4 — Label & COA audit (2–3 days) We compare label claims against COAs and third-party databases.

Step 5 — Personal trial (minimum 14 days, often 30+) For ingestible products, our team uses the product as directed and logs:

• Taste, texture, mixability
• Digestive tolerance
• Subjective effects (energy, sleep, digestion, etc.)
• Any side effects

Step 6 — Verified-review aggregation (1 week) We pull and analyze 100+ verified buyer reviews per product.

Step 7 — Scoring & writing (1 week) Each product is scored independently by two team members. Scores are averaged. The editor reviews before publishing.

Step 8 — Publication & ongoing updates Reviews are re-checked every 6 months for formula or price changes.

What We Will NOT Do

• Rank products by affiliate commission rate
• Take payment for a higher position
• Publish a review without trialing the product
• Recommend a product we wouldn’t take ourselves
• Hide negative findings to protect a brand relationship

Questions About Our Methodology?

We welcome scrutiny. If you spot something we should improve, email: 📧 editor@reviewsandbuy.org

We update this methodology page whenever our process changes — with the date logged at the top.