The skincare industry can often be a confusing and overwhelming place for consumers. With a plethora of products available, each boasting a myriad of health claims, it can be difficult to discern 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 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 analyzing a product called ‘Advanced Scar Control’ by the brand Skinceuticals. We will be examining the claims made about this scar treatment gel, comparing them to the ingredients used within the product. This truth assessment will help establish whether or not the product can deliver on its promises.

So, without further ado, let’s delve into the main claims being made about ‘Advanced Scar Control’ and break them down:

Claim #1: The Product Prevents New Scar Formation

Skinceuticals’s Website States: “Advanced Scar Control is a high-silicone scar gel that creates an occlusive barrier to help prevent new scar formation.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains Dimethicone and Dimethicone Crosspolymer, both of which are silicones. Silicones are known to form a protective barrier on the skin, which can help to prevent new scars from forming. This is because the barrier can help to keep the skin hydrated, which is important for wound healing and can help to reduce the risk of scarring.

Claim #2: The Product Improves the Tone and Texture of Existing Scars

Skinceuticals’s Website States: “Improve the tone and texture of existing scars.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: While the silicones in the product can help to create a protective barrier on the skin, there is limited evidence to suggest that they can improve the tone and texture of existing scars. However, the product also contains Allantoin, which is known for its skin-soothing properties and may help to improve the appearance of scars.

Claim #3: The Product Protects and Soothes Post-Procedure Skin

Skinceuticals’s Website States: “Protect and soothe post-procedure skin.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains several ingredients that are known for their skin-soothing properties, including Allantoin and Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables (Sunflower Seed Oil). These ingredients can help to soothe the skin after a procedure, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing. In addition, the silicones in the product can help to protect the skin by forming a protective barrier.

Claim #4: The Product Improves the Appearance of Recent Scars by up to 29%

Skinceuticals’s Website States: “Improves the appearance of recent scars by up to 29%.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: While the product contains ingredients that are known for their skin-soothing and protective properties, it’s difficult to determine whether these ingredients can improve the appearance of recent scars by up to 29% – the key phrase here is “up to”. Without sounding too negative, it should be noted that the use of silicones in scar management is well-documented, and they have been shown to be effective in reducing the appearance of scars – much of its usage is listed within the product’s patent.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 7.5/10

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

The product’s claims are largely supported by the known properties of its ingredients. Silicones, such as Dimethicone and Dimethicone Crosspolymer, are well-documented in their ability to form a protective barrier on the skin, which can prevent new scar formation and protect post-procedure skin. Allantoin and Sunflower Seed Oil are known for their skin-soothing properties, which can also aid in post-procedure skin recovery.

However, users should be mindful of the claim that the product can improve the appearance of recent scars by up to 29%. While the ingredients in the product have been shown to be beneficial for skin health and scar management, the specific percentage of improvement is difficult to verify without clinical data. Additionally, the claim that the product can improve the tone and texture of existing scars is only possibly true, as the evidence supporting this is limited.

It’s also important to note that the effectiveness of skincare products often depends on the concentration of their active ingredients. While ingredient lists are ordered by weight, they don’t provide specific information about the concentration of each ingredient. Therefore, even though a product contains beneficial ingredients, it may not contain them in high enough quantities to be effective.

Remember, when evaluating skincare products, it’s important to look beyond the marketing claims and consider the ingredients and their concentrations. Be skeptical of products that promise dramatic results without providing supporting evidence, and remember that 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.