The skincare industry can be a confusing 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 grandiose claims about their skincare products, promising to deliver miraculous 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 may result in disappointment. It is important to scrutinize the ingredients used in the products and compare them with 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 a skincare product named ‘AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution’ by the brand ‘The Ordinary’. This product is a chemical peel, designed to exfoliate the skin and improve its overall appearance. We will be dissecting the 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 Exfoliates Multiple Layers of the Skin
The Ordinary’s Website States: “AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution exfoliates multiple layers of the skin for a brighter, more even appearance.”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The product contains both alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHA). AHAs, such as Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Tartaric Acid, and Citric Acid, are water-soluble and work on the surface of the skin, helping to remove dead skin cells and reveal a brighter complexion. BHAs, such as Salicylic Acid, are oil-soluble, meaning they can penetrate deeper into the pores to exfoliate from within. This combination of AHAs and BHAs allows for exfoliation at multiple levels of the skin.
Claim #2: The Product Reduces Irritation Associated with Acid Use
The Ordinary’s Website States: “With the help of a studied Tasmanian pepperberry derivative, which reduces irritation that can be associated with acid use…”
Truth Assessment: Possibly
Explanation: The product contains Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, which is a derivative of Tasmanian pepperberry. This ingredient is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can potentially help to soothe the skin and reduce irritation caused by the use of acids. However, the effectiveness of this ingredient can vary from person to person, and it may not completely eliminate the potential for irritation in all users.
Claim #3: The Product Evens Skin Texture and Clears Pore Congestion
The Ordinary’s Website States: “This at-home peel helps even skin texture, clear pore congestion…”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The combination of AHAs and BHAs in the product can help to smooth the skin’s texture and clear pore congestion. AHAs work to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, which can help to smooth rough texture. BHAs, on the other hand, can penetrate deeper into the pores to remove excess sebum and dead skin cells, which can help to clear pore congestion and prevent breakouts.
Claim #4: The Product Improves Uneven Pigmentation
The Ordinary’s Website States: “…and improve uneven pigmentation.”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The AHAs in the product, particularly Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid, are known for their ability to improve uneven pigmentation. They work by accelerating the skin’s natural exfoliation process, which can help to fade dark spots and even out skin tone over time.
Claim #5: The Product Provides Comfort, Hydration, and Protection
The Ordinary’s Website States: “The formula is further supported with a crosspolymer form of hyaluronic acid for comfort, pro-vitamin B5 for hydration, and black carrot for added protection.”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The product contains Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, a form of hyaluronic acid, which is known for its ability to attract and retain moisture, providing comfort to the skin. Pro-vitamin B5, also known as Panthenol, is a humectant that helps to hydrate the skin by attracting water and sealing it in. Daucus Carota Sativa Extract, or black carrot extract, is rich in antioxidants that can help to protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Assessment Verdict:
Truth Rating: 8/10
Overall likelihood for product to make good on its claims: Highly Likely
The Ordinary’s AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution appears to be largely truthful in its claims. The product contains a combination of AHAs and BHAs in a very high percentage to produce a peeling effect; furthermore, these two acids are known for their exfoliating properties and ability to improve skin texture, clear pore congestion, and even out pigmentation. The inclusion of a Tasmanian pepperberry derivative may help to reduce irritation associated with acid use, although the effectiveness of this ingredient can vary from person to person. The product also contains ingredients known for their hydrating and protective properties, such as hyaluronic acid, pro-vitamin B5, and black carrot extract.
However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of these ingredients can depend on their concentrations within the formula. While ingredient lists are ordered by weight, they don’t provide specific information about the concentrations of individual ingredients. Therefore, it’s possible that some ingredients may be present in quantities too small to have a significant effect.
Remember, when evaluating skincare products, it’s important to look beyond the marketing claims and consider the ingredients and their potential effectiveness. Be skeptical of products that make grandiose claims without providing clear information about their ingredients and how they work. And remember, everyone’s skin is different, so 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.
