When searching online for dietary supplements, cosmetics, or health products, consumers are often overwhelmed by countless offers and comparisons. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to determine which products are genuinely high-quality and beneficial—and which ones simply rely on marketing claims.
We, the team at TopSupplementsRatings.com, have made it our mission to solve this problem with evidence-based, transparent, and consumer-focused buying guides and product comparisons. Our editorial process combines scientific research, real product experience, and objective evaluation criteria. This ensures our recommendations are based on verifiable standards—not sponsored opinions.
A key component of our guide creation—the transparent product selection process—was audited by BBB (Better Business Bureau) in 2025 and certified according to their Accredited Business Standards.
The TopSupplementsRatings.com Testing Process
Our buying guides and product comparisons are created by our editorial team with support from freelance scientific staff and product experts, following a standardized 8-step process.
1. Research specific quality characteristics for each product category
We begin by defining what truly matters in a product's composition. We analyze scientific studies, recommendations from official organizations such as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics or the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), as well as minimum health-related requirements for each product category. Based on this research, we establish transparent evaluation criteria.
2. Selection of relevant products to be tested
We identify the most relevant products on the market. Our selection is based on sales figures from major online retailers, brand search volume, the number of verified reviews, availability in the United States, and an initial comparison against our defined quality criteria. This systematic and transparent product selection process has been audited and certified by the BBB.
3. Ordering selected products at our own expense
We purchase all relevant products ourselves, entirely self-financed and without notifying manufacturers in advance. This prevents any targeted influence from brands or suppliers.
4. Documentation of the purchase experience
We evaluate the complete purchasing experience—the ordering process, delivery times, and customer service are crucial factors for consumers. How fast is shipping? Is the packaging high-quality? How transparent are the product information and ingredient labels? These aspects contribute to our overall rating.
5. Product evaluation based on defined quality characteristics
This is where systematic comparison begins: All tested products are measured against the quality criteria previously defined for each product category. These include active ingredient dosage, purity, additives, sourcing, certifications, and price-to-value ratio.
6. Product testing and real-world application
Our editors or external product testers use the products in everyday situations. They evaluate application, tolerability, quality, and ease of use—just as regular consumers would.
7. Evaluation of verified customer reviews
To gain a comprehensive perspective, we also analyze customer reviews on platforms such as TrustedShops, Trustpilot, Google, Amazon, online pharmacies, and other marketplaces.
8. Preparation of the test report and buyer's guide
Finally, our test results are compiled into a structured guide. The five most relevant products are presented in a comparison table, and the test winner is introduced in detail—transparently, fact-based, and with consumers in mind.
For complete details (especially regarding selected quality features), please refer to the respective buying guide and product comparisons on our website.
For transparency, we want to disclose that we may receive a commission for links to external sites through affiliate programs. This is how we sustain our ability to provide free content for our readers. More information about our funding model and disclosure of interests can be found in the "How we finance ourselves" section.
