Transparency First

How We Score Serums

Every score on this platform is derived from a structured, 100-point framework. No gut feel. No sponsorship influence. Here's exactly how it works.

Score Distribution (Total: 100 pts)

Ingredient Quality
25 pts
Stability
30 pts
Packaging
15 pts
User Experience
20 pts
Value for Money
10 pts

Ingredient Quality

25 pts

Evaluates the primary Vitamin C derivative used, its bioavailability, supporting actives (e.g., Ferulic Acid, Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid), and any potentially harmful additives.

What we evaluate:

  • Form of Vitamin C (LAA vs. derivatives) weighted by bioavailability
  • Presence of absorption-enhancing actives (Ferulic, Vit E)
  • Supporting brightening ingredients (Niacinamide, Alpha Arbutin)
  • Absence of harmful additives (heavy fragrances, parabens, alcohol)
  • Synergistic ingredient compatibility

Stability

30 pts

The highest-weighted category — because even the best formula is useless if it oxidizes before it reaches your skin. India's heat and humidity make this especially critical.

What we evaluate:

  • Vitamin C derivative's inherent oxidation resistance
  • Packaging type (airless pump vs. dropper vs. open cap)
  • UV-opaque vs. clear packaging
  • pH of formula relative to active form's optimum
  • Climate suitability for Indian consumers (25°C–38°C typical storage)

Packaging

15 pts

Good packaging isn't just aesthetics — it directly protects ingredient stability and user experience. We evaluate material safety and light/air protection.

What we evaluate:

  • Airtight pump or sealed dropper mechanisms
  • Amber or opaque UV-blocking material
  • Pump precision (dose control)
  • Material inertness (no metal tip contamination for LAA)
  • Practical ml per rupee value

User Experience

20 pts

A serum that feels terrible to use won't be used consistently — and consistency is everything in skincare. We factor in texture, absorption, and finish.

What we evaluate:

  • Texture and spreadability
  • Absorption speed (sticky vs. dry)
  • Post-application skin feel (comfortable, not tight)
  • Scent profile (fragrance-free preferred)
  • Layerability with other products

Value for Money

10 pts

Price per ml normalized against formulation quality. A ₹2,000 serum isn't automatically better — and a ₹500 serum can be excellent value.

What we evaluate:

  • Price per ml vs. category benchmark
  • Ingredient quality per rupee
  • Accessibility across Indian income segments
  • Availability (online + offline distribution)

Our Commitment to Impartiality

  • 1
    We do not accept payment, free products, or any form of compensation in exchange for favorable reviews or scores.
  • 2
    Brands cannot appeal or change their score by contacting us. Scores update only when formulas or packaging materially change.
  • 3
    We disclose affiliate relationships. Some buy links may generate small commissions — these never affect our independent scores.
  • 4
    Our scoring team and our editorial team are separate. Writers do not know the final scores before publishing.
  • 5
    Scores are reviewed quarterly against new published research and re-scored if significant new clinical data emerges.