The skincare industry can often be a confusing and overwhelming place for consumers. With a plethora of products on the market, 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 miraculous results and transformative effects. However, these claims are not always truthful and can be greatly exaggerated.
It is therefore of utmost importance 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, with products that do not live up to their lofty promises.
In this article, we will be critically analyzing the Oil-Free Moisturizer by Paula’s Choice. We will be examining the claims made about this product, comparing them to the ingredients used within the product, and performing a truth assessment to establish whether or not the product really will 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, Ethyl Macadamiate, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Triethylhexanoin, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra, Hydrolyzed Pumpkin Seedcake, Vaccinum Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Prunus Serotina (Wild Cherry) Fruit Extract, Niacinamide, Tripeptide-29, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Panthenol, Sodium PCA, Adenosine, Lecithin, Arginine, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Gluconate, Citric Acid, Isohexadecane, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin 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 Soothes Skin with Antioxidants
Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “Naturally soothing antioxidants, sourced from pumpkin and blueberry calm redness.”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The product contains Hydrolyzed Pumpkin Seedcake and Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, both of which are known for their antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help to combat free radicals in the skin, which can cause inflammation and redness. Therefore, it is reasonable to claim that these ingredients can help to soothe the skin and reduce redness.
Claim #2: The Product Strengthens Skin’s Surface with Ceramides
Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “Ceramides strengthen skin’s surface.”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: Ceramides are lipids (fats) that occur naturally in the skin and play a crucial role in maintaining the skin’s barrier function. They help to prevent moisture loss and protect the skin from environmental aggressors. This product contains Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, and Ceramide EOP, which can help to replenish the skin’s natural ceramides and thereby strengthen the skin’s surface.
Claim #3: The Product Improves Skin Tone and Eliminates Dryness with Niacinamide
Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “Niacinamide, a pore minimizer, improves tone and eliminates dryness.”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is a versatile skincare ingredient with multiple benefits. It has been shown to improve the skin’s barrier function, which can help to lock in moisture and prevent dryness. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce redness and improve skin tone. Furthermore, it can regulate oil production, which can help to minimize pores. Therefore, the claim that this product can improve skin tone and eliminate dryness with Niacinamide is true.
Assessment Verdict:
Truth Rating: 9/10
Overall likelihood for product to make good on its claims: Highly Likely
The product’s claims about soothing skin with antioxidants, strengthening the skin’s surface with ceramides, and improving skin tone and eliminating dryness with Niacinamide are all backed by scientific research. The ingredients listed are known to have the properties claimed by the product. However, it’s important to note that individual skin reactions can vary, and what works for one person may not work for another.
One thing to be mindful of is that while the product does contain the ingredients it claims to, the effectiveness of these ingredients can depend on their concentration in the product. Skincare formulas list their ingredients in order of weight, but this doesn’t tell us the exact amount of each ingredient. A product could technically claim to contain a beneficial ingredient even if it’s present in such small quantities that it’s unlikely to have any effect.
Remember, it’s always a good idea to do your own research when evaluating skincare products. Look for products that not only list beneficial ingredients, but also specify the concentration of these ingredients. Be skeptical of products that make vague or exaggerated claims without providing specific information to back them up. And finally, remember that everyone’s skin is unique, and 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.
