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 their skincare products, promising transformative results. However, these claims can sometimes be greatly exaggerated, leaving consumers out-of-pocket and underwhelmed.

It is therefore crucial to perform due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Taking claims about products at face value can lead to disappointment. Instead, it is important to critically analyse the ingredients used within the product and compare them to the claims made about the product. This truth assessment can help establish whether or not the product really will live up to its claims.

In this article, we will be critically analyzing the Resurfacing Retinol Serum by Cerave. This retinol serum has been the subject of much discussion and hype in the skincare community. But does it really live up to its claims?

Let’s delve into the main assertions made about this product and break them down:

Claim #1: The Product Helps Smooth Skin’s Texture

CeraVe’s Website States: “CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum helps smooth your skin’s texture by reducing the appearance of post-acne marks, minimizing the look of pores and improving your skin’s surface.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, which is known for its ability to accelerate skin cell turnover, thus helping to smooth the skin’s texture and reduce the appearance of acne marks. Niacinamide, another ingredient in the product, is known to minimize the appearance of pores. Therefore, the claim that the product can help smooth the skin’s texture is true.

Claim #2: The Product Helps Brighten Skin’s Appearance

CeraVe’s Website States: “Our formula contains encapsulated retinol to help resurface your skin, plus licorice root extract to help brighten your skin’s appearance.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains dipotassium glycyrrhizate, a component of licorice root extract, which is known for its skin brightening properties. It works by inhibiting the enzyme that causes skin darkening, thus helping to brighten the skin’s appearance. Therefore, the claim that the product can help brighten the skin’s appearance is true.

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

CeraVe’s Website States: “It’s formulated with 3 essential ceramides that work together to lock in skins moisture and help restore your skin’s protective barrier, along with soothing niacinamide.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains three types of ceramides (Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP), which are lipids that help form the skin’s barrier and help skin retain moisture. Niacinamide also helps improve the skin’s barrier function. Therefore, the claim that the product can help restore the skin’s protective barrier is true.

Claim #4: The Product Is Lightweight and Fast-Absorbing

CeraVe’s Website States: “Lightweight and fast-absorbing, our resurfacing serum helps restore your even skin tone and promote a healthy-looking complexion.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains dimethicone and propanediol, which are known for their lightweight and fast-absorbing properties. However, the feel of a product on the skin can be subjective and may vary from person to person. Therefore, while the ingredients suggest that the product could be lightweight and fast-absorbing, this claim can only be fully verified through user experience.

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 known properties of its ingredients. However, the claim about the product being lightweight and fast-absorbing is subjective and may vary from person to person. It’s also important to note that the effectiveness of these ingredients can depend on their concentrations in the product, which are not disclosed. Therefore, while the product is likely to fulfill its roles, individual results may vary.

While we are not trying to discourage anyone from purchasing this product, it’s important to remember that skincare is highly individual. What works for one person may not work for another. Always patch test new products and introduce them slowly into your routine.

Also, this assessment assumes that all ingredients are used in effective quantities. In skincare formulas, ingredient lists are in weight order but this doesn’t tell us everything. A product can contain a high amount of an ineffective ingredient and a low amount of an effective one. Always do your research and, when in doubt, consult with a dermatologist.

Remember, not all claims made by skincare brands are regulated. Be skeptical of claims that sound too good to be true. Look for products with scientifically-backed ingredients. And remember, the most expensive product isn’t always the best. Sometimes, simple is better.

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.