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The scanner

The shelf, already read

The 75 topicals our skincare pages recommend, each with its published ingredient list read against the same library the label scanner uses. Lists were read from brand sites and retailer listings; where only retailer copy was available, the card says so. Devices and tools carry no ingredient list; their cards further down check the claims instead.

AHA + BHA exfoliant

goodThe Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution23 ingredients · 15 in the library
  • Strongsalicylic acidAn oil-soluble exfoliant that gets into the pore.
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Moderatelactic acidAn alpha hydroxy acid that loosens the bonds between dead surface skin cells to exfoliate
  • ModeratepanthenolAlcohol form of vitamin B5, used as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent.
  • Functionalsodium hydroxideAn alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust and hold a formula's pH
  • FunctionalpropanediolA plant-derived or petro-derived diol used as a solvent, humectant, and penetration enhancer.
  • Functionalcitric acidNaturally derived alpha hydroxy acid used mainly to set and hold a formula's pH.
  • Functionalsodium hyaluronate crosspolymerA crosslinked form of hyaluronic acid used to build gel texture and film on skin
  • Functionalpentylene glycolA synthetic diol that carries other ingredients, keeps water in the skin, and helps preserve the formula
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions
  • Functionalpolysorbate 20An emulsifier and solubilizer that helps oil-soluble ingredients like fragrance and essential oils disperse evenly in water-based formulas
  • Functionalpotassium sorbatePotassium salt of sorbic acid, used as a preservative to stop mold and yeast growth.
  • Functionalsodium benzoateSodium salt of benzoic acid, used as a preservative to control microbial growth in the formula.
  • FunctionalethylhexylglycerinGlycerin derivative used to boost preservative activity and improve product feel
  • Functionalcaprylyl glycolA short-chain diol that conditions skin, holds moisture, and helps preservative systems work.

Not in the library yet (8): glycolic acid, aloe barbadensis leaf water, daucus carota sativa extract, cocamidopropyl dimethylamine, tartaric acid, tasmannia lanceolata fruit/leaf extract, trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, 12-hexanediol.

The claims, checked

The salicylic acid piece checks out. 2% sits exactly where the pore and texture studies were done, so give it that. The AHA side is where things get vague: a combined 30% across four acids instead of a glycolic acid number on its own, which makes "comparable to a professional peel" a much bigger promise than the disclosure can carry. And the brand's own warning, experienced users only, not for compromised skin, sits directly at odds with an "all skin types" pitch. Pick one.

  • Partial“Improves skin texture, prevents pore congestion, and targets uneven skin tone”Salicylic acid sits at 2%, right inside the 0.5-2% range tied to comedone and texture improvement. Good so far. The AHA side is murkier: it's a blend of glycolic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acids labeled only as a 30% total, so the glycolic acid concentration doing the work stays undisclosed.
  • Unsupported“Offers comparable results to professional acid peels without the downtime”No published study for this formula, or this exact acid blend, backs a head-to-head against an in-office peel. Professional peels run at higher, controlled concentrations under supervision. A 10-minute at-home rinse-off is not that.
  • Partial“32% total acid concentration (AHA 30% + BHA 2%)”The 2% salicylic acid figure is real and checkable, and it sits right at the OTC ceiling. The 30% AHA figure is a different animal: it's a sum across four separate acids, so it describes the blend, not any single acid's tested concentration.
  • Unsupported“Suitable for all skin types”The brand's own product page says otherwise: it restricts this to experienced users of acid exfoliation and states plainly it should not be used on sensitive, peeling, or compromised skin. That is not what an all-skin-types claim sounds like.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/the-ordinary-aha-30-bha-2-peeling-solution-7. Claims read from The Ordinary's own product page (theordinary.com).

betterPaula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant7 ingredients · 5 in the library
  • Strongsalicylic acidAn oil-soluble exfoliant that gets into the pore.
  • Functionalbutylene glycolSmall humectant and solvent that carries other ingredients and helps products feel lighter
  • Functionalpolysorbate 20An emulsifier and solubilizer that helps oil-soluble ingredients like fragrance and essential oils disperse evenly in water-based formulas
  • Functionalsodium hydroxideAn alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust and hold a formula's pH
  • Functionaltetrasodium edtaA chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working.

Not in the library yet (2): methylpropanediol, camellia oleifera leaf extract.

The claims, checked

The 2% salicylic acid here sits right at the concentration the real studies used, so the unclogging and smoothing claims check out. The wrinkle claim is the one reaching past its own formula: nothing in this product or in the salicylic acid literature touches wrinkle depth. That glow-word on the label is exactly what gets reached for once the real, narrower effect, smoother texture, has already been said.

