Reviewing health products and services: our process

At Yahoo Health, we resonate with the words of the late clinical psychologist and author, Anne Wilson Schaef: "Good health is not something we can buy. However, it can be an extremely valuable savings account."

We view maintaining, improving, or restoring health as a lifelong commitment that requires dedication, effort, and often financial investment. When it comes to spending on products or services that support your health, we aim to provide thorough, reliable information so you can make informed choices that truly benefit your well-being.

Our approach to content is grounded in careful research, expert consultation, and real-world testing. Each review relies on our team of health writers, subject matter experts, and editors. Every recommendation is based on scientific evidence and, whenever possible, firsthand experience.

Important note: Always consult your primary care physician or healthcare provider before adding new health products or services to your routine, as not every product is suitable for everyone.

Expert Testing

Writer Libby Sentz tested 23 exercise balls after interviewing five experts to evaluate stability and usability. Photo: Libby Sentz (Libby Sentz)

Our Commitment to You

We provide evidence-based advice and guidance for a healthy lifestyle. Our team includes certified exercise physiologists, registered dietitians, nurses, personal trainers, yoga instructors, and licensed therapists. Many of our editors hold advanced degrees and clinical teaching experience. Beyond our expertise, we bring personal health experiences into our work, whether managing pain, running marathons, caring for family health, or undergoing therapy ourselves.

We approach product evaluation with seriousness and humor, understanding both the importance of health and the realities of navigating marketing claims. We aim to highlight products that genuinely deliver benefits without wasting your money on misleading hype. While some product links may generate affiliate revenue, our reviews are editorially independent, based solely on research and firsthand testing.

Transparency in Revenue

All product recommendations are purely editorial. Any affiliate commissions earned do not influence our evaluation or selection process. We maintain full independence in every stage of research, testing, and publication.

Types of Products We Review

We define "health" broadly, covering anything that impacts mental, physical, or emotional well-being. Our reviews include:

• Home fitness equipment
• Supplements
• Menstrual care products
• Skincare and dermatology products
• Pain management tools
• Hearing aids and vision products
• Mental health services
• Stress and anxiety management products
• Support for chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease
• At-home test kits, including DNA kits
• Sleep-support items like mattresses
• Health-focused footwear
• Oral care products
• Mobility aids
• Trending health items
• Safety and environmental health products
• Travel products related to health

We do not cover alcohol, tobacco, recreational marijuana, ingestible CBD, or prescription medications.

Our Review Process

Every article goes through months of research and testing. We draw on market research, expert feedback, scientific studies, and hands-on evaluation. Experts such as dermatologists, cardiologists, dietitians, and exercise physiologists inform our criteria for each product.

Products are tested at home or by our testing panel, either purchased anonymously or provided by the brand. We examine packaging, usability, performance, and long-term durability. Reviews include both numerical scores and qualitative insights to highlight key benefits and potential drawbacks.

Supplements

Supplements are evaluated rigorously. Ingredients are analyzed for dosage, additives, and scientific support. Claims are validated against high-quality research. Preference is given to third-party tested, non-GMO, organic, or clean-label products. Supplements are tested by the demographic intended to use them, and all articles are reviewed or written by a registered dietitian.

Long-Term Testing

Top-rated products are used over extended periods to assess durability and lasting benefits. Content is updated regularly, with update notes provided to highlight new insights or changes.

Retailer Trust

We recommend only reputable brands and retailers with a history of quality and reliable service.

Editing and Fact-Checking

Every article is reviewed by a credentialed health editor to verify expert quotes and cited studies. Supplement content undergoes additional review by a registered dietitian. We are developing a medical review board to further strengthen our review process, ensuring our health information is accurate, trustworthy, and grounded in expertise.

Author's Commentary: The Importance of Trust and Transparency in Health Product Reviews

As we navigate the overwhelming sea of health products and services, the need for transparent, evidence-based reviews has never been more critical. The commitment to providing reliable, fact-driven guidance is something we take seriously at Yahoo Health. When making health-related choices, it's essential to have trustworthy information, grounded in research and firsthand experience. With the rise of marketing claims that often blur the line between reality and hype, our editorial process strives to cut through the noise, ensuring only the most credible products are highlighted.

Our team of experts, from certified dietitians to personal trainers, works diligently to test and evaluate products. Each recommendation is not only the result of extensive research but is also informed by real-world testing and expert consultation. This rigorous approach ensures that every product we recommend has been vetted for its effectiveness and safety, giving you the confidence to make informed decisions for your health journey.

Furthermore, transparency is a cornerstone of our editorial integrity. We are upfront about affiliate commissions and emphasize that these commissions never influence our product evaluations. Our reviews are based solely on objective research and personal testing, which ensures our readers can trust that every recommendation is unbiased and genuinely beneficial.

It's important to remember that health is not one-size-fits-all. Each person's needs, whether physical, emotional, or mental, are unique. That’s why we provide a diverse range of reviews, from fitness equipment to mental health products, ensuring there’s something for everyone. However, we always advise consulting your healthcare provider before integrating any new products into your routine. What works for one individual may not work for another, and your physician’s input is invaluable in making safe, informed choices.

Sources:

• How we review health products and services