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. However, these claims can sometimes be greatly exaggerated, leaving consumers out-of-pocket and underwhelmed.
It is therefore crucial to exercise due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Taking claims about products at face value may not always yield the desired results. 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 analyzing the Multi-Peptide Lash And Brow Serum by The Ordinary. The Ordinary is a brand known for its transparency and affordability in the skincare industry. We will be dissecting the claims made about this product, and comparing them to the ingredients used within the product to perform a truth assessment.
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: Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Oligopeptide-2, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Caffeine, Panthenol, Arginine, Glycine, Glycoproteins, Larix Europaea Wood Extract, Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Dextran, Maltodextrin, Zinc Chloride, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Metabisulfite, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin. 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 Supports Thicker, Fuller, and Healthier-Looking Lashes and Brows
The Ordinary’s Website States: “The Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum is a light, non-greasy formula designed to support thicker, fuller, and healthier-looking lashes and brows.”
Truth Assessment: Possibly
Explanation: The product contains several peptides, including Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Oligopeptide-2, and Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3. Peptides are known to support hair growth and health, potentially leading to thicker and fuller lashes and brows. However, the effectiveness of these ingredients can vary from person to person and depends on factors such as the individual’s hair growth cycle and overall health.
Claim #2: The Product Utilizes 11 Active Ingredients
The Ordinary’s Website States: “By utilizing 11 active ingredients, including four peptide complexes and a series of natural extracts, this twice-daily serum works to help nourish and protect your lashes and brows.”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The ingredients list confirms the presence of multiple active ingredients, including four peptide complexes (Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Oligopeptide-2, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3) and several natural extracts (Larix Europaea Wood Extract, Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract). These ingredients are known for their beneficial properties in skincare and haircare products.
Claim #3: The Product Enhances the Look of Density and Overall Appearance in as Little as Four Weeks
The Ordinary’s Website States: “This twice-daily serum works to help nourish and protect your lashes and brows while enhancing the look of density and overall appearance in as little as four weeks.”
Truth Assessment: Possibly
Explanation: The product contains ingredients known to support hair health and growth, such as peptides and natural extracts. However, the timeframe for visible results can vary greatly from person to person. Factors such as the individual’s hair growth cycle, overall health, and consistency in using the product can influence the time it takes to see noticeable improvements. Therefore, while it’s possible to see results in as little as four weeks, it’s not guaranteed for every user.
Assessment Verdict:
Truth Rating: 7/10
Overall likelihood for product to make good on its claims: Likely
The product’s claims are largely supported by the ingredients it contains. Peptides and natural extracts are known to support hair health and growth, which could lead to thicker, fuller lashes and brows. However, the effectiveness of these ingredients can vary from person to person and depends on factors such as the individual’s hair growth cycle and overall health. Therefore, while it’s possible to see results in as little as four weeks, it’s not guaranteed for every user.
Users should be mindful that the product’s effectiveness also depends on the concentration of its active ingredients. While the ingredient list confirms the presence of multiple active ingredients, it doesn’t specify their concentrations. In skincare formulas, ingredient lists are in weight order, but this doesn’t tell us everything about the product’s effectiveness. A product could contain a high concentration of an ineffective ingredient and a low concentration of an effective one.
Remember, when evaluating a product’s claims, it’s important to consider not only the ingredients it contains but also their concentrations. Be skeptical of products that make grand claims without providing detailed information about their formulas. Also, keep in mind that everyone’s skin and hair are different, so what works for one person might not work for another.
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.