What Are Investigation Reports?
Every investigation report published on this site follows the same process and the same structure. We take a health or wellness product — a supplement, a device, a skincare formulation, a personal care product — and we put its claims under scrutiny.
That means examining who makes it, what they claim it does, what ingredients it contains, what the published research says about those ingredients, what real consumers are reporting, and whether the brand is being straight with you. The result is a report designed to give you the information the brand's marketing page does not.
How Every Report Is Structured
Regardless of the product, every investigation report on this site includes the same sections in the same order, so you always know where to find what you need.
Verdict Box — A quick-scan summary at the top of every report. Key findings, our consumer assessment, critical notes, and an affiliate disclosure if the report contains affiliate links. If you only have 30 seconds, read this.
Brand Accountability Check — Who manufactures this product? Where are they based? How long have they been operating? Do they have a track record of regulatory issues, consumer complaints, or transparency problems? What claims are they making, and how do those claims hold up?
Ingredient Investigation — What is actually in this product? What does the peer-reviewed literature say about each key ingredient — at what doses, in what populations, for what outcomes? Does the product contain clinically studied amounts, or is it relying on ingredient-level halo effects from studies using much higher concentrations?
Red Flag Scan — Proprietary blends hiding doses. Clinical citations that don't hold up. Fabricated or incentivized reviews. Missing third-party testing. Return policies designed to be difficult to use. Marketing language that crosses the line from puffery into deception. If we found red flags, they go here.
Consumer Bottom Line — A clear, actionable verdict. Who this product is a reasonable fit for, who should look elsewhere, and what alternatives exist. No hedging for the sake of hedging — if the evidence supports a recommendation, we make one. If it does not, we say that clearly.
Methodology & Disclosure — An end-of-report block explaining how this particular investigation was conducted, what sources were used, and a reiteration of any affiliate relationship.
What We Investigate
Our investigation reports cover a range of consumer health product categories, including but not limited to dietary supplements across categories including weight management, gut health, liver support, immune function, cognitive health, and joint health, as well as skincare and personal care products, oral health products, wellness devices and consumer health technology, and other health-adjacent consumer products where marketing claims warrant scrutiny.
For investigations focused specifically on telehealth platforms and online prescription programs, see our Telehealth Check section.
For deep dives into specific ingredients or health claims that span multiple products, see The Evidence File.
A Note on How to Use These Reports
Our investigation reports are editorial assessments, not clinical recommendations. They are designed to help you evaluate commercial products by presenting the evidence in a clear, structured format — but they are not a substitute for professional medical advice.
We do not independently laboratory-test the products we investigate. Our analysis is based on publicly available information including label claims, published research, regulatory databases, and consumer reports. Product formulations, pricing, company policies, and the scientific landscape can change after publication. We encourage readers to verify current details directly with manufacturers and to consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement, medication, or health program.
For a complete explanation of our research process, limitations, and affiliate relationships, please read Our Research Process.
Recent Investigation Reports
[Investigation reports will be listed here as they are published. Each listing will include the product name, investigation date, category, and a brief summary of the verdict.]