  • Partial“Rapidly unclogs pores”This formula carries 2% salicylic acid, the top of the range the trials support for clearing comedones. Where it oversells is 'rapidly': that timeframe isn't something the cited literature ever tested.
  • Unsupported“Diminishes the appearance of wrinkles”Salicylic acid trials at 0.5% to 2% cover comedones and texture. Wrinkle depth never comes up. Nothing in this formula touches collagen or fine lines either, so the wrinkle claim is standing on nothing.
  • Partial“Improves skin tone for smooth, radiant skin”Texture improvement from salicylic acid exfoliation at this concentration is real, full stop. The glow-word on the label and the broader tone-evenness promise go past what those exfoliation studies measured.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/paulas-choice-skin-perfecting-2-bha-liquid-exfoliant. Claims read from retailer and ingredient-database product copy (incidecoder); Paula's Choice brand page did not return usable content on this pass.

bestDr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel47 ingredients · 21 in the library
  • Strongsalicylic acidAn oil-soluble exfoliant that gets into the pore.
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Strongascorbic acidThe most-studied topical antioxidant, and the least stable.
  • StrongretinolThe reference topical for photoaging, a vitamin A derivative.
  • Moderatelactic acidAn alpha hydroxy acid that loosens the bonds between dead surface skin cells to exfoliate
  • Moderatecamellia sinensis leaf extractA green tea leaf extract added as a polyphenol-rich antioxidant to protect skin from oxidative stress.
  • ModerateadenosineA naturally occurring nucleoside used at low levels to target the look of fine lines
  • Mixedalcohol denatA solvent that makes formulas feel weightless and dry fast.
  • No evidenceparfumAn undisclosed blend; the single word can stand for dozens of compounds.
  • Functionalpotassium hydroxideA strong alkali used in small amounts to set a formula's pH or convert fatty acids into soap
  • Functionalpolysorbate 20An emulsifier and solubilizer that helps oil-soluble ingredients like fragrance and essential oils disperse evenly in water-based formulas
  • Functionalcitric acidNaturally derived alpha hydroxy acid used mainly to set and hold a formula's pH.
  • FunctionallecithinA phospholipid mixture from soy, sunflower, or egg that emulsifies and softens skin feel
  • Functionalpolysorbate 80Nonionic surfactant that helps oil and water phases blend and stay mixed.
  • Functionaltetrasodium edtaA chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working.
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • Functionalbenzoic acidA preservative and pH adjuster that keeps microbes from growing in the formula
  • Functionalsodium benzoateSodium salt of benzoic acid, used as a preservative to control microbial growth in the formula.
  • Functionalpotassium sorbatePotassium salt of sorbic acid, used as a preservative to stop mold and yeast growth.
  • Functionaltocopheryl acetateStable ester form of vitamin E, added as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent.
  • Functionalsodium pcaA salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, part of skin's natural moisturizing factor, used as a humectant.

Not in the library yet (18): glycolic acid, hamamelis virginiana water, malic acid, achillea millefolium extract, chamomilla recutita flower extract, soy isoflavones, copper pca, zinc pca, alcohol, sodium bicarbonate, resveratrol, ubiquinone, achillea millefolium extract, soy isoflavones, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, copper pca, zinc pca, octoxynol-9.

The claims, checked

Two well-studied acids, real exfoliants, no argument. But this brand keeps the percentages to itself, so the pore and radiance claims can't be checked against the concentration ranges the real trials used. The texture and tone story has a genuine mechanism behind it, credit where it's due. "Firmness" and that "92% saw..." number, though? That's a small, unpublished in-house study doing the talking, not independent research.

  • Partial“Clinical results at home in 2 steps”Glycolic acid and salicylic acid are both legitimate exfoliants, no argument there. But the label won't say what percentage of either one made it into the bottle, so there's no matching this formula against the trial ranges that back exfoliation claims.
  • Unverifiable“Boosts radiance and targets pores”Salicylic acid clears pores at 0.5% to 2%, and the science on that is solid. What's not solid is this product telling you where in that range it lands, or if it lands there at all. No percentage on the label, no way to check the claim.
  • Partial“Diminishes fine lines and evens tone and texture”Fine, AHA exfoliation can plausibly smooth texture and even tone over time. But this claim also wants credit for retinol, ascorbic acid, and adenosine sitting in the Step 2 formula, and not one of those three comes with a percentage attached.
  • Partial“Improves hydration and firmness”Glycerin and the hyaluronic-adjacent humectants can genuinely carry short-term hydration. Firmness is a different claim entirely, and there's no published evidence that a leave-on acid-and-antioxidant peel delivers it.

Brand evidence: In-house clinical and consumer perception study, 28 participants (Unpublished, no outside review, and no acid concentrations reported alongside the results, so the study cannot confirm the specific claims it is used to sell.)

List read from incidecoder.com/products/dr-dennis-gross-alpha-beta-r-universal-daily-peel-step-1. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle. Claims read from Dr Dennis Gross brand product page (drdennisgross.com).

