The skincare industry can often be a confusing place for consumers. With a plethora of products available on the market, each making bold health claims, it can be difficult to discern fact from fiction. Manufacturers often make grandiose claims about their skincare products, promising to deliver miraculous results. However, these claims are not always truthful and can be greatly exaggerated.

When shopping for skincare products, it is crucial to exercise due diligence. Taking claims about products at face value may leave consumers out-of-pocket and underwhelmed. It is important to critically analyze the ingredients used in these products and compare them with the claims made by the manufacturers.

In this article, we will be critically analyzing the Skin Renewing Gel Oil by Cerave. We will be assessing the claims made about this hydrating gel oil and comparing them to the ingredients used within the product. This truth assessment will help establish whether or not the product really will live up to its claims.

So, let’s delve into the main claims being made about this product and break them down:

Claim #1: The Product Instantly Improves Skin’s Radiance

CeraVe’s Website States: “A gentle, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic hydrating oil that will instantly improves your skin’s radiance.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains ingredients like Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride and Ethylhexyl Palmitate which are known to be good emollients. Emollients help to soften the skin and create a smooth surface, which can improve the appearance of the skin and give it a radiant look. However, the term “radiance” is subjective and can vary from person to person. Therefore, while the ingredients can potentially improve the skin’s appearance, the claim of instant radiance might not hold true for everyone.

Claim #2: The Product Provides Continuous Release of Moisturizing Ingredients

CeraVe’s Website States: “Featuring a unique blend of five ceramides and sunflower oil called CeraPlex™, it uses our patented MVE Delivery Technology for a continuous release of moisturizing ingredients.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains five different types of ceramides (Ceramide NP, Ceramide NS, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide EOS) which are lipids that help form the skin’s barrier and help skin retain moisture. Additionally, the product also contains sunflower extract which is known for its hydrating properties. The MVE Delivery Technology is a patented technology by CeraVe that is designed to deliver a steady stream of ingredients into the skin over time. Therefore, based on these ingredients and the technology used, the claim of continuous release of moisturizing ingredients is likely to be true.

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 prevent moisture loss and protect the skin from external aggressors. Additionally, the product also contains ingredients like Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride and Ethylhexyl Palmitate which are known to be good emollients and can help to reinforce the skin’s barrier. Therefore, based on these ingredients, the claim of helping to restore the skin’s natural barrier is likely to be true.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 8/10

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

The product’s claims of improving skin’s radiance, providing continuous release of moisturizing ingredients, and helping to restore skin’s natural barrier are largely backed by the ingredients it contains. However, the claim of instant radiance improvement is subjective and may not hold true for everyone. It’s important to remember that skincare is personal and what works for one person may not work for another.

While the product contains ingredients known for their beneficial properties, it’s also 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. Some ingredients can be effective at very low concentrations, while others need to be present in higher amounts to be effective.

Remember, not all claims made by skincare brands are regulated, so it’s always a good idea to do your own research. Look for scientific studies or trusted sources that back up the claims. Be skeptical of words like “miracle” or “instant results” as real skincare results often take time. Lastly, always listen to your skin. If a product doesn’t feel right or causes irritation, it’s best to stop using it, regardless of the claims made by the brand.

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.