PDRN.AI is an independent skincare publication. Our editorial policy explains how we choose what to cover, how we evaluate products, and how we keep affiliate revenue separate from editorial judgment.
Independence
We are not paid to recommend products. We accept no sponsored posts, no paid placements, no “consideration” in exchange for coverage. Affiliate commissions are paid by the retailer (not the brand) and are disclosed on every article that contains affiliate links.
Brands may send products for editorial consideration. We do not guarantee coverage in return, and we have written negative reviews of brands that sent us samples. Editorial judgment is final.
How we evaluate ingredients
Ingredient coverage starts with peer-reviewed clinical literature. We prioritize:
- Randomized controlled trials over observational studies
- Independent research over manufacturer-funded studies (we disclose funding sources when relevant)
- Replicated findings over single-study claims
- Recent reviews and meta-analyses for consensus understanding
Where evidence is thin or contested, we say so. We don’t hype ingredients beyond what the data supports.
How we test products
Product reviews follow a structured protocol:
- Minimum testing period: 6 weeks for serums, 4 weeks for cleansers, 8-12 weeks for retinoids or PDRN products where regenerative effects are gradual
- Controlled application: consistent time of day, alongside a stable baseline routine
- Documentation: weekly photographs under consistent lighting; baseline measurements where applicable
- Multiple testers when possible: we acknowledge that n=1 reviews have limits. For products where we have multi-tester data, we say so.
- Honest negative findings: products that disappoint get said so in plain terms
Sourcing standards
Every factual claim about an ingredient or product is sourced. Primary sources include:
- Peer-reviewed journals (PubMed-indexed)
- Regulatory documents (FDA, KFDA, EMA, MFDS)
- Product manufacturer ingredient disclosures
- Interviews with practicing dermatologists (with attribution)
We do not source from influencer posts, brand marketing materials presented as evidence, or AI-generated summaries of research.
Use of AI in our process
We disclose where AI is used: AI may assist with research summarization and draft generation, but every published article is reviewed and edited by a human editor for accuracy, voice, and judgment. Our automated publishing system surfaces drafts for review — it does not publish unreviewed AI text.
Updates and corrections
Skincare science evolves. We update articles when new evidence changes our recommendations. Major revisions are flagged with a “Last updated” date. Significant corrections are noted at the bottom of the article with the original error and the correction. See our Corrections Policy.
Contact
Editorial questions, tips, or pitches: hello@pdrn.ai