Every review on Topicals follows the same process, so you can judge how much weight to give it.
- We buy it ourselves at the normal retail price. We do not accept free products in exchange for coverage.
- We use it for at least four weeks (sunscreens and cleansers: at least two weeks of daily use), introducing one new product at a time where possible.
- We record conditions: city, humidity and UV index on test days, because a product that works in a Delhi winter can fail in a Mumbai monsoon.
- We photograph texture, finish and white cast in the same light, and publish our own photos.
- We compare price per ml or per gram, not just the sticker price.
- We say who it is for and who should skip it.
Comparisons that are not hands-on
Some comparison articles compare ingredients, formulas and prices without a full hands-on test. Those articles say so clearly at the top.
Limits of our testing
We test on a small number of people, so our results are not a clinical trial. Skin reacts differently from person to person. For any medical skin condition, see a dermatologist.
Ratings
Ratings are out of 5 and reflect performance for the skin type and climate described in the review. Read the “Best for” and “Skip if” lines, not only the number.