Ingredient Science • How We Evaluate

Our Research Standard

Mechanism First

Before discussing any specific product, we explain what each active ingredient is studied to do — its proposed mechanism, and the physiological pathway it's meant to support. This context comes first because it's what makes the rest of the analysis meaningful.

Dose Comparison

We compare the disclosed label dose for each ingredient against the dose ranges used in the published clinical research most commonly cited for that ingredient category. Where a manufacturer uses an extract ratio (like a "10:1 extract"), we explain what that notation does and does not tell you about bioactive content.

Source Verification

When we reference published research, we check the original study rather than relying solely on a manufacturer's citation or an abstract. Claims that outpace what the cited research actually shows are noted explicitly.

Category-Level Safety Context

For ingredient categories with known interaction considerations (such as iodine-containing botanicals or cardiovascular-active compounds), we include general safety context relevant to that category, separate from any product-specific claims.