Our method
How we rate the evidence.
Wellness gear is sold on big promises. We rate each claim by the quality of the human research behind it, show our sources, and keep commercial relationships out of the ratings.
Evidence levels
Consistent results from multiple good-quality human studies for this specific use.
Some good human evidence, but smaller, shorter, mixed, or mostly observational.
Small or preliminary human studies, or mostly lab and animal research.
Little reliable human evidence, or the better trials found no meaningful effect.
No reliable human evidence for the claim.
A category's overall rating reflects its best-supported, most common uses. Inside each guide we rate the individual uses separately, because "red light therapy" or "sauna" can mean very different things with very different evidence.
What we look at
- Study design. Systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials carry the most weight, then large long-term cohort studies. Small pilot studies, lab work and animal studies count as early evidence at best.
- Relevance. Was it the same kind of device or exposure, in people like the reader, measuring outcomes people care about (not just a lab marker)?
- Consistency and size. One positive trial is not a settled question. We look for results that repeat.
- Null and negative results. Trials that found no effect are part of the evidence, and we include them.
- Funding and conflicts. Studies paid for by the company that sells the product are noted where it matters.
- Safety. Every guide has a safety section, with who should be careful and why.
Our sources
We cite primary research, mostly through PubMed, plus official sources such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and standards bodies. Every study we cite is checked against PubMed's records. Summaries are written in our own words from each study's published abstract, so for full detail, follow the link to the paper.
How the guides are written
ThriveRadar's guides are researched and drafted with the help of AI tools working from primary sources, then checked against those sources. They have not been reviewed by a doctor or other licensed clinician. They are general education, not medical advice. If something looks wrong, please tell us at admin@pepsradar.com and we will correct it.
Products and prices
- We list products from shops whose prices we can check from public product data. A listing is not an endorsement, and we have not lab-tested the products.
- Specs shown on product cards are as listed by the seller.
- Prices and stock are checked once a day. Large sudden changes are held until we confirm them, and every card shows when its price was last checked. Always confirm the final price, shipping and tax at the shop.
Affiliate links
Some shop links are affiliate links, so we may earn a commission when you buy. Commissions never change an evidence rating, and we do not sell placement in our guides. Read the full affiliate disclosure.
New research and news
Our research and news feed is collected automatically and labeled as unreviewed. When an important new study changes the picture, we update the guide and its date.