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 challenging to discern what is truthful and what is greatly exaggerated. Manufacturers often make bold assertions about their skincare products, promising transformative results that may not always align with reality.

When shopping for skincare products, due diligence is paramount. Taking claims about products at face value may leave consumers out-of-pocket and underwhelmed. It’s crucial to critically analyse the ingredients used within the product and compare them to the claims made about the product. This truth assessment can help establish whether or not the product will live up to its promises.

In this article, we will be critically analysing the Hyaluronic Acid + Peptide Lip Booster by Paula’s Choice. This lip treatment product makes several claims about its effectiveness and benefits, which we will dissect and evaluate based on the ingredients used within the product.

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

Claim #1: The Product Provides a Dewy Finish

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “This innovative, dewy-finish lip treatment…”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The dewy finish claim is subjective and can vary from person to person. However, ingredients like Diisostearyl Malate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, and Ethylhexyl Palmitate are known to provide a glossy or dewy finish to the skin. Therefore, it’s possible that this product could provide a dewy finish.

Claim #2: The Product Moisturizes Lips

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “…goes beyond moisturizing…”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains several ingredients known for their moisturizing properties. These include Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Squalane, and Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Unsaponifiables. These ingredients are known to provide hydration and lock in moisture, which can help to keep lips moisturized.

Claim #3: The Product Gives Lips a Fuller, Younger Look

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “…to give lips a fuller, younger look.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains Sodium Hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid, which is known for its ability to attract and hold onto 1000x its weight in moisture. This can help to plump up the lips, giving them a fuller appearance. Additionally, the product contains Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, peptides that can help to stimulate collagen production, potentially giving lips a younger look. However, the effectiveness of these ingredients can vary from person to person.

Claim #4: The Product Smooths, Softens and Visibly Diminishes Lines on Lips

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “It instantly smooths, softens and visibly diminishes lines on lips…”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains several ingredients that could potentially smooth and soften the lips. These include Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Squalane, and Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Unsaponifiables. As for diminishing lines on the lips, the product contains Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, which can stimulate collagen production, potentially reducing the appearance of lines. However, the effectiveness of these ingredients can vary from person to person.

Claim #5: The Product Discourages Further Signs of Lip Aging

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “…with a hyaluronic-peptide blend that discourages further signs of lip aging.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains Sodium Hyaluronate and peptides (Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38), which are known for their anti-aging properties. Sodium Hyaluronate can help to hydrate and plump the lips, while peptides can stimulate collagen production, potentially reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. However, the effectiveness of these ingredients in discouraging further signs of lip aging can vary from person to person.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 7/10

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

While the product does contain several ingredients known for their moisturizing, smoothing, and anti-aging properties, the effectiveness of these ingredients can vary from person to person. It’s also important to note that the claims of providing a dewy finish and giving lips a fuller, younger look are subjective and can depend on individual perceptions and experiences.

Users should be mindful of the fact that while the product does contain ingredients known for their beneficial properties, the concentration of these ingredients is not disclosed. In skincare formulas, ingredients are listed in order of weight, but this doesn’t necessarily indicate their effectiveness. For instance, a product could contain a high amount of a less effective ingredient and a lower amount of a more effective one. Therefore, it’s important to not only look at the ingredients in a product but also consider their concentrations and how they might work together.

Remember, not all skincare products work the same for everyone. What works for one person might not work for another. It’s always a good idea to do your own research, understand your skin type and needs, and possibly consult with a dermatologist before trying a new product. Also, be wary of claims that seem too good to be true. If a product claims to instantly erase all signs of aging or drastically transform your skin, it’s likely an exaggeration.

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.