If you enjoy trying new products, writing reviews or creating content about the products you use, you may have wondered how people actually get the opportunity to test products for free.
There are quite a few product testing websites and communities out there, and I’ve personally found that they can vary quite a lot. Some are aimed more towards everyday consumers, while others are particularly useful if you’re a content creator.
I’ve put together some of the product testing sites I recommend checking out, along with a little information about what they offer, the types of products you might come across and whether you need a certain number of followers.
One thing I would say before signing up is don’t expect to receive products straight away. Most of these sites match testers to campaigns based on your profile, interests and the requirements of each campaign, so you won’t necessarily be selected for everything you apply for.
1. Superdrug Community
Location: UK
Best for: Beauty, skincare, haircare, makeup, health and wellbeing
If you’re interested in beauty products, Superdrug Community is definitely one I’d recommend joining.
It’s a community run by Superdrug where members can take part in discussions, activities, competitions and product testing opportunities.
There is a particular focus on beauty, so you may come across opportunities involving skincare, makeup, haircare, body care and other health and wellbeing products.
You don’t need to be a huge content creator to join, and there isn’t a published minimum follower requirement.
You will need to be 18 or over to join.
What should you expect?
As with most product testing sites, joining doesn’t guarantee that you’ll receive products. You’ll need to have a completed profile and wait for testing opportunities that are suitable for you.
If you’re already a Superdrug customer and enjoy trying beauty products, I think it’s worth signing up.
2. L’Oréalistar
Location: UK & Ireland
Best for: Beauty content creators
If you’re a beauty content creator, L’Oréalista(r) is one I’d definitely have a look at.
This one is a little different from some of the other sites on this list because it’s specifically aimed at beauty creators.
It’s run by L’Oréal and gives creators opportunities to take part in missions, create content and get involved with different L’Oréal brands.
Depending on the opportunities available, this can include products, content creation campaigns, launches, events and other creator activities.
You don’t need to have thousands of followers just to apply. There isn’t currently a fixed minimum follower number published for the UK programme.
What should you expect?
This isn’t really a case of signing up and waiting for random free products to arrive.
You’ll need to create a profile, and if you’re selected for opportunities, you’ll usually be expected to create content or complete the relevant mission.
If you’re already creating beauty content, it’s definitely one I’d recommend having on your radar.
3. SuperSavvyMe (Savvy Circle)
Join SuperSavvyMe / Savvy Circle
Location: UK
Best for: Beauty, haircare, personal care, household and family products
SuperSavvyMe is another one worth checking out if you enjoy trying new products and sharing your opinions.
The Savvy Circle has campaigns across a range of different categories, so it isn’t limited to beauty.
You may see products from brands such as Pantene, Aussie, Olay, Head & Shoulders, Oral-B, Fairy, Lenor and other well-known brands.
What can you be expected to do?
This will depend on the campaign.
You may be asked to:
- Try the product yourself.
- Share it with friends or family.
- Complete surveys.
- Leave a review.
- Share your experience on social media.
- Upload evidence of your posts or reviews.
Some campaigns are more social-media focused than others, so make sure you read the requirements before accepting a campaign.
There isn’t one set follower requirement for all campaigns, although having active social media accounts can be useful for campaigns that involve sharing content.
4. Beauty Buddy
Location: Beauty-focused community
Best for: Beauty, skincare, makeup, haircare and personal care
If you’re mainly interested in beauty products, Beauty Buddy is one I’d recommend looking at.
The platform is specifically focused on beauty and gives members opportunities to review products, take part in surveys and potentially receive products to test.
One thing I like about Beauty Buddy is that you can start building up your profile by reviewing products you’ve already used.
You’ll need to download the app and complete your profile, and you can then start adding reviews.
The more active you are, the more opportunities you may come across.
Do you need followers?
There isn’t a published minimum follower requirement, which makes this one worth considering if you’re a smaller creator or don’t have a large social media following.
The focus is much more on your activity and reviews within the platform.
5. Influenster
Location: International
Best for: Beauty, food, home, pets, lifestyle and more
Influenster is probably one of the better-known product testing platforms, particularly when it comes to beauty.
The platform gives selected members the opportunity to receive products through its VoxBox programme in exchange for honest feedback.
And it isn’t just beauty products.
You could potentially receive products covering:
- Beauty and skincare
- Haircare
- Food and drink
- Home
- Pets
- Lifestyle
- Wellness and personal care
How does it work?
Once you’ve registered, it’s important to actually use the app and complete your profile.
You can also review products you’ve already used and take part in activities within the community.
Influenster uses the information you provide to help match you with campaigns, so the more complete your profile is, the better.
Do you need lots of followers?
Not necessarily.
There isn’t a simple rule saying you need thousands of followers to receive a VoxBox.
However, some campaigns can involve social media content, so having active social accounts can be useful.
If you’re selected, make sure you read the campaign requirements carefully because you may be asked to complete reviews, surveys or social media posts.
My Tips for Getting More Product Testing Opportunities
Signing up is only the beginning.
I’ve found that you can’t really expect to join a product testing site today and suddenly start receiving lots of products. It can take time, and you won’t be suitable for every campaign.
Here are a few things I’d recommend.
Complete your profile
Take the time to answer as many questions as you can.
The companies use this information to work out whether you’re suitable for particular campaigns, so leaving your profile half completed isn’t going to help.
Be active
Don’t just sign up and forget about the account.
Check the apps and websites regularly, complete surveys and review products you’ve already used where possible.
Don’t worry about having a small following
This is something I think puts a lot of people off.
You don’t necessarily need thousands of followers to test products.
Some of these platforms are designed for everyday consumers rather than influencers, while others consider lots of different factors when selecting people for campaigns.
Obviously, if a campaign specifically asks for social media content, your social accounts may be taken into consideration, but that doesn’t mean every opportunity requires a large following.
Be honest with your reviews
This is probably the most important one.
If you receive something for free, you don’t have to say that you love it.
A good product test is about giving your genuine opinion, including the things you didn’t like.
Don’t expect to be selected for everything
This is something you’ll probably realise pretty quickly.
You can apply for a campaign and not hear anything back, while someone else might be selected.
It doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doing anything wrong. The companies are looking for very specific types of people for each campaign.
Check the requirements before accepting
Some campaigns might ask you to post on Instagram or TikTok, while others may only require a review or survey.
Make sure you know what’s expected before accepting a campaign, particularly if you’re being asked to create content.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for ways to try new products without having to buy everything yourself, product testing sites are definitely worth exploring.
Just keep your expectations realistic.
You aren’t going to receive every product you apply for, and some months you may have lots of opportunities while other months you might not receive anything.
I’d recommend signing up to several rather than relying on one platform.
And if you’re a content creator, don’t assume you need a huge following before you start. There are opportunities out there for smaller creators and everyday consumers too.
The main thing is to keep your profiles updated, be active, complete the campaigns you’re selected for and, most importantly, give your honest opinion.
Reviewed by Hanna 