The skincare industry can often be a confusing place for consumers. With an overwhelming array of products, 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 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 the product’s potential efficacy and help consumers make more informed decisions.
In this article, we will be critically analyzing the Anthelios AOX, an antioxidant serum with SPF, from the brand La Roche-Posay. We will be examining the claims made about this product, comparing them to the ingredients used within the product. This truth assessment will help establish whether or not the product really will live up to its claims.
View all the information used for this fact check. Access a timestamped snapshot of the product's official webpage as reviewed by us, preserved for transparency and future reference. INCI list at time of reviewal: Active Ingredients: Inactive Ingredients: Product formulations and manufacturer claims may evolve. For the most current information, refer directly to the product's official website. Our reviews are updated periodically to reflect new data.Resources
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Avobenzone 2.68%, Homosalate 9.60%, Octisalate 2.88%, Octocrylene 5.38%, Oxybenzone 3.46% •
Water, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Tocopherol, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Silica, Sodium Polyacrylate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Disodium Edta, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Cassia Alata Leaf Extract, Maltodextrin, Triethanolamine
So, let’s delve into the main claims being made about the Anthelios AOX and break them down:
Claim #1: The Product Provides Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Protection
La Roche-Posay’s Website States: “Antioxidant serum provides broad spectrum SPF 50 protection”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The active ingredients listed include Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, and Oxybenzone. These are all sunscreen agents that protect the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Avobenzone is a UVA filter, while Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, and Oxybenzone are UVB filters. Together, they provide broad-spectrum protection, which means they protect against both UVA and UVB rays. SPF 50 indicates the level of protection against UVB rays, which are primarily responsible for sunburn.
Claim #2: The Product Helps to Improve the Appearance of Fine Lines, Dark Spots and Skin Texture
La Roche-Posay’s Website States: “Helping to improve the appearance of fine lines, dark spots and skin texture”
Truth Assessment: Possibly
Explanation: The product contains Ascorbyl Glucoside, a stable form of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is known for its ability to brighten the skin, reduce the appearance of dark spots, and stimulate collagen production, which can help reduce fine lines. However, the effectiveness of Ascorbyl Glucoside as a form of Vitamin C is less researched. The product also contains Tocopherol (Vitamin E), which is an antioxidant that can help improve skin texture by protecting the skin from environmental stressors. However, the claims of improving fine lines, dark spots, and skin texture can also depend on other factors such as the user’s skin type, the severity of the skin issues, and how the product is used.
Claim #3: The Product Protects Skin from Free Radicals Caused by UV Rays
La Roche-Posay’s Website States: “A powerful antioxidant complex of Baicalin, Vitamin C and Vitamin E help protect skin from free radicals caused by UV rays”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The product contains Baicalin (Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract), Ascorbyl Glucoside (Vitamin C), and Tocopherol (Vitamin E). These ingredients are known antioxidants, which means they can neutralize free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, and they are often produced by environmental stressors like UV rays. By neutralizing these free radicals, antioxidants can help protect the skin and prevent signs of aging.
Claim #4: The Product Visibly Smooths and Blurs Fine Lines, Wrinkles and Pores
La Roche-Posay’s Website States: “Visibly smooths and blurs fine lines, wrinkles and pores for an even complexion and younger-looking skin”
Truth Assessment: Possibly
Explanation: The product contains Dimethicone and Cyclopentasiloxane, which are types of silicones. Silicones can fill in fine lines and pores, creating a smooth, blurred effect on the skin. They also give products a silky texture, which can make the skin feel smoother. However, the effectiveness of these ingredients in visibly smoothing and blurring fine lines, wrinkles, and pores can depend on the concentration and formulation of the product, as well as individual skin characteristics.
Assessment Verdict:
Truth Rating: 7/10
Overall likelihood for product to make good on its claims: Likely
Based on the assessment of the claims made by La Roche-Posay, the product appears to be largely truthful in its claims. The product does indeed provide broad spectrum SPF 50 protection and contains ingredients known to protect skin from free radicals caused by UV rays. However, the claims regarding the improvement of fine lines, dark spots, skin texture, and the blurring of fine lines, wrinkles, and pores are more subjective and can depend on various factors such as skin type, severity of skin issues, and usage of the product.
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, meaning the first ingredient listed is the most abundant in the formula and the last ingredient listed is the least. However, this doesn’t tell us the exact concentration of each ingredient. For example, a product could contain a high amount of an ineffective ingredient and a low amount of an effective ingredient, but still list the effective ingredient first.
Remember, not all skincare products work the same for everyone. What works for one person might not work for another. It’s always a good idea to do your own research and consult with a dermatologist if you have any concerns. Be skeptical of claims that seem too good to be true, and remember that effective skincare often involves a combination of products and lifestyle changes, not just a single product.
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.
