The skincare industry can often be a confusing place for consumers. With a plethora of products on the market, each boasting a variety of health claims, it can be difficult to discern fact from fiction. Manufacturers often make grandiose claims 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. Rather than taking claims about products at face value, it is important to delve deeper into the ingredients used within the product. This can provide a more accurate assessment of whether or not the product will truly live up to its claims.

In this article, we will be critically analyzing the Lactic Acid 5% + HA, a gentle exfoliating serum by The Ordinary. We will be examining the claims made about this product, comparing them to the ingredients used, in order to perform a truth assessment. This will help establish whether or not this product truly delivers on its promises.

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

Claim #1: The Product Offers Gentle Exfoliation

The Ordinary’s Website States: “Lactic Acid 5% + HA is a mild alpha hydroxy acid solution that offers gentle yet effective exfoliation targeted at the skin’s surface.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: Lactic Acid is a known alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that is used in skincare for its exfoliating properties. AHAs work by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be easily removed and revealing the fresh, new skin underneath. This process of exfoliation is generally considered to be gentle, especially when compared to physical exfoliants like scrubs. Therefore, the claim that this product offers gentle exfoliation is true.

Claim #2: The Product Reduces Irritation and Sensitivity

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 to soothe and protect the skin. However, the effectiveness of this ingredient in reducing irritation and sensitivity can vary from person to person, and may also depend on the concentration used in the product. Therefore, while it is possible that this ingredient could help to reduce irritation and sensitivity associated with acid use, it is not guaranteed for every user.

Claim #3: The Product is Ideal for Dry and Sensitive Skin

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

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The ingredients list includes several hydrating and soothing ingredients, such as Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, which are known to be beneficial for dry and sensitive skin. Glycerin is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, while Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer is a form of Hyaluronic Acid, which can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. Therefore, the claim that this product is ideal for dry and sensitive skin is true.

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, and when the pKa is close to the pH of the product, it means that the acid is in its most effective form. This is because the acid is in a balance between its free acid form, which is responsible for the exfoliating action, and its salt form, which is less irritating to the skin. Therefore, the claim that the product maximizes the effectiveness of the acid and reduces irritation is true.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 8/10

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

The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid 5% + HA appears to be largely truthful in its claims. The product does indeed offer gentle exfoliation due to the presence of Lactic Acid, a known AHA. It also contains ingredients that are beneficial for dry and sensitive skin, such as Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer. The claim about maximizing the effectiveness of the acid and reducing irritation is also true, as the pKa value of the acid is close to the pH of the product.

However, the claim about reducing irritation and sensitivity is somewhat subjective and can vary from person to person. While Tasmanian pepperberry extract is known for its soothing properties, its effectiveness can depend on the concentration used in the product and individual skin reactions. Therefore, users should be mindful of this when using the product.

It’s also important to note that this assessment assumes all ingredients are used in effective quantities. In skincare formulas, ingredient lists are in weight order, but this doesn’t tell us everything about the concentration of each ingredient. For example, a product could list a beneficial ingredient first, but only include a small amount of it in the formula.

Remember, always do your research before purchasing a skincare product. Look for scientific studies or reputable sources that back up the claims made by the product. Be skeptical of claims that seem too good to be true, as they often are. And finally, remember that everyone’s skin is different, so what works for one person may not work for you.

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.