The skincare industry can often be a confusing landscape for consumers. With a plethora of products available, each boasting a range of health claims, it can be challenging 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 feeling underwhelmed and out of pocket.
It is therefore crucial to exercise due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Rather than taking claims about products at face value, it is essential to delve deeper into the ingredients used within these products. This approach allows for a more accurate assessment of whether a product will truly live up to its claims.
In this article, we will be critically analysing the Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer by Paula’s Choice. 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.
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: Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Isohexadecane, Potassium PCA, Magnesium PCA, Calcium PCA, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Polyglyceryl-4 Olivate, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Laminaria Sacharina, Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Extract (Kiwi Fruit), Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Biotin/Folic Acid/Cyanocobalamin/Niacinamide/Pantothenic Acid/Pyridoxine/Riboflavin/Thiamine/Yeast Polypeptides, Garcinia Mangostana (Mangosteen) Peel Extract, Prunus Serotina (Wild Cherry) Fruit Extract, Squalane, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide NP, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Extract, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-37, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Tocopherol, Creatine, Bisabolol, Sorbitol, Inositol, Xylitol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Levulinate, Behenyl Behenate, Tribehenin, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin 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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So, let’s delve into the main claims being made about this product and break them down:
Claim #1: The product delivers vital hydrators to the skin
Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “Mineral electrolytes calcium, potassium, and magnesium are linked with skin-identical PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, part of skin’s natural moisturizing factor), allowing them to work within skin’s water channels (aquaporins) to deliver vital hydrators like ceramides and glycerin.”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The ingredients list includes Glycerin and Ceramides (Ceramide EOP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide NP). Glycerin is a well-known humectant that attracts water to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. Ceramides are lipids that help form the skin’s barrier and help skin retain moisture. Both of these ingredients are indeed vital hydrators for the skin. The presence of Potassium PCA, Magnesium PCA, and Calcium PCA, which are mineral electrolytes linked with PCA, supports the claim that these hydrators are delivered to the skin.
Claim #2: The product trains skin to maintain its moisture balance
Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “These enhanced minerals also train skin to maintain its moisture balance.”
Truth Assessment: Possibly
Explanation: The concept of “training” the skin is somewhat ambiguous. However, the ingredients listed do support skin’s ability to maintain moisture. As mentioned earlier, Glycerin and Ceramides help retain moisture. Additionally, ingredients like Squalane and Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate are emollients that can help lock in moisture, potentially aiding in maintaining skin’s moisture balance. However, whether these ingredients can “train” the skin to do this on its own is not definitively proven.
Claim #3: The product strengthens the skin’s barrier
Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “These enhanced minerals…strengthen its barrier.”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The product contains Ceramides and Cholesterol, both of which are essential components of the skin’s barrier. They help to protect the skin from environmental stressors and prevent moisture loss. Therefore, the presence of these ingredients supports the claim that the product can strengthen the skin’s barrier.
Claim #4: The product creates a healthier, more energized appearance
Paula’s Choice’s Website States: “These enhanced minerals…create a healthier, more energized appearance.”
Truth Assessment: Possibly
Explanation: The product contains several ingredients known for their skin-benefiting properties. For instance, Apple Fruit Extract and Kiwi Fruit Extract are rich in antioxidants and can help to brighten the skin. Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, also known as Green Coffee Extract, is known for its energizing properties. However, the term “energized appearance” is subjective and may vary from person to person. Therefore, while the ingredients could potentially contribute to a healthier appearance, the claim is not definitively proven.
Assessment Verdict:
Truth Rating: 7/10
Overall likelihood for product to make good on its claims: Likely
The product’s claims about delivering vital hydrators to the skin and strengthening the skin’s barrier are supported by the ingredients listed. However, the claims about training the skin to maintain its moisture balance and creating a healthier, more energized appearance are somewhat ambiguous and subjective. While the ingredients could potentially contribute to these effects, they are not definitively proven.
Users should be mindful that the effectiveness of skincare products can vary greatly from person to person. What works well for one person may not work as well for another. Additionally, the term “energized appearance” is subjective and may vary from person to person. Therefore, while the ingredients could potentially contribute to a healthier appearance, the claim is not definitively proven.
This assessment assumes that all ingredients are used in effective quantities. However, it’s important to note that skincare formulas are complex and the concentration of each ingredient can significantly impact its effectiveness. Ingredient lists are in weight order, but this doesn’t tell us everything about the concentrations of each ingredient. For instance, a product could contain a high concentration of a less effective ingredient and a low concentration of a more effective ingredient.
Remember, when evaluating skincare products, it’s important to look beyond the marketing claims and examine the ingredients list. Be skeptical of claims that seem too good to be true or are not supported by scientific evidence. Also, keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different and what works well for one person may not work as well 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.