Barrier moisturizer

goodCeraVe Moisturizing Cream23 ingredients · 18 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Moderateceramide npA lab-made lipid matching the skin's own ceramides, used to help rebuild the moisture barrier
  • Moderateceramide apA lab-made ceramide that mimics the skin's own barrier lipids in a moisturizer.
  • Moderateceramide eopA lab-made lipid that mimics skin's own ceramides, used to reinforce the moisture barrier
  • Moderatesodium hyaluronateA humectant that holds water at the surface.
  • EmergingtocopherolA fat-soluble vitamin E form added as an antioxidant, to protect oils in the formula and skin.
  • Functionalcetearyl alcoholA blend of cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohols that thickens and stabilizes creams and lotions.
  • Functionalcaprylic/capric triglycerideA lightweight plant-derived oil that softens skin and carries other ingredients into a formula.
  • Functionalcetyl alcoholA fatty alcohol from coconut or palm oil that thickens, emulsifies, and softens formulas.
  • FunctionalcarbomerA synthetic polymer that thickens water phases and holds gels and lotions together
  • FunctionaldimethiconeA silicone oil that coats skin, filling in texture and giving slip and a smooth after-feel
  • Functionalsodium lauroyl lactylateAnionic surfactant and emulsifier made from lactic acid and lauric acid, stabilizes formulas.
  • FunctionalcholesterolA naturally occurring lipid, added to restore and reinforce the skin's own barrier structure
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • Functionaltetrasodium edtaA chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working.
  • FunctionalphytosphingosineA naturally derived sphingoid lipid used to support and mimic skin barrier structure.
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions
  • FunctionalethylhexylglycerinGlycerin derivative used to boost preservative activity and improve product feel

Not in the library yet (5): ceteareth-20, petrolatum, potassium phosphate, behentrimonium methosulfate, dipotassium phosphate.

The claims, checked

The barrier claim holds up, full stop. This cream carries the ceramide, cholesterol, and phytosphingosine combination that the published barrier-repair literature studied, at ratios close to what those trials used. 'MVE Delivery Technology' and its '24-hour hydration' promise rest on a proprietary carrier CeraVe won't detail, so that timeframe stays uncheckable against anything outside the brand's own word. 'Non-comedogenic' and 'fast-absorbing, non-greasy' read more like formulation description than tested claims, especially with petrolatum and dimethicone sitting near the top of the list.

  • Supported“Helps restore and maintain the skin's protective barrier”This formula carries all three: ceramide NP, AP, EOP, plus cholesterol and phytosphingosine. That's the exact lipid combination the published ceramide-blend studies tie to reduced transepidermal water loss and better barrier function in dry skin. This one's earned.
  • Unverifiable“MVE Delivery Technology gives long-lasting, 24-hour hydration”MVE is a proprietary multivesicular emulsion carrier, and the brand keeps the release-rate data behind that 24-hour figure to itself. No data, no way to check the timeframe against anything independent.
  • Unverifiable“Non-comedogenic, won't clog pores”No published comedogenicity testing exists for this specific formula. The ingredient list, petrolatum, dimethicone, cetyl alcohol, includes occlusives with comedogenicity ratings that swing depending on grade and concentration, and this label discloses neither.
  • Partial“Rich, fast-absorbing, non-greasy texture”This is a sensory claim, not a tested outcome. Petrolatum and dimethicone sit high on the ingredient list, and that combination usually reads richer and more occlusive than 'fast-absorbing' promises.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/cerave-moisturizing-cream. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle. Claims read from CeraVe's own product page for Moisturizing Cream.

betterNaturium Plant Ceramide Rich Moisture Cream34 ingredients · 15 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Moderatesodium hyaluronateA humectant that holds water at the surface.
  • EmergingtocopherolA fat-soluble vitamin E form added as an antioxidant, to protect oils in the formula and skin.
  • Functionalbutyrospermum parkii butterFat pressed from shea tree nuts, used as an emollient and thickener for texture and softening.
  • Functionalcaprylic/capric triglycerideA lightweight plant-derived oil that softens skin and carries other ingredients into a formula.
  • FunctionalphospholipidsLipid molecules, often lecithin-derived, used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
  • Functionalpalmitic acidA saturated fatty acid, naturally found in skin, used as an emollient and cleansing base.
  • FunctionalsqualaneA saturated plant- or sugarcane-derived oil used as an emollient to soften and smooth skin.
  • Functionalcitric acidNaturally derived alpha hydroxy acid used mainly to set and hold a formula's pH.
  • FunctionallecithinA phospholipid mixture from soy, sunflower, or egg that emulsifies and softens skin feel
  • Functionalcaprylyl glycolA short-chain diol that conditions skin, holds moisture, and helps preservative systems work.
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • Functionalpotassium sorbatePotassium salt of sorbic acid, used as a preservative to stop mold and yeast growth.
  • Functionalsodium citrateSodium salt of citric acid, used to adjust and buffer a formula's pH and bind trace metals.

