The skincare industry can often be a labyrinth of confusion for consumers. With a myriad of products on the market, each boasting a plethora of health claims, it can be difficult to discern fact from fiction. Manufacturers often make grandiose claims about their skincare products, promising everything from reversing the signs of aging to curing acne. However, these claims can sometimes be greatly exaggerated, leaving consumers out-of-pocket and underwhelmed.
It’s crucial to exercise due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Taking claims about products at face value can lead to disappointment and wasted money. It’s important to delve deeper into the ingredients used within the products and assess whether they can truly deliver on their promises.
In this article, we will be critically analyzing the Omega+ Complex Moisturizer 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 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, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Ceteareth-6 Olivate, Butylene Glycol, C13-15 Alkane, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate, Decyl Oleate, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Salvia Hispanica (Chia) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract, Olea Europaea Oil Unsaponifiables, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Oleic Acid, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Sterols, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NP, Serine, Alanine, Glycine, Proline, Lysine HCI, Threonine, Arginine, Squalane, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract, Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Lactate, Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, Adenosine, Phytic Acid, Glutamic Acid, Betaine, Pullulan, PCA, Sodium PCA, Carbomer, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch, Sclerotium Gum, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, 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
Archive courtesy of Archive.org.
So, let’s delve into the main claims being made about the Omega+ Complex Moisturizer and break them down:
Claim #1: The Product Instantly Hydrates Skin
Paula’S Choice’s Website States: “Omega+ Complex Moisturizer instantly hydrates…”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The product contains several ingredients known for their hydrating properties. Glycerin, for example, is a humectant that attracts water to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. Sodium Hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid, is another powerful hydrating ingredient that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. Other ingredients like Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea Butter) and various oils (like Olive and Chia Seed Oil) also provide moisturizing benefits. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that this product can indeed provide instant hydration to the skin.
Claim #2: The Product Soothes Skin
Paula’S Choice’s Website States: “…soothes…”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: Several ingredients in this product have soothing properties. For instance, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea Butter) is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract has been used in traditional medicine for its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, it is plausible that this product can soothe the skin.
Claim #3: The Product Addresses Signs of Dry, Flaky Skin
Paula’S Choice’s Website States: “…and addresses signs of dry, flaky skin.”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The product contains several ingredients that can help address dry, flaky skin. For instance, Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate are powerful humectants that can attract and hold water in the skin, helping to combat dryness. Shea Butter and various oils provide moisturizing benefits that can help alleviate flakiness. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that this product can address signs of dry, flaky skin.
Claim #4: The Product Restores Youthful Suppleness, Resilience and Vibrancy
Paula’S Choice’s Website States: “A network of natural replenishing ingredients restore youthful suppleness, resilience and vibrancy.”
Truth Assessment: Possibly
Explanation: The product contains several ingredients that can potentially help restore youthful suppleness, resilience, and vibrancy. For instance, Ceramides and Cholesterol can help strengthen the skin’s barrier, which can improve skin resilience. Ingredients like Shea Butter and various oils can help improve skin suppleness by providing moisturization. However, the claim of restoring vibrancy is more subjective and can depend on individual skin responses. Therefore, while it is possible that this product can help restore youthful suppleness and resilience, the claim of restoring vibrancy is less certain.
Assessment Verdict:
Truth Rating: 8/10
Overall likelihood for product to make good on its claims: Highly likely
Based on the analysis of the ingredients and the claims made by Paula’s Choice, this product seems highly likely to fulfill its roles. It contains several ingredients known for their hydrating, soothing, and moisturizing properties, which support the claims of hydrating skin, soothing skin, and addressing signs of dry, flaky skin. The claim of restoring youthful suppleness, resilience, and vibrancy is a bit more subjective and depends on individual skin responses. However, the product does contain ingredients that can potentially support this claim.
Users should be mindful that while the ingredients in this product are known for their beneficial properties, the effectiveness of the product also depends on the concentrations of these ingredients. Skincare formulas list their ingredients in weight order, with the highest concentrations listed first. However, this doesn’t tell us everything about the effectiveness of the product. Some ingredients are effective even in small quantities, while others may need to be present in larger amounts to provide their claimed benefits.
Remember, not all skincare products work the same for everyone. What works for one person may not work for another. It’s always a good idea to do a patch test before using a new product. Also, be skeptical of claims that seem too good to be true. If a product claims to solve all your skin problems overnight, it’s probably an exaggeration. 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.