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 bold claims 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 the product’s potential effectiveness and whether it will live up to its claims.
In this article, we will be critically analysing the Phytoestrogen Elasticity Renewal Serum 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, Cyclodextrin, Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate, Squalane, Saccharide Isomerate, Propanediol, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Equol, Resveratrol, Xanthan Gum, Cetyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Daidzein, Genistein, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Phospholipids, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycine Soja Oil, Engelhardtia Chrysolepis Leaf Extract , Sodium Phytate, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol 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 this product and break them down:
Claim #1: The Product Helps Improve Signs of Aging
Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “Helps visibly improve accelerated signs of aging in skin that appear with estrogen decline, like crepey or inelastic texture, loss of volume and wrinkles.”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The product contains ingredients known to have anti-aging properties. For instance, Resveratrol is a potent antioxidant that can protect the skin from damage and slow down the aging process. Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Daidzein, and Genistein are all derived from soy, which is known to have estrogen-like effects that can help improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles. Squalane and Saccharide Isomerate are both moisturizing ingredients that can help restore skin volume and smoothness. Therefore, based on these ingredients, the product could potentially help improve signs of aging.
Claim #2: The Product Contains a Unique Blend of Antioxidants
Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “It contains a unique blend of soy-derived equol, genistein and daidzein + other antioxidants like resveratrol to give skin a plumper, suppler feel.”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The product does indeed contain a blend of antioxidants as claimed. Resveratrol is a well-known antioxidant that can protect the skin from environmental damage. Equol, Genistein, and Daidzein are all derived from soy and have antioxidant properties. These antioxidants can help neutralize harmful free radicals in the skin, which can lead to a plumper, suppler feel. Therefore, this claim is true based on the ingredients list.
Claim #3: The Product Can Give Skin a Plumper, Suppler Feel
Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “It contains a unique blend of soy-derived equol, genistein and daidzein + other antioxidants like resveratrol to give skin a plumper, suppler feel.”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The product contains several ingredients that can help improve skin texture and elasticity. For example, Squalane and Saccharide Isomerate are both moisturizing ingredients that can help hydrate the skin, making it feel plumper and suppler. Additionally, the antioxidants in the product can help protect the skin from damage, which can also contribute to a healthier, more youthful skin texture. Therefore, this claim is true based on the ingredients list.
Assessment Verdict:
Truth Rating: 9/10
Overall likelihood for product to make good on its claims: Highly likely
The product’s claims are largely substantiated by the ingredients listed. The presence of potent antioxidants and moisturizing ingredients suggest that it could indeed help improve signs of aging and give the skin a plumper, suppler feel. However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s skin is different and what works for one person may not work for another. Additionally, while the ingredients listed have been shown to have the claimed effects, the concentration of each ingredient in the product is not disclosed. Therefore, it’s possible that some ingredients may not be present in sufficient quantities to have a significant effect.
In skincare formulas, ingredients are listed in order of weight, with the highest concentrations listed first. However, this doesn’t tell us everything. Some ingredients are effective at very low concentrations, while others need to be present in higher amounts to work. Therefore, just because an ingredient is listed towards the end of the list doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not effective.
Remember, when evaluating skincare products, it’s important to do your own research and not just rely on the claims made by the manufacturer. Look for products with ingredients that have been scientifically proven to have the effects you’re looking for. Be skeptical of products that make extravagant claims without providing evidence to back them up. And finally, remember that the most expensive product isn’t always the best. Sometimes, simple, affordable products with proven ingredients can be just as effective, if not more so, than their high-end counterparts.
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.