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 results that sometimes seem too good to be true. Unfortunately, in many cases, these claims are greatly exaggerated, leaving consumers out-of-pocket and underwhelmed.

It is therefore crucial to exercise due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Rather than taking claims about products at face value, it is important to delve deeper and understand the ingredients used within these products. This can provide a more accurate picture of what the product can truly deliver.

In this article, we will be critically analyzing the Multi-Peptide Eye Serum by The Ordinary. We will be examining the claims made about this product, comparing them to the ingredients used, and performing a truth assessment to establish whether or not the product really will live up to its claims.

So, without further ado, let’s delve into the main claims being made about this product and break them down:

Claim #1: The Product Targets Signs of Aging Around the Eye Area

The Ordinary’s Website States: “The Multi-Peptide Eye Serum is a water-based formula designed to target the appearance of common signs of aging around the eye area.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The ingredients list includes several peptides such as Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, and Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3. Peptides are known for their anti-aging properties as they stimulate collagen production, which can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Additionally, Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that can improve skin elasticity and revive skin tone and texture, further supporting the anti-aging claim.

Claim #2: The Product Reduces the Appearance of Crow’s Feet and Under Eye Wrinkles

The Ordinary’s Website States: “This serum utilizes multiple peptide technologies to help reduce the appearance of crow’s feet and under eye wrinkles.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: Peptides like Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 and Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5 are known to boost collagen production, which can help fill in wrinkles and fine lines, including crow’s feet and under-eye wrinkles. Acetyl Glucosamine is another ingredient that can promote hyaluronic acid production in the skin, further helping to smooth out wrinkles.

Claim #3: The Product Reduces Eye Bags, Puffiness, and Dark Circles

The Ordinary’s Website States: “This serum…helps reduce the appearance of…eye bags, puffiness, and dark circles.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The ingredient Caffeine is known to have vasoconstrictive properties, which can help reduce puffiness and dark circles by constricting blood vessels under the skin. However, the effectiveness of this ingredient can vary between individuals. The product also contains Fraxinus Excelsior Bark Extract, which has been shown in some studies to reduce eye bags and dark circles, but more research is needed to confirm these effects.

Claim #4: The Product Leaves the Eye Area Looking Brighter, Smoother, and Less Puffy

The Ordinary’s Website States: “This serum…leaves the eye area looking brighter, smoother, and less puffy.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: Niacinamide can improve skin texture and brighten the skin tone, potentially making the eye area look brighter and smoother. The inclusion of Caffeine may also help reduce puffiness. However, individual results can vary, and these ingredients may not have the same effect on all users.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 7/10

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

The product’s claims about targeting signs of aging, reducing the appearance of crow’s feet and under eye wrinkles are backed by the presence of peptides and Niacinamide in its ingredients list. These ingredients are known for their anti-aging properties and their ability to stimulate collagen production, which can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

However, the claims about reducing eye bags, puffiness, and dark circles, and leaving the eye area looking brighter, smoother, and less puffy are rated as ‘possibly’ true. While the ingredients Caffeine and Fraxinus Excelsior Bark Extract have properties that can potentially address these issues, their effectiveness can vary between individuals. More research is also needed to confirm the effects of Fraxinus Excelsior Bark Extract on eye bags and dark circles.

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. The concentration of an ingredient can greatly impact its effectiveness. For instance, a product might list a beneficial ingredient first, but if it’s not used in a high enough concentration, it might not provide the claimed benefits.

Remember, not all skincare products work the same for everyone. Individual skin type, lifestyle, and other factors can influence how well a product works. Be skeptical of products that make broad or absolute claims. Always do your research, read reviews, and consider consulting with a dermatologist or skincare professional for personalized advice.

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.