Our editorial principles

wrinkle-creams.com is built on a small number of non-negotiable editorial principles:

  • Accuracy: factual claims must be supportable. Ingredient descriptions reflect what published research currently shows, not what brands claim.
  • Honesty: we do not publish reviews of products we have not properly assessed, and we do not make claims we cannot support.
  • Transparency: commercial relationships, affiliate links, and paid content are always disclosed clearly.
  • Proportionality: the language used to describe an ingredient or product reflects the strength of the available evidence. "Well supported by research" means something different from "may help."
  • Plain English: content is written to be understood by a general audience, not to impress with jargon.

How content is researched

Advice and ingredient content on this site is researched using the following sources:

  • Published peer-reviewed research where available — we cite evidence categories rather than specific studies unless we have read and assessed the study directly
  • Established dermatology and skincare science references
  • Product INCI ingredient lists — checked against the physical label or official retailer listing, not the brand's website marketing copy
  • Cross-referenced against multiple sources before claims are published

Where evidence is limited, conflicting, or emerging, we say so explicitly. We do not present a single study as definitive proof of an ingredient's effectiveness.

How product recommendations will be made

Product reviews and recommendations are not yet live on this site. When they are added, they will follow this process:

  1. Hands-on testing: wherever possible, products are tested on real skin for a minimum of four weeks before a review is published
  2. Ingredient analysis: the full INCI list is checked — not the brand's marketing description of it
  3. Claim verification: brand claims are compared against what the formulation can credibly deliver based on ingredient evidence
  4. Honest assessment: reviews include cons and limitations, not just positives
  5. Disclosure: affiliate links are disclosed on every page where they appear, and whether a product was provided as a PR sample is stated

No product will be recommended based on:

  • Affiliate commission rates
  • PR samples alone without independent testing
  • Brand advertising spend on this site
  • Popularity or brand recognition

No fake reviews

We do not publish fake reviews, invented user testimonials, or unverified before-and-after claims. Every review will clearly state how it was produced — whether through hands-on testing, assessed source material, or a combination. If we have not tested a product or assessed it against a credible source, it will not be listed.

No unsupported claims

We do not state that an ingredient "removes wrinkles," "reverses ageing," or "rebuilds collagen" unless the evidence for that specific claim is very strong. We use language proportionate to the evidence:

  • "May help reduce the appearance of fine lines" — moderate evidence, individual results vary
  • "Is linked to improvements in skin texture in published research" — referenced evidence, not a guarantee
  • "Is one of the most studied ingredients for wrinkle appearance" — comparative statement about the evidence base

We do not use superlatives like "the best" or "the most powerful" without specific comparative evidence.

Affiliate content vs. advice content

There is a clear distinction between our advice and education content (guides, ingredient explainers, routines) and any future affiliate or commercial content (product reviews, comparison tables, buying guides with links).

Advice content is not influenced by commercial considerations. Affiliate content will clearly state where links are commercial. Product assessments in affiliate content follow the same editorial standards as advice content — affiliate status does not create a more positive review.

Corrections policy

We are committed to correcting factual errors promptly and transparently:

  • If a factual error is identified in any content, we will correct it as quickly as possible
  • Significant corrections will be noted at the bottom of the relevant page with a correction date
  • Minor corrections (typos, broken links) are fixed without a correction notice
  • If a product claim or review needs updating due to a formula change or new evidence, the page will be updated and the update date noted

To report an error, use our contact page.

Medical disclaimer

All content on wrinkle-creams.com is for general education and information only. It does not constitute medical advice and cannot substitute for personalised guidance from a qualified dermatologist or healthcare professional. Readers with specific skin concerns, conditions, or reactions to products should consult a qualified professional.

We do not diagnose, treat, or recommend treatment for any medical skin condition.

Plain English commitment

We write for real women, not for skincare professionals. If a technical term is necessary, we explain it. We avoid jargon where a plain word will do. We write in active sentences. We do not use complexity as a proxy for authority.

Last updated

This editorial policy was last reviewed: June 2024.