The skincare industry can often be a confusing landscape 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 to deliver 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. Taking claims about products at face value can lead to disappointment. Instead, it is important to critically analyse the ingredients used within the product and compare them to the claims being made. This truth assessment can help establish whether or not the product really will live up to its promises.

In this article, we will be critically analysing a product from Paula’s Choice, a well-known brand in the skincare industry. The product in question is their Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA. We will be examining the main claims made about this product and comparing them to the ingredients used within the product.

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

Claim #1: The product renews skin tone after one application

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “you’ll see dramatically renewed skin tone after one application.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains glycolic, lactic, malic, and tartaric acids, which are all Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs). AHAs are known for their exfoliating properties, which can help to remove dead skin cells and reveal a brighter, more even skin tone. However, the claim that skin tone will be “dramatically renewed” after just one application might be a bit exaggerated. While some people might see immediate results, others might need multiple applications to notice a significant difference.

Claim #2: The product reinforces skin’s natural resilience

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “Peptides and ceramides reinforce what makes skin naturally resilient.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: Peptides and ceramides are both ingredients that are known to support skin health. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that can help to stimulate collagen production, which can improve skin’s elasticity and resilience. Ceramides are lipids that help to form the skin’s barrier and help skin retain moisture, which can also contribute to skin’s resilience. Both of these ingredients are included in the product’s formula, so this claim is likely to be true.

Claim #3: The product protects against environmental damage

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “chamomile, grape seed extract, green tea and other antioxidants protect against further environmental damage.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: Antioxidants like those found in chamomile, grape seed extract, and green tea can help to protect skin from environmental damage. They work by neutralizing harmful free radicals that can be produced by exposure to things like pollution and UV rays. Since these ingredients are included in the product’s formula, this claim is likely to be true.

Claim #4: The product soothes skin after treatment

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “Allantoin, oat extract and licorice soothe skin after treatment.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: Allantoin, oat extract, and licorice are all ingredients that are known for their soothing properties. Allantoin can help to soothe irritated skin, oat extract has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to calm skin, and licorice can help to reduce redness. Since these ingredients are included in the product’s formula, this claim is likely to be true.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 8/10

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

Our assessment of the claims made by Paula’s Choice about their product shows that most of the claims are likely to be true. The ingredients listed in the product are known to have the effects that the company claims. However, the claim that the product can dramatically renew skin tone after just one application is possibly exaggerated. While the AHAs in the product can help to exfoliate the skin and reveal a brighter, more even skin tone, it might take more than one application for most people to see a significant difference.

It’s also important to note that our assessment assumes that all the ingredients are used in effective quantities. In skincare formulas, ingredient lists are in weight order, but this doesn’t tell us everything. For example, a product might list a beneficial ingredient first, but only include a small amount of it. Or, a product might list a harmful ingredient last, but include a large amount of it. Therefore, while the presence of beneficial ingredients in a product is a good sign, it doesn’t guarantee that they’re included in effective amounts.

Remember, when evaluating skincare products, it’s important to be skeptical of claims that seem too good to be true. Look for evidence to support the claims, such as scientific studies or credible user reviews. And remember that everyone’s skin is different, so what works for one person might not work for another. Always patch test new products to make sure they don’t irritate your skin before applying them to your entire face.

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.