The skincare industry can often be a confusing place for consumers. With a plethora of products available, each boasting a range of health claims, it can be difficult to discern fact from fiction. Manufacturers often make grandiose claims about their skincare products, promising to deliver miraculous results. However, these claims can sometimes be greatly exaggerated, leaving consumers out-of-pocket and underwhelmed.

It is therefore crucial to exercise due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Rather than taking claims about products at face value, it is important to delve deeper into the ingredients used within the product. This can provide a more accurate picture of whether or not the product will truly live up to its claims.

In this article, we will be critically analysing the 1% Retinol Treatment by Paula’s Choice. We will be examining the claims made about this product, comparing them to the ingredients used, and performing a truth assessment to establish whether or not the product can deliver on its promises.

So, let’s delve into the main claims being made about this product and break them down:

Claim #1: The product visibly refines pore size

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “Retinol goes to work immediately to visibly refine pore size…”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The ingredient responsible for this claim is Retinol. Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that is widely recognized in the skincare industry for its ability to accelerate skin cell turnover. This process helps unclog pores, reducing their visible size. Therefore, the claim that the product can visibly refine pore size is true.

Claim #2: The product diminishes the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and uneven skin tone

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “…and diminish the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and uneven skin tone.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: This claim is supported by several ingredients in the product. Retinol, as mentioned before, accelerates skin cell turnover, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, a stable form of Vitamin C, is known for its ability to brighten the skin and even out skin tone. Sodium Hyaluronate, a form of Hyaluronic Acid, can help plump the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Therefore, the claim that the product diminishes the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and uneven skin tone is true.

Claim #3: The product calms skin and eases redness

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “The light lotion formula is supplemented with nourishing licorice extract, oat extract and other soothing plant extracts to calm skin and ease redness.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The ingredients supporting this claim are Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (Licorice Root Extract) and Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract. Licorice extract is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help calm the skin and reduce redness. Oat extract has soothing properties and is often used in products designed for sensitive or irritated skin. Therefore, the claim that the product calms skin and eases redness is true.

Claim #4: The product makes skin look and feel younger, firmer, and more radiant

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “You’ll be amazed at how much younger-looking, firmer, and radiant your skin will look and feel.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: This claim is supported by several ingredients. Retinol and Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate can improve skin texture and tone, making it look younger and more radiant. Ceramide NG helps to restore the skin’s barrier, improving its firmness. Sodium Hyaluronate can plump the skin, making it look firmer and more youthful. Therefore, the claim that the product makes skin look and feel younger, firmer, and more radiant is true.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 9/10

Overall likelihood for product to make good on its claims: Highly Likely

The product’s claims are largely supported by the ingredients used in its formulation. Retinol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Licorice Root Extract, and Oat Extract are all well-known in the skincare industry for their respective benefits, which align with the claims made by Paula’s Choice. However, it’s important to note that individual results may vary, and what works for one person may not work for another.

While the product’s claims are truthful, users should be mindful of their own skin’s tolerance and reaction to these ingredients. For instance, some people may find retinol too harsh for their skin, causing irritation and redness. It’s always recommended to patch test new skincare products to ensure they don’t cause adverse reactions.

This assessment assumes that all ingredients are used in effective quantities. In skincare formulas, ingredient lists are in weight order, meaning the first ingredient listed makes up the largest part of the formula, while the last ingredient listed makes up the least. However, this doesn’t tell us the exact concentration of each ingredient. Some ingredients are effective at very low concentrations, while others require higher concentrations to work.

Remember, not all skincare products are created equal. Be skeptical of products that make grandiose claims without the ingredients to back them up. Always research the ingredients in a product and understand what they do. And most importantly, listen to your skin. If a product doesn’t feel right or causes irritation, stop using it.

This product review has been commissioned by Truth In Skincare (TiS), an independent industry regulator. The review is conducted by a TiS-appointed industry consultant, who utilizes a variety of reliable sources to ensure the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the information provided. These sources include CosIng (Cosmetic Ingredient Database – by the European Commission), the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), and The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Additionally, various publicly available sources are also consulted to provide a well-rounded perspective on the product under review.