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 results that can sometimes seem too good to be true. Unfortunately, in some cases, these claims can 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 whether or not the product will truly live up to its claims.

In this article, we will be critically analyzing the Renewing SA Cleanser by Cerave. This exfoliating cleanser has been the subject of much discussion and hype in the skincare community. 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.

So, without further ado, let’s look at the main claims being made about the Renewing SA Cleanser and break them down:

Claim #1: The Product Exfoliates the Skin

Cerave’s Website States: “Our salicylic acid cleanser not only exfoliates the skin… Promotes the skin’s natural exfoliation process, which helps skin feel softer and smoother.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: Salicylic acid, an ingredient listed in the product, is a well-known beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is commonly used in skincare products for its exfoliating properties. It works by penetrating into the pores of the skin and dissolving dead skin cells, thus promoting the natural exfoliation process. This can result in the skin feeling softer and smoother, as claimed by the product description.

Claim #2: The Product Softens and Smooths the Skin

Cerave’s Website States: “…with three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide it also helps soften and smooth the skin without disrupting its protective barrier.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The ingredients list includes ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, all of which are known to contribute to softer, smoother skin. Ceramides are lipids that help form the skin’s barrier and help skin retain moisture. Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that can attract and hold a large amount of moisture, which can help to hydrate the skin and make it feel softer. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that can improve the skin’s elasticity, enhance its barrier function, help erase discolorations, and revive skin’s healthy tone and texture.

Claim #3: The Product Helps Restore Skin’s Natural Barrier

Cerave’s Website States: “Helps restore your skin’s natural barrier, helping to keep moisture in and harmful elements out.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains ceramides and cholesterol, which are essential components of the skin’s natural barrier. They help to seal in moisture and protect the skin from harmful external elements. Additionally, niacinamide can also enhance the skin’s barrier function. Therefore, the claim that the product helps restore the skin’s natural barrier is true.

Claim #4: The Product Helps Maintain Skin’s Moisture Balance

Cerave’s Website States: “Essential for maintaining skin’s moisture balance.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains several ingredients that are known to help maintain the skin’s moisture balance. These include glycerin, a humectant that attracts water to the skin, and hyaluronic acid, which can hold a large amount of moisture. Ceramides also help to seal in moisture, and niacinamide can improve the skin’s barrier function, which helps to prevent moisture loss. Therefore, the claim that the product helps maintain the skin’s moisture balance is true.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 10/10

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

The product’s claims are backed by the presence of ingredients known for their beneficial properties in skincare. Salicylic acid is a proven exfoliant, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide are known for their skin-softening and smoothing properties, and the product’s ability to restore the skin’s natural barrier and maintain its moisture balance is supported by the presence of ceramides, cholesterol, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid.

However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of these ingredients largely depends on their concentrations in the product. Skincare formulas list ingredients in order of weight, but this doesn’t tell us the exact percentages. A product might contain a beneficial ingredient, but if it’s not present in an effective concentration, it may not provide the claimed benefits. Also, individual skin reactions can vary, and what works for one person may not work for another.

Remember, when evaluating skincare products, it’s crucial to look beyond the marketing claims and examine the ingredient list. Be skeptical of products that make grandiose claims without the ingredients to back them up. Also, keep in mind that more expensive doesn’t always mean better. Many affordable products contain the same beneficial ingredients as 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.