EDITORIAL METHODOLOGY · FOR ADULTS 18+
Our Product Review Methodology
A review should reduce uncertainty, not add hype. Our framework focuses on objective, verifiable data—materials, safety, privacy, and cost—rather than unverifiable personal anecdotes.
Key Takeaway
Intimacy Brief evaluates products from verifiable specifications. We do not invent hands-on testing scenes, clinical credentials, or scores.
What actually matters
When we evaluate a product, we focus on criteria that impact every user universally, regardless of personal anatomy or preference. Our core scoring framework is built on:
- Materials & Safety: Are materials non-porous (e.g., body-safe silicone) and clearly disclosed?
- Design & Controls: Are controls intuitive, accessible, and practically placed?
- Care & Maintenance: Can the product be fully sterilized? Are cleaning requirements straightforward?
- Privacy: Does the manufacturer use discreet shipping and protect consumer data?
- Value: What is the true cost over the product's lifespan, factoring in proprietary chargers or replacement parts?
What the marketing gets wrong
Marketing relies heavily on subjective adjectives—"mind-blowing," "revolutionary," "medical-grade." We strip these away. If a product claims a specific health benefit, we look for the clinical evidence. If it claims to be "medical-grade," we verify if that refers to the raw material rating or an actual medical device classification (it is almost always the former).
What the evidence says
We base our evaluations on established material science and consumer safety standards. Evidence shows that porous materials (like PVC or TPE) degrade and harbor bacteria, which is why we severely penalize products lacking material transparency. We do not invent clinical expertise, and we defer to medical professionals for health outcomes.
What we will not do
Our methodology is strict about what we exclude from our reviews:
- We do not present unverifiable medical claims as fact.
- We do not invent personal testing experiences or fabricate credentials.
- We do not hide affiliate relationships.
Bottom line
A decision-useful review tells a reader exactly who the product is for, who should skip it, what the trade-offs are, and which alternatives deserve consideration. By focusing on safety, materials, and transparency, we help you make an informed decision.