Not in the library yet (19): oleic/linoleic/linolenic polyglycerides, ethylhexyl olivate, behenyl alcohol, c12-16 alcohols, hydrogenated olive oil decyl esters, isostearyl alcohol, c13-15 alkane, butylene glycol cocoate, crambe abyssinica seed oil, microcrystalline cellulose, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, oryza sativa bran extract, ethylcellulose, helianthus annuus extract, sphingolipids, caprylhydroxamic acid, sodium phytate, rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract.

The claims, checked

The barrier language leans on phospholipids and sphingolipids that are real, just undisclosed in amount, so call it directionally true rather than proven as worded. The hydration claim holds up better on glycerin and the emollient base than on the hyaluronic acid, which sits too far down the list to be doing much of anything. The weakest link is "clinically proven" firmness and wrinkles: the study behind it was never published, and the formula doesn't have a single ingredient with independent evidence for that effect. Not hot.

  • Partial“Helps restore and support skin's natural moisture barrier”Phospholipids and sphingolipids sit high enough on this ingredient list to matter, and plant lipid blends like the oleic, linoleic, and linolenic polyglycerides here do support barrier lipids. Fair enough. But the formula names no isolated ceramide, no NP, no EOP, no AP, with a disclosed concentration, so it's borrowing the mechanism from ceramide-blend studies without matching them ingredient for ingredient.
  • Partial“Immediate and all-day hydration”Glycerin sitting near the top of the list earns the immediate part, no complaints there. Sodium hyaluronate, though, sits near the very end with no disclosed percentage, so "all-day" is really riding on the emollient base, shea butter and squalane sealing water in, more than any measured hydration active.
  • Unverifiable“Clinically proven to improve skin firmness and the look of fine lines and wrinkles”Naturium points to an 8-week in-house study and then publishes none of it: no sample size, no methodology, no results. And the formula itself carries no retinoid, no peptide, nothing with published firming evidence. "Clinically proven" with nothing to check it against, on either side.
  • Unverifiable“Second skin technology mimics the stratum corneum for enhanced biocompatibility”"Second skin technology" is a proprietary name with no disclosed composition or ratio behind it. There's nothing on the ingredient list to check it against, because there's nothing to point to.
  • Partial“Relieves dry, dull skin”Shea butter and squalane are well-characterized emollients, genuinely good for dry skin. Dullness is another matter: nothing in this formula addresses it specifically, so that half of the claim has no ingredient standing behind it.

Brand evidence: Naturium 8-week in-house clinical study (unnamed, unpublished) (Used to back both the barrier and firmness claims, but with no published sample size or measurements, it cannot be matched to either claim's specific wording.)

List read from incidecoder.com/products/naturium-plant-ceramide-rich-moisture-cream. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle. Claims read from Naturium's own product page for Plant Ceramide Rich Moisture Cream.

bestDr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream63 ingredients · 24 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • StrongretinolThe reference topical for photoaging, a vitamin A derivative.
  • Moderatesodium hyaluronateA humectant that holds water at the surface.
  • ModerateadenosineA naturally occurring nucleoside used at low levels to target the look of fine lines
  • Moderatelactic acidAn alpha hydroxy acid that loosens the bonds between dead surface skin cells to exfoliate
  • EmergingtocopherolA fat-soluble vitamin E form added as an antioxidant, to protect oils in the formula and skin.
  • Functionalcetearyl alcoholA blend of cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohols that thickens and stabilizes creams and lotions.
  • Functionalbutyrospermum parkii butterFat pressed from shea tree nuts, used as an emollient and thickener for texture and softening.
  • FunctionaldimethiconeA silicone oil that coats skin, filling in texture and giving slip and a smooth after-feel
  • Functionalpropylene glycolA small humectant and solvent that helps water-based ingredients dissolve and stay put
  • Functionalcaprylic/capric triglycerideA lightweight plant-derived oil that softens skin and carries other ingredients into a formula.
  • Functionalcetyl alcoholA fatty alcohol from coconut or palm oil that thickens, emulsifies, and softens formulas.
  • FunctionalsqualaneA saturated plant- or sugarcane-derived oil used as an emollient to soften and smooth skin.
  • FunctionallecithinA phospholipid mixture from soy, sunflower, or egg that emulsifies and softens skin feel
  • Functionalsodium hyaluronate crosspolymerA crosslinked form of hyaluronic acid used to build gel texture and film on skin
  • Functionalpentylene glycolA synthetic diol that carries other ingredients, keeps water in the skin, and helps preserve the formula
  • FunctionalethylhexylglycerinGlycerin derivative used to boost preservative activity and improve product feel
  • Functionalbutylene glycolSmall humectant and solvent that carries other ingredients and helps products feel lighter
  • FunctionalmaltodextrinA starch-derived polysaccharide used as a film former, texture agent, and binder
  • Functionalcitric acidNaturally derived alpha hydroxy acid used mainly to set and hold a formula's pH.
  • Functionalsodium citrateSodium salt of citric acid, used to adjust and buffer a formula's pH and bind trace metals.
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • Functionalsodium benzoateSodium salt of benzoic acid, used as a preservative to control microbial growth in the formula.
  • Functionalpotassium sorbatePotassium salt of sorbic acid, used as a preservative to stop mold and yeast growth.

