The skincare industry can often be a confusing place for consumers. With a plethora of products available, each making bold health claims, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. Manufacturers often make grandiose 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 of utmost importance to exercise due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Taking claims about products at face value can lead to disappointment. A thorough analysis of the ingredients used in a product can provide a more accurate picture of its potential effectiveness.

In this article, we will be critically analyzing the PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion by Cerave. This night moisturizer has made a name for itself in the skincare industry, but does it truly live up to its claims? We will be dissecting the claims made about this product and comparing them to the ingredients used within it. This truth assessment will help establish whether or not the product really delivers on its promises.

So, let’s delve into the main claims being made about the PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion and break them down:

Claim #1: The Product Provides Continuous Hydration Throughout the Night

CeraVe’s Website States: “uses our MVE Technology to deliver a steady stream of much-needed moisture for continuous hydration throughout the night”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains ingredients like Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate (a form of Hyaluronic Acid), which are known to be effective humectants. Humectants are substances that have the ability to attract and hold onto water, thereby providing hydration to the skin. Additionally, the product’s MVE Technology is a delivery system that allows for a steady release of ingredients over time, which would support the claim of providing continuous hydration throughout the night.

Claim #2: The Product Helps Restore the Skin Barrier

CeraVe’s Website States: “helping restore the skin barrier”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains three types of ceramides (Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP), which are lipids that are naturally present in the skin and play a crucial role in maintaining the skin’s barrier function. By replenishing these ceramides, the product can help restore and strengthen the skin’s barrier. Additionally, the product also contains cholesterol and phytosphingosine, which are other key components of the skin’s lipid barrier, further supporting this claim.

Claim #3: The Product Locks in Skin’s Moisture

CeraVe’s Website States: “formulated to lock in your skin’s moisture”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains ingredients like Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride and Dimethicone, which are known to be effective occlusives. Occlusives are substances that form a protective barrier on the skin’s surface to prevent water loss, thereby locking in the skin’s moisture. This would support the claim of the product being able to lock in the skin’s moisture.

Claim #4: The Product is Non-Comedogenic and Oil-Free

CeraVe’s Website States: “Adding this oil-free, non-comedogenic night cream to your nighttime skincare routine”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product does not contain any oils, supporting the claim of being oil-free. As for the non-comedogenic claim, while there is no universal standard for what constitutes a non-comedogenic ingredient, none of the ingredients in this product are commonly known to clog pores or cause acne, which would support the claim of the product being non-comedogenic.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 9/10

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

The product’s claims are largely supported by the ingredients it contains. The presence of humectants, ceramides, occlusives, and the absence of oils and known comedogenic ingredients all align with the product’s claims of providing continuous hydration, restoring the skin barrier, locking in moisture, and being non-comedogenic and oil-free. However, it’s important to note that individual skin reactions can vary, and what works well for one person may not work as well for another.

Users should be mindful that while the product’s ingredient list supports its claims, the effectiveness of these ingredients can depend on their concentrations in the formula. Skincare formulas list their ingredients in order of weight, but this doesn’t tell us the exact percentages of each ingredient. A product could technically contain a beneficial ingredient, but if it’s not present in an effective concentration, it may not provide the claimed benefits.

Remember, when assessing a skincare product, it’s important to look beyond the marketing claims and examine the ingredient list. Look for evidence that supports the claims, such as the presence of known effective ingredients. Be skeptical of claims that seem too good to be true or that aren’t supported by the ingredients. And always keep in mind that individual skin reactions can vary – what works well for others may not work as well for you.

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.