Plain-English guides to at-home beauty devices and K-beauty skincare.

How We Evaluate

Last updated

Plainly: we have not yet run hands-on lab testing of the devices we cover. Our current guides are research-based. When we add hands-on testing, we’ll publish exactly how it works here, including who tested, for how long and with what measurements.

What we look at

  1. Published specifications. Frequencies, wavelengths, current levels, modes, session timers, materials and safety features, as stated by the manufacturer. We note when a key spec isn’t published and rank that device lower for transparency.
  2. Regulatory status. We check FDA’s 510(k), De Novo and registration/listing databases. We use “FDA-cleared” only when there’s a clearance record such as a K-number, and we explain that registration or listing is not approval (21 CFR 807.39).
  3. Independent research. Peer-reviewed studies and systematic reviews on the technology, and on the specific device where they exist. We give more weight to randomized, controlled and sham-controlled designs, and we label brand-funded studies.
  4. User and tester feedback. Published hands-on reviews from established outlets and patterns in verified-buyer reviews, clearly attributed. We don’t present others’ testing as our own.
  5. Price and running costs. Device price from the brand’s own store on a stated date, plus gels, ampoules, warranty and returns where published.

What we don’t do

  • We don’t publish star ratings or aggregate scores that suggest testing we haven’t done.
  • We don’t use fake reviews, testimonials or invented experts.
  • We don’t let advertisers or affiliate partners review or approve our editorial content.
  • We rank Quadthera, the brand our publisher sells, on the same stated criteria as everything else. See our disclosure policy.

Hands-on testing (coming)

We plan to add structured hands-on evaluation: defined usage periods, standardized photos and, where feasible, instrument measurements. Details are coming. Until then, no page on this site claims hands-on testing by GlowLab.

Updates and corrections

Every article shows a last-updated date. Prices and availability change often, so always confirm on the retailer’s site. Spot an error? Tell us via the Contact page.