methodology

How we decide what’s safe

Every substance and product we cover gets the same treatment: a clear verdict, an honest evidence-strength rating, and the primary research behind it. No vibes, no fear-selling. Here is exactly how we do it.

The verdict

We answer the question first, in plain language: Yes, No, the evidence is mixed, or there is not enough evidence yet. You should never have to read 1,500 words to find out what we actually concluded.

The evidence-strength rating

A verdict is only as good as what backs it. We label every conclusion Strong, Moderate, Limited, or Inconclusive based on the kind of evidence available. Human studies and regulatory consensus carry the most weight. Animal and lab studies count, but we never dress them up as human certainty.

Our sources

We cite primary research: peer-reviewed human studies, systematic reviews, and assessments from bodies like the Endocrine Society, EFSA, NIEHS, and the FDA. We link to them so you can check our work. We do not cite other blogs as evidence.

What this is, and what it isn’t

This is exposure-reduction information to help you make informed choices. It is not medical advice. We will never tell you to start or stop a medication or treatment. If you have a health condition, talk to your doctor.

How we make money

Some links are affiliate links: if you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes our verdict. We rate substances and products on the evidence first, and we pick safer swaps on the same basis, whether or not a program pays us.

Who’s behind this

Toxlens is researched and written by Luc Dossis, the founder, a parent of a young family. He is not a doctor or a toxicologist; he is an independent researcher who reads the primary literature and grades it against the methodology above. Every page shows who wrote it and the date it was last reviewed. As Toxlens grows, we are adding independent expert review for the topics that need a clinician’s eye.