Not in the library yet (39): methyl glucose sesquistearate, diisostearyl malate, caprylyl caprylate/caprate, bakuchiol, ferulic acid, nephelium lappaceum leaf extract, oenothera biennis oil, ceramide ng, emblica officinalis fruit extract, silybum marianum extract, prunus amygdalus dulcis oil, jojoba esters, soy isoflavones, saccharide isomerate, hippophae rhamnoides fruit oil, centella asiatica extract, ursolic acid, camellia japonica seed oil, helianthus annuus seed oil, arnica montana flower extract, salix alba bark extract, pyrus malus fruit extract, hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, glycine soja oil, sodium acetylated hyaluronate, hydrolyzed soy protein, sodium stearoyl glutamate, tetrahydropiperine, polyglyceryl-4 oleate, ethylhexyl olivate, glyceryl stearate citrate, glyceryl caprylate, sodium acrylates copolymer, sodium phytate, ilomastat, citrus limon peel extract, citrus aurantium bergamia fruit extract, lavandula angustifolia flower/leaf/stem extract, benzyl alcohol.

The claims, checked

Retinol and bakuchiol pulling brighter skin and real collagen signaling? That part checks out. It's published science, not marketing fairy dust. What doesn't check out: the brand won't say what concentration is in the jar, so there's no telling if you're getting retinol-strength results or a homeopathic wink at retinol. That '24 hours of hydration, clinically backed' line and the two-week before-and-after claim both lean the same way: backed by their own in-house study, not outside research. Cute story. No receipts.

  • Partial“Delivers the proven results of retinol, a brighter and firmer complexion”Retinol is genuinely on the ingredient list, and the evidence behind it for fine lines and firmness is strong. What you don't get is a concentration, and retinol's whole effect size rides on dose.
  • Partial“Ferulic acid neutralizes free radicals and offsets retinol irritation”Ferulic acid is a recognized antioxidant, and yes, it stabilizes other actives in some formulas. But no concentration shows up here, and the specific claim that it calms this product's own retinol irritation has no cited study behind it.
  • Partial“Bakuchiol increases collagen and calms skin without triggering redness or dryness”Bakuchiol has real published work comparing it to retinol, similar collagen signaling, less irritation. But this formula won't say how much bakuchiol is in it, and here it sits alongside retinol instead of replacing it, which is not the use case those trials tested.
  • Unverifiable“24 hours of hydration, clinically backed”"Clinically backed" is the phrase, but there's no study named, no sample size, no measurement method behind it. As worded, there's simply nothing here to check.
  • Unsupported“Visible skin improvement after two weeks of daily use”This comes from a brand consumer-perception study, before-and-after photos included, not a controlled published trial. It doesn't carry the weight the wording is asking it to.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/dr-dennis-gross-advanced-retinol-ferulic-intense-wrinkle-cream-2. Claims read from Dr. Dennis Gross brand product page.

Barrier repair sensitive

goodLa Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer20 ingredients · 10 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • StrongniacinamideA well-tolerated multitasker: barrier lipids, tone, sebum.
  • Moderateceramide npA lab-made lipid matching the skin's own ceramides, used to help rebuild the moisture barrier
  • EmergingtocopherolA fat-soluble vitamin E form added as an antioxidant, to protect oils in the formula and skin.
  • FunctionaldimethiconeA silicone oil that coats skin, filling in texture and giving slip and a smooth after-feel
  • Functionalstearic acidA waxy fatty acid used as an emulsifier, thickener, and opacifying agent in creams.
  • Functionalsodium hydroxideAn alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust and hold a formula's pH
  • Functionalpalmitic acidA saturated fatty acid, naturally found in skin, used as an emollient and cleansing base.
  • Functionalcaprylyl glycolA short-chain diol that conditions skin, holds moisture, and helps preservative systems work.
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions

Not in the library yet (10): hydrogenated polyisobutene, ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, myristyl myristate, potassium cetyl phosphate, isobutane, glyceryl stearate se, myristic acid, capryloyl glycine, n-butyl alcohol, acrylonitrile/methyl methacrylate/vinylidene chloride copolymer.

The claims, checked

The barrier story here has real ingredients doing real work: ceramide NP and niacinamide both have published evidence behind them. La Roche-Posay just won't say how much of either is in the tube, so the label claim outruns what the formula alone can confirm. "Prebiotic" and "24-hour hydration" both sit on proprietary ground with no named study to check them against, so those stay unproven, not disproven. The fragrance-free claim, at least, holds up clean against the ingredient list.

