The skincare industry can often be a confusing place for consumers. With a plethora of products available, each boasting a myriad of health claims, it can be difficult to discern fact from fiction. Manufacturers often make bold assertions about the benefits of their skincare products, but these claims can sometimes be greatly exaggerated or even entirely unfounded.

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, without the desired results. It is important to critically analyze the ingredients used in these products and compare them to the claims made about their efficacy.

In this article, we will be critically analyzing a product called Redermic R, a retinol cream from the brand La Roche-Posay. We will be assessing 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.

Let’s delve into the main claims being made about Redermic R and break them down:

Claim #1: The Product Reduces Wrinkles on the Upper Lip, Forehead, and Crow’s Feet

La Roche-Posay’s Website States: “Retinol cream visibly reduces upper lip, forehead and crow’s feet wrinkles”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains Retinol, a well-known ingredient in skincare that has been scientifically proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Retinol works by promoting skin cell turnover and stimulating collagen production, which can help to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines. The product also contains Sodium Hyaluronate, a form of Hyaluronic Acid, which is known for its ability to hydrate the skin and plump up wrinkles, making them less noticeable.

Claim #2: The Product Diminishes the Appearance of Premature Sun Damage

La Roche-Posay’s Website States: “Visibly diminishes the appearance of premature sun damage”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains Retinol and Retinyl Linoleate, both of which are forms of Vitamin A. These ingredients are known for their ability to repair skin damage, including damage caused by the sun. They work by accelerating skin cell turnover, which helps to remove damaged skin cells and replace them with new, healthy ones. This can result in a reduction in the appearance of sun spots, discoloration, and other signs of premature sun damage.

Claim #3: The Product Smooths Skin Texture

La Roche-Posay’s Website States: “Helps to smooth skin texture”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains several ingredients that can help to smooth skin texture. Retinol, as mentioned earlier, promotes skin cell turnover, which can help to smooth out rough or uneven skin texture. Additionally, the product contains Glycerin and Soybean Oil, both of which are known for their moisturizing properties. By hydrating the skin, these ingredients can help to smooth out skin texture and give the skin a softer, smoother feel.

Claim #4: The Product Leaves Skin Soft and Luminous

La Roche-Posay’s Website States: “Lightweight, velvety, non-greasy texture leaves skin soft and luminous”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains several ingredients that can help to soften the skin and give it a luminous glow. Glycerin and Soybean Oil, as mentioned earlier, are known for their moisturizing properties, which can help to soften the skin. Additionally, the product contains Sodium Hyaluronate, which can hydrate the skin and give it a plump, dewy look, contributing to a luminous glow. The product’s lightweight, non-greasy texture is likely due to the use of Isostearyl Neopentanoate and Octyldodecanol, which are emollients known for their ability to soften the skin without leaving a greasy residue.

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. Retinol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, and Soybean Oil are all well-known skincare ingredients with proven benefits. These ingredients can indeed help to reduce wrinkles, diminish the appearance of sun damage, smooth skin texture, and leave the skin feeling soft and luminous. However, it’s important to note that individual results may vary, and the effectiveness of these ingredients can depend on factors such as the user’s skin type, the concentration of the ingredients, and how regularly the product is used.

While the product’s ingredient list is promising, it’s important to remember that the concentration of each ingredient can significantly impact its effectiveness. Skincare products list their ingredients in order of weight, with the highest concentrations listed first. However, this doesn’t tell us the exact concentration of each ingredient, and some ingredients can be effective even in very small amounts. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to do your own research and consult with a dermatologist if you have any concerns.

Remember, not all skincare claims are created equal. Be skeptical of claims that sound too good to be true, and always check the ingredient list to see if it supports the product’s claims. Look for scientific studies or dermatologist recommendations to back up any claims. And remember, even the best skincare products won’t work miracles overnight – it usually takes consistent use over several weeks or months to see noticeable results.

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.