The skincare industry can often be a confusing place for consumers. With a multitude of products available, each boasting a variety 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. Rather than taking product claims at face value, it is important to delve deeper into the ingredients used within the products. This can provide a more accurate assessment of whether or not the product will truly live up to its claims.

In this article, we will be critically analysing the Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer by Paula’s Choice. We will be examining the claims made about this product, comparing them to the ingredients used, and performing a truth assessment to establish the product’s efficacy.

So, let’s dive into the main claims being made about this product and break them down:

Claim #1: The Product Replenishes Skin

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “This silky, lightweight moisturizer replenishes skin by promoting its own ceramides to self-hydrate.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains several types of ceramides (Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide AS, Ceramide NS, Ceramide EOP), which are lipids that help form the skin’s barrier and help skin retain moisture. By providing these ceramides, the product can help replenish the skin’s natural moisture barrier, leading to self-hydration.

Claim #2: The Product Helps Skin Function at Its Best

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “So your skin’s natural barrier can function at its best all the time.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The ceramides in the product help to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, allowing it to function optimally. This barrier is crucial for keeping out harmful environmental factors and retaining moisture, so by bolstering it, the product can help the skin function at its best.

Claim #3: The Product Protects Natural Collagen Levels

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “Helps protect natural collagen levels for firmer-looking skin.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains Adenosine and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, both of which are known to stimulate collagen production. While this could theoretically help protect natural collagen levels, it’s not clear whether these ingredients can actually prevent the breakdown of existing collagen. Therefore, this claim is possibly true, but not definitively so.

Claim #4: The Product Reduces the Look of Wrinkles

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “Is clinically proven to reduce the look of wrinkles with continued use.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains several ingredients that could potentially reduce the appearance of wrinkles, such as Adenosine, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, and Sodium Hyaluronate. These ingredients are known to have anti-aging properties, including the ability to stimulate collagen production and hydrate the skin, which can help smooth out wrinkles. However, without knowing the specifics of the clinical trials mentioned, it’s impossible to definitively say whether this claim is true.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 7/10

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

The product’s claims about replenishing skin and helping skin function at its best are backed by the presence of ceramides in its ingredients list. These lipids are known to strengthen the skin’s barrier and help retain moisture, which aligns with the claims made by Paula’s Choice. However, the claims about protecting natural collagen levels and reducing the look of wrinkles are less certain. While the product does contain ingredients known to stimulate collagen production and have anti-aging properties, it’s unclear whether these ingredients can prevent the breakdown of existing collagen or definitively reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Therefore, users should approach these claims with a degree of skepticism.

It’s also 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 and the last is the least. However, this doesn’t tell us everything about the concentration of each ingredient. For example, a product could contain a high amount of a certain ingredient, but if it’s not used in an effective concentration, it may not provide the claimed benefits.

Remember, when evaluating skincare products, it’s important to look beyond the marketing claims and examine the ingredients list. Be wary of products that make grandiose claims without the ingredients to back them up. Also, keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different, so what works for one person may not work for another. Always patch test new products and consult with a dermatologist if you have any 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.