The skincare industry can often be a confusing place for consumers. With a myriad of products on the market, each boasting a range of health claims, it can be difficult to decipher fact from fiction. Manufacturers often make bold assertions about their skincare products, promising transformative results. However, these claims can sometimes be greatly exaggerated, leaving consumers out-of-pocket and underwhelmed.

It is crucial to perform due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Taking claims about products at face value can lead to disappointment and wasted money. It’s important to critically analyze the ingredients used within the product and compare them to the claims made about the product. This truth assessment can help establish whether or not the product really will live up to its claims.

In this article, we will be critically analyzing the 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant by Paula’s Choice. This product is a liquid exfoliant that promises to improve skin texture and tone. But does it live up to its claims?

Let’s delve deeper into the main claims being made about this product and break them down:

Claim #1: The product exfoliates the skin’s surface

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “Exfoliates skin’s surface…”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains Mandelic Acid and Lactic Acid, both of which are Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs). AHAs are known for their exfoliating properties. They work by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells on the skin’s surface, allowing them to be easily removed. This results in a smoother and brighter skin surface.

Claim #2: The product smooths texture

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “…smooths texture…”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The smoothing of the skin’s texture can be attributed to the exfoliating properties of the AHAs present in the product. By removing dead skin cells, the skin’s texture becomes smoother. Additionally, ingredients like Saccharide Isomerate can help to smooth the skin’s texture by providing hydration and improving skin’s moisture retention.

Claim #3: The product softens fine lines

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “…softens fine lines…”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: While the AHAs in the product can help to improve the appearance of fine lines by promoting cell turnover and removing dead skin cells, there are no specific anti-aging ingredients listed that are known to directly target fine lines. However, overall skin health and appearance can be improved with regular exfoliation and hydration, which may indirectly soften the appearance of fine lines.

Claim #4: The product brightens the skin

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “…& brightens.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The exfoliating action of the AHAs can help to remove dull, dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, revealing brighter, fresher skin underneath. Additionally, ingredients like Saccharide Isomerate can help to brighten the skin by providing hydration and improving skin’s moisture retention.

Claim #5: The product supports the skin’s microbiome & barrier

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “…support the skin’s microbiome & barrier…”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate and Saccharomyces Lysate, which are fermented ingredients. Fermented ingredients are often used in skincare for their potential to support the skin’s microbiome. However, more research is needed to fully understand the impact of topical application of these ingredients on the skin’s microbiome. As for supporting the skin’s barrier, ingredients like Saccharide Isomerate can help to improve skin’s moisture retention, which can indirectly support the skin’s barrier function.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 7/10

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

The product’s claims of exfoliating the skin’s surface, smoothing texture, and brightening the skin are backed by the presence of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Saccharide Isomerate in its ingredients. These ingredients are known for their exfoliating and hydrating properties, which can result in a smoother, brighter skin surface.

However, the claim of softening fine lines is less certain. While AHAs can improve the appearance of fine lines by promoting cell turnover and removing dead skin cells, the product does not contain specific anti-aging ingredients known to directly target fine lines. Regular exfoliation and hydration can improve overall skin health and appearance, which may indirectly soften the appearance of fine lines.

The claim of supporting the skin’s microbiome and barrier is also less certain. The product contains fermented ingredients, which are often used in skincare for their potential to support the skin’s microbiome. However, more research is needed to fully understand the impact of topical application of these ingredients on the skin’s microbiome. The product’s ability to support the skin’s barrier is more likely, thanks to ingredients like Saccharide Isomerate that can improve skin’s moisture retention.

It’s important to note that this assessment assumes all ingredients are used in effective quantities. In skincare formulas, ingredient lists are in weight order, but this doesn’t tell us everything. The concentration of an ingredient matters just as much as its presence in the formula. A product may contain a beneficial ingredient, but if it’s not present in an effective concentration, it may not provide the claimed benefits.

Remember, always do your research before purchasing a skincare product. Look for evidence supporting the product’s claims, and be skeptical of claims that seem too good to be true. If a product claims to do everything, it’s likely exaggerating its benefits. And remember, everyone’s skin is different. What works for one person may not work for another.

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.