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 to deliver miraculous results. However, these claims can sometimes be greatly exaggerated, leaving consumers out-of-pocket and underwhelmed.

It is crucial to exercise due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Taking claims about products at face value may not always yield the desired results. It is important to delve deeper, scrutinizing the ingredients used within the product and comparing 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 Skin Calming Body Lotion by Eucerin. This body lotion is specifically designed for sensitive skin. We will be examining the claims made about this product and comparing them to the ingredients used within the product. This will help us determine if the product can truly deliver on its promises.

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

Claim #1: The Product Provides Relief from Itch

Eucerin’s Website States: “The gentle formula contains soothing oatmeal that provides relief from itch…”

Truth Assessment: False

Explanation: The product description claims that the lotion contains oatmeal, which is known for its soothing properties and ability to provide relief from itch. However, the ingredients list provided does not include oatmeal or any derivatives of oatmeal. Therefore, based on the provided ingredients, this claim is false.

Claim #2: The Product Moisturizes and Protects Skin

Eucerin’s Website States: “…contains rich emollients that help moisturize and protect skin.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The ingredients list includes several emollients such as Glycerin, Cetyl Palmitate, Mineral Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, and Cetyl Alcohol. Emollients are substances that soften and moisturize the skin and decrease itching and flaking. They work by forming an oily layer on the top of the skin that traps water in the skin. Hence, this claim is true.

Claim #3: The Product is Non-Greasy and Easily Absorbed

Eucerin’s Website States: “The lotion is easy to apply, non-greasy and is easily absorbed.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains ingredients like Dimethicone and Glyceryl Stearate that are known to provide a non-greasy feel and enhance skin absorption. However, the feel and absorption of a product can also be influenced by the overall formulation and individual skin types. Therefore, this claim is possibly true, but it may vary among users.

Claim #4: The Product is Safe for Sensitive Skin

Eucerin’s Website States: “Skin Calming Lotion is safe for sensitive skin…”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product does not contain any known harsh irritants, and most of the ingredients are generally considered safe for sensitive skin. However, skin sensitivity can vary greatly among individuals, and what is safe for one person may not be safe for another. Therefore, this claim is possibly true, but it may vary among users.

Claim #5: The Product is Fragrance and Dye Free

Eucerin’s Website States: “…fragrance and dye free…”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The ingredients list does not include any known fragrances or dyes. Therefore, this claim is true.

Claim #6: The Product is Non-Comedogenic

Eucerin’s Website States: “…and is non-comedogenic.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: Non-comedogenic means that the product is formulated to not block pores, which can lead to acne. While the product does not contain any ingredients that are widely recognized as comedogenic, individual responses can vary, and what does not block pores in one person may do so in another. Therefore, this claim is possibly true, but it may vary among users.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 7/10

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

The product’s claims are largely truthful, with the exception of the claim about containing oatmeal. The product does contain several emollients that help moisturize and protect the skin, and it is fragrance and dye free. The claims about being non-greasy, easily absorbed, safe for sensitive skin, and non-comedogenic are possibly true, but these can vary greatly among individuals. Therefore, it is important for users to test the product on a small area of skin first to see how their skin reacts.

It’s also worth noting 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 highest in concentration. However, this doesn’t tell us everything. For example, a product could contain a very small amount of a beneficial ingredient, just enough to legally list it on the label, but not enough to provide any real benefits. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to do some research on the key ingredients and their effective concentrations.

Remember, not all claims made by skincare products are regulated, and some can be grossly exaggerated. Always be skeptical of claims that sound too good to be true, and do your own research. Look for products that list their active ingredients near the top of the ingredient list, as this usually means they are present in higher concentrations. And finally, remember that everyone’s skin is different, and 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.