Our Vetting Process
How We Vet Every Product
What Problem This Solves
Shopping for “clean,” non-toxic, or healthier products has become increasingly confusing. Labels are inconsistent. Claims are often vague or unsupported. Standards vary widely from brand to brand, and meaningful information can be buried beneath marketing language. Most consumers don’t have the time—or the technical background—to evaluate ingredients, materials, studies, and testing data on their own.
We built a rigorous, research-first vetting process to take that burden off the consumer. Our goal is to simplify decision-making without oversimplifying the science.
Our Vetting Framework
Every product we recommend goes through a structured evaluation process. While not every product will meet every single criterion below, all must meet our core standards for safety, transparency, and real-world use.
Our framework may include:
1. Ingredient & Materials Review
We evaluate product ingredients, materials, and construction methods with a focus on known health and safety concerns. This includes reviewing ingredient disclosures, material sourcing, and manufacturing practices where available.
2. Scientific & Medical Research
We reference current, peer-reviewed research to understand how specific ingredients or materials behave, how they are typically used, and where credible concerns or uncertainties exist. Our work draws on established scientific literature rather than marketing claims or trends.
3. Expert Input
When appropriate, our research process incorporates input from medical doctors, PhDs, scientists, and other subject-matter experts. This expert insight helps us interpret peer-reviewed studies, understand real-world exposure and risk, and apply established safety frameworks rather than relying on marketing claims or trends.
4. Third-Party Testing
We prioritize products that undergo independent, third-party testing when relevant. While testing availability varies by product category, verified test results add an additional layer of accountability and confidence.
5. Real-World Use
Products must hold up in everyday life. We evaluate durability, usability, and performance—not just theoretical benefits—because a product that looks good on paper but fails in real-world use does not meet our standards.
For example, in categories such as baby products and home goods, we prioritize full ingredient or material disclosure and verified safety information over convenience claims or aesthetic marketing.
What We Reject
Equally important is what we choose not to recommend. We regularly pass on products that rely on:
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Vague or unverifiable claims
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“Proprietary blends” without meaningful disclosure
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Greenwashing language without substance
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Incomplete ingredient or materials lists
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Unsupported health or safety promises
If we can’t clearly understand what a product is made of or how it’s meant to work, we don’t recommend it.
Transparency & Independence
Transparency is central to our process. We clearly distinguish between researched information, expert insight, and opinion. When we recommend a product, it’s because it meets our standards—not because of paid placement or pressure from brands.
Some links on our site may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. This never influences which products we approve or recommend.
How Often Our Standards Are Updated
Science evolves. Regulations change. New research emerges.
We regularly revisit our standards and recommendations to reflect updated evidence and best practices. Products and guides may be revised or removed as new information becomes available.
Where This Process Applies
Our vetting standards apply consistently across:
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Products sold in our store
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Buying guides and reviews
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Educational content and recommendations
This ensures that whether you’re reading a guide or shopping directly, the same principles apply.
Our Goal
Our goal is not to offer the most products—it’s to offer clarity. We believe consumers deserve straightforward, well-researched information and products that meet clear, defensible standards.
We do the digging so you don’t have to.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Gimme the Good Stuff decide which products to recommend?
We use a structured, research-first review process that may include ingredient and materials analysis, peer-reviewed scientific research, expert input from doctors and scientists, and review of available third-party testing. Products must also meet our standards for transparency and real-world use before we recommend them.
Do you accept paid placements or sponsorships?
No. We do not accept paid placements in exchange for product recommendations. Some links on our site may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you, but this never influences which products we approve or recommend.
Are all products third-party tested?
Third-party testing availability varies by product category. When independent testing is relevant and available, we prioritize products with verified results. When testing is not available, we rely on ingredient disclosure, materials analysis, credible research, and expert input to assess safety and performance.
How often are your recommendations updated?
We regularly review and update our standards, guides, and product recommendations as new research, testing data, or regulatory guidance becomes available. Products may be revised or removed if they no longer meet our criteria.
Ready to explore?
Browse our vetted collections or read our latest buying guides to see our standards in action.
