The skincare industry can often be a labyrinth of confusion for consumers. With a myriad of products available, each boasting a plethora of health claims, it can be difficult to discern fact from fiction. Manufacturers often make grandiose claims about their skincare products, some of which may not always be truthful or can be greatly exaggerated.

It is therefore crucial for consumers to exercise due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Taking claims about products at face value may leave consumers out-of-pocket and underwhelmed. It is important to analyze the claims made about a product, and compare them to the ingredients used within the product. This truth assessment can help establish whether or not the product really will live up to its claims.

In this article, we will be critically analyzing the Daily Moisturizing Lotion by Cerave. This popular daily moisturizer has made a name for itself in the skincare industry, but does it live up to its hype?

Let’s look at the main claims being made about this product and break them down:

Claim #1: The Product is a Lightweight, Oil-Free Moisturizer

Cerave’s Website States: “a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains ingredients such as Glycerin and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride which are known to be lightweight and non-greasy moisturizing agents. They provide hydration without leaving an oily residue, making the product oil-free. Furthermore, the absence of heavy oils in the ingredient list supports the claim of the product being lightweight.

Claim #2: The Product Locks in Skin’s Moisture

Cerave’s Website States: “locks in skin’s moisture”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains Glycerin, a humectant that attracts water from the air and from the deeper layers of the skin, helping to lock in moisture. Additionally, Dimethicone, a type of silicone, forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface that helps prevent moisture loss.

Claim #3: The Product Helps Restore the Skin’s Protective Barrier

Cerave’s Website States: “helps restore the skin’s protective barrier”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains three types of ceramides (Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP) which are lipids naturally present in skin and are crucial for maintaining the skin’s protective barrier. They help to hold skin cells together, forming a protective layer that plumps the skin and retains moisture. Additionally, Cholesterol and Phytosphingosine are also present in the ingredient list, both of which are components of the skin’s lipid barrier, further supporting this claim.

Claim #4: The Product Helps Maintain Skin’s Moisture Balance

Cerave’s Website States: “Essential for maintaining skin’s moisture balance”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains Hyaluronic Acid, a powerful humectant that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, helping to maintain skin’s moisture balance. In addition, the presence of ceramides and other moisturizing agents like Glycerin and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride help to lock in moisture, further supporting this claim.

Claim #5: The Product Gives Skin a Smooth, Plump Texture

Cerave’s Website States: “Helps give skin a smooth, plump texture”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which are known to hydrate the skin and help it retain moisture, leading to a plumper, smoother texture. Additionally, Dimethicone, a type of silicone, can fill in uneven texture and fine lines, giving the skin a smooth appearance.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 10/10

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

Based on the analysis of the ingredients and their known properties, it appears that the product is highly likely to fulfill its claims. Each claim made by the company is supported by the presence of specific ingredients known to have the stated effects. However, it’s important to remember that individual skin reactions can vary, and what works well for one person may not work as well for another.

While the product’s claims are supported by its ingredients, it’s important to note that this assessment assumes all ingredients are used in effective quantities. In skincare formulas, ingredient lists are ordered by weight, but this doesn’t necessarily tell us everything. For instance, some ingredients may be effective even in small quantities, while others may need to be present in larger amounts to be effective. Therefore, while the presence of an ingredient supports a claim, it doesn’t guarantee it.

Remember, when evaluating skincare products, it’s important to look beyond the claims and examine the ingredients. Be skeptical of claims that seem too good to be true or that aren’t supported by the ingredient list. Also, keep in mind that everyone’s skin is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always patch test new products and introduce them into your routine gradually to monitor your skin’s response.

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.