The skincare industry can often be a confusing place for consumers. With an overwhelming number of products available, each boasting a myriad of health claims, it can be difficult to discern fact from fiction. Manufacturers often make grandiose claims about their skincare products, promising miraculous results. However, these claims are not always truthful and can be greatly exaggerated.
It is therefore of utmost importance to exercise due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Taking claims about products at face value may leave consumers out-of-pocket and underwhelmed. It is crucial to delve deeper into the ingredients used within the product and understand their efficacy in delivering the promised results.
In this article, we will be critically analysing a product from the brand Paula’s Choice. The product in question is their ‘10% Azelaic Acid Booster’, which is marketed as a skin tone corrector. 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 really will live up to its claims.
View all the information used for this fact check. Access a timestamped snapshot of the product's official webpage as reviewed by us, preserved for transparency and future reference. INCI list at time of reviewal: Water, Azelaic Acid, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Dimethicone, Salicylic Acid, Adenosine, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol Product formulations and manufacturer claims may evolve. For the most current information, refer directly to the product's official website. Our reviews are updated periodically to reflect new data.Resources
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So, let’s delve into the main claims being made about this product and break them down:
Claim #1: The Product Reduces the Look of Blemishes
Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “This multi-tasking cream-gel formula reduces the look of blemishes…”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The product contains Salicylic Acid, a well-known beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is effective in exfoliating the skin and unclogging pores, which can help reduce the appearance of blemishes. Additionally, Azelaic Acid has antibacterial properties that can help reduce inflammation and redness associated with blemishes.
Claim #2: The Product Smooths Bumpy Texture
Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “…smooths bumpy texture…”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The ingredients list includes Dimethicone, a type of silicone that is known for its ability to fill in uneven texture and fine lines on the skin, creating a smooth surface. Additionally, Salicylic Acid and Azelaic Acid can help exfoliate and renew the skin surface, potentially smoothing out bumpy texture.
Claim #3: The Product Calms Redness
Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “…calms redness…”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The product contains several ingredients known for their soothing properties, such as Bisabolol and Allantoin, which can help calm skin redness. Additionally, Azelaic Acid and Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce skin redness.
Claim #4: The Product Fades Uneven Skin Tone and Post-Breakout Marks
Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “…steadily fades uneven skin tone and post-breakout marks.”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The product contains Azelaic Acid, which is known for its ability to lighten hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone. Additionally, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract is known for its skin brightening properties, which can help fade post-breakout marks and even out skin tone.
Assessment Verdict:
Truth Rating: 9/10
Overall likelihood for product to make good on its claims: Highly likely
The product’s claims are largely substantiated by the ingredients it contains. Salicylic Acid, Azelaic Acid, Dimethicone, Bisabolol, Allantoin, and Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract are all known for their respective skin benefits, which align with the product’s claims. However, it’s important to note that individual skin reactions can vary, and what works for one person may not work for another.
While this assessment assumes all ingredients are used in effective quantities, it’s important to remember that skincare formulas are complex and the concentration of an ingredient doesn’t always guarantee its effectiveness. Ingredient lists are in weight order, but this doesn’t tell us everything about how the product will perform. For example, some ingredients are effective at very low concentrations, while others need to be present in higher amounts to work.
Remember, when evaluating skincare products, it’s important to look beyond the marketing claims and examine the ingredient list. Be skeptical of claims that seem too good to be true or that aren’t backed up by scientific research. And remember, everyone’s skin is unique, so what works for others might not work for you.
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.
