The skincare industry can often be a confusing place for consumers. With a myriad 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 miraculous results and transformative effects. However, these claims are not always truthful and can be greatly exaggerated.

It is therefore 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 is important to critically analyze the claims made about a product and compare them to the ingredients used within 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 analyzing the Perfectly Natural Cleansing Gel by Paula’s Choice. We will be examining the claims made about this product and comparing them to the ingredients used within the product to perform a truth assessment.

Let’s look at the main claims being made about this product and break them down:

Claim #1: The Product Removes Surface Debris and Makeup Quickly and Easily

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “Removes surface debris and makeup quickly and easily…”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The ingredients listed include Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Lauryl Glucoside, and Coco-Glucoside. These are all surfactants, which are compounds that lower the surface tension between two liquids or between a liquid and a solid. Surfactants can be used to remove dirt, oils, and makeup from the skin by allowing them to mix with water and be rinsed away. Therefore, the claim that the product can remove surface debris and makeup quickly and easily is true.

Claim #2: The Product Leaves Your Skin Perfectly Clean and Refreshed

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “…leaving your skin perfectly clean and refreshed.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains Glycerin and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, which are known for their hydrating and soothing properties. These ingredients can help to leave the skin feeling refreshed. However, the feeling of “perfectly clean” can be subjective and may vary from person to person. Therefore, while the ingredients support the claim, the individual user’s experience may differ.

Claim #3: The Product Contains Only Natural Ingredients

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “It contains only natural ingredients…”

Truth Assessment: False

Explanation: While the product does contain some natural ingredients like Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice and Glycerin, it also contains synthetic ingredients such as Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, and Phenoxyethanol. Therefore, the claim that the product contains only natural ingredients is false.

Claim #4: The Product is Gentle and Effective Without Causing Flaking or Dryness

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “…shown to be gentle, yet effective, without causing flaking or dryness.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains Glycerin, a humectant that helps to retain moisture in the skin, and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, known for its soothing properties. These ingredients can help to prevent dryness and flaking. However, individual skin reactions can vary, and some people may still experience dryness or flaking. Therefore, while the ingredients support the claim, individual experiences may differ.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 7/10

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

Based on the assessment of the claims made by Paula’s Choice, the product is likely to fulfill its roles. The product does contain ingredients that support its claims of removing surface debris and makeup, leaving skin feeling refreshed, and being gentle without causing flaking or dryness. However, the claim that the product contains only natural ingredients is false, as it does contain synthetic ingredients.

Users should be mindful of the claim that the product leaves skin “perfectly clean” and does not cause “flaking or dryness”. These experiences can be subjective and may vary from person to person. While the ingredients support these claims, individual skin reactions can vary.

It’s also 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 concentrated in the formula. However, this doesn’t tell us everything about the effectiveness of the product. The concentration of an ingredient is just one factor in its effectiveness; other factors include how the ingredient is delivered to the skin and how it interacts with other ingredients in the formula.

Remember, when evaluating skincare products, it’s important to look beyond the marketing claims and examine the ingredients. Be skeptical of claims that sound too good to be true, and remember that everyone’s skin is different. What works for one person may not work for another. Always patch test new products and consult with a dermatologist if you have any concerns.

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.