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 miraculous 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. Rather than taking claims about products at face value, it is important to delve deeper into the ingredients used within the product. This can provide a more accurate picture of whether or not the product will live up to its claims.

In this article, we will be critically analysing the Oil-Reducing Cleanser by Paula’s Choice. We will be examining the claims made about this product, and comparing them to the ingredients used within the product. This will allow us to perform a truth assessment to establish whether or not the product really will live up to its claims.

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

Claim #1: The Product Works Quickly to Remove Excess Oil and Makeup

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “Works quickly to remove excess oil and makeup…”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The ingredients Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate and Sodium Lauroamphoacetate are both surfactants, which are compounds that lower the surface tension between two liquids or a liquid and a solid. In skincare, they are used to help water mix with oil and dirt on your skin so they can be rinsed away, effectively removing excess oil and makeup. Additionally, the ingredient Glycerin is a humectant that helps to attract and retain moisture on the skin, which can aid in the removal of makeup.

Claim #2: The Product Visibly Refines the Look of Enlarged Pores

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “…it visibly refines the look of enlarged pores…”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: While none of the ingredients listed directly shrink pores, some of them can help improve the skin’s overall appearance, which might make pores appear less noticeable. For example, Glycerin is a humectant that helps to attract and retain moisture on the skin, promoting a smoother, more hydrated complexion. However, the claim that this product can visibly refine the look of enlarged pores may depend on individual skin types and conditions.

Claim #3: The Product Leaves Skin Feeling Exceptionally Clean, Smooth, and Balanced

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “…leaving skin feeling exceptionally clean, smooth, and balanced…”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The surfactants Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate and Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, as mentioned earlier, help to remove dirt and oil from the skin, leaving it feeling clean. The ingredient Stearic Acid is a fatty acid that can help to soften the skin, contributing to a smoother feel. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is known for its soothing properties, which can help to balance the skin. Therefore, based on these ingredients, the product can indeed leave the skin feeling clean, smooth, and balanced.

Claim #4: The Product Does Not Cause Dryness or a Tight Feel

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “…without any dryness or a tight feel.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains several ingredients known for their moisturizing and hydrating properties. Glycerin is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture, helping to prevent dryness. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil is an emollient that can help to soften the skin and prevent moisture loss. Therefore, these ingredients can help to prevent the skin from feeling dry or tight after using the product.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 7/10

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

Based on the analysis of the ingredients and their known properties, it appears that the product is likely to fulfill most of its claims. It should effectively remove excess oil and makeup, leave skin feeling clean, smooth, and balanced, and not cause dryness or a tight feel. However, the claim about visibly refining the look of enlarged pores is less certain, as this may depend on individual skin types and conditions.

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, meaning the first ingredient listed is the most abundant and the last is the least. However, this doesn’t tell us everything. For example, some ingredients may be effective at very low concentrations, while others may need to be present in larger amounts to work. Therefore, just because an ingredient is listed doesn’t necessarily mean there’s enough of it in the product to have a noticeable effect.

Remember, when evaluating skincare products, it’s always a good idea to do your own research and consider your individual skin type and needs. Be skeptical of claims that sound too good to be true, and remember that just because a product works for someone else doesn’t mean it will work for you. Always patch test new products to avoid potential allergic reactions or irritations.

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.