The skincare industry can often be a confusing and overwhelming place for consumers. With a plethora of products on the market, each boasting a myriad of health claims, it can be difficult to discern fact from fiction. Manufacturers often make grandiose claims about their skincare products, promising miraculous results and transformative effects. However, these claims can sometimes be greatly exaggerated, leaving consumers out-of-pocket and underwhelmed.

It is therefore crucial to exercise due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Taking claims about products at face value can lead to disappointment and wasted expenditure. It is important to delve deeper into the ingredients used within the products and assess whether they can truly deliver on the promises made.

In this article, we will be critically analysing the Eczema Relief Hand Cream by Eucerin. This product claims to provide relief for those suffering from eczema, a common skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. We will be examining the claims made about this product, comparing them to the ingredients used, and performing a truth assessment to establish whether or not the product really will live up to its claims.

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

Claim #1: The Product is Enriched with Colloidal Oatmeal, Shea Butter, Ceramide-3, and Licorice Root Extract

Eucerin’s Website States: “This rich cream is enriched with Colloidal Oatmeal (a skin protectant), Shea Butter, Ceramide-3, and Licorice Root Extract.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The ingredients list confirms the presence of Colloidal Oatmeal, Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii), and Licorice Root Extract (Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract). Although Ceramide-3 is not explicitly listed, Ceramide NP is present, which is a type of ceramide and could be considered as Ceramide-3. These ingredients are known for their skin-protecting and soothing properties, making this claim true.

Claim #2: The Product Helps Strengthen the Skin’s Protective Barrier

Eucerin’s Website States: “The soothing cream helps strengthen the skin’s protective barrier.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The ingredients list includes Ceramide NP, which is known to help restore and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier. Additionally, Shea Butter and Colloidal Oatmeal are known to have moisturizing properties that can help improve the skin’s barrier function. Therefore, this claim is true.

Claim #3: The Product Reduces the Itch and Minor Irritation Due to Eczema

Eucerin’s Website States: “The soothing cream…reduces the itch and minor irritation due to eczema.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: Colloidal Oatmeal is recognized by the FDA as a skin protectant that can help relieve minor skin irritation and itching due to eczema. Shea Butter has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated skin. However, the effectiveness of these ingredients in reducing itch and irritation due to eczema can vary from person to person, and depends on the severity of the condition. Therefore, this claim is possibly true.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 8/10

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

The product’s claims about its ingredients and their benefits are largely accurate. The presence of Colloidal Oatmeal, Shea Butter, Ceramide NP, and Licorice Root Extract in the product is confirmed, and these ingredients are known for their skin-protecting, soothing, and barrier-strengthening properties. However, the claim about reducing itch and irritation due to eczema is somewhat subjective, as the effectiveness of these ingredients can vary from person to person and depends on the severity of the condition.

Users should be mindful that while the ingredients list confirms the presence of these beneficial ingredients, it does not disclose their concentrations. In skincare formulas, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight, but this does not necessarily reflect their effectiveness. For instance, a product may contain a high concentration of a less effective ingredient and a low concentration of a more effective one. Therefore, the presence of an ingredient does not guarantee its effectiveness.

Remember, a good rule of thumb when evaluating skincare products is to be skeptical of claims that sound too good to be true. Always check the ingredients list and do your own research to understand what each ingredient does. Be aware that individual skin reactions can vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. Lastly, consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional if you have specific skin concerns or conditions.

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.