The skincare industry can often be a confusing place for consumers. With a myriad of products on the market, 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 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 the claims made about these products at face value, it is important to delve deeper into the ingredients used within the product. This will help to determine whether the product can truly live up to its claims.
In this article, we will be critically analyzing the Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster by Paula’s Choice. We will be examining the claims made about this product, comparing them to the ingredients used within the product, 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, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Yeast Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Dimethicone, Propanediol, 1, 2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Glucoside, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-72 Amide, Sh-Polypeptide-121, SYN-TC, Tridecapeptide-1, Polyglucuronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, C9-12 Alkane, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Polygonum Bistorta Root Extract, Bacillus Ferment, Lecithin, Sodium Phytate, Coco Caprylate/Caprate, Hexylene Glycol, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Magnesium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate 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 Supports and Visibly Improves Facial Architecture
Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “Six cutting-edge repairing pro-collagen peptides take cues from substances found in skin’s deeper dermal-epidermal junction to support and visibly improve facial architecture.”
Truth Assessment: Possibly
Explanation: The product contains Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-72 Amide, Sh-Polypeptide-121, SYN-TC, and Tridecapeptide-1, which are peptides known for their potential to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is a key protein in the skin that provides structure and firmness, hence the claim of improving facial architecture. However, the effectiveness of these peptides largely depends on their ability to penetrate the skin’s surface and reach the dermal-epidermal junction, which is not guaranteed.
Claim #2: The Product Hydrates the Skin
Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “Hydrating hyaluronic acid and strengthening amino acids further firm, plump + smooth skin in as little as 15 minutes.”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The product contains Sodium Hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid, which is a well-known hydrating ingredient. It works by attracting and retaining moisture in the skin, leading to a plumping effect that can smooth out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Glycerin, another hydrating ingredient, is also present in the formula.
Claim #3: The Product Strengthens the Skin
Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “Hydrating hyaluronic acid and strengthening amino acids further firm, plump + smooth skin in as little as 15 minutes.”
Truth Assessment: Possibly
Explanation: The product contains Hydrolyzed Yeast Extract, which is a source of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins such as collagen and elastin, which provide strength and elasticity to the skin. However, it’s not clear whether the amino acids in this product can effectively strengthen the skin, as this would require them to reach the deeper layers of the skin.
Assessment Verdict:
Truth Rating: 7/10
Overall likelihood for product to make good on its claims: Likely
The product’s claims of supporting and visibly improving facial architecture and strengthening the skin are based on the presence of certain ingredients known for their potential to stimulate collagen production and provide amino acids. However, the effectiveness of these ingredients largely depends on their ability to penetrate the skin’s surface and reach the deeper layers, which is not guaranteed. Therefore, while the product may have some beneficial effects, users should be mindful that results may 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 abundant and the last ingredient listed is the least abundant. However, this doesn’t tell us everything about the concentration of each ingredient. For example, a product may contain a high amount of a certain ingredient, but if it’s not in a form that can be easily absorbed by the skin, it may not be very effective.
Remember, when evaluating skincare products, it’s important to look beyond the marketing claims and consider the ingredients and their concentrations. Be skeptical of claims that seem too good to be true, and remember that everyone’s skin is different, so 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.