The skincare industry can often be a confusing place for consumers. With a myriad of products on the market, each boasting a range of health claims, it can be difficult to discern fact from fiction. Manufacturers often make grandiose claims 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 of utmost importance to exercise due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Taking claims about products at face value can lead to disappointment and wasted money. It is crucial 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 Soothing & Barrier Support Serum by The Ordinary. This brand has made a name for itself in the skincare industry for its transparency and affordability. We will be examining the claims made about this product, comparing them to the ingredients used, and performing a truth assessment to establish whether or not the product really will live up to its claims.

Let’s delve into the main claims being made about the Soothing & Barrier Support Serum and break them down:

Claim #1: The Product Reduces the Look of Irritated Skin

The Ordinary’s Website States: ‘Soothing & Barrier Support Serum is a multi-active solution targeted at reducing the look of irritated skin.’

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains ingredients such as Bisabolol and Asiaticoside, which are known for their soothing properties. Bisabolol is a component of chamomile that has anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Asiaticoside is a component of Centella Asiatica, a plant known for its wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effectiveness of these ingredients in reducing the look of irritated skin can vary from person to person and depends on the severity of the skin irritation.

Claim #2: The Product Helps Recover the Skin Barrier in 2 Hours

The Ordinary’s Website States: ‘It helps recover the skin barrier in 2 hours.’

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains ingredients such as Niacinamide and Sphingolipids, which are known to support the skin barrier. Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, can help improve the skin’s barrier function and increase its resilience. Sphingolipids are a type of lipid that is a crucial component of the skin barrier. They help maintain the skin’s moisture balance and protect it from environmental stressors. However, the claim that the skin barrier can recover in 2 hours is difficult to verify without clinical studies.

Claim #3: The Product Provides an Immediate 86% Boost in Skin Hydration

The Ordinary’s Website States: ‘…and provides an immediate 86% boost in skin hydration.’

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains several hydrating ingredients such as Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, and Xylitylglucoside. These ingredients are known as humectants, which can attract and retain moisture in the skin. However, the specific claim of an 86% boost in skin hydration is difficult to verify without clinical studies or user testing.

Claim #4: The Product Improves the Look of Uneven Texture for a Smoother Appearance

The Ordinary’s Website States: ‘…the Soothing & Barrier Support Serum also improves the look of uneven texture for a smoother appearance.’

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains Niacinamide, which is known to improve skin texture by boosting the production of ceramides, an essential component of the skin barrier that helps maintain skin smoothness. However, the effectiveness of this ingredient in improving skin texture can vary from person to person and depends on the severity of the skin texture issues.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 7/10

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

The product contains several ingredients known for their skin-soothing, barrier-supporting, hydrating, and texture-improving properties. However, the effectiveness of these ingredients can vary from person to person and depends on the severity of the skin issues. The specific claims of skin barrier recovery in 2 hours and an immediate 86% boost in skin hydration are difficult to verify without clinical studies or user testing.

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 concentrations of each ingredient. For example, a product could contain a high amount of a certain ingredient, but if it’s not in a high enough concentration to be effective, it won’t provide the claimed benefits.

Remember, when evaluating skincare products, it’s important to be skeptical of claims that sound too good to be true. Look for products that contain ingredients proven to be effective for your specific skin concerns. Be mindful of the order of the ingredients list, as this can give you an idea of the concentrations of each ingredient. And finally, remember that everyone’s skin is different, so what works for one person may not work for you.

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.