The skincare industry can often be a confusing place for consumers. With a plethora of products available, each making their own unique 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. 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 what the product can truly deliver.

In this article, we will be critically analyzing ‘B Oil’, a facial oil by the brand ‘The Ordinary’. 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 enhances skin radiance over time

The Ordinary’s Website States: “B” Oil offers a comprehensive blend of micro-algae, squalane, and antioxidant-rich oils (such as crambe and jojoba) that enhance skin radiance over time…

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The ingredients listed in the formula support this claim. Squalane is a known moisturizer that can help the skin appear healthier and more radiant. Similarly, crambe abyssinica seed oil and simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil are rich in antioxidants, which can protect the skin from damage and enhance its radiance. The micro-algae (Isochrysis Galbana Extract) is also known for its skin-benefiting properties, including enhancing skin radiance.

Claim #2: The product supports a natural glow by protecting your complexion from natural stressors

The Ordinary’s Website States: …supporting a natural glow by protecting your complexion from natural stressors.

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The ingredients in the formula can indeed protect the skin from natural stressors. Antioxidants found in oils such as crambe abyssinica seed oil, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, and others can protect the skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV radiation. This protection can help maintain the skin’s natural glow. Additionally, ingredients like bisabolol have soothing properties that can help protect the skin from irritation, further supporting a natural glow.

Claim #3: The product offers effective surface hydration for a visibly softer and smoother appearance

The Ordinary’s Website States: This formula offers effective surface hydration for a visibly softer and smoother appearance.

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The formula contains several ingredients known for their hydrating properties. Squalane, for instance, is a powerful hydrator that can help the skin retain moisture, leading to a softer and smoother appearance. Similarly, oils such as crambe abyssinica seed oil and simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil can provide hydration to the skin. Therefore, based on the ingredients, the product can indeed provide effective surface hydration.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 9/10

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

Based on the assessment of the ingredients and their known effects, it seems highly likely that this product will fulfill its claims. The ingredients listed are known for their skin-enhancing properties, including hydration, radiance enhancement, and protection from environmental stressors. However, it’s important to remember that skincare is highly individual, and what works for one person may not work for another.

One thing to be mindful of is 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 makes up the largest part of the formula, while the last ingredient listed makes up the smallest part. However, this doesn’t tell us everything about the concentration of each ingredient. For example, a product could contain a high amount of a less effective ingredient and a small amount of a more effective ingredient, but still list the more effective ingredient first.

Remember, when evaluating skincare products, it’s important to do your own research and understand what each ingredient does. Be skeptical of claims that seem too good to be true or that aren’t backed up by scientific evidence. And remember that even if a product contains effective ingredients, it may not work for your specific skin type or concerns.

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.