The skincare industry can often be a confusing and overwhelming place for consumers. With countless products on the market, each boasting a myriad of health claims, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. Manufacturers often make bold assertions about their skincare products, promising to deliver 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 truly live up to its claims.
In this article, we will be critically analysing the Omega+ Complex Eye Cream by Paula’s Choice. We will be examining the claims made about this product, comparing them to the ingredients used, and performing a truth assessment to establish whether or not the product really will deliver 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: Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Cetyl Palmitate, Nylon-12, Propanediol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Squalane, Niacinamide, Salvia Hispanica (Chia) Seed Oil, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Morus Alba (White Mulberry) Root Extract, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Serine, Alanine, Proline, Arginine, Threonine, Phytosphingosine, Phytosterols , Sodium PCA, Glycine, Oleic Acid, Glutamic Acid, Lysine HCI, Lecithin, Adenosine, Sodium Lactate, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Sterols, Olea Europaea Oil Unsaponifiables, Phytic Acid, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract, Glycerin, PCA, Betaine, Pullulan, Carbomer, Sclerotium Gum, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Silica, Sorbitan Oleate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, 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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So, let’s delve into the main claims being made about the Omega+ Complex Eye Cream and break them down:
Claim #1: The Product Repairs a Compromised Moisture Barrier
Paula’S Choice’s Website States: “These nourishing fatty acids, plus ceramides, help to repair a compromised moisture barrier”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The product contains ceramides (Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP), which are lipids that form the skin’s barrier and help skin retain moisture. They also help the skin protect against environmental aggressors like irritants, and pollutants. Without the proper ratio of ceramides, the skin’s barrier can become compromised, leading to dryness, itching and irritation. Therefore, the claim that the product can repair a compromised moisture barrier is true.
Claim #2: The Product Banishes Fine, Dry Lines
Paula’S Choice’s Website States: “banish fine, dry lines”
Truth Assessment: Possibly
Explanation: The product contains several hydrating ingredients such as Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, and various oils (Avocado Oil, Chia Seed Oil, Linseed Seed Oil, etc.) that can help to moisturize the skin and potentially reduce the appearance of fine, dry lines. However, the effectiveness of these ingredients in banishing fine lines would depend on the depth and severity of the lines, as well as individual skin responses.
Claim #3: The Product Rapidly Improves Hydration Retention
Paula’S Choice’s Website States: “rapidly improve hydration retention”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The product contains ingredients known for their hydrating properties such as Sodium Hyaluronate, which is a form of hyaluronic acid that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, and Glycerin, a humectant that draws moisture into the skin. Additionally, the presence of ceramides and various oils can help to seal in this moisture, thereby improving the skin’s hydration retention. Therefore, this claim is true.
Assessment Verdict:
Truth Rating: 8/10
Overall likelihood for product to make good on its claims: Likely
The product’s claims of repairing a compromised moisture barrier and improving hydration retention are backed by the presence of ceramides, Sodium Hyaluronate, and Glycerin among its ingredients. These ingredients are known for their hydrating properties and their ability to help skin retain moisture. The claim of banishing fine, dry lines is also plausible, given the hydrating ingredients present, but the effectiveness would depend on individual skin responses and the severity of the lines.
However, users should be mindful that the effectiveness of these ingredients also depends on their concentrations in the product. Skincare formulas list their ingredients in weight order, but this doesn’t always reflect the effectiveness of the product. A product might contain a beneficial ingredient, but if it’s not present in an effective quantity, it might not provide the claimed benefits.
Remember, not all skincare products work the same for everyone. Individual skin responses can vary greatly. Also, be skeptical of claims that seem too good to be true. If a product claims to ‘erase’ all signs of aging or ‘completely get rid of’ acne, these are likely exaggerated claims. Always do your research and consult with a dermatologist if you’re unsure.
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.