The skincare industry can often be a confusing and overwhelming place for consumers. With a plethora of products available in the market, each claiming to be the ‘miracle cure’ for various skin issues, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. Manufacturers often make bold health claims about their skincare products, promising to deliver incredible results. However, these claims can sometimes be greatly exaggerated, leaving consumers out-of-pocket and underwhelmed.

It is therefore crucial to exercise due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Taking claims about products at face value without investigating the ingredients and their effectiveness can lead to disappointment. This is why it is important to critically analyze the claims made about a product, and compare them to the ingredients used within 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 focusing on the ‘Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum’ by Paula’s Choice. This antioxidant serum has been lauded by the brand for its supposed skin benefits. We will be analyzing the claims made about this product, and comparing them to the ingredients used within the product to perform a truth assessment.

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

Claim #1: The Product Hydrates Dry Skin

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “Bathes dry, parched skin in wrinkle-smoothing retinol and hydrating, antioxidant-enriched plant oils.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The ingredients list includes several oils such as Olea Europaea Fruit Oil (Olive Oil), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, and Oenothera Biennis Oil (Evening Primrose Oil). These oils are known for their hydrating properties as they contain essential fatty acids that can help to moisturize and nourish the skin. Additionally, the ingredient Cyclopentasiloxane is a type of silicone that can help to lock in moisture, further contributing to the product’s hydrating effects.

Claim #2: The Product Fights Signs of Aging

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “Smooths, softens, and fights the appearance of visible signs of environmental damage and aging as it helps strengthen skin so it’s better able to combat environmental attack and future signs of aging.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains Retinol, a form of Vitamin A, which is well-known for its anti-aging properties. Retinol can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by promoting cell turnover and collagen production. Additionally, the product contains Tocopherol and Tocotrienols, forms of Vitamin E, which are antioxidants that can help to protect the skin from environmental damage such as UV rays and pollution, which can contribute to premature aging.

Claim #3: The Product is Suitable for Sensitive Skin

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “Formulated to be gentle enough for sensitive skin, including for skin prone to eczema.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains several ingredients that are known to be soothing and gentle on the skin, such as Bisabolol and Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract (Chamomile), which can help to reduce inflammation and irritation. However, the product also contains Retinol, which can potentially cause irritation and sensitivity in some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin or skin conditions such as eczema. Therefore, while the product may be suitable for some individuals with sensitive skin, it may not be suitable for all.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 8/10

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

The product appears to be largely truthful in its claims, with the ingredients listed supporting the hydration and anti-aging benefits. However, the claim that it is suitable for sensitive skin is somewhat questionable due to the inclusion of Retinol, which can potentially cause irritation for some individuals. It’s important to remember that everyone’s skin is different, and what works for one person may not work for another.

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, but this doesn’t tell us everything. For example, a product may list a beneficial ingredient first, but if it’s not used in an effective concentration, the benefits may not be realized. Similarly, an ingredient listed last may still be effective if it’s potent in small amounts.

Remember, when assessing skincare products, it’s important to not only look at the ingredient list, but also consider the concentrations of those ingredients. Be skeptical of products that make grand claims without the ingredients to back them up, or products that list beneficial ingredients but in seemingly small quantities. Always do your research and, when in doubt, consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional.

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.