The skincare industry can often be a confusing place for consumers. With a plethora of products available, each boasting a range of health claims, it can be difficult to discern fact from fiction. Manufacturers often make bold assertions about their skincare products, promising to deliver miraculous results. 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. Instead, consumers should critically analyse the ingredients used within the product and compare them to the claims being made. This truth assessment can help establish whether or not the product will live up to its promises.

In this article, we will be critically analyzing the Glucoside Foaming Cleanser by The Ordinary. This brand has gained significant popularity in the skincare industry, known for its transparency and affordability. We will be examining the main claims made about this product and comparing them to the ingredients used within the product to perform a truth assessment.

Let’s delve into the main claims being made about the Glucoside Foaming Cleanser and break them down:

Claim #1: The Product Effectively Removes Dirt and Environmental Impurities

The Ordinary’s Website States: “The Glucoside Foaming Cleanser is a gel-like foaming cleanser that effectively helps remove dirt and environmental impurities.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The ingredients Decyl Glucoside and Coco Glucoside are both non-ionic surfactants derived from renewable raw materials like coconut and corn. These surfactants are known for their excellent foaming capacity and good dermatological compatibility. They help to remove dirt and impurities from the skin by reducing the surface tension of water, allowing it to mix with oil and dirt on the skin so it can be rinsed away.

Claim #2: The Product Helps Maintain the Skin’s Moisture Barrier

The Ordinary’s Website States: “This formulation helps maintain the skin’s moisture barrier.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The ingredient Ethylhexylglycerin is a glyceryl ether used as a skin conditioning agent and humectant. It helps to maintain the skin’s moisture barrier by attracting water to the skin and keeping it hydrated. Additionally, Decyl Glucoside and Coco Glucoside are mild surfactants that are less likely to strip the skin of its natural oils, which are crucial for maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier.

Claim #3: The Product Improves the Look of Skin Clarity, Texture, Radiance, and Suppleness

The Ordinary’s Website States: “Improving the look of skin clarity, skin texture, skin radiance, and suppleness with continued use.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The ingredient Tocopherol, also known as Vitamin E, is a potent antioxidant that can protect the skin from environmental damage, improve skin texture, and enhance radiance. However, the effects on skin clarity and suppleness are not as well-documented and may vary from person to person. It’s also worth noting that while these ingredients can potentially provide these benefits, the overall effectiveness of the product would also depend on other factors such as the user’s skin type, lifestyle, and the use of other skincare products.

Claim #4: The Product is Suitable for Babies and Respects the Barrier of Even the Most Delicate Skin

The Ordinary’s Website States: “Formulated, and clinically proven, to be suitable for babies, Glucoside Foaming Cleanser respects the barrier of even the most delicate skin.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The ingredients used in this formulation are generally considered safe and gentle on the skin. Decyl Glucoside and Coco Glucoside are mild surfactants often used in baby products. However, the claim that it is “clinically proven” to be suitable for babies cannot be verified from the ingredient list alone. It would require clinical testing data to confirm. Additionally, individual skin reactions can vary, and what works for one person’s skin may not work for another’s, even if the skin is delicate or belongs to a baby.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 7/10

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

The Ordinary’s Glucoside Foaming Cleanser seems to be a product that is largely truthful in its claims. The ingredients listed are known for their cleansing and moisturizing properties, and it is likely that they can effectively remove dirt and maintain the skin’s moisture barrier. The claim about improving skin clarity, texture, radiance, and suppleness is somewhat supported by the presence of Tocopherol (Vitamin E), but the extent of these effects may vary among users. The claim about suitability for babies and delicate skin is plausible, but without access to the clinical testing data mentioned, it cannot be fully verified.

Users should be mindful that individual skin reactions can vary greatly. What works for one person’s skin may not work for another’s, even if the skin is delicate or belongs to a baby. It’s always a good idea to patch test a new product before full application.

This assessment assumes that all the ingredients are used in effective quantities. In skincare formulas, the concentration of each ingredient matters. Ingredient lists are in weight order, meaning the first ingredient listed is the most abundant and the last is the least. However, this doesn’t tell us the exact percentages of each ingredient. A product may contain a beneficial ingredient, but if it’s not present in an effective concentration, it may not provide the claimed benefits.

Remember, not all claims made by skincare brands are regulated, and some can be misleading or exaggerated. Always do your research, understand your skin type and needs, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Look for evidence supporting the claims, such as clinical studies or peer-reviewed research. And remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

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.