The skincare industry can often be a confusing and overwhelming place for consumers. With a myriad of products available, each boasting a multitude of health claims, it can be difficult to discern fact from fiction. Manufacturers often make grandiose claims about their skincare products, promising transformative 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 investigating the ingredients and their efficacy can lead to disappointment. 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 Matrixyl 10% + HA formula, an anti-wrinkle serum.

We will be examining the claims made about this product, comparing them to the ingredients used within the product, and performing a truth assessment. This will help us establish whether or not the product really will live up to its claims.

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

Claim #1: The Product Targets Fine Lines and Wrinkles

The Ordinary’s Website States: “Matrixyl 10% + HA offers an advanced formula that targets fine lines and wrinkles by promoting firmer, plumper skin.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains Matrixyl, which is a trade name for a potent combination of palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7. These peptides are known to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, proteins that give the skin its firmness and elasticity. As we age, the production of these proteins decreases, leading to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. By boosting their production, the product can help to reduce the appearance of these signs of aging. Additionally, the product contains hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that can attract and retain a large amount of moisture. This can help to plump up the skin, further reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Claim #2: The Product Promotes Firmer, Plumper Skin

The Ordinary’s Website States: “Matrixyl 10% + HA offers an advanced formula that targets fine lines and wrinkles by promoting firmer, plumper skin.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: As mentioned above, the product contains ingredients that can stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, leading to firmer skin. The inclusion of hyaluronic acid, which can attract and retain a large amount of moisture, can also help to plump up the skin. This can give the skin a fuller, more youthful appearance.

Claim #3: The Product Improves the Appearance of Facial Areas Prone to Fine Lines

The Ordinary’s Website States: “This lightweight serum improves the appearance of facial areas prone to fine lines by supporting your skin’s overall collagen production.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains Matrixyl, a potent combination of peptides that can stimulate the production of collagen. As collagen is a protein that gives the skin its firmness and elasticity, boosting its production can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines. This can lead to an improvement in the appearance of facial areas that are prone to these signs of aging.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 9/10

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

The product’s claims of targeting fine lines and wrinkles, promoting firmer, plumper skin, and improving the appearance of facial areas prone to fine lines are all supported by the ingredients it contains. Matrixyl, a potent combination of peptides, is known to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, proteins that give the skin its firmness and elasticity. The product also contains hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that can attract and retain a large amount of moisture, further contributing to the plumping and firming effects.

However, users should be mindful that individual results may vary. While the ingredients in the product have been shown to have the claimed effects, the extent to which these effects are noticeable can depend on a variety of factors, including the user’s age, skin type, and the severity of their signs of aging. Additionally, it’s important to note that this assessment assumes all ingredients are used in effective quantities. The concentration of ingredients within skincare formulas can greatly impact their effectiveness, and while ingredient lists are in weight order, they don’t reveal the exact proportions.

Remember, when evaluating skincare products, it’s important to look beyond the marketing claims and examine the ingredients. Be skeptical of products that claim to deliver instant or miraculous results, as real skincare progress often takes time. Also, be mindful of products that contain a long list of active ingredients, as this can sometimes indicate that none of them are present in effective concentrations. Lastly, always consider your individual skincare needs and consult with a dermatologist if you have any concerns.

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.