The skincare industry can often be a confusing place for consumers. With a myriad of products on the market, each promising to deliver miraculous results, it can be challenging to separate fact from fiction. Manufacturers often make bold health claims about their skincare products, but these claims can sometimes be greatly exaggerated or even misleading.

It’s crucial for consumers to perform due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Taking claims about products at face value may leave consumers out-of-pocket and underwhelmed. It’s essential to look beyond the marketing hype and examine the ingredients used in the products. This can provide a more accurate picture of what the product can truly deliver.

In this article, we will be critically analyzing the Acne Foaming Cream Wash by Cerave. We will be examining the claims made about this acne face wash and comparing them to the ingredients used within the product. This truth assessment will help establish whether or not the product really lives up to its claims.

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

Claim #1: The Product Clears, Treats, and Helps Prevent Acne Pimples and Blackheads

Cerave’s Website States: “formulated to clear, treat, and help prevent acne pimples and blackheads on the face and body.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The active ingredient in this product is Benzoyl Peroxide, which is a well-known acne treatment. It works by killing the bacteria that cause acne and also helps to remove excess oil and dead skin cells that can clog pores. Therefore, it can indeed clear and treat acne pimples and blackheads. The presence of this ingredient also suggests that the product could help to prevent new breakouts from forming by keeping the pores clear.

Claim #2: The Product Won’t Clog Pores

Cerave’s Website States: “Won’t clog pores.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains ingredients like Benzoyl Peroxide and Glycolic Acid, which are known to help unclog pores. Benzoyl Peroxide works by reducing oil production and Glycolic Acid helps to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells that can clog pores. Therefore, it is unlikely that this product would clog pores.

Claim #3: The Product Helps Restore Skin’s Natural Barrier

Cerave’s Website States: “Helps restore your skin’s natural barrier, helping to keep moisture in and harmful elements out.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains Ceramides (Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP), which are lipids that help form the skin’s barrier and help skin retain moisture. They also help the skin protect against environmental aggressors like irritants, and pollution. Therefore, the claim that the product helps restore the skin’s natural barrier is true.

Claim #4: The Product Helps Maintain Skin’s Moisture Balance

Cerave’s Website States: “Essential for maintaining skin’s moisture balance.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate, both of which are powerful humectants that draw moisture into the skin and help to maintain the skin’s moisture balance. Therefore, the claim that the product helps maintain the skin’s moisture balance is true.

Claim #5: The Product Gives Skin a Smooth, Plump Texture

Cerave’s Website States: “Helps give skin a smooth, plump texture.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains Sodium Hyaluronate, which is known for its ability to attract and hold onto 1000x its weight in moisture. It replenishes skin to enhance a healthy look and feel. Along with other ingredients like Glycerin, it can help to hydrate the skin, giving it a smooth, plump texture. Therefore, the claim that the product gives skin a smooth, plump texture is true.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 10/10

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

The product’s claims have been verified and found to be true based on the ingredients used in the formulation. Each claim is backed by an ingredient that is known to provide the stated benefit. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of these ingredients can vary depending on their concentration in the product. While skincare formulas list ingredients in order of weight, this doesn’t provide a clear picture of the concentration of each ingredient. Therefore, while the product contains ingredients that can provide the claimed benefits, the actual effectiveness may vary based on the concentration of these ingredients.

Users should be mindful of this when purchasing skincare products. While a product may contain a beneficial ingredient, if it’s not present in a high enough concentration, it may not provide the claimed benefits. It’s also important to remember that everyone’s skin is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, while this product is highly likely to deliver on its claims, individual results may vary.

Remember, when evaluating skincare products, it’s important to look beyond the marketing claims and examine the ingredients. Look for products that contain ingredients known to provide the benefits you’re looking for, and be skeptical of products that make exaggerated claims without the ingredients to back them up. Always do your research and consult with a dermatologist if you’re unsure.

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.