Every supplement scored 50–100 across six factors
Formulate scores are deterministic and transparent. The same algorithm runs on every product, the weights are public, and the evidence base is versioned. No sponsorships, no editorial favoritism.
The six factors
Quality and quantity of peer-reviewed human research supporting the ingredient, its dose, and its claimed outcome. Meta-analyses and RCTs score higher than animal studies or anecdote.
Third-party certifications (NSF, USP, Informed Sport), facility audits, and batch-level testing. A product is only as good as its factory.
Does the serving actually match the evidence-based range for the claimed benefit? Underdosed and overdosed products both lose points.
Form, chelation, and delivery method. Magnesium glycinate and magnesium oxide are not the same supplement — and we score them accordingly.
Full ingredient disclosure, no proprietary blends hiding doses, verified COAs on request. If a brand won't tell you what's in it, we penalize it.
Known interactions, contraindications, heavy-metal testing, and exposure to fillers or allergens. A supplement that works but hurts still loses points.
What the score means
Best-in-class on every factor. Evidence-backed, rigorously manufactured, transparent.
Solid across the board with minor gaps. Safe default choices.
Works, but has room to improve. Often a weaker form or less transparency.
Real concerns — wrong form, low dose, or poor manufacturing track record.
Meaningful problems with the product. Consider alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn't anything score below 50?
We don't list products we wouldn't be comfortable recommending at all. The 50–100 scale reflects the range of products that passed our screening. Products that fail safety or legitimacy checks don't get a score — they don't get listed.
Do brands pay to be on Formulate?
No. We do not accept payment to list, rank, or feature any product. We may earn affiliate commissions from qualifying purchases through outbound links, but this does not affect scoring. The same algorithm runs on every product in the catalog.
How often are scores updated?
Ingredient evidence is re-evaluated quarterly based on new meta-analyses and clinical trials. Product-specific data (formulation changes, new certifications, recalls) triggers an immediate rescore when detected.
Why does one supplement score higher than another with identical ingredients?
Two products can have the same active ingredients but very different scores because of form (e.g., magnesium glycinate vs oxide), dose accuracy, third-party testing, and manufacturing transparency. Our methodology weighs these explicitly.
Can I see the raw scoring data?
Yes. Every product page shows the full score breakdown by factor, the specific evidence tier for each claimed benefit, and the reasoning behind dose and form scores. Full transparency is non-negotiable.
See it in action
Every product page shows the full factor breakdown, the evidence tier for each claim, and the exact reasoning behind the number.
Browse scored supplements →