On the relationship between
commerce and editorial.

The Bio Star participates in affiliate programs with selected brands and retailers. When a reader purchases a Bio-Starred product through a link on this site, Bio Star may receive a commission on that purchase. This disclosure is published in accordance with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's guidelines on endorsement relationships and applicable equivalent regulations in other jurisdictions.

What this means in practice

• Bio Star may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through outbound links to brand and retailer websites.
• Affiliate relationships exist only with brands whose products have already been awarded a Bio Star through the institutional evaluation process.
• The presence or absence of an affiliate relationship does not, and shall never, influence the 13-Circle Standard or the inspection findings of any product.
• Affiliate links are marked at the link level with the rel="sponsored" attribute, consistent with current FTC and search-engine disclosure standards.

The firewall

The decision to award a Bio Star precedes any commercial relationship. A product is evaluated against the 13-Circle Standard by an anonymous inspector. The verdict is filed. Only then is the brand offered the option to be listed in the Bio Star Shop with an affiliate link to their authorised point of sale. No brand can purchase its way onto the Shop. No commercial offer can alter a verdict that has already been filed.

On Insider membership

Subscription revenue from Insider membership accrues to Bio Star Holdings. Insider members receive no commercial benefit from any brand and are entitled to the unadulterated inspector record. Member revenue does not influence the rubric.

Contact

Questions regarding this disclosure may be addressed to editorial@thebiostar.com.