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 which products are genuinely beneficial and which are simply marketing hype. Manufacturers often make grandiose claims about their skincare products, and unfortunately, these claims are not always truthful or can be greatly exaggerated.
When shopping for skincare products, it is crucial to perform due diligence. Taking claims about products at face value may leave consumers out-of-pocket and underwhelmed. It is important to critically analyse 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 analysing the Moisture Boost Hydrating Treatment Cream by Paula’s Choice. This hydrating cream has been touted for its moisturising properties, but does it really live up to its claims?
View all the information used for this fact check. Access a timestamped snapshot of the product's official webpage as reviewed by us, preserved for transparency and future reference. INCI list at time of reviewal: Water, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Simmondsia Chinensis , Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Petrolatum, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dipentaerythrityl Hexacaprylate/Hexacaprate, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide NP, Cholesterol, Tocopherol, Squalene, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Polysorbate 60, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Protein, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Whey Protein, Tridecyl Stearate, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Myristyl Myristate, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Decarboxy Carnosine HCL, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax, Aminomethyl Propanol, Disodium EDTA, Benzoic Acid, Chlorphenesin, Sorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, BHT, Lactic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Lactose, Oleic Acid, Glucose Product formulations and manufacturer claims may evolve. For the most current information, refer directly to the product's official website. Our reviews are updated periodically to reflect new data.Resources
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Let’s look at the main claims being made about this product and break them down:
Claim #1: The Product Delivers Skin-Nourishing Moisture
Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “Delivers skin-nourishing moisture with the most amazing, silky-smooth, light feel on skin.”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The product contains several ingredients known for their moisturizing properties. Glycerin, for instance, is a humectant that attracts water to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. Similarly, Sodium Hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid, can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, providing intense hydration. Ethylhexyl Stearate and Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) also contribute to the moisturizing effect, as they are emollients that help to soften and smooth the skin.
Claim #2: The Product Gives Skin a Hydrated, Plump Appearance
Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “It has a luxurious skin-drenching formula that gives skin a hydrated, plump appearance.”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The presence of Sodium Hyaluronate and Glycerin, both potent hydrating ingredients, supports this claim. Sodium Hyaluronate, in particular, is known for its ability to plump up the skin by attracting and holding onto water. This can help to give the skin a fuller, more youthful appearance.
Claim #3: The Product Diminishes Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “Diminishing fine lines and wrinkles.”
Truth Assessment: Possibly
Explanation: The product contains ingredients like Tocopherol (Vitamin E) and Niacinamide, which are known for their anti-aging properties. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from damage, while Niacinamide can improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, the effectiveness of these ingredients can vary depending on individual skin types and conditions, and the results may not be immediate.
Claim #4: The Product Alleviates Flaking and Dryness
Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “Alleviating flaking and dryness.”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The product contains several moisturizing and skin-soothing ingredients that can help to alleviate dryness and flaking. For example, Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate can provide intense hydration, while ingredients like Ethylhexyl Stearate and Simmondsia Chinensis can soften and smooth the skin. Additionally, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract is known for its soothing properties, which can help to reduce skin irritation and flaking.
Claim #5: The Product Creates a Beautiful Radiant Complexion
Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “Creating a beautiful radiant complexion.”
Truth Assessment: Possibly
Explanation: The product contains Niacinamide and Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (a form of Vitamin C), both of which are known for their skin-brightening properties. These ingredients can help to improve skin tone and texture, potentially leading to a more radiant complexion. However, the effectiveness of these ingredients can vary depending on individual skin types and conditions, and the results may not be immediate.
Assessment Verdict:
Truth Rating: 8/10
Overall likelihood for product to make good on its claims: Likely
The product’s claims about delivering skin-nourishing moisture, giving skin a hydrated, plump appearance, and alleviating flaking and dryness are backed by the presence of well-known moisturizing and hydrating ingredients. The claims about diminishing fine lines and wrinkles and creating a radiant complexion are also supported by the inclusion of ingredients known for their anti-aging and skin-brightening properties. However, the effectiveness of these ingredients can vary depending on individual skin types and conditions, and the results may not be immediate.
It’s 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 concentrations of each ingredient. For example, a product might list a beneficial ingredient near the top of its ingredient list, but that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s enough of that ingredient in the formula to have a noticeable effect on the skin.
Remember, when evaluating skincare products, it’s important to be skeptical of claims that sound too good to be true. Look for products that list their active ingredients near the top of the ingredient list, as this usually indicates a higher concentration. Also, be mindful of products that make vague or unsupported claims. Always do your research and consult with a dermatologist if you’re unsure.
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.
