The skincare industry can often be a confusing and overwhelming place for consumers. With a plethora of products available, each boasting a multitude of health claims, it can be difficult to discern fact from fiction. Manufacturers often make grandiose claims about their skincare products, promising miraculous results. However, these claims can sometimes be greatly exaggerated or even entirely false.

It is therefore crucial for consumers to exercise due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Blindly accepting the claims made about a product can often leave consumers out-of-pocket and underwhelmed with the results. It is important to critically analyze the ingredients within a product and compare them to the claims being made about it. This can provide a more accurate assessment of whether the product will truly live up to its promises.

In this article, we will be critically analyzing the ‘Daily Skin Clearing Treatment’ from the brand ‘Paula’s Choice’. We will be assessing the claims made about this acne treatment product, and comparing them to the ingredients used within the product. This will allow us to perform a truth assessment and 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 Fights Existing Acne Breakouts

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “This oil-free, ultra-light lotion helps fight existing acne breakouts…”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The ingredient Benzoyl Peroxide is a well-known acne treatment. It works by killing the bacteria that cause acne and also helps to unclog pores. Therefore, it is accurate to say that this product can help fight existing acne breakouts.

Claim #2: The Product Prevents Future Breakouts

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “…and prevent future breakouts on the face or body.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: Again, the Benzoyl Peroxide in this product not only treats existing acne but also helps to prevent future breakouts by keeping pores clear of blockages that can lead to acne. Therefore, this claim is also true.

Claim #3: The Product Controls Excess Oil

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “It controls excess oil…”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: While Benzoyl Peroxide can help to reduce oiliness by unclogging pores, there are no specific oil-controlling ingredients listed. However, the overall formulation may still help to control oiliness, so this claim is possibly true.

Claim #4: The Product Soothes Skin and Calms Redness

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “…soothes skin, and visibly calms redness…”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The ingredients Bisabolol and Allantoin are known for their skin-soothing properties. Bisabolol is derived from chamomile and has anti-inflammatory properties, while Allantoin is known to help soothe and protect the skin. Therefore, this product can indeed soothe skin and calm redness.

Claim #5: The Product Hydrates Skin and Minimizes Dryness and Peeling

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “…its hydrating properties help minimize dryness and peeling.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: Propylene Glycol is a humectant, which means it helps to retain moisture in the skin. This can help to hydrate the skin and minimize dryness and peeling. Therefore, this claim is true.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 8/10

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

The product’s claims about fighting existing acne breakouts, preventing future breakouts, soothing skin, calming redness, and hydrating skin are all supported by the ingredients listed. The only claim that is not definitively supported is the control of excess oil. While Benzoyl Peroxide can help reduce oiliness by unclogging pores, there are no specific oil-controlling ingredients listed. However, the overall formulation may still help to control oiliness.

Users should be mindful that while these ingredients are known to have the claimed effects, individual skin reactions can vary. Some people may find Benzoyl Peroxide too harsh for their skin, leading to dryness and irritation. It’s always a good idea to patch test new skincare products to see how your skin reacts before applying them to your entire face.

This assessment assumes that 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 could contain a high amount of a cheap filler ingredient and only a tiny amount of the active ingredient. It’s also important to note that some ingredients can be effective even in small quantities.

Remember, when evaluating skincare products, look for scientific evidence supporting the claims. Be skeptical of vague or overly dramatic language, and remember that “natural” or “organic” doesn’t necessarily mean better or safer. Always patch test new products and monitor your skin’s reaction.

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.