The world of skincare can be a confusing place for consumers. With a plethora of products available, each claiming to be the ultimate solution for various skin concerns, it can be challenging to separate fact from fiction. Manufacturers often make bold health 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. 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 indication of whether or not the product will live up to its claims.

In this article, we will be critically analyzing the AOX+ Eye Gel by Skinceuticals. This eye serum has been touted for its numerous benefits, but how truthful are these claims? We will be examining the ingredients used in this product and comparing them to the claims made by the brand to perform a truth assessment.

So, let’s delve into the main claims being made about the AOX+ Eye Gel and break them down:

Claim #1: The Product Provides Advanced Environmental Protection

Skinceuticals’s Website States: “AOX+ Eye Gel is a groundbreaking eye serum-in-a-gel for dark circles that contains a synergistic combination of 5% pure vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid), 1% phloretin, and 0.5% ferulic acid along with powerful botanicals to protect the delicate eye area from atmospheric skin aging–environmental damage and premature signs of aging caused by free radicals from UVA/UVB, infrared radiation (IRA), and ozone pollution (O3).”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The ingredients listed in the product include Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Phloretin, and Ferulic Acid. These ingredients are known for their antioxidant properties, which can help protect the skin from environmental damage. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals in the skin, which are caused by environmental factors like UV rays and pollution. Phloretin is a flavonoid that also has antioxidant properties, and Ferulic Acid is another antioxidant that can enhance the stability and efficacy of Vitamin C. Therefore, the claim that the product provides advanced environmental protection is true.

Claim #2: The Product Reduces the Look of Puffiness, Visible Signs of Fatigue, and Dark Under-Eye Circles

Skinceuticals’s Website States: “This refreshing vitamin C eye serum targets visible signs of aging such as crow’s feet and fine lines, and improves the appearance of puffiness, fatigue, and under-eye circles.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains Caffeine and Ruscus Aculeatus Root Extract, which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. However, the effectiveness of these ingredients can vary from person to person and depends on various factors such as the severity of the puffiness or dark circles, the individual’s skin type, and how the product is used. Therefore, while the ingredients in the product can potentially help reduce the look of puffiness, visible signs of fatigue, and dark under-eye circles, the claim is possibly true.

Claim #3: The Product Targets Visible Signs of Aging Such as Crow’s Feet and Fine Lines

Skinceuticals’s Website States: “This refreshing vitamin C eye serum targets visible signs of aging such as crow’s feet and fine lines.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), which is known for its anti-aging properties. Vitamin C can stimulate collagen production, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, including crow’s feet. Therefore, the claim that the product targets visible signs of aging such as crow’s feet and fine lines is true.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 8/10

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

The product’s claims about providing advanced environmental protection and targeting visible signs of aging such as crow’s feet and fine lines are backed by scientific evidence and are therefore likely to be true. The claim about reducing the look of puffiness, visible signs of fatigue, and dark under-eye circles is possibly true, as the effectiveness of the ingredients used to address these issues can vary from person to person.

However, 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, but this doesn’t tell us everything. For example, a product might list a beneficial ingredient first, but if it’s not used in an effective concentration, it won’t provide the claimed benefits. Similarly, an ingredient listed last might be highly effective even in small amounts.

Remember, not all skincare products are created equal. Some may make false or grossly exaggerated claims about their benefits. To identify these, look for evidence-based information about the ingredients and their effectiveness. Be skeptical of claims that sound too good to be true, and remember that individual results can vary. Always do your research before purchasing a new skincare 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.