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 challenging to discern fact from fiction. Manufacturers often make grandiose claims about their skincare products, promising miraculous results. However, these claims can sometimes be greatly exaggerated, leaving consumers out-of-pocket and underwhelmed.
It is therefore crucial for consumers to exercise due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Rather than taking claims about products at face value, it is advisable to delve deeper into the ingredients used within the product. This can help to establish whether or not the product will truly live up to its claims.
In this article, we will be critically analysing the ‘Repairing Serum’ by Paula’s Choice. We will be examining the claims made about this product, comparing them to the ingredients used, in order to perform a truth assessment. This will help us to determine whether the product can indeed deliver on its promises.
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, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Butylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethicone, Panthenol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Alpha-Tocopherol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium PCA, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Saccharide Isomerate, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Allantoin, Rosa Moschata Seed Oil , Polysorbate 20, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Carbomer, Sodium Citrate, Trisodium EDTA, Batyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Benzoic Acid, Sorbic Acid 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 Provides Immediate Relief for Sensitive Skin
Paula’S Choice’s Website States: ‘Provides immediate relief for sensitive skin’
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The ingredients list includes several known skin-soothing agents. Glycerin, for example, is a humectant that helps to hydrate the skin and maintain its barrier, which can help to soothe sensitive skin. Sodium Hyaluronate, a form of Hyaluronic Acid, is also known for its hydrating properties. Additionally, the inclusion of Epilobium Angustifolium (Willow Herb) Extract and Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower Extract, both known for their anti-inflammatory properties, further supports this claim.
Claim #2: The Product Targets Signs of Aging
Paula’S Choice’s Website States: ‘…while targeting signs of aging with gentle levels of effective anti-aging ingredients.’
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The product contains several ingredients known for their anti-aging properties. Ubiquinone, also known as Coenzyme Q10, is an antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from environmental damage, which can contribute to signs of aging. Ceramides (Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP) are lipids that help to maintain the skin’s barrier and keep it hydrated, which can help to prevent the formation of wrinkles. Sodium Hyaluronate, a form of Hyaluronic Acid, can help to plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Claim #3: The Product Keeps Skin Healthier, Youthful-looking and Resilient Over Time
Paula’S Choice’s Website States: ‘Repairing antioxidants work to keep skin healthier, youthful-looking and resilient over time.’
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The product contains several antioxidants, including Ubiquinone and Tocopherol (Vitamin E), which can help to protect the skin from environmental damage, such as UV rays and pollution, that can lead to premature aging. Additionally, ingredients like Ceramides and Glycerin help to maintain the skin’s barrier, keeping it hydrated and healthy, which can contribute to a more youthful appearance over time.
Claim #4: The Product is Nourishing for All Skin Types
Paula’S Choice’s Website States: ‘Nourishing for all skin types’
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The product contains a variety of ingredients that are beneficial for all skin types. For example, Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate are humectants that can help to hydrate the skin, which is beneficial for all skin types. Additionally, antioxidants like Ubiquinone and Tocopherol can help to protect the skin from environmental damage, which is also beneficial for all skin types.
Claim #5: The Product is Gentle Enough Even for Skin Prone to Rosacea
Paula’S Choice’s Website States: ‘…and gentle enough even for skin prone to rosacea.’
Truth Assessment: Possibly
Explanation: While the product does contain several ingredients known for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, such as Epilobium Angustifolium (Willow Herb) Extract and Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower Extract, it’s important to note that everyone’s skin is different and what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, while the product may be suitable for some people with rosacea, it may not be suitable for all.
Assessment Verdict:
Truth Rating: 8/10
Overall likelihood for product to make good on its claims: Highly Likely
The product’s claims are largely supported by the ingredients listed. Ingredients such as Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ubiquinone, and Tocopherol are well-known for their skin-soothing, hydrating, and anti-aging properties. However, the claim that the product is gentle enough for skin prone to rosacea is somewhat subjective, as everyone’s skin is different and what works for one person may not work for another.
It’s 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 the exact concentration of each ingredient. For example, a product could contain a high amount of a beneficial ingredient, but if it’s listed towards the end of the ingredient list, its concentration may be too low to be effective.
Remember, when evaluating skincare products, it’s important to look beyond the marketing claims and examine the ingredient list. Be skeptical of claims that seem too good to be true or that aren’t supported by the ingredients. Also, keep in mind 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.
