The skincare industry can often be a confusing and overwhelming place for consumers. With a plethora of products available, 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 transformative results and miraculous benefits. However, these claims are not always truthful and can be greatly exaggerated.

When shopping for skincare products, it is crucial to exercise due diligence. Taking claims about products at face value may leave consumers out-of-pocket and underwhelmed. 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 analyzing a product from the brand Paula’s Choice. The product in question is their ‘Lipscreen’, a lip sunscreen. We will be examining the claims made about this product, and comparing them to the ingredients used, to perform a truth assessment.

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

Claim #1: The Product Reduces the Risk of Skin Cancer

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “Decreases the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun if used as directed with other sun protection measures.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The ingredients list includes several known sunscreens, such as Homosalate, Octisalate, Avobenzone, and Octocrylene. These ingredients work by absorbing harmful UV rays, thereby reducing the amount of damage they can do to the skin. UV damage is a known risk factor for skin cancer, so by reducing UV damage, these ingredients could theoretically reduce the risk of skin cancer. However, it’s important to note that sunscreen alone is not enough to fully prevent skin cancer. Other measures, such as avoiding sun exposure during peak hours and wearing protective clothing, are also necessary. Furthermore, while these ingredients are effective at blocking UV rays, they do not block all types of UV radiation, and some radiation will still reach the skin. Therefore, while the product may reduce the risk of skin cancer, it cannot eliminate it entirely.

Claim #2: The Product Prevents Early Skin Aging Caused by the Sun

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “Decreases the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun if used as directed with other sun protection measures.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: Sun exposure is a major cause of premature skin aging, often referred to as photoaging. This is due to the damage that UV rays can do to the skin’s collagen and elastin fibers, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of aging. The sunscreens in this product (Homosalate, Octisalate, Avobenzone, and Octocrylene) can help prevent this damage by absorbing UV rays before they can harm the skin. In addition, the product contains several ingredients with antioxidant properties, such as Tocopheryl Acetate (a form of Vitamin E) and Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter. Antioxidants can help protect the skin from free radical damage, another factor in photoaging. Therefore, the claim that this product can help prevent early skin aging caused by the sun is likely true.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 7/10

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

The product’s claims of reducing the risk of skin cancer and preventing early skin aging caused by the sun are largely supported by the ingredients listed. However, it’s important to remember that no sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays, and other sun protection measures are necessary to fully protect against skin cancer and photoaging. Additionally, while the product does contain several known sunscreens and antioxidants, the effectiveness of these ingredients can vary depending on their concentration in the product. Unfortunately, the product’s ingredient list does not provide specific concentrations, so it’s impossible to say for certain how effective the product will be.

When evaluating skincare products, it’s important to remember that ingredient lists are ordered by weight, but this doesn’t tell the whole story. For example, a product could contain a large amount of a cheap filler ingredient and only a small amount of an active ingredient, but the active ingredient would still be listed first if it’s heavier. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to do your own research and consult with a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns.

Remember, not all skincare claims are created equal. Be skeptical of claims that sound too good to be true, and look for products that provide evidence to back up their claims. If a product claims to have a certain ingredient, make sure that ingredient is listed in the ingredients list. And remember, the most expensive product isn’t always the best – sometimes, simple, affordable products can be just as effective.

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.