The skincare industry can often be a confusing place for consumers. With a plethora of products on the market, each boasting a myriad of health claims, it can be difficult to discern fact from fiction. Manufacturers often make grandiose claims about their skincare products, promising miraculous results and transformative effects. However, these claims are not always truthful and can be greatly exaggerated.

It is crucial for consumers to exercise due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Taking claims about products at face value may leave consumers out-of-pocket and underwhelmed. It is important to critically analyze 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 really will live up to its claims.

In this article, we will be critically analyzing the Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil by La Roche-Posay. This gentle cleansing oil is touted for its skin-nourishing properties, but does it really live up to the hype?

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

Claim #1: The Product Provides 24-Hour Hydration

La Roche-Posay’s Website States: “Provides 24-hour hydration starting in the shower.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains Glycerin, which is a well-known humectant. Humectants work by attracting water to the skin, which can help to keep it hydrated. However, the claim of 24-hour hydration is difficult to verify without clinical testing. The duration of hydration can depend on many factors, including the individual’s skin type, the environment, and what other products are used on the skin.

Claim #2: The Product Soothes Skin Instantly

La Roche-Posay’s Website States: “Instantly soothing skin.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains Niacinamide, which is known for its soothing properties. It can help to reduce inflammation and redness, which can make the skin feel soothed. However, the claim of instant soothing is subjective and can vary from person to person. Some people may feel instant relief, while others may not notice any immediate difference.

Claim #3: The Product Gently Removes Dirt and Debris

La Roche-Posay’s Website States: “Gently removes dirt and debris from the skin.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Coco-Betaine, which are both surfactants. Surfactants work by breaking down oils and dirt on the skin, allowing them to be washed away. This makes them effective at cleansing the skin.

Claim #4: The Product Protects Skin from the Drying Effects of Water

La Roche-Posay’s Website States: “Helps protect skin from the harsh drying effects of water.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains Glycerin and Shea Butter Glycerides, which can help to lock in moisture and prevent the skin from drying out. However, whether or not this can protect the skin from the drying effects of water is not clear. Water can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness. While these ingredients can help to moisturize the skin, they may not be able to fully prevent the drying effects of water.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 7/10

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

The product contains ingredients that are known for their hydrating, soothing, and cleansing properties. However, the claims of 24-hour hydration and instant soothing are difficult to verify without clinical testing and can vary from person to person. The claim that the product can protect the skin from the drying effects of water is also uncertain. While the ingredients can help to moisturize the skin, they may not be able to fully prevent the drying effects of water.

Users should be mindful that the effectiveness of a skincare product can depend on many factors, including the individual’s skin type, the environment, and what other products are used on the skin. It’s also important to remember that the duration of hydration and the feeling of instant soothing can be subjective and can vary from person to person.

This assessment assumes that all ingredients are used in effective quantities. In skincare formulas, the ingredient list is in weight order, with the highest concentrations listed first. However, this doesn’t tell us everything. For example, some ingredients can be effective at low concentrations, while others may need to be present in higher amounts to work. Also, the overall formulation and how the ingredients work together can affect the product’s effectiveness.

Remember, when evaluating skincare products, it’s important to look beyond the marketing claims and consider the ingredients and their concentrations. Be skeptical of claims that seem too good to be true or that are not backed by scientific evidence. Also, consider your individual skin type and needs, as 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.