The skincare industry can often be a confusing place for consumers. With a plethora of products available, each boasting a myriad of health claims, it can be difficult to discern fact from fiction. Manufacturers are known to make grandiose claims about their skincare products, and unfortunately, these claims are not always truthful. In some cases, they can be greatly exaggerated, leaving consumers out-of-pocket and underwhelmed.

Therefore, it is of utmost importance to perform due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Taking claims about products at face value may not always yield the desired results. It is crucial to delve deeper into the ingredients used within the product and understand their potential effects on the skin.

In this article, we will be critically analysing a product from the brand Deascal, known as the ‘Dark Circle Cream’. This product claims to effectively reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. We will be examining the claims made about this product, comparing them to the ingredients used within the product, and performing a truth assessment to establish whether or not the product really will live up to its claims.

Claim #1: The product reduces the look of dark circles, puffiness, and eye-bags

Deascal’s Website States: “An advanced cream formulated with a blend of 18 active ingredients, designed to help diminish the appearance of dark circles, bags, and puffiness under the eyes for a refreshed & brightened look.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, which is known for its ability to reduce the appearance of puffiness. However, the reduction of dark circles and eye bags is not only dependent on topical skincare products but also on various factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and sleep patterns. Therefore, while the product may help to some extent, it may not completely eliminate these issues.

Claim #2: The product supports skin barrier resilience

Deascal’s Website States: “With regular application, this cream is intended to support the under-eye area’s moisture barrier & hydration.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains ceramides (Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP) which are lipids that help form the skin’s barrier and help skin retain moisture. Ceramides also help the skin protect against environmental aggressors like irritants, and pollution. Therefore, the claim that the product supports skin barrier resilience is true.

Claim #3: The product boosts skin hydration

Deascal’s Website States: “Upon application, the formula provides immediate hydration.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains several ingredients known for their hydrating properties such as Sodium Hyaluronate (a form of Hyaluronic Acid), Glycerin, and Shea Butter. These ingredients are known to attract and retain moisture, thereby boosting skin hydration.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 8/10

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

Based on the analysis of the ingredients and the claims made by Deascal’s website, this product seems to be largely truthful in its claims. It contains ingredients known for their hydrating and skin barrier strengthening properties, which supports the claims of boosting skin hydration and supporting skin barrier resilience. However, the claims of reducing the look of dark circles, puffiness, and eye-bags are dependent on various factors and may not be fully achieved by this product alone, albeit the peptides within the formula can help improve those things.

Users should be mindful that skincare is a highly individual journey and what works for one person may not work for another. The effectiveness of a product also depends on its concentration and how it is used in conjunction with other products. While the ingredient list is in weight order, it does not disclose the exact concentrations of each ingredient. Therefore, even if a product contains a beneficial ingredient, if it is not present in an effective concentration, it may not provide the claimed benefits.

Remember, always do your research before purchasing a skincare product. Look for scientific studies or reliable sources that support the claims made by the product. Be skeptical of products that promise immediate or drastic results, as real skincare progress takes time. Lastly, listen to your skin. If a product doesn’t feel right or causes irritation, it’s best to discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.

This product review has been commissioned by Truth In Skincare (TiS), an independent industry regulator. The review has been conducted by a TiS-appointed industry consultant who has utilized a variety of reliable sources to ensure the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the review.

These sources include CosIng, the Cosmetic Ingredient Database managed by the European Commission, which provides detailed information about the ingredients used in cosmetic and personal care products. The consultant has also referred to the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), an authoritative resource on the safety and regulatory aspects of personal care products.

Furthermore, the review incorporates information from The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), a federal agency responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices, and by ensuring the safety of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation.

In addition to these sources, the consultant has also referred to various other publicly available sources to provide a comprehensive and unbiased review of the product.