5 Cosmetic Claims and Beauty Myths
No matter where you shop for skincare or makeup products, you’ll find at least one product, probably more, with claims that are misleading or exaggerated to the point of absurdity. Lots of cosmetics companies make too-good-to-be-true claims just to get your attention.
So, you’re probably asking: What about truth-in-advertising regulations? How do these brands get away with it? Drawing on our decades of researching this fascinating, sometimes frustrating, industry, we bust five of the most common cosmetic claims and beauty myths so you can shop smarter!
5 Misleading Cosmetic Claims Debunked
Myth 1: Hypoallergenic products won’t cause reactions.
"Hypoallergenic" is meant to imply that a product is unlikely or less likely to cause reactions and, therefore, is better for sensitive skin. However, it isn’t true. Here’s why: There are no accepted testing methods, ingredient restrictions, regulations, guidelines, rules, or procedures of any kind, anywhere, for determining if a skincare product qualifies as being hypoallergenic.
Even the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) says:
There are no Federal standards or definitions that govern the use of the term hypoallergenic. The term means whatever a particular company wants it to mean.
More proof: We’ve reviewed hundreds of skincare products labelled "hypoallergenic" or "good for sensitive skin" that contain seriously problematic ingredients capable of causing a sensitised reaction.
Instead of focusing on shopping for "hypoallergenic" products, make sure you avoid products that contain skin-sensitising ingredients, such as fragrance (whether natural or synthetic), denatured alcohol, sodium lauryl sulfate, fragrant plant oils like rose and lavender, and all forms of mint and citrus. These ingredients show up in lots of products, and all of them are problematic for the skin, regardless of the claims for the product.
We know that sensitising ingredients are a major problem for all skin types — that’s why every Paula’s Choice product is formulated to be non-irritating. We love it when we see other cosmetics companies doing the same because it’s truly what's best for your skin.
Note: If you have extra-sensitive, reddened skin, our line of skincare products for dry, sensitive skin may be the best option to soothe redness and bring comforting relief.
Myth 2: Non-comedogenic products won’t clog pores.
You really can’t trust any product that makes claims of being "non-comedogenic" (or the less common "non-acnegenic") because, just like hypoallergenic, there are no approved or regulatory standards for these terms anywhere in the world.
With no guidelines or standards in place, even the thickest, greasiest moisturizer can claim it "won’t clog pores". Generally, the thicker the product, the more likely it is to result in clogged pores.
Instead, if you have oily or clog-prone skin, avoid products with a thick, creamy consistency. Look for products that have a liquid, gel, an extremely light serum texture, or a thin, water-based lotion consistency. Generally, products with thinner textures are less likely to cause clogged pores or worsen breakouts.
Myth 3: Cosmeceutical or “medical-grade” products are better.
The word "cosmeceutical" (a combination of "cosmetic" and "pharmaceutical") was dreamed up to describe cosmetics products that are supposed to have some level (proven or not) of special benefit over and above regular cosmetics.
The truth? It’s just another marketing term with no regulation or standards behind it. That means that any brand (whether from a doctor’s office, salon, or medical spa) can label its products cosmeceutical, regardless of what they contain. There are no cosmeceutical-grade ingredients, not anywhere in the world.
What about different "grades" of ingredients? There definitely are different grades, but their use is not restricted to only the most expensive brands or to brands sold only by aestheticians or dermatologists. All cosmetics lines have access to the very same ingredients, and they are used throughout the cosmetics industry. Falling for this line is a surefire way to waste your money!
Myth 4: “Natural” skin care is best.
An increasing number of skin care lines tout their products as being made strictly of natural ingredients, implying that natural is best, and anything that isn’t 100% natural is harmful. In truth, while there is an abundance of natural skincare ingredients that are fantastic for the skin, there are also many that can do real damage to the skin and hinder its ability to look and feel younger, among them essential oils (which frequently appear in “natural” skincare lines).
Adding to the confusion is that some lines touting their natural status also include synthetic ingredients. While that isn’t a bad thing by any stretch, it is misleading to consumers. Another issue is that there is no national or global standard about exactly what natural even means, so it’s a guess in many cases and up to individual skincare companies to define how they see it.
Myth 5: Older individuals should only use products specially formulated for mature skin.
This claim is not used so much anymore, but it still shows up, and it couldn’t be more irksome, for many reasons. The main problem is that cosmetics companies always define "mature skin" as occurring at some arbitrary age, usually over the age of 50, where suddenly, you’re supposed to start using whatever rich, heavy cream they’re promoting.
In truth, people of all ages (including those over 50 years old) can struggle with oily skin and breakouts, which is why a one-size-fits all “mature skin” formula won’t suit. Age in and of itself is not a skin type. Sure, skin concerns, such as wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and loss of firmness show up more consistently as we age, but that’s true for people in their 30s and 40s, too.
There are no special formulary standards that make products labelled "for mature skin" any better or "more anti-aging" than products formulated for other skin types or concerns. Most products sold for mature skin are just overly emollient moisturizers that may or may not contain the skin-replenishing and skin-restoring ingredients that skin showing signs of aging needs. That’s why it’s a mistake to let this claim guide your purchasing decisions.
An important note: the process of menopause, along with certain medical procedures, causes estrogen loss which results in an issue called estrogen-deficient skin. Estrogen deficiency accelerates visible signs of aging, such as loss of firmness, uneven tone, wrinkles, and crepey skin. The solution, in this case, is to seek out products containing phytoestrogens that specifically address estrogen-deficient skin, not just products claiming to be made for “older skin” that are made without this consideration in mind.
By taking the time to learn about the most popular beauty myths — including whether parabens are a problem or if detoxing skin to clear acne really works — you can help improve your overall skincare routine.
Shop skincare products online at Paula’s Choice Singapore today.
