How We Verify Dupes

1. Ingredients first

A real dupe matches the formula, not just the marketing. For every pair we record both products’ key ingredients and count exact overlaps — the actives that do the work and the bases that determine texture and wear. That count is shown right on each comparison page (for example: “shares 6 of 8 key ingredients”).

2. A worked example

3. What the score means

85–100%: near-twin — formula, finish, and community consensus all agree. 75–84%: strong alternative — same effect, minor texture or shade differences. 70–74%: budget stand-in — gets you most of the way there, and we say what you give up. Below 70%: rejected. We also reject matches where the “dupe” relies on a patented ingredient it can’t contain — which is why our Olaplex page says plainly that no true dupe exists, and compares functional alternatives instead.

4. Sources & honesty

Every match cites its corroboration — community consensus (Reddit, Fragrantica), editorial testing, or ingredient databases — and you can challenge any of them via our submission form. Shopping links may earn us an affiliate commission at no cost to you; commissions never influence scores, and we link the original product just as prominently as the dupe.

5. Kept current

Prices, Amazon listings, and availability are re-verified on a rolling weekly basis, and new viral products are added every week. Each comparison page shows its last-updated date.