The skincare industry can often be a confusing place for consumers. With a plethora of products available, each boasting a range of health claims, it can be difficult to discern fact from fiction. Manufacturers often make grandiose claims about their skincare products, promising to deliver miraculous results. However, these claims are not always truthful and can be greatly exaggerated.

It is 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. 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 analysing a product from the brand Eucerin, known as the Original Healing Cream. This product, like many others, makes a number of claims about its effectiveness and benefits. We will be dissecting these claims and comparing them to the ingredients used within the product to determine the truth behind the marketing.

Let’s look at the main claims being made about the Eucerin Original Healing Cream and break them down:

Claim #1: The Product Helps Heal and Protect Extremely Dry, Sensitive and Compromised Skin

Eucerin’s Website States: “Eucerin Original Healing Cream is a time-tested formula that helps heal and protect extremely dry, sensitive and compromised skin.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains Petrolatum and Mineral Oil, both of which are known to form a protective barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss and protecting the skin from environmental irritants. This could potentially aid in the healing process of dry and compromised skin. However, the claim that it can heal skin is a bit ambiguous, as healing can refer to various skin conditions and the product does not contain any known active healing ingredients like anti-inflammatories or antioxidants. Therefore, while it may help protect and moisturize the skin, its healing properties cannot be definitively confirmed based on the ingredients list.

Claim #2: The Product Provides Intensive Moisture for the Skin

Eucerin’s Website States: “This thick, rich body cream for dry skin provides intensive moisture for the skin.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains several ingredients known for their moisturizing properties. Petrolatum, for instance, is a highly effective moisturizer that works by forming a barrier on the skin’s surface, preventing moisture loss. Mineral Oil also has moisturizing properties and can help to soften the skin. Lanolin Alcohol is a fatty alcohol that can act as an emollient, helping to lock in moisture and soften the skin. Therefore, based on the ingredients, it is likely that this product can provide intensive moisture for the skin.

Claim #3: The Product Binds Water to the Skin to Provide Effective Moisturization

Eucerin’s Website States: “Eucerin Original Healing Cream binds water to the skin to provide effective moisturization.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: Petrolatum, one of the main ingredients in this product, is an occlusive agent. This means it forms a barrier on the skin that can help to trap water, effectively binding it to the skin. This can help to keep the skin hydrated and moisturized. Therefore, based on the ingredients, this claim is likely to be true.

Claim #4: The Product is Fragrance Free, Dye Free, and Non-Comedogenic

Eucerin’s Website States: “This Eucerin cream is fragrance free, dye free, and non-comedogenic.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The ingredients list does not include any fragrances or dyes, which supports the claim that the product is fragrance and dye free. As for the non-comedogenic claim, none of the listed ingredients are commonly known to clog pores or cause acne, which supports the claim that the product is non-comedogenic. However, it’s important to note that everyone’s skin is different, and what doesn’t clog one person’s pores might clog another’s.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 7/10

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

The product’s claims about providing intensive moisture and binding water to the skin are supported by the ingredients list, which includes known moisturizing agents like Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, and Lanolin Alcohol. The claim that the product is fragrance free, dye free, and non-comedogenic is also likely to be true based on the ingredients list. However, the claim that the product can heal extremely dry, sensitive and compromised skin is a bit ambiguous and cannot be definitively confirmed based on the ingredients list. While the product may help protect and moisturize the skin, its healing properties are not guaranteed.

Users should be mindful that while none of the listed ingredients are commonly known to clog pores or cause acne, everyone’s skin is different, and what doesn’t clog one person’s pores might clog another’s. Also, the claim that the product can heal skin is a bit ambiguous, as healing can refer to various skin conditions and the product does not contain any known active healing ingredients like anti-inflammatories or antioxidants.

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 one used in the highest quantity. However, this doesn’t tell us everything about the concentrations of each ingredient. For example, an ingredient listed towards the end of the list could still be used in an effective concentration.

Remember, not all skincare product claims are regulated, so it’s important to do your own research and understand the ingredients in a product. Be skeptical of claims that seem too good to be true, and look for evidence to support the claims, such as scientific studies or credible expert opinions. Also, keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different, 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.