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

It is therefore of utmost importance to exercise due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Taking claims about products at face value without conducting a thorough investigation can lead to disappointment. It is crucial to analyze 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 critically analyzing a product from The Ordinary, a brand known for its transparency and affordability. The product in question is their Lactic Acid 10% + HA, an exfoliating serum designed to improve skin texture and radiance. We will be dissecting the main claims made about this product and comparing them to the ingredients list to determine if it truly delivers on its promises.

So, without further ado, let’s delve into the main claims being made about The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid 10% + HA and break them down:

Claim #1: The Product Offers Effective Exfoliation Targeted at the Skin’s Surface

The Ordinary’s Website States: “Lactic Acid 10% + HA is an alpha hydroxy acid solution that offers effective exfoliation targeted at the skin’s surface.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: Lactic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that is well-known for its exfoliating properties. It works by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be easily removed from the skin’s surface. This results in a smoother, more even skin texture. The presence of Lactic Acid in the ingredients list confirms this claim.

Claim #2: The Product Reduces Irritation and Sensitivity Associated with Acid Use

The Ordinary’s Website States: “It is supported with purified Tasmanian pepperberry extract, which has been shown to reduce irritation and sensitivity that can be associated with acid use.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: Tasmanian pepperberry extract is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. However, its effectiveness in reducing irritation and sensitivity specifically associated with acid use may vary from person to person, as individual skin responses can differ. Therefore, while the ingredient can potentially reduce irritation, it’s not a guarantee for all users.

Claim #3: The Product is Ideal for Dry Skin Types

The Ordinary’s Website States: “This water-based serum is ideal for dry skin types.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains several hydrating ingredients such as Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, which are known for their ability to attract and hold onto water, thereby increasing skin hydration. This makes the product suitable for dry skin types that often lack moisture. Additionally, lactic acid is a humectant, which means it can help retain moisture in the skin, further supporting this claim.

Claim #4: The Product Maximizes Effectiveness of the Acid and Reduces Irritation

The Ordinary’s Website States: “When pKa is close to pH, there is an ideal balance between salt and acidity, maximizing effectiveness of the acid and reducing irritation”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The pKa value of an acid is a measure of its acidity. When the pKa is close to the pH, it means that there is an ideal balance between the acid and its salt form, which can enhance the effectiveness of the acid and potentially reduce irritation. The product’s pH is stated to be approximately 3.8, which is close to the pKa of Lactic Acid (3.8), supporting this claim.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 8/10

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

The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid 10% + HA product largely lives up to its claims, with the majority of them being assessed as true. The product does offer effective exfoliation targeted at the skin’s surface, is ideal for dry skin types, and has a balanced pH that maximizes the effectiveness of the acid and reduces irritation. The only claim that could not be definitively confirmed was the product’s ability to reduce irritation and sensitivity associated with acid use, as this can vary from person to person.

However, potential users should be mindful that while the product’s ingredients are known for their beneficial properties, individual skin responses can differ. What works for one person may not work for another, and some people may experience irritation or sensitivity despite the presence of soothing ingredients.

It’s also 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 reflect the concentration of each ingredient. A product could contain a high amount of one ingredient but if it’s not in an effective concentration, it may not provide the claimed benefits.

Remember, when evaluating skincare products, it’s crucial to do your own research and understand what each ingredient does. Be skeptical of claims that seem too good to be true, and remember that the most expensive product isn’t always the best. Look for products with ingredients that are backed by scientific research, and always patch test new products to see how your skin reacts before applying them to your entire face.

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.