  • Partial“Restores healthy-looking skin with ceramide-3 and niacinamide”Ceramide NP and niacinamide are both genuinely in the formula, and both have real barrier-support evidence behind them. Neither concentration makes it onto the label, though, and the ceramide evidence base mostly covers multi-ceramide blends tested against a vehicle, not ceramide NP flying solo.
  • Unverifiable“Unique prebiotic action on the skin microbiome”No disclosed prebiotic ingredient, no concentration, nothing in the published INCI list backs this up. It reads like a proprietary claim tied to La Roche-Posay's thermal spring water complex, and there's no named study to check it against.
  • Unverifiable“24-hour hydration”Glycerin and dimethicone genuinely support hydration and moisture retention, no issue there. That specific 24-hour number, though, is a proprietary in-house claim, and no named published study behind it turned up anywhere.
  • Supported“Fragrance and essential oil free, suitable for sensitive skin”The full INCI list carries no fragrance, no essential oil, none of the usual sensitizing botanicals. This one matches, exactly as worded.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/la-roche-posay-toleriane-double-repair-face-moisturizer-2. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle. Claims read from Claims read from incidecoder's product page copy for La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer (brand's own site returned a 403, so this is the closest reachable record of the label language). Retailer pages at Target and Ulta could not be reached or pointed to a mismatched product..

betterPaula's Choice Omega+ Complex Moisturizer53 ingredients · 19 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Moderateceramide apA lab-made ceramide that mimics the skin's own barrier lipids in a moisturizer.
  • Moderateceramide eopA lab-made lipid that mimics skin's own ceramides, used to reinforce the moisture barrier
  • Moderateceramide npA lab-made lipid matching the skin's own ceramides, used to help rebuild the moisture barrier
  • Moderatesodium hyaluronateA humectant that holds water at the surface.
  • ModerateadenosineA naturally occurring nucleoside used at low levels to target the look of fine lines
  • Functionalbutyrospermum parkii butterFat pressed from shea tree nuts, used as an emollient and thickener for texture and softening.
  • Functionalbutylene glycolSmall humectant and solvent that carries other ingredients and helps products feel lighter
  • Functionalglyceryl stearateA fatty acid ester of glycerin used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
  • FunctionalsqualaneA saturated plant- or sugarcane-derived oil used as an emollient to soften and smooth skin.
  • FunctionalcholesterolA naturally occurring lipid, added to restore and reinforce the skin's own barrier structure
  • FunctionalphytosphingosineA naturally derived sphingoid lipid used to support and mimic skin barrier structure.
  • FunctionallecithinA phospholipid mixture from soy, sunflower, or egg that emulsifies and softens skin feel
  • Functionalsodium pcaA salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, part of skin's natural moisturizing factor, used as a humectant.
  • FunctionalcarbomerA synthetic polymer that thickens water phases and holds gels and lotions together
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions
  • Functionalsodium lauroyl lactylateAnionic surfactant and emulsifier made from lactic acid and lauric acid, stabilizes formulas.
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • FunctionalethylhexylglycerinGlycerin derivative used to boost preservative activity and improve product feel

Not in the library yet (34): ceteareth-6 olivate, c13-15 alkane, polyglyceryl-4 laurate, decyl oleate, linum usitatissimum seed oil, salvia hispanica seed oil, olea europaea fruit oil, passiflora edulis seed oil, borago officinalis seed oil, hydrogenated olive oil, psidium guajava fruit extract, olea europaea oil unsaponifiables, limnanthes alba seed oil, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, oleic acid, euterpe oleracea sterols, serine, alanine, glycine, proline, lysine hcl, threonine, arginine, anastatica hierochuntica extract, sodium lactate, boerhavia diffusa root extract, phytic acid, glutamic acid, betaine, pullulan, pca, sodium polyacrylate starch, sclerotium gum.

The claims, checked

The fatty-acid and ceramide blend lines up with what barrier-repair research generally supports, sure, but Paula's Choice keeps the concentrations to itself, so there's no confirming this formula sits at the levels those studies used. "Fragrance and essential oil free" checks out clean against the ingredient list, no notes. The "antioxidant" and "restores glow" language leans on ingredients present in small, undisclosed amounts, so call it a fair description of what's in the jar, not a proven outcome.

