The skincare industry can often be a confusing place for consumers. With a plethora of products available, each boasting a range of health claims, it can be difficult to discern which products truly deliver on their promises. Manufacturers often make grandiose claims about their skincare products, and while some may hold true, others can be greatly exaggerated or even misleading.
It is therefore 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, as the product may not live up to its lofty promises. It is important to critically analyze the claims made about a product and compare them to the ingredients used within 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 critically analyze Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides, an intensive moisturizer from The Ordinary. We will examine the claims made about this product and compare them to the ingredients used to determine if it truly delivers on its promises.
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), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Glycerin, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate, Isosorbide Dicaprylate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides, Glycosphingolipids, Glycolipids, Linoleic Acid, Oleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Arginine, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Proline, Threonine, Glutamic Acid, Lysine HCl, Betaine, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Glucose, Maltose, Fructose, Trehalose, Sodium PCA, PCA, Sodium Lactate, Urea, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lecithin, Triolein, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Pentylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Citric Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Magnesium Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, 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 delve into the main claims being made about this product and break them down:
Claim #1: The Product Provides Enhanced Moisturization
The Ordinary’s Website States: “Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides is our most nourishing moisturizer, formulated with nearly four times more moisturizing emollients and two times more humectants than our Natural Moisturising Factors + HA.”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The product contains a number of ingredients known for their moisturizing properties. Glycerin and Propanediol are humectants that attract and retain moisture in the skin. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride and Cetyl Ethylhexanoate are emollients that soften and smooth the skin. The presence of these ingredients in the formula supports the claim that the product provides enhanced moisturization.
Claim #2: The Product Boosts Skin Hydration
The Ordinary’s Website States: “This rich and replenishing cream immediately boosts skin hydration by 68%.”
Truth Assessment: Possibly
Explanation: While the product contains ingredients that are known to hydrate the skin, such as Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate, the specific claim of boosting skin hydration by 68% cannot be verified from the ingredients list alone. This would require clinical testing to confirm.
Claim #3: The Product Strengthens the Skin Barrier
The Ordinary’s Website States: “Helps strengthen the skin barrier.”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The product contains Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides and Glycosphingolipids, which are known to help strengthen the skin barrier by replenishing essential lipids. This supports the claim that the product can help strengthen the skin barrier.
Claim #4: The Product Improves Skin Quality
The Ordinary’s Website States: “The inclusion of plant-derived PhytoCeramides help to improve the look of skin quality, for a fresher, more plumped appearance.”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: PhytoCeramides are plant-derived lipids that mimic the natural ceramides in our skin. They help to maintain the skin’s moisture barrier and improve skin texture, supporting the claim that the product can improve skin quality.
Assessment Verdict:
Truth Rating: 8/10
Overall likelihood for product to make good on its claims: Likely
The Ordinary’s product claims are largely supported by the ingredients listed. The product does contain several ingredients known for their moisturizing, hydrating, and skin barrier strengthening properties. However, the specific claim of boosting skin hydration by 68% cannot be verified without clinical testing. Therefore, while the product is likely to provide some level of hydration, the exact percentage increase is uncertain.
Users should be mindful of the fact that the effectiveness of skincare products is not solely determined by their ingredients, but also by the concentration of these ingredients. While the ingredient list is in weight order, it does not provide information on the exact quantities of each ingredient. Therefore, even though a product may contain beneficial ingredients, if they are not present in effective quantities, the product may not deliver the promised results.
Remember, not all skincare claims are regulated, and some can be grossly exaggerated. Always do your research and look for evidence to support the claims. Be skeptical of products that promise immediate or dramatic results, as real skincare progress often takes time. Lastly, everyone’s skin is unique, so what works for one person may 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.
