Our Methodology

Every She-Approved review follows a standardized process designed to minimize bias and maximize usefulness. Here is how we work.

Step 1: Category Research

Before testing begins, we survey the category. We identify every product worth considering based on sales data, expert recommendations, and reader requests. We exclude products that don't meet basic quality thresholds or that have documented safety concerns.

Step 2: Retail Purchase

We buy every product at full retail price through the same channels our readers use. No manufacturer samples. No pre-release units. No discounted review copies. If you can't buy it, we don't test it.

Step 3: Standardized Testing

Each product category has a specific testing protocol. Skincare products are tested over 4-8 weeks with standardized photography and measurement. Sleep products are tested by a panel of real sleepers using wearable sleep trackers. Wellness supplements are evaluated against published clinical evidence.

Step 4: Panel Review

A minimum of three testers evaluate each product. We use structured scoring rubrics with weighted criteria specific to each category. Scores reflect measurable performance, not preferences.

Step 5: Expert Consultation

For health-adjacent categories (supplements, sleep products, skincare actives), we consult with relevant medical professionals to verify our conclusions against clinical evidence.

Step 6: Publication and Updates

Reviews are published with full disclosure of our testing process and any limitations. We update reviews when new products enter the market or when long-term testing reveals changes in our original assessment.