The skincare industry can be a confusing place for consumers. With an overwhelming number 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 everything from anti-aging miracles to acne cures. However, these claims are not always truthful and can be greatly exaggerated.
It is crucial for consumers to perform due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Taking claims about products at face value may leave consumers out-of-pocket and underwhelmed. It is important to analyze the ingredients used within the product and compare 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 a product from the brand La Roche-Posay, known as Toleriane Dermallergo. This product is marketed as a sensitive skin moisturizer. We will be examining the claims made about this product and comparing them to the ingredients used within the product to perform a truth assessment.
View all the information used for this fact check. Access a timestamped snapshot of the product's official webpage as reviewed by us, preserved for transparency and future reference. INCI list at time of reviewal: Aqua / Water / Eau, Isocetyl Stearate, Squalane, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter / Shea Butter, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Zea Mays Starch / Corn Starch, Pentylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Salvia Miltiorrhiza Root Extract, Dimethiconol, Sodium Hydroxide, Sphingomonas Ferment Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer Product formulations and manufacturer claims may evolve. For the most current information, refer directly to the product's official website. Our reviews are updated periodically to reflect new data.Resources
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Let’s look at the main claims being made about this product and break them down:
Claim #1: The Product Provides Instant Comfort
La Roche-Posay’s Website States: ‘instant & long-lasting comfort’
Truth Assessment: Possibly
Explanation: The product contains ingredients such as Squalane, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea Butter), and Glycerin, which are known for their moisturizing and soothing properties. These ingredients can provide instant comfort by hydrating the skin and reducing dryness. However, the term ‘comfort’ is subjective and can vary from person to person. Therefore, while the ingredients suggest possible instant comfort, the actual effect can depend on individual skin types and conditions.
Claim #2: The Product Leaves Skin Feeling Smooth and Soft
La Roche-Posay’s Website States: ‘leaving skin feeling smooth, soft’
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The product contains Dimethicone, a type of silicone that is commonly used in skincare products for its smoothing effects. It forms a barrier on the skin, filling in fine lines and uneven texture, resulting in a smoother, softer feel. Additionally, moisturizing ingredients like Shea Butter and Glycerin can also contribute to a softer skin feel by hydrating and nourishing the skin.
Claim #3: The Product Provides Long-Lasting Comfort
La Roche-Posay’s Website States: ‘instant & long-lasting comfort’
Truth Assessment: Possibly
Explanation: The product contains ingredients that are known to have long-lasting moisturizing effects, such as Shea Butter and Glycerin. These ingredients can help to maintain skin hydration over time, potentially providing long-lasting comfort. However, as with the claim of instant comfort, the perception of ‘long-lasting comfort’ can be subjective and may vary between individuals. Therefore, while the ingredients suggest possible long-lasting comfort, the actual effect can depend on individual skin types and conditions.
Claim #4: The Product Makes Skin More Comfortable
La Roche-Posay’s Website States: ‘and more comfortable.’
Truth Assessment: Possibly
Explanation: The product contains several ingredients known for their soothing and moisturizing properties, such as Shea Butter, Glycerin, and Squalane. These ingredients can help to alleviate skin dryness and irritation, potentially making the skin feel more comfortable. However, ‘comfort’ is a subjective term and can vary from person to person. Therefore, while the ingredients suggest possible increased comfort, the actual effect can depend on individual skin types and conditions.
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 moisturizing and soothing properties, which can potentially provide instant comfort, leave skin feeling smooth and soft, and make skin more comfortable. However, the perception of ‘comfort’ is subjective and can vary from person to person. Therefore, while the ingredients suggest possible comfort, the actual effect can depend on individual skin types and conditions.
Users should be mindful 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 listed towards the end of the list could still be present in an effective concentration.
Remember, not all skincare products work the same for everyone. It’s important to consider your individual skin type and conditions when choosing a product. Also, be skeptical of claims that seem too good to be true. If a product claims to instantly eliminate all signs of aging, for example, this is likely an exaggeration. Always do your research and consult with a dermatologist if you’re unsure.
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.
