Look beyond the claims
Marketing language is separated from information that can be checked on the label, company website or supporting research.
Transparent reviews
How I review supplements
A clear look at how products are researched, assessed and compared—and where personal experience ends and published evidence begins.
The aim
Useful answers, without the supplement hype
Supplement labels can look impressive while revealing very little. My job is to examine what is actually included, whether the amounts are disclosed, how the product compares with realistic alternatives and whether the price makes sense.
I have a First-Class Honours degree in Sports Science and previously founded and formulated a supplement brand. That experience helps me understand formulation, manufacturing constraints and marketing claims. It does not make me a doctor, and these reviews are not medical advice.
Assess the full formula
Ingredients are considered together, including disclosed dosages, forms, unnecessary additions and potential overlap.
Compare real value
Price per serving, subscription terms, guarantees and credible alternatives matter—not just the headline price.
The process
Five steps behind each review
Step 1
Research the product and company
I examine the label, product page, price, serving instructions, manufacturing information, available testing or certification details, guarantee and subscription conditions. I also look for changes in ownership, formulation or positioning that may affect an older review.
Step 2
Analyse the formula
I consider what each ingredient is intended to do, whether its amount is disclosed, whether the chosen form matters and how it fits into the overall formula. Proprietary blends and incomplete labels are treated as limitations because they make meaningful assessment harder.
Step 3
Use the product when stated
For hands-on reviews, I report practical observations such as taste, texture, preparation, packaging, convenience and my personal experience. The testing period varies by product and is stated where relevant. Personal experience is useful context, but it is not proof that everyone will respond in the same way.
Step 4
Compare cost and alternatives
I calculate the practical cost per serving and compare the product with alternatives serving a similar purpose. A cheaper product is not automatically better, but a premium price should be supported by transparency, formulation quality, usability or service.
Step 5
Reach a verdict and keep it current
The final verdict brings together formula transparency, evidence, safety considerations, usability, value and brand trust. Important commercial pages are revisited when formulas, prices or policies change, and a visible verification date is added where the page has been checked.
Hands-on review or research-led review?
If I have personally used a product, the review will say so and explain the relevant experience. If I have not, I assess it from its disclosed formula, published information, pricing and comparisons—and I do not imply personal testing.
Scoring framework
What contributes to a product score
Scores are a decision aid, not a scientific measurement. The weighting below provides consistency while still allowing the written verdict to explain product-specific strengths and weaknesses.
Formula transparency
20%Clear ingredient amounts, understandable labelling and enough information to assess the formula properly.
Ingredients and evidence
20%The relevance of the ingredients, their forms and how convincingly they support the product’s intended purpose.
Safety and suitability
15%Clear warnings, sensible serving guidance, stimulant load and obvious considerations for different users.
Usability
15%Taste, texture, preparation, convenience, packaging and how practical the product is to use consistently.
Value for money
15%Real cost per serving, formulation quality, subscription terms, guarantee and comparison with alternatives.
Brand trust
15%Company transparency, accessible policies, manufacturing information, customer support and consistency of claims.
Commercial transparency
How the site makes money
Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through one, LifeHacker Guy may receive a commission without increasing the price you pay. A commission does not guarantee a positive review or remove criticism from the verdict.
I founded and previously formulated products for Human Tonik, then sold the company in February 2026. That relationship is disclosed prominently whenever it is relevant to a review, comparison or recommendation.
- Affiliate relationships are disclosed near commercial content.
- Products supplied without charge are identified where relevant.
- Previous ownership or formulation involvement is disclosed.
- Readers are shown meaningful drawbacks and alternatives.
- No result or personal experience is guaranteed for another person.
Corrections and updates
Reviews can change when products change
Supplement formulas, prices, guarantees and ownership can change. When a material change is identified, I aim to recheck the relevant section and update the verdict where necessary. If you spot an error or a product change, please use the contact page and include a link to the source.
The content on LifeHackerGuy.com is for general informational and educational purposes. It is not medical advice and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Always check whether a supplement is appropriate for your circumstances, medicines and health conditions.