Review Methodology

At LuciDerma, every review begins with skin. Real skin. Oily, dry, sensitive, acne-prone, melanin-rich—skin that lives in the real world. Our team of board-certified dermatologists, cosmetic chemists, licensed estheticians, and a diverse community of testers put products through disciplined, weeks-long routines. We combine lived experience with lab-grade rigor to separate glow from gimmick. You deserve to know not just what we think, but how we know—and we show our work every step of the way.

Our Testing Philosophy

  1. Real Usage: We don’t “swatch and speculate.” We patch-test, then integrate products into daily routines for 2–8 weeks across multiple skin types (Fitzpatrick I–VI). Morning and night. Humid days, dry offices, gym sessions, travel. We track hydration and barrier changes with instrumental readings where applicable (e.g., corneometry and TEWL), photograph under consistent lighting, and note wear under SPF and makeup—pilling, white cast, residue, scent, the works.
  2. Unbiased: No pay-for-play. Ever. Editorial and revenue are separated by a strict firewall. If a product is provided by a brand, we disclose it and judge it by the same standards—no guarantees, no soft passes. Conflicts are documented, samples are not for sale, and negative findings are published plainly so you can trust the score, not the hype.
  3. Comparative: Skin care lives in context. We evaluate products side-by-side against category leaders and price peers, analyze ingredient lists for evidence-backed actives and concentrations, and assess formula design (pH, potential irritants, comedogenicity, fragrance allergens). If there’s a better alternative for less—or a premium formula that truly earns its price—we’ll say so.

The Scoring System

We rate products on a 1–10 scale, weighted to reflect what matters most for skin health and real-world results:

  • Efficacy & Evidence (35%): Do results show up on skin—visibly and measurably? We look for improvements consistent with ingredient research (e.g., hydration, smoothness, brightness, breakout reduction) and corroborate with before/after assessments and instrumental data when relevant.
  • Skin Compatibility & Safety (25%): How does it behave on sensitive, acne-prone, and melanin-rich skin? We consider patch-test outcomes, potential irritants, fragrance allergens, occlusivity, pH alignment, and how the formula treats the barrier over time.
  • Texture & Wearability (20%): Does it layer cleanly under SPF and makeup? Any pilling, tack, white cast, or residue? We evaluate absorption, scent profile, finish (matte, dewy), and overall user experience—because the best routine is the one you’ll actually use.
  • Value & Transparency (20%): Price per ml, packaging quality (airless, light-protective), sustainability considerations, clear INCI disclosures, clinical data availability, and responsiveness from the brand’s support team when we ask the tough questions.

Affiliate Disclosure

Some links in our reviews are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, LuciDerma may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps fund our testing, instrumentation, photography, and editorial team—never our opinions. Our scores are set before any affiliate links are added, and brands cannot buy a better rating. Questions about our process or a specific review? Reach our editorial team at https://luciderma.com/contact-us/. Note: Our content is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult your clinician for personalized care.