The skincare industry can often 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 bold statements about their skincare products, promising to deliver remarkable 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 not always yield the desired results. It is important to delve deeper into the ingredients used within the product and understand how they contribute to the overall effectiveness of the product.

In this article, we will be critically analysing the Anti-Aging Lip Gloss by Paula’s Choice. This product claims to be a lip gloss with SPF that combats the signs of aging. We will be examining the claims made about this product, comparing them to the ingredients used, and performing a truth assessment to establish whether or not the product really will live 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 is Not Sticky or Greasy

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “Never sticky or greasy, this soft-shine, fullness-enhancing gloss…”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains ingredients like Octyldodecanol and Ethylhexyl Palmitate, which are emollients known for their ability to soften and smooth the skin. They can provide a non-greasy feel to the product. However, the texture of a product can also be influenced by other factors such as the overall formulation and the ratio of ingredients, which are not specified in the ingredient list. Therefore, without testing the product, it’s not possible to definitively say whether it’s sticky or greasy.

Claim #2: The Product Enhances Fullness with a Soft Shine

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “…this soft-shine, fullness-enhancing gloss…”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains Polyethylene, a common ingredient in lip products for its ability to provide a glossy finish. The fullness-enhancing claim is more subjective and can vary from person to person. Some ingredients like Ethylhexyl Palmitate can provide a plumping effect due to their moisturizing properties, but the degree of fullness enhancement cannot be determined from the ingredient list alone.

Claim #3: The Product Provides Broad-Spectrum Sun Protection

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “…it provides broad-spectrum sun protection to keep delicate lips shielded from sun damage.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains Homosalate, Octisalate, Avobenzone, and Octocrylene, which are all sunscreen agents. Homosalate and Octisalate primarily protect against UVB rays, while Avobenzone protects against UVA rays. Octocrylene protects against both UVA and UVB rays. The presence of these ingredients supports the claim of broad-spectrum sun protection.

Claim #4: The Product Has SPF 40

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “The SPF 40 is a significant benefit…”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: While the product does contain sunscreen agents, the actual SPF value cannot be determined from the ingredient list alone. The SPF value is determined by the concentration and ratio of these sunscreen agents, as well as the overall formulation of the product. Therefore, without further information, it’s not possible to definitively say whether the product has an SPF of 40.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 7/10

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

The product’s claims are largely supported by the ingredients listed. However, without testing the product or having more information about the formulation, it’s not possible to definitively say whether the product is non-sticky, non-greasy, enhances fullness, or has an SPF of 40. The claim about broad-spectrum sun protection is supported by the presence of multiple sunscreen agents in the ingredient list.

Users should be mindful that the texture and effectiveness of a product can be influenced by factors beyond the ingredient list, such as the overall formulation and the ratio of ingredients. For example, a product might contain a beneficial ingredient, but if it’s not present in an effective concentration, it might not provide the claimed benefits. Similarly, a product might contain an ingredient known for its non-greasy feel, but if the product also contains high amounts of greasy ingredients, the overall product might still feel greasy.

Ingredient lists are ordered by weight, but they don’t provide information about the exact concentrations of ingredients. Therefore, an ingredient listed towards the end of the list might be present in a negligible amount. It’s also worth noting that some ingredients can be effective even in small concentrations, while others need to be present in larger amounts to work.

Remember, a product’s claims should always be supported by scientific evidence. Be skeptical of claims that sound too good to be true or that aren’t supported by the ingredient list. Always do your own research and consider consulting with a dermatologist or other skincare professional if you’re unsure about a 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.