The skincare industry can often be a confusing place for consumers. With a myriad of products available, each boasting a plethora of 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 can sometimes be greatly exaggerated, leaving consumers out-of-pocket and underwhelmed.

It’s crucial for consumers to perform due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Taking claims about products at face value can lead to disappointment when the product fails to live up to its promises. It’s important to look beyond the marketing hype and examine the ingredients used within the product. This can provide a more accurate picture of what the product can truly deliver.

In this article, we will be critically analyzing the Softening Cream Cleanser by Paula’s Choice. We will be examining the claims made about this product, and comparing them to the ingredients used within the product. This will allow us to perform a truth assessment and 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 Glides Over Skin

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: ‘Glides over skin, creating a soft emulsion…’

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The presence of Hydrogenated Polydecene, a synthetic oil, and Glycine Soja Oil, a vegetable oil, in the ingredients list suggests that the product has a smooth texture that can easily glide over the skin. These oils are known for their lubricating properties, which allow for easy application and spreadability on the skin.

Claim #2: The Product Cleanses and Removes Makeup and Impurities

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: ‘…that cleanses and removes makeup and impurities…’

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The ingredients Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine are surfactants, which are compounds that help to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin. They work by breaking down the oils and dirt on your skin, allowing them to be washed away. Therefore, the claim that the product cleanses and removes makeup and impurities is true.

Claim #3: The Product Leaves Skin Feeling Smoother and Softer

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: ‘…as it leaves skin feeling smoother, softer…’

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The presence of emollients like C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate and PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate in the ingredients list suggests that the product can soften and smooth the skin. Emollients work by filling in the spaces between skin cells with lipids, thereby creating a smooth surface. Therefore, the claim that the product leaves skin feeling smoother and softer is true.

Claim #4: The Product is Gentle for Sensitive Skin

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: ‘It’s formulated to be gentle for sensitive skin…’

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, also known as chamomile, which is known for its soothing properties and is often used in products for sensitive skin. However, the product also contains potential irritants like Laureth-4 and Disodium EDTA. While these ingredients are generally safe for most people, they could potentially cause irritation for those with very sensitive skin. Therefore, the claim that the product is gentle for sensitive skin is possibly true, but would depend on individual skin reactions.

Claim #5: The Product is Suitable for Skin Prone to Eczema

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: ‘…even skin prone to eczema.’

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains Beta-Glucan, which has been shown to have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it potentially beneficial for skin prone to eczema. However, as with the previous claim, the presence of potential irritants means that the product’s suitability for eczema-prone skin may vary from person to person. Therefore, the claim that the product is suitable for skin prone to eczema is possibly true, but would depend on individual skin reactions.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 7/10

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

The product appears to be largely truthful in its claims, with the majority of them being backed up by the presence of relevant ingredients. However, the claims regarding suitability for sensitive and eczema-prone skin are less certain due to the presence of potential irritants. While these ingredients are generally safe for most people, they could potentially cause irritation for those with very sensitive skin or skin conditions such as eczema.

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 everything about the concentration of each ingredient. For example, an ingredient could be listed towards the end of the list but still be present in a high enough concentration to be effective. Conversely, an ingredient could be listed towards the beginning of the list but be used in a low concentration that doesn’t provide any real benefits.

Remember, when assessing the truthfulness of product claims, it’s always a good idea to look at the ingredients list. Ingredients that support the product’s claims should be listed towards the beginning of the list, indicating that they are present in high quantities. Be skeptical of claims that are not supported by the ingredients list or that seem too good to be true. And always keep in mind that individual skin reactions can vary, 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.