The world of skincare can often be a labyrinth of confusion for consumers. With a plethora of products on the market, each boasting a myriad of health claims, it can be difficult to discern fact from fiction. Manufacturers often make grandiose promises about their skincare products, and while some may hold true, others can be greatly exaggerated or even entirely false.

It is crucial for consumers to exercise due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Blindly accepting the claims made about a product can leave one out-of-pocket and underwhelmed, with a bathroom cabinet full of ineffective potions and lotions. It is important to critically evaluate 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 will truly live up to its claims.

In this article, we will be critically analyzing a skincare product called Pycnogenol 5%, produced by the brand The Ordinary. This product is marketed as an antioxidant serum, and we will be examining the claims made about this product in relation to its ingredients.

So, let’s delve into the main claims being made about Pycnogenol 5% and break them down to see if this product truly delivers on its promises.

Claim #1: The Product Supports Skin Against Oxidative Stress

The Ordinary’s Website States: “Pycnogenol 5% offers an oil-like formula that helps support your skin against the impact of oxidative stress.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: Oxidative stress refers to the imbalance between the production of free radicals and the ability of the body to counteract or detoxify their harmful effects through neutralization by antioxidants. The ingredient Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract, also known as Pycnogenol, is a potent antioxidant. It has been scientifically proven to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, thereby supporting the skin against its impact. Propanediol, the other ingredient, is a humectant that helps retain moisture in the skin, further supporting skin health.

Claim #2: The Product Brightens Skin

The Ordinary’s Website States: “This vibrant serum aims to brighten skin.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: While Pycnogenol has antioxidant properties that can help improve skin health, its ability to specifically brighten skin is not as well-documented. Some studies suggest that antioxidants can help brighten skin by reducing inflammation and damage caused by free radicals. However, more research is needed to definitively establish Pycnogenol’s skin-brightening abilities.

Claim #3: The Product Protects Skin from Environmental Damage

The Ordinary’s Website States: “It works to protect your skin from the visible effects of damage caused by environmental aggressors.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: Environmental aggressors like UV rays, pollution, and smoke can cause oxidative stress and damage to the skin. Pycnogenol, with its potent antioxidant properties, can neutralize the harmful free radicals produced by these environmental stressors, thereby protecting the skin from their damaging effects. Propanediol helps in this process by keeping the skin moisturized and healthy, enhancing its natural defense mechanisms.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 7/10

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

The Ordinary’s Pycnogenol 5% serum is likely to fulfill its claims of supporting skin against oxidative stress and protecting skin from environmental damage. This is due to the scientifically proven antioxidant properties of Pycnogenol. However, its claim of brightening the skin is less substantiated, with more research needed to confirm this effect.

Users should be mindful that while the ingredient list is promising, the effectiveness of a skincare product also depends on the concentration of its active ingredients. In this case, The Ordinary does not disclose the exact concentration of Pycnogenol in this serum. While ingredient lists are in weight order, they do not reveal the exact percentages of each ingredient, which can make it difficult to assess the potential effectiveness of a product.

Remember, when evaluating skincare products, it’s important to look beyond the marketing claims and scrutinize the ingredient list. Be skeptical of products that make grandiose claims without the scientific research to back them up. Also, be aware that just because an ingredient is listed, it doesn’t mean it’s present in a high enough concentration to be effective. Always do your research and consult with a dermatologist if you’re unsure.

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.