At Physical Glow, every editorial product rating is designed to be consistent, transparent and based on a defined scoring framework.
Our ratings are independent Physical Glow editorial ratings. They are separate from customer ratings shown by retailers such as Amazon and do not simply reproduce retailer star scores.
How We Rate Products
Products are assessed across six core criteria:
Formula — 25%
We examine what the product is made of, how it is designed or constructed, and whether its core formulation or technical specifications are appropriate for its intended purpose.
The exact factors considered depend on the type of product being reviewed.
Evidence — 20%
We assess the quality of evidence supporting important product claims.
Depending on the product, this may include scientific research, established standards, manufacturer documentation, technical specifications and other credible primary or authoritative sources.
Suitability — 15%
We consider who the product is most appropriate for and where important limitations may exist.
This can include factors such as skin type, fitness level, intended use, compatibility, experience level or other relevant user considerations.
Performance — 20%
We evaluate how well the product is expected to perform its primary function based on the available evidence, specifications, features and relevant product information.
Where reliable testing information is available, it may also contribute to this assessment.
Value — 15%
We consider whether the product offers reasonable value relative to its features, performance, quality and comparable alternatives.
Price alone does not determine the Value score.
Transparency — 5%
We assess how clearly the manufacturer provides important information about the product, including specifications, ingredients, claims, usage information or other details relevant to an informed purchase decision.
When We Can Assign a Rating
A Physical Glow rating is generated only when sufficient reliable information is available.
At least 3 of the 6 rating criteria must be scorable.
Formula and Evidence are mandatory.
If there is not enough reliable information to meet this threshold, we do not generate a Physical Glow editorial rating.
How the Final Score Is Calculated
Each scorable criterion receives an individual score.
The scores are then combined using the weighting system above to produce a final rating on a 5-point scale.
If a criterion genuinely cannot be scored, its weight is redistributed proportionally across the remaining scorable criteria rather than automatically lowering the product’s rating.
This allows products from very different categories — such as skincare, fitness equipment, wearables and wellness products — to be evaluated using the same underlying framework without forcing irrelevant criteria into the calculation.
Physical Glow Ratings vs Customer Ratings
A Physical Glow Rating represents our editorial assessment.
A customer or retailer rating represents feedback submitted by customers on an external retailer or marketplace.
We keep these ratings separate.
Customer reviews may provide useful context during product research, but retailer star ratings do not determine the Physical Glow editorial score.
Reviews and Product Ratings
The rating attached to a Physical Glow Review is the authoritative editorial rating for that product.
When a Review is published, its approved rating may also appear on relevant Physical Glow product cards as:
Physical Glow Rating — X.X / 5
We do not create a separate or competing editorial rating for the same product elsewhere on the site.
Ratings May Change
Product information, pricing, available evidence, specifications and competing products can change over time.
Physical Glow may therefore update a rating when meaningful new information becomes available.
Where appropriate, reviews may also be reassessed to ensure that the rating continues to reflect our current methodology.
Editorial Independence
Affiliate relationships do not determine our editorial ratings.
Physical Glow may earn a commission when readers purchase products through qualifying affiliate links, but affiliate availability, commission rates and retailer relationships are not part of the editorial scoring formula.
Our goal is to help readers understand why a product received its score, not simply display another star rating.