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

It is therefore crucial for consumers to exercise due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Blindly accepting the claims made about a product can leave consumers out-of-pocket and underwhelmed when the product fails to live up to its promises. It is always advisable to critically analyze the claims made about a product, and compare them to the ingredients used within the product. This can provide a more accurate assessment of whether the product will truly deliver on its promises.

In this article, we will be critically analyzing the Eczema Relief Cream & Body Wash by Eucerin. This product is marketed as an eczema treatment, and we will be examining the claims made about this product, and comparing them to the ingredients used within the product. Our goal is to perform a truth assessment to establish whether or not the product really will live up to its claims.

So, without further ado, let’s look at the main claims being made about this product and break them down:

Claim #1: The Product is a Gentle, Non-Foaming Formula

Eucerin’s Website States: “Eczema Relief Cream & Body Wash is a gentle, non-foaming formula based on Eucerin’s clinically proven Eczema Relief technology.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The ingredients list includes several gentle cleansing and conditioning agents such as Isopropyl Palmitate, Glycerin, and Cetearyl Alcohol. These ingredients are known for their mildness and are commonly used in skincare products designed for sensitive skin. The absence of harsh foaming agents such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) also supports the claim that this product is non-foaming.

Claim #2: The Product Protects the Moisture Barrier

Eucerin’s Website States: “For sufferers of eczema, it is essential to protect the moisture barrier.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains several ingredients known to support the skin’s moisture barrier. For example, Ceramide NP is a type of lipid that is naturally found in the skin and plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin’s barrier function. Glycerin is a humectant that attracts water to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient that softens the skin and prevents moisture loss.

Claim #3: The Product is Free from Soap, Dyes, and Fragrances

Eucerin’s Website States: “Our cream & body wash is a low pH, low surfactant formula, free from soap, dyes and fragrances.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The ingredients list does not include any traditional soap ingredients such as Sodium Tallowate or Sodium Palmate. It also does not contain any ingredients commonly used as dyes or fragrances in skincare products. Therefore, it can be concluded that this product is indeed free from soap, dyes, and fragrances.

Claim #4: The Product Gently Washes to Avoid Dryness and Irritation

Eucerin’s Website States: “It gently washes to help avoid the dryness and irritation that can be caused by bathing.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains several ingredients that are known for their gentle cleansing properties and their ability to moisturize the skin. For example, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil that gently cleanses the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Glycerin is a humectant that attracts water to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and prevent dryness. Furthermore, the absence of potential irritants such as fragrances and dyes supports the claim that this product can help avoid irritation.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 9/10

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

The product’s claims are largely supported by the ingredients listed. The absence of harsh foaming agents, dyes, and fragrances, along with the inclusion of gentle cleansing and moisturizing ingredients, aligns with the product’s claims of being gentle, non-foaming, and free from soap, dyes, and fragrances. The presence of ingredients known to support the skin’s moisture barrier also supports the claim that the product protects the moisture barrier.

However, consumers should be mindful that the effectiveness of a skincare product is not solely determined by its ingredients. The concentration of each ingredient also plays a crucial role. Skincare formulas list their ingredients in weight order, with the highest concentrations listed first. However, this doesn’t provide a complete picture as it doesn’t specify the exact concentrations. Therefore, while the product contains ingredients known for their beneficial properties, the effectiveness of the product will depend on the concentrations of these ingredients.

Remember, not all claims made by skincare products are substantiated. Be skeptical of claims that seem too good to be true or are not supported by the ingredients list. Always do your research and consult with a dermatologist if you have any doubts or 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.