  • Partial“Restores dehydrated skin's glow with omega fatty acids”This formula is loaded with omega-rich seed oils, flaxseed, chia, olive, passionfruit, borage, plus free linoleic, linolenic, and oleic acids. That does support lipid replenishment, genuinely. But not one omega concentration gets disclosed, so there's no dose to check the hydration strength against.
  • Partial“Blend of replenishing ceramides restores the skin barrier”Ceramide AP, EOP, and NP are all present alongside cholesterol and fatty acids, in a ratio that mimics the barrier itself, and published ceramide-blend studies do link that combination to reduced water loss. Those trials tested defined percentages, though, and this label discloses zero. The claim outruns what anyone can confirm for this exact formula.
  • Unverifiable“Antioxidant-rich formula”Guava fruit extract and euterpe oleracea (acai) sterols do carry some antioxidant activity. No concentration is listed, though, and no product-specific antioxidant testing gets cited, so "antioxidant-rich" has nothing to be checked against.
  • Supported“Fragrance and essential oil free, alcohol free, suited to sensitive skin”The INCI list has zero fragrance, zero essential oil, zero drying alcohol. This one just matches. Simple as that.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/paulas-choice-omega-complex-moisturizer. Claims read from Incidecoder retailer listing (brand page unreachable this session).

bestSkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:236 ingredients · 13 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • ModerateadenosineA naturally occurring nucleoside used at low levels to target the look of fine lines
  • Moderateceramide eopA lab-made lipid that mimics skin's own ceramides, used to reinforce the moisture barrier
  • EmergingtocopherolA fat-soluble vitamin E form added as an antioxidant, to protect oils in the formula and skin.
  • FunctionaldimethiconeA silicone oil that coats skin, filling in texture and giving slip and a smooth after-feel
  • FunctionalcholesterolA naturally occurring lipid, added to restore and reinforce the skin's own barrier structure
  • Functionalc12-15 alkyl benzoateA lightweight ester emollient that smooths texture and helps other ingredients spread evenly
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • FunctionalchlorphenesinA preservative and antimicrobial that keeps formulas free of bacteria and fungi.
  • Functionalcaprylyl glycolA short-chain diol that conditions skin, holds moisture, and helps preservative systems work.
  • Functionaltetrasodium edtaA chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working.
  • Functionalsodium citrateSodium salt of citric acid, used to adjust and buffer a formula's pH and bind trace metals.
  • FunctionallimoneneA citrus-derived terpene used as a fragrance ingredient and solvent in formulas

Not in the library yet (23): hydrogenated polyisobutene, ceramide 3, helianthus annuus seed oil unsaponifiables, bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane, sodium polyacrylate, peg-10 dimethicone, nylon-12, lauryl peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymer, disteardimonium hectorite, hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid, ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, peg/ppg-18/18 dimethicone, propylene carbonate, acrylonitrile/methyl methacrylate/vinylidene chloride copolymer, dipropylene glycol, lavandula angustifolia oil, rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil, t-butyl alcohol, mentha piperita oil, linalool, isobutane, bht.

The claims, checked

The formula really does contain all three barrier lipids it names: cholesterol, ceramide 3, ceramide EOP. Basic premise, holds. Where the label starts reaching is the specific "2:4:2" framing and those moisturization percentages, since the underlying study tested one ingredient by itself, not this finished cream. "Anti-aging" rides on adenosine, and its concentration here is nowhere published, so that part stays outside what anyone can check.

  • Partial“2% pure ceramides, 4% natural cholesterol, 2% fatty acids in a targeted barrier-repair ratio”Ceramide 3, ceramide EOP, and cholesterol are all genuinely present, matching the three lipid classes skin's own barrier uses. Good start. But the published barrier-lipid research behind this (Man et al., 1996) tests physiologic mixtures in general, not this specific 2:4:2 weighting, so whatever edge that exact ratio claims over any other ratio has not been independently established.
  • Partial“Increases skin moisturization by 48.6% after 1 hour and 34.2% after 24 hours”That number traces back to a study on sunflower seed oil unsaponifiables at 2% active. The ingredient itself, helianthus annuus seed oil unsaponifiables, is in the formula, sure, but at a concentration this label won't disclose. The stat describes one ingredient tested alone, not this finished cream.
  • Unverifiable“Anti-aging cream that restores skin's lipid barrier”Adenosine does appear on the list, and it has real anti-wrinkle evidence at disclosed leave-on concentrations, elsewhere. Here, no concentration gets published, so the anti-aging half of this claim can't be checked against the formula being sold.

Brand evidence: Sunflower seed oil unsaponifiables moisturization study (48.6%/34.2%, cited via ingredient database, no author or journal published) (The study tested the raw ingredient at 2% active in a standalone cream, not Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 itself, and this product's concentration of that ingredient is not disclosed.)

List read from incidecoder.com/products/skinceuticals-triple-lipid-restore-2-4-2. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle. Claims read from SkinCeuticals product description as compiled by an ingredient database (incidecoder); the brand's own product page returned an access error on fetch, so this reads as retailer/aggregator-level copy.

