A material difference
A material difference is a documented difference that affects the specific buying question stated on the comparison page. Material does not mean better, worse, or unsafe.
Evidence before enthusiasm
Know the difference.
Know how we got there.
A comparison is useful only when its limits are clear. We show our scope, sources and unknowns before asking you to make a choice.
A critical information gap
A gap is critical when the missing fact is part of the stated buying question. We keep that gap visible instead of filling it with a guess.
The verdict, in this order.
A confirmed material difference affects the stated comparison. This takes precedence even when another relevant fact is missing.
No material difference is established, but missing or conflicting information prevents a conclusion within the scope.
Relevant documented features are similar, with no material difference or critical gap within that scope. This is not a recommendation to purchase or evidence of equivalent performance.
Individual rows use Same / Different / Unknown. “Same” means the recorded value matches on that feature. Page verdicts assess all features in the stated scope. We do not assign a numerical similarity score.
The question comes first.
Each category uses a standard scope, stated before evaluation. Every feature in a category’s standard scope is treated as material when different, so standard scopes must only include features that matter to the buying question. Scope changes are logged with a date and reason.
Skincare
How do the listed key actives, disclosed percentages and fragrance listing differ?
Listed key actives and disclosed percentages; Fragrance listed.
Shared ingredients, fragrance notes and seller specifications never count as proof of equivalent performance. Fragrance note lists do not establish the same scent; concentration designations do not disclose exact percentages.
A source for every stated value.
The named fact was checked, with a note describing the check. This is not a product-wide certification.
A claim from the brand. We identify the source; we do not present the claim as independent testing.
A retailer or seller specification. Matching specifications do not prove matching real-world performance.
The fact is missing. An undisclosed percentage is never treated as zero.
Available information indicates variation. A single value cannot support a settled comparison.
Every comparison lists known differences and unknowns. Fictional records are labeled Sample data. Sources identify the evidence for real records; no physical product testing is implied.
Prices, on the same basis
We calculate price per 100 mL, per 100 g, or per item. US fluid ounces and weight ounces are converted separately. Volume and weight are not directly comparable without density, which we do not assume.
Retailer ordering is lowest listed unit price first, then alphabetical for ties, within each exact product version. Missing prices come last. Unit prices exclude shipping and tax; check dates and Eastern times appear beside prices.
How we earn money
We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases through retailer links. Whether we earn a commission on either product never affects a verdict or retailer ordering. A full disclosure appears at the top of Retailer options, with a short reminder beside every retailer button.
Sample retailer links are placeholders. No affiliate tracking or email subscriptions are active in this pilot.
Comparing prices fairly
We compare prices per 100 mL for products sold by volume, per 100 g for products sold by weight, and per item for products sold individually (such as wigs).
When one product is sold by volume and the other by weight, we do not convert between them. Converting would require the product’s density, which brands almost never publish. Instead, the page says the prices are not directly comparable and shows each product’s own unit price.
We convert only between units that measure the same thing:
- 1 US fluid ounce = 29.57 mL
- 1 ounce (weight) = 28.35 g
Prices exclude shipping and tax unless a retailer states otherwise. Each price shows when and where we checked it, including the time zone.
Who said it
Every value on a comparison page carries one of these labels:
- Brand-stated: published by the brand that makes the product.
- Seller-stated: published by a retailer or marketplace seller.
- Verified: we checked it ourselves, and the page says how.
- Not disclosed: we could not find the information.
- Varies by batch: the value changes between batches or shades.
A brand or seller statement is reported as a claim, not confirmed as fact. A missing value is never treated as zero or guessed.
Standard scopes by category
Each category has a standard buying question. We set it before evaluating any pair and apply it to every page in that category.
- Skincare: How do the listed key actives, disclosed percentages and fragrance listing differ?
- Wigs: How do the documented construction, dimensions and heat-care specifications compare?
- Perfumes and colognes: How do the published concentration designation and claimed notes compare? Scent and longevity are not compared unless the page says we tested them.
When a page uses a different scope, it shows the change, the date, and the reason.
Independence
Whether we earn a commission on either product never affects a verdict, the features we compare, or the order of retailer offers. Sponsored placements, if we ever offer them, will be labeled and kept outside verdicts and offer lists.
Corrections
When a verdict, value or price changes, the page notes the date and what changed. Readers can report errors through the correction link on any page.
Brand names
We use brand and product names only to identify the products we compare. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the brands shown unless a page says so. Calling a product an “alternative” or “dupe” describes how shoppers search, not a claim that it is a copy or that it performs the same.
For this pilot, scent and longevity are not compared. The fixed fragrance notice remains on every fragrance verdict.
Corrections stay on the record.
When a verdict changes, we note the date and reason on the comparison page. Scope changes retain their previous and new buying questions. Correction submission is not connected in this pilot.