The skincare industry can often be a confusing 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 to deliver remarkable results. 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 of a product and compare them with the claims made by the manufacturer. This can help consumers make informed decisions and ensure they are getting their money’s worth.

In this article, we will be critically analyzing a skincare product – the Mandelic Acid 10% + HA by The Ordinary. This exfoliating serum has been making waves in the skincare industry, with the brand making several claims about its efficacy. We will be dissecting these claims and comparing them with the ingredients used in the product. This truth assessment will help establish whether or not the product really lives up to its claims.

Let’s dive in and break down the main claims being made about this product:

Claim #1: The Product Improves Skin Clarity

The Ordinary’s Website States: “Mandelic Acid 10% + HA is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid serum that helps improve skin clarity…”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: Mandelic Acid is a type of Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that is known for its exfoliating properties. It works by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be easily removed from the skin’s surface. This process can help to clear pores and reduce the appearance of acne, leading to improved skin clarity. Additionally, Glycerin in the formula is a humectant that attracts water to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and clear.

Claim #2: The Product Balances Uneven Skin Tone

The Ordinary’s Website States: “…balance uneven skin tone…”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: Mandelic Acid, as an AHA, not only exfoliates the skin but also stimulates the production of new skin cells. This can help to even out skin tone by replacing discolored, damaged cells with new, healthy ones. Additionally, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, a form of Hyaluronic Acid, can help to plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, which can also contribute to a more even skin tone.

Claim #3: The Product Corrects Skin Texture

The Ordinary’s Website States: “…and correct skin texture…”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The exfoliating action of Mandelic Acid can help to smooth the skin’s texture by removing dead skin cells and encouraging the growth of new ones. Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer also contribute to a smoother skin texture by providing hydration and plumping the skin.

Claim #4: The Product Works in a Gentle, Yet Effective Manner

The Ordinary’s Website States: “This is because it has a larger molecular weight than other alpha hydroxy acids, which results in a slower, more balanced distribution.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: Mandelic Acid does indeed have a larger molecular weight than other AHAs, which means it penetrates the skin more slowly. This slower penetration can result in less irritation and a gentler effect on the skin, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin or those new to AHAs. However, despite its gentleness, it is still effective at exfoliating the skin and improving skin clarity, tone, and texture.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 9/10

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

The Ordinary’s Mandelic Acid 10% + HA seems to be a product that is highly likely to fulfill its claims. The ingredients listed, such as Mandelic Acid, Glycerin, and Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, are all known for their beneficial effects on the skin, including improving skin clarity, balancing uneven skin tone, correcting skin texture, and working in a gentle yet effective manner. However, it’s important to note that individual results may vary, and what works for one person may not work for another.

While this assessment is based on the assumption that all ingredients are used in effective quantities, it’s important to remember that skincare formulas can be complex and the concentration of each ingredient can greatly affect its effectiveness. Ingredient lists are ordered by weight, but this doesn’t necessarily reflect the concentration of an ingredient in the formula. For example, a product could contain a high amount of a cheap filler ingredient and only a small amount of the active ingredient, yet the active ingredient could still be listed first.

Remember, when evaluating skincare products, it’s important to do your own research and not just rely on the claims made by the manufacturer. Look for independent reviews and scientific studies to back up the claims. Be skeptical of products that promise immediate or miraculous results, as real skincare progress often takes time. And always patch-test new products to ensure they don’t irritate your skin.

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.