The skincare industry can often be a confusing place for consumers. With a plethora of products on the market, each boasting a variety of health claims, it can be difficult to discern which products are truly beneficial and which are simply marketing ploys. Manufacturers often make grandiose claims about their skincare products, and while some of these claims may hold some truth, others can be greatly exaggerated.

It is crucial for consumers to perform due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Taking claims about products at face value may leave consumers out-of-pocket and underwhelmed. It is important to critically analyze 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 Roughness Relief Cream by Eucerin. This body cream is marketed for rough skin, and we will be examining the claims made about this product and comparing them to the ingredients used within the product.

Let’s look at the main claims being made about this product and break them down:

Claim #1: The product intensively hydrates and helps retain moisture to improve the appearance of dry, rough and bumpy skin

Eucerin’s Website States: “Eucerin Roughness Relief Body Cream intensively hydrates and helps retain moisture to improve the appearance of dry, rough and bumpy skin.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The ingredients list includes Urea and Glycerin, both of which are known for their hydrating properties. Urea is a natural moisturizing factor that can attract and retain moisture in the skin. Glycerin is a humectant that can draw water from the air into the outer layer of the skin. Both of these ingredients can help to improve the appearance of dry, rough and bumpy skin by providing and maintaining hydration.

Claim #2: The product is fast-absorbing

Eucerin’s Website States: “This unique dry skin body cream offers a fast-absorbing formula.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains ingredients like Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride and Ethylhexyl Cocoate, which are known to have a light, non-greasy texture and can be absorbed quickly by the skin. However, the speed at which a product is absorbed can also depend on other factors, such as the overall formulation and the individual’s skin type.

Claim #3: The product is clinically proven to smooth rough, bumpy skin

Eucerin’s Website States: “Eucerin Roughness Relief Cream is Clinically Proven to smooth rough, bumpy skin.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains Urea and Lactic Acid, which are known for their exfoliating properties. They can help to smooth rough, bumpy skin by promoting the shedding of dead skin cells. However, without access to the specific clinical studies mentioned, it is not possible to definitively confirm this claim based solely on the ingredients list.

Claim #4: The product strengthens the skin’s barrier, locking in moisture for 48 hours

Eucerin’s Website States: “Eucerin Roughness Relief rough & bumpy skin cream contains a specialized formula that strengthens the skin’s barrier, locking in moisture for 48 hours.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains Ceramide NP and Cholesterol, which are lipid molecules that are naturally present in the skin’s barrier. They can help to strengthen the skin’s barrier and prevent moisture loss. The product also contains humectants like Urea and Glycerin, which can attract and retain moisture in the skin. Therefore, it is plausible that the product could lock in moisture for an extended period of time.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 7/10

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

In-depth Explanation: The product’s claims are largely supported by the ingredients listed. However, the speed of absorption and the claim of clinically proven smoothing of rough, bumpy skin are somewhat subjective and may vary based on individual skin types and the specific formulation of the product. It’s also important to note that while the ingredients listed do have the properties claimed, the effectiveness of the product also depends on the concentration of these ingredients. A product might contain a beneficial ingredient, but if it’s not present in an effective concentration, it may not provide the claimed benefits.

Users should be mindful of the claim that the product locks in moisture for 48 hours. While the ingredients listed can indeed help to retain moisture, the duration of this effect can vary greatly depending on individual skin conditions, environmental factors, and how often the product is applied.

Remember, skincare formulas are complex and the order of ingredients on a product’s list can give you some indication of their concentrations. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, but this doesn’t tell the whole story. For example, some ingredients might be effective even in very small quantities, while others might need to be present in larger amounts to work. Also, some ingredients might appear lower on the list not because they’re present in small amounts, but because they’re lighter in weight.

When evaluating skincare products, look for evidence supporting the claims, such as clinical studies or peer-reviewed research. Be skeptical of vague or overly ambitious claims. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And remember, everyone’s skin is unique, so what works for one person might 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.