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 will 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’s 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 Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Brightening Serum by The Ordinary. This brand has gained significant popularity in recent years for its affordable, no-nonsense approach to skincare. But does this product really live up to its claims?

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

Claim #1: The Product Boosts Skin Brightness

The Ordinary’s Website States: “Our Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% formula is a water-based serum that boosts skin brightness”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is a well-known ingredient in skincare for its ability to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and dullness, thus boosting skin brightness. It works by reducing the production of melanin in the skin, which can lead to hyperpigmentation and dull skin. Therefore, the claim that this product boosts skin brightness is true.

Claim #2: The Product Improves Skin Smoothness

The Ordinary’s Website States: “Our Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% formula improves skin smoothness”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: Niacinamide has been shown to improve the texture of the skin by boosting the production of ceramides, which are lipids that help maintain the skin’s protective barrier. A stronger skin barrier can lead to smoother, healthier skin. Therefore, the claim that this product improves skin smoothness is true.

Claim #3: The Product Reinforces the Skin Barrier Over Time

The Ordinary’s Website States: “Our Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% formula reinforces the skin barrier over time”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: Both Niacinamide and Zinc PCA are known to reinforce the skin’s barrier. Niacinamide boosts the production of ceramides, which are crucial for a strong skin barrier. Zinc PCA is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, which can help maintain the skin’s barrier function. Therefore, the claim that this product reinforces the skin barrier over time is true.

Claim #4: The Product Can Be Used Alongside Acne Treatments for Added Visible Skin Benefits

The Ordinary’s Website States: “This formulation can be used alongside acne treatments if desired for added visible skin benefits.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: While Niacinamide and Zinc PCA are not treatments for acne, they can provide benefits that may complement acne treatments. Niacinamide can reduce inflammation and redness associated with acne, and Zinc PCA can help control oil production, which can contribute to acne. However, whether this product can be used alongside specific acne treatments for added benefits would depend on the individual’s skin and the other treatments being used. Therefore, this claim is possibly true, but would vary on a case-by-case basis.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 8/10

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

The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% formula has been assessed to be highly likely to fulfill its claims of boosting skin brightness, improving skin smoothness, and reinforcing the skin barrier over time. These claims are backed by the known benefits of Niacinamide and Zinc PCA, which are the main ingredients in the formula. However, the claim that it can be used alongside acne treatments for added visible skin benefits is possibly true, but would vary on a case-by-case basis.

Users should be mindful that while the product contains ingredients known to provide the claimed benefits, individual results may vary. Skin type, existing skin conditions, and the use of other skincare products can all affect how well this product works for you.

It’s also important to note that this assessment assumes all ingredients are used in effective quantities. In skincare formulas, ingredient lists are in weight order, meaning the first ingredient listed is the most abundant. However, this doesn’t tell us everything about the concentration of each ingredient. For example, a product could contain a high amount of a certain ingredient, but if it’s not in a form that can be easily absorbed by the skin, it may not provide the claimed benefits.

Remember, when evaluating skincare products, it’s important to look beyond the marketing claims and understand what the ingredients actually do. Be skeptical of products that promise immediate or dramatic results, as real skincare benefits often take time to show. Also, be mindful of your own skin’s needs and sensitivities, as what works for others may not work for you.

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.