The skincare industry can often be a confusing place for consumers. With a plethora of products on the market, each boasting a myriad of health claims, it can be difficult to discern fact from fiction. Manufacturers often make grandiose claims about their skincare products, promising miraculous 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. Rather than taking claims about products at face value, it is important to delve deeper into the ingredients used within the product. This can provide a more accurate assessment of whether or not the product will truly live up to its claims.

In this article, we will be critically analysing the Ultra-Rich Moisturizer 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 this product truly delivers on its promises.

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

Claim #1: The Product Locks in Vital Moisture for up to 12 Hours

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “Locks in vital moisture for up to 12 hours, leaving dry to very dry skin feeling remarkably soft, supple, and comforted.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains several ingredients known for their moisturizing properties, such as Shea Butter, Olive Fruit Oil, Mango Seed Butter, Jojoba Seed Oil, and Avocado Oil. These ingredients are known to help lock in moisture and keep the skin hydrated. However, the claim of locking in moisture for up to 12 hours is difficult to verify without clinical testing. The duration of the moisturizing effect can vary depending on individual skin types and environmental conditions.

Claim #2: The Product Plumps the Look of Dehydrated Skin and Smooths the Appearance of Dryness and Wrinkles

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “Plumps the look of dehydrated skin and smooths the appearance of dryness and wrinkles as the nourishing plant oils and antioxidants help skin feel soft and rejuvenated.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains ingredients like Ceramides, Sphingolipids, Phospholipids, and Hyaluronic Acid, which are known to help plump the skin and smooth the appearance of dryness and wrinkles. These ingredients help to restore the skin’s natural barrier and retain moisture, leading to a plumper and smoother appearance. Additionally, antioxidants like Tocopherol (Vitamin E) can help protect the skin from environmental damage, which can contribute to the appearance of wrinkles.

Claim #3: The Product is Exceptionally Gentle for Sensitive Skin, Even Skin Prone to Rosacea

Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “Exceptionally gentle for sensitive skin, even skin prone to rosacea.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product contains ingredients like Oat Kernel Extract and Glycerin, which are known for their soothing properties and are often recommended for sensitive skin. However, the product also contains ingredients like Propylene Glycol and Phenoxyethanol, which can potentially cause irritation in some individuals, especially those with sensitive skin. Therefore, while the product may be gentle for many people, it may not be suitable for all individuals with sensitive skin or rosacea. It’s always recommended to patch test new skincare products if you have sensitive skin.

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, plumping, and soothing properties. However, the claim of locking in moisture for up to 12 hours is difficult to verify without clinical testing. The product’s effectiveness can vary depending on individual skin types and environmental conditions. Additionally, while the product may be gentle for many people, it may not be suitable for all individuals with sensitive skin or rosacea due to the presence of potential irritants like Propylene Glycol and Phenoxyethanol.

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. For example, some ingredients are effective even in very small quantities, while others need to be present in larger amounts to be effective. Therefore, just because an ingredient is listed doesn’t necessarily mean it’s present in an effective amount.

Remember, when evaluating skincare products, it’s important to be skeptical of claims that seem too good to be true. Look for products with ingredients that are scientifically proven to be effective and are present in the right amounts. Be mindful of potential irritants, especially if you have sensitive skin. And always patch test new products to see how your skin reacts before applying them to your entire face.

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.