The world of skincare 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 which products truly deliver on their promises. Manufacturers often make grandiose claims about their skincare products, promising everything from reversing the signs of aging to curing acne. However, these claims are not always truthful and can be greatly exaggerated.
As a consumer, it is important to perform due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Taking claims about products at face value may leave you out-of-pocket and underwhelmed. It is crucial to look beyond the marketing hype and examine the ingredients used in the product. This will give you a better understanding of whether the product can truly live up to its claims.
In this article, we will be critically analysing the Original Healing Lotion by Eucerin. 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: Mineral Oil, Isopropyl Palmitate, Sorbitol, Propylene Glycol, Diisostearoyl Polyglyceryl-3 Dimer Dilinoleate, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Cetyl Palmitate, Magnesium Sulfate, Aluminum Stearates, Phenoxyethanol, Lanolin Alcohol, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid 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 Original Healing Lotion by Eucerin and break them down:
Claim #1: The Product Provides Intensive Moisture for Dry Skin
Eucerin’s Website States: “The thick, rich body lotion for dry skin formula provides intensive moisture for dry skin.”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The ingredients list includes several known moisturizing agents. Mineral Oil, for example, is a common ingredient in skincare products known for its ability to lock in moisture and prevent skin dryness. Isopropyl Palmitate is an emollient that softens the skin and reduces moisture loss. Sorbitol is a humectant that attracts water to the skin, providing additional hydration. Therefore, based on these ingredients, it is reasonable to conclude that the product can provide intensive moisture for dry skin.
Claim #2: The Product Binds Water to the Skin
Eucerin’s Website States: “Eucerin Original Healing Lotion binds water to the skin to provide effective moisturization.”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The presence of humectants like Sorbitol and Propylene Glycol in the formula supports this claim. Humectants are substances that have the ability to attract and retain water molecules, thereby helping to bind water to the skin. They work by drawing moisture from the deeper layers of the skin and the surrounding environment and holding it on the skin’s surface, leading to effective moisturization.
Claim #3: The Product Helps Prevent Moisture Loss
Eucerin’s Website States: “This unscented body lotion helps prevent moisture loss by replenishing the skin’s moisture barrier.”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The product contains ingredients like Mineral Oil and Isopropyl Palmitate, which are known occlusives. Occlusives work by forming a protective barrier on the skin’s surface that helps to seal in moisture and prevent it from evaporating, thereby preventing moisture loss. Additionally, Lanolin Alcohol is a skin conditioning agent that can help to replenish the skin’s moisture barrier.
Claim #4: The Product is Suitable for Sensitive Dry Skin
Eucerin’s Website States: “This non-comedogenic lotion for sensitive dry skin is fragrance free and dye free.”
Truth Assessment: Possibly
Explanation: The product is indeed fragrance-free and dye-free, which is beneficial for sensitive skin as fragrances and dyes can often cause irritation. However, while the product is non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores), some ingredients such as Isopropyl Palmitate and Lanolin Alcohol can potentially cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. Therefore, while the product may be suitable for many people with sensitive dry skin, it may not be suitable for all.
Assessment Verdict:
Truth Rating: 8/10
Overall likelihood for product to make good on its claims: Highly Likely
The product’s claims of providing intensive moisture, binding water to the skin, and preventing moisture loss are all supported by the presence of known moisturizing agents, humectants, and occlusives in its ingredients list. However, the claim of being suitable for sensitive dry skin is somewhat questionable. While the product is fragrance-free and dye-free, which is beneficial for sensitive skin, some ingredients such as Isopropyl Palmitate and Lanolin Alcohol can potentially cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. Therefore, it’s important for users with sensitive skin to patch test the product before full application.
It’s also worth noting that this assessment assumes all ingredients are used in effective quantities. In skincare formulas, ingredient lists are ordered by weight, but this doesn’t necessarily reflect the concentration of each ingredient. An ingredient listed towards the end of the list may still be present in an effective concentration, or an ingredient listed towards the beginning may not be present in a high enough concentration to have a significant effect. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to do some research into the key ingredients and their typical effective concentrations.
Remember, not all skincare products work the same for everyone. What works for one person may not work for another, and vice versa. Always consider your own skin type and sensitivities when choosing skincare products. And be skeptical of products that make grandiose claims without the ingredients to back them up. A good rule of thumb is that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
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.