Research
What the record shows
The evidence behind the ingredients on the awarded shelf. Every claim is tied to a peer-reviewed paper, verified against PubMed and linked, and every product mentioned holds a formal award in our record.
12 August 2026 · 4 min read
Sunscreen: the one with real trial evidence
Most beauty ingredients are sold on lab studies. Sunscreen is the exception: a randomized trial of 903 adults showed 24% less photoaging from daily use, and a decade of follow-up cut melanoma roughly in half. The receipts, from PubMed.
11 August 2026 · 3 min read
Retinol: what the dermatology literature actually shows
A placebo-controlled trial in naturally aged skin found topical retinol reduced fine wrinkles and rebuilt collagen. What that study did, what it found, and what it means for the retinol winners in our record.
9 August 2026 · 3 min read
Centella asiatica: repair, not radiance
The ingredient behind the cica shelf has a real dermatology literature — wound repair, collagen synthesis, scar management. What the published review actually supports, and where the marketing runs ahead of it.
8 August 2026 · 3 min read
Niacinamide: the quiet overachiever
A 12-week controlled study of 5% topical niacinamide measured improvements in fine lines, hyperpigmented spots, elasticity and skin yellowing. The evidence behind the ingredient in half the moisturizers on the awarded shelf.