How we score everything
Most “best of” lists are vibes. Ours are arithmetic. Every product earns a 0–100 score from a weighted set of metrics chosen for its category, then lands in one of three tiers.
Pick the metrics that matter
For each category we define 5–7 quantifiable dimensions — the things that genuinely separate a great product from a mediocre one — and weight them by importance.
Score each product 0–100 per metric
Every product is assessed on each metric against best-in-class. Weak dimensions score low; there's no grading on a curve.
Weight, average, and rank
Scores are combined into a single weighted average — the overall score — and products are ranked best-first.
Sort into tiers
The overall score maps to Bad / Better / Best so you can scan the shortlist in seconds.
The tiers
Best
High-performing picks with clean formulas, strong evidence, and elegant everyday use.
Better
Solid everyday choices — a clear step up, with a few compromises.
Skip
More filler, harsher formulas, or weaker value. Fine in a pinch, not our pick.
Metrics by category
The dimensions and weights we use for each category:
☀️ Best Sunscreen
See rankings →- Broad-Spectrum ProtectionHow completely and stably the formula shields across UVA and UVB, not just the headline SPF (UVB) number.24%
- Skin ComfortFragrance-free, alcohol-free, non-comedogenic and barrier-supporting formulation that sensitive and acne-prone skin tolerates well.20%
- Cosmetic EleganceLightweight feel, minimal or no white cast, and a finish pleasant enough to wear and reapply daily.18%
- Filter QualityUse of modern, photostable, well-stabilized UV filters rather than older or easily-degrading actives.14%
- Water ResistanceHow well protection holds up through sweat and water per the labeled 40- or 80-minute rating.8%
- Reef & Ingredient TransparencyAvoidance of reef-controversial filters (oxybenzone/octinoxate) plus clear labeling and a clean recall/quality record.8%
- Daily Wearability & ValueSuitability for everyday face wear and reapplication relative to price.8%
🌿 Best Deodorant
See rankings →- Ingredient TransparencyMeasures how clean, fully disclosed, and easy-to-parse the formula is — whole, recognizable ingredients score highest.22%
- Odor ControlRates genuine, lasting odor neutralization rather than fragrance masking, so higher means it actually keeps you fresh.20%
- Skin ComfortCaptures sensitive-skin friendliness, with baking-soda-free and low-irritant formulas that stay comfortable all day scoring higher.20%
- Fragrance ApproachRewards unscented or natural essential-oil scenting over heavy synthetic fragrance, so higher means a cleaner, more appropriate scent profile.15%
- Aluminum-Free StanceReflects this guide's aluminum-free preference, so aluminum-free deodorants score high while aluminum antiperspirants score low.13%
- Daily Wearability & ValueCombines everyday comfort, residue, application ease, and price so a formula you will actually reuse scores higher.10%
🍫 Best Protein Bars
See rankings →- Protein efficiency (%PE)Share of the bar's calories that come from protein. Higher means more protein and less sugar/fat filler.32%
- Protein source qualityComplete dairy/whey proteins score highest; bars padded with collagen or gelatin score lower.22%
- Value per gram of proteinCost for every 10g of protein. Cheaper protein earns a higher score.16%
- Ingredient qualityCleaner labels — sensible sweeteners, fewer sugar alcohols and needless additives — score higher.14%
- Macro balanceSensible calories and fat, so it works as a protein top-up rather than a candy bar.10%
- Taste & textureWhether it's pleasant enough that you'll actually buy it again.6%
🪥 Best Toothpaste
See rankings →- Anticavity EfficacyWhether an appropriate anticavity active — fluoride at an effective level or credible nano-hydroxyapatite — is present and formulated to remineralize and prevent decay.28%
- Enamel-Safe AbrasivityHow gentle the paste is on enamel and dentin (a lower, well-controlled RDA scores higher), avoiding cumulative wear from daily brushing.18%
- Sensitivity & Gum SupportHow well the formula relieves dentin sensitivity and supports gum health against gingivitis and inflammation.15%
- Ingredient CleanlinessFreedom from SLS and harsh additives, plus label transparency and absence of unnecessary dyes or irritants.15%
- Evidence & AcceptanceStrength of clinical backing, including ADA Seal of Acceptance and published trials supporting the product's claims.14%
- Value & Daily UseCost per use, availability, and how pleasant and practical the paste is for twice-daily brushing.10%
🚿 Best Shampoo
See rankings →- Scalp & Hair Health SupportHow well the product cleanses effectively while keeping the scalp calm and the hair fiber intact rather than stripped or dried.25%
- Ingredient CleanlinessWhether the surfactant and additive choices are appropriate and free of needless harsh ingredients, with transparent, honest labeling.20%
- Fragrance & Irritation ProfileHow low the irritation and allergen risk is, rewarding fragrance-free or lightly-scented formulas over heavily perfumed ones.15%
- Formulation QualityOverall craft of the formula: pH balance, surfactant blend, and the presence of genuinely useful conditioning or repair actives.18%
- Versatility & Hair-Type FitHow many hair types, textures, and needs (color, damage, oily, curly) the product serves well rather than a narrow niche.12%
- ValueCost per use and accessibility relative to the quality and performance delivered.10%
An honest note on the numbers
Scores are transparent editorial assessments, not lab measurements. They're based on public label information, ingredient lists, published testing, and category expertise — and we tell you how confident we are in each rating. Formulas change; always check the current label, and treat this as guidance, not medical advice.