Who we are and how we rank
A small independent editorial site covering one narrow category properly, rather than every category badly.
What this site is
Top Rated Cream publishes independent rankings of under-eye skincare — eye creams, serums and patches aimed at dark circles, puffiness and the fine lines that come with them. We cover one category, which lets us go considerably deeper into it than a general beauty site can.
We are reader-supported. When you buy through a link on this site we may earn a commission from the retailer, at no additional cost to you. That is our entire business model and we would rather tell you plainly than bury it. Our affiliate disclosure sets out exactly how it works.
How we rank — and what we do not claim
We want to be precise here, because a lot of sites in this space are not. We are an editorial research operation, not a laboratory. We do not run clinical trials, we do not employ dermatologists, and we do not claim to have personally tested every product on a panel of volunteers. What we do is read carefully and compare rigorously.
Each product is scored out of ten across four weighted criteria:
- Formulation quality (40%). Which actives are present, at what concentration where disclosed, and whether the delivery system and packaging actually protect them. An unstable vitamin C in a clear jar scores badly no matter what the label says.
- Evidence behind the actives (25%). How well supported each key ingredient is by published dermatological research for this specific concern. Caffeine for vascular circles scores higher than a proprietary botanical blend with no literature behind it.
- Real-world reception (20%). Patterns across large volumes of published customer reviews — particularly the recurring complaints, which are far more informative than the praise.
- Value and usability (15%). Cost per use, texture, whether it plays well under makeup, and whether the packaging is hygienic.
Rankings are reviewed monthly. Products get removed when formulations change, when they are discontinued, or when the reported experience shifts.
What we will not do
No before-and-after images
They are trivially faked, unrepresentative, and they set expectations no cream can meet.
No cure or miracle language
No product on this site will erase dark circles. We say so on the page where we recommend it.
No paid placement
Nobody can buy a position in our rankings. Commission rates play no part in the order.
No hidden criticism
Every product has a “worth knowing” section. If we would not recommend it to a friend, we say why.
Not medical advice
Everything here is general consumer information about cosmetic products. It is not medical advice and it is not a substitute for a consultation. Dark circles occasionally signal something worth investigating — allergies, anaemia, thyroid problems, eczema. If yours appeared suddenly, are one-sided, or have not responded to three months of consistent care, please see a doctor or a board-certified dermatologist rather than buying another jar.
Corrections
If we have something wrong — a changed formulation, a discontinued product, a factual error — tell us at contact@topratedcream.com and we will fix it and note the correction. We would genuinely rather be corrected than be wrong.