Editorial Policy
How we create, review, and maintain the content on GlycolicAcid.com.
How content is created
Every article on this site goes through a five-step process before it reaches you. No shortcuts, no exceptions.
Research
Every article begins with a literature review. We search PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library for relevant studies. We prioritize systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials, then supplement with cohort studies, case reports, and expert guidelines where needed.
Write
Content is drafted based on the evidence gathered. Claims are attributed to specific sources. We use hedging language ("may," "research suggests," "in some studies") when evidence is limited or mixed, and make definitive statements only when the evidence is strong and consistent.
Internal Review
Before publication, content is reviewed internally for accuracy. Claims are checked against cited sources and cross-referenced with established guidelines. As we grow, we plan to add formal review by board-certified dermatologists and cosmetic chemists.
Publish
Articles are published with a clear date and author attribution. Source citations are included inline and in a references section. Every article includes a medical disclaimer reminding readers that this is educational content, not medical advice.
Regular Update
Published content is updated when new research changes the picture. Articles are checked for accuracy and broken links on a rolling basis. The last updated date reflects when the article was most recently revised.
Sourcing standards
Not all evidence is created equal. We follow a source hierarchy based on the strength and reliability of the evidence:
- Systematic reviews and meta-analyses - the strongest form of evidence, synthesizing multiple studies
- Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) - gold standard for individual studies
- Cohort and case-control studies - observational evidence, useful when RCTs are not available
- Case series and case reports - limited but informative for rare conditions or novel applications
- Expert opinion and clinical guidelines - valuable context, particularly from dermatology professional bodies
We prefer peer-reviewed sources published in indexed journals. When citing non-peer-reviewed sources (manufacturer data, regulatory documents, clinical guidelines), we note this clearly.
For a detailed look at how we verify claims, see our fact-checking methodology.
Update policy
Skincare science evolves, and our content needs to evolve with it. We maintain the following review schedule:
All educational content is reviewed for accuracy and completeness on a rolling basis as new research emerges.
Product data - prices, availability, formulation details - is verified periodically against primary sources.
Factual errors or safety concerns reported by readers are investigated and corrected as soon as possible.
Correction policy
Mistakes happen. When they do, we fix them promptly and transparently.
- Minor corrections (typos, broken links, formatting) are fixed without a public note.
- Substantive corrections (factual errors, outdated claims, missing context) include a correction notice at the top of the article describing what changed and why.
- Major corrections (errors that could affect health decisions) are treated as urgent. The article is updated immediately, with a prominent correction notice, and the original error is logged in a transparent changelog.
To report an error, email info@glycolicacid.com with a link to the article and a reference to the correct information.
Conflicts of interest
Trust requires transparency about potential conflicts. Here is how we handle them:
- Affiliate relationships. If we earn commissions through product links, this is disclosed clearly on every page containing such links. See our affiliate disclosure for full details.
- Editorial independence. Commercial relationships never influence our editorial content. Product recommendations are based on evidence-based criteria - formulation, concentration, pH, clinical support - not on sponsorship or affiliate commissions.
- No sponsored content. We do not publish content written by or on behalf of brands. All articles are written by our editorial team and reviewed for accuracy before publication.
Questions about our editorial process?
If you have questions about how we create content, or if you believe an article does not meet the standards described on this page, please reach out at info@glycolicacid.com. We take these concerns seriously.
