Every supplement on PillPicked is evaluated using the same five-point framework, regardless of whether we have a commercial relationship with the manufacturer. Here is exactly how the Clarity Score is calculated.
1. Label Transparency (20 points)
We verify that every active ingredient has an individual dose listed in milligrams or appropriate units. Products using proprietary blends — where only a total blend weight is disclosed — receive automatic deductions. Full transparency, with standardization percentages for botanical extracts, scores highest.
2. Clinical Evidence (25 points)
Each ingredient is cross-referenced against peer-reviewed literature. We evaluate study quality (randomized controlled trials outrank observational studies), dose relevance (does the study dose match the product dose?), and form specificity (is the specific extract form — not just the generic compound — studied in humans?).
3. Mechanism Coherence (20 points)
We assess whether the formula's ingredients work together toward a single coherent mechanism or complementary mechanisms. Products with 20 ingredients targeting seven different systems simultaneously are typically underdosed across the board and score lower than focused formulas with fewer, better-evidenced ingredients.
4. Safety Profile (20 points)
We evaluate documented drug interactions, contraindications, and side effect profiles at the stated dose. GMP certification from an FDA-registered facility is a minimum requirement — any product not meeting this standard is ineligible for listing regardless of other scores.
5. Verified Customer Results (15 points)
We collect and analyze verified buyer reviews from independent platforms, prioritizing specificity, recency, and volume. Review manipulation signals (sudden spikes, uniformly positive language, unverified purchases) result in score deductions.
Clarity Score Ranges
90–100: Best-in-class. Exceptional across all five criteria — rare and reserved for products with patented ingredients backed by multiple human clinical trials.
80–89: Excellent. Strong evidence base with minor gaps — typically one criterion slightly below best-in-class.
70–79: Good. Solid product with meaningful clinical support, though some transparency or evidence gaps exist.
Below 70: Listed for reference only. May have specific use cases but we do not actively recommend these products.