The skincare industry can often be a confusing place for consumers. With a plethora of products available, each promising miraculous results, it can be difficult to discern fact from fiction. Manufacturers often make bold health claims about their skincare products, and while some of these claims may hold some truth, others can be greatly exaggerated or even entirely false.

It is therefore crucial for consumers to perform due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Taking claims about products at face value may leave consumers out-of-pocket and underwhelmed with the results. It is important to not only consider the claims made about a product, but also to examine the ingredients used within the product. 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 analyzing the Deep Clean Gentle Scrub by Neutrogena. This product is marketed as a gentle facial scrub, and we will be examining the claims made about this product in comparison to the ingredients used within it. This truth assessment will help 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 Cleans Deep into the Pores

Neutrogena’s Website States: “Our oil-free face scrub cleans deep into the pores but is gentle enough to use every day.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The presence of Salicylic Acid in the ingredients list supports this claim. Salicylic Acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) known for its ability to penetrate into the pore lining and exfoliate inside the pore as well as on the surface of the skin, which helps reduce oil and unclog pores. It is also gentle enough for daily use.

Claim #2: The Product Removes Dull, Dead Surface Skin

Neutrogena’s Website States: “The exfoliators remove dull, dead surface skin.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The ingredient Cellulose in the product is a natural exfoliant. It helps to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, leading to a brighter and more refreshed complexion.

Claim #3: The Product Results in Softer Looking and Smoother Feeling Skin

Neutrogena’s Website States: “The result? Softer looking and smoother feeling skin.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains Glycerin, a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, and Cetyl Alcohol, an emollient that can help soften and smooth the skin. However, the actual result can vary from person to person and depends on individual skin type and condition.

Claim #4: The Product Cleanses Away Dirt, Oil, Grime, Impurities, and Bacteria

Neutrogena’s Website States: “Cleanses away dirt, oil, grime, impurities, and bacteria.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains surfactants like Polysorbate 60 and Steareth-21, which help to cleanse the skin by allowing oil and water to mix, thereby removing dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin. Salicylic Acid also has antimicrobial properties that can help kill bacteria on the skin.

Claim #5: The Product is Oil-Free

Neutrogena’s Website States: “Oil-free.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The ingredients list does not contain any oils, supporting the claim that the product is oil-free.

Claim #6: The Product is Non-Comedogenic

Neutrogena’s Website States: “Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores).”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: While the product contains ingredients like Salicylic Acid that are known to help unclog pores, the term “non-comedogenic” is not regulated and what may clog pores can vary greatly from person to person. Therefore, it’s possible that this product won’t clog pores for some users, but it might for others.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 8/10

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

The product’s claims are largely supported by the presence of certain ingredients in its formula. Salicylic Acid, a known BHA, can indeed cleanse deep into the pores and is gentle enough for daily use. Cellulose, a natural exfoliant, can help remove dull, dead surface skin. The product’s ability to result in softer looking and smoother feeling skin is supported by the presence of Glycerin and Cetyl Alcohol, although results can vary from person to person. The product’s cleansing claims are backed by the presence of surfactants and Salicylic Acid’s antimicrobial properties. The product is indeed oil-free as per the ingredients list. The claim of being non-comedogenic is a bit more complex, as what clogs pores can vary greatly from person to person.

However, users should be mindful that the term “non-comedogenic” is not regulated and can mean different things for different people. Also, while the ingredients list supports the product’s claims, it’s important to remember that the effectiveness of these ingredients depends on their concentrations in the formula. Skincare formulas list ingredients in weight order, but this doesn’t necessarily reflect the concentration of each ingredient. A product can contain a small amount of a beneficial ingredient, but if it’s not present in an effective concentration, it may not provide the claimed benefits.

Remember, always do your own research and don’t take marketing claims at face value. Look at the ingredients list and understand what each ingredient does. Be skeptical of claims that sound too good to be true, as they often are. And remember, everyone’s skin is different, so what works for one person may not work for another.

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.