The skincare industry can often be a confusing place for consumers. With a myriad of products available, each boasting a unique blend of ingredients and promising transformative results, it can be difficult to discern which products are genuinely beneficial and which are simply marketing hype. Manufacturers often make bold health claims about their skincare products, and while some of these claims are backed by scientific evidence, others can be greatly exaggerated or even misleading.

As consumers, it is crucial to exercise due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Taking claims about products at face value may leave you out-of-pocket and underwhelmed, as the product may not live up to its lofty promises. It is therefore important to critically analyse the claims made about a product, and compare them to the ingredients used within the product. This truth assessment can help establish whether or not the product really will live up to its claims.

In this article, we will be analysing the Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight night cream by Skinceuticals. Skinceuticals is a reputable brand in the skincare industry, known for its high-quality products. However, even the most reputable brands can sometimes overstate the benefits of their products. Therefore, we will be critically analysing the claims made about the Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight cream, and comparing them to the ingredients used within the product.

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

Claim #1: The Product Promotes Cellular Turnover for Glowing, Healthy-Looking Skin

Skinceuticals’s Website States: “Nighttime glycolic acid cream delivers a true 10% glycolic acid value to promote cellular turnover for glowing, healthy-looking skin.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: Glycolic acid, the second ingredient listed, is a well-known alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that has been proven to promote cellular turnover. It does this by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be sloughed off more easily. This process reveals the newer, healthier skin underneath, which can give the skin a glowing appearance. Therefore, the claim that this product promotes cellular turnover for glowing, healthy-looking skin is true.

Claim #2: The Product Works at a True 10% Concentration

Skinceuticals’s Website States: “Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight cream is formulated with a free acid value of 10% glycolic acid, allowing it to work at a true 10% concentration.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product does contain glycolic acid as the second ingredient, suggesting a high concentration. However, without specific information about the product’s pH and the exact formulation process, it’s impossible to definitively confirm that the product works at a true 10% concentration. The effectiveness of glycolic acid can be influenced by factors such as the product’s pH and the presence of other ingredients.

Claim #3: The Product Promotes Skin Clarity and Brightness

Skinceuticals’s Website States: “This potent glycolic night cream is synergistically blended with 2% phytic acid to promote skin clarity and brightness.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: Phytic acid, another ingredient in this product, is known for its skin-brightening properties. It works by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. By doing so, it can help to fade dark spots and even out skin tone, promoting skin clarity and brightness. Therefore, this claim is true.

Claim #4: The Product Improves the Appearance of Skin Texture and Tone

Skinceuticals’s Website States: “Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight improves the appearance of skin texture and tone to promote a bright complexion and glowing skin.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: Both glycolic acid and phytic acid, key ingredients in this product, are known to improve skin texture and tone. Glycolic acid promotes cellular turnover, which can smooth out skin texture and even out skin tone. Phytic acid, on the other hand, can help to fade dark spots and even out skin tone. Therefore, the claim that this product improves the appearance of skin texture and tone is true.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 8/10

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

The product’s claims about promoting cellular turnover, skin clarity, brightness, and improving the appearance of skin texture and tone are all backed by the known properties of its key ingredients, glycolic acid and phytic acid. However, the claim about working at a true 10% concentration is less certain, as it depends on factors such as the product’s pH and the presence of other ingredients, which are not specified.

It’s important to note that this assessment assumes all ingredients are used in effective quantities. In skincare formulas, ingredient lists are ordered by weight, but this doesn’t necessarily tell us everything about the concentration of each ingredient. For example, a product could contain a large amount of a certain ingredient by weight, but if that ingredient is not potent enough, it may not have the desired effect.

Remember, always be skeptical of claims that sound too good to be true, and do your own research to verify them. Look for scientific studies or reputable sources that back up the claims. Also, be aware that individual results can vary, and 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.