Methodology

How We Score

PeptideClear maintains two independent scoring frameworks. One grades the research behind a compound. The other grades how transparently a vendor documents their process. Both apply the same core discipline: publish the grade, never endorse.

Framework 01
Research Quality Score

The RQS evaluates the methodological strength of the clinical evidence behind each compound across seven dimensions: study design, sample size, replication, journal credibility, funding independence, population diversity, and researcher credentials. The result is a score out of 100 reflecting how much you should trust the research, not what the research says a compound does.

Strong Evidence Moderate Evidence Limited Evidence Weak Evidence Insufficient
View RQS Methodology →
Framework 02
Vendor Transparency Score

The VTS grades vendors on how openly and verifiably they document their process, using only signals a stranger can confirm from public materials: third-party testing practice, batch traceability, COA accessibility and completeness, testing recency, policy transparency, and operational track record. A high VTS means a vendor is transparent about their process. It does not mean their product is safe or effective.

High Transparency Moderate Limited Low Opaque
View VTS Methodology →

Shared Principles

1
Both frameworks score on process inputs only. RQS scores the quality of how research was conducted. VTS scores the verifiability of how a vendor operates. Neither renders verdicts on whether something works or whether something is safe.
2
Every scored point links to its evidence. RQS scoring logs cite the specific PubMed entries, journals, and funding disclosures behind each dimension. VTS scoring logs link to the specific public pages and documents each point was drawn from.
3
Scores are independent of commercial relationships. A compound or vendor does not need to be affiliated with PeptideClear to be scored, and affiliation does not affect the score. Revenue from Phase 2 affiliate relationships flows only to vendors who have already been graded through the VTS framework.
4
Scores are reviewed as evidence changes. RQS scores update when new human trials are published. VTS scores update when vendor practices or public documentation change. Each scoring log carries a review date.
Both frameworks were developed by the PeptideClear editorial team with input from academic researchers and members of the peptide research community. Scoring methodology is fully documented and open to scrutiny. Questions or challenges to a specific score can be directed to hello@peptideclear.com.
Citing this framework? A reference summary with citation formats for both RQS and VTS is at peptideclear.com/cite →