Broad spectrum sunscreen

goodLa Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 6032 ingredients · 15 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • EmergingtocopherolA fat-soluble vitamin E form added as an antioxidant, to protect oils in the formula and skin.
  • Mixedalcohol denatA solvent that makes formulas feel weightless and dry fast.
  • FunctionaldimethiconeA silicone oil that coats skin, filling in texture and giving slip and a smooth after-feel
  • Functionalglyceryl stearateA fatty acid ester of glycerin used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
  • Functionalpeg-100 stearateA waxy emulsifier that blends oil and water phases into a stable cream or lotion
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • Functionalpropylene glycolA small humectant and solvent that helps water-based ingredients dissolve and stay put
  • Functionalcaprylyl glycolA short-chain diol that conditions skin, holds moisture, and helps preservative systems work.
  • Functionalacrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerA synthetic polymer that thickens formulas and holds oil and water together
  • FunctionaltriethanolamineAn alkaline pH adjuster that also helps emulsify oil and water in a formula
  • Functionaltetrasodium edtaA chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working.
  • Functionalcaprylic/capric triglycerideA lightweight plant-derived oil that softens skin and carries other ingredients into a formula.
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions
  • FunctionalmaltodextrinA starch-derived polysaccharide used as a film former, texture agent, and binder

Not in the library yet (17): homosalate, ethylhexyl salicylate, octocrylene, styrene/acrylates copolymer, polymethylsilsesquioxane, butyloctyl salicylate, poly c10-30 alkyl acrylate, caprylyl methicone, trisiloxane, acrylates/dimethicone copolymer, diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate, potassium cetyl phosphate, peg-8 laurate, inulin lauryl carbamate, p-anisic acid, cassia alata leaf extract, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/la-roche-posay-anthelios-melt-in-milk-sunscreen-spf-60. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle.

betterEltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 4617 ingredients · 9 in the library
  • Strongzinc oxideThe broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen filter.
  • StrongniacinamideA well-tolerated multitasker: barrier lipids, tone, sebum.
  • Moderatelactic acidAn alpha hydroxy acid that loosens the bonds between dead surface skin cells to exfoliate
  • Moderatesodium hyaluronateA humectant that holds water at the surface.
  • FunctionalcyclopentasiloxaneA volatile silicone that spreads product evenly and leaves a silky, non-greasy finish
  • Functionalhydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA synthetic polymer that thickens water phases and stabilizes emulsions without added surfactant.
  • Functionalbutylene glycolSmall humectant and solvent that carries other ingredients and helps products feel lighter
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • Functionaltocopheryl acetateStable ester form of vitamin E, added as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent.

Not in the library yet (8): octinoxate, octyldodecyl neopentanoate, polyisobutene, triethoxycaprylylsilane, peg-7 trimethylolpropane coconut ether, oleth-3 phosphate, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, phosphoric acid.

The claims, checked

The sunscreen basics hold up. Zinc oxide backed by octinoxate is a real broad-spectrum pairing, and 5% niacinamide sits right in the range where the published trials show benefit. The acne-calming and "non-comedogenic" language is harder to check, since it rests on the whole formula and not one single ingredient, and the brand's 12-week clinical mention never names a study anyone can go look at. The "#1 dermatologist-recommended" line is a brand-survey result, not a performance one. That's a popularity contest, not proof the sunscreen works better than anything else on the shelf.

  • Supported“Broad-spectrum SPF 46 protection from UVA and UVB”Zinc oxide plus octinoxate is a standard broad-spectrum filter pairing, and zinc oxide's UVA/UVB coverage rates as strong evidence in its own right. This one's not up for debate.
  • Supported“5% niacinamide to reduce the look of blemishes and discoloration”5% is the stated concentration, and that sits right inside the 2% to 5% range where controlled trials show barrier and pigmentation benefits, per the site's niacinamide entry. Textbook.
  • Unverifiable“Non-comedogenic, oil-free formula that calms acne-prone skin”Non-comedogenic and calming claims depend on the full formula and real comedogenicity testing, not on any single INCI entry in isolation, and no such test data is published for this product. Nothing to point to either way.
  • Unverifiable“Clinical results show skin improvement after 12 weeks”The brand page references a 12-week clinical outcome and names exactly zero details about it, no study, no design, no population. Can't check a claim against a study you're not allowed to see.
  • Unsupported“#1 dermatologist-recommended professional sunscreen brand”This is a brand-recommendation survey result, not efficacy evidence, and it says exactly nothing about how well this specific product performs on your skin.

List read from eltamd.com/products/uv-clear-broad-spectrum-spf-46. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle. Claims read from EltaMD's own product page for UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46.

bestiS Clinical Extreme Protect SPF 4036 ingredients · 13 in the library
  • Strongzinc oxideThe broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen filter.
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • EmergingtocopherolA fat-soluble vitamin E form added as an antioxidant, to protect oils in the formula and skin.
  • Functionaltitanium dioxideA mineral pigment that scatters UV and visible light, used as a sunscreen filter and white opacifier
  • Functionalc12-15 alkyl benzoateA lightweight ester emollient that smooths texture and helps other ingredients spread evenly
  • Functionalcaprylic/capric triglycerideA lightweight plant-derived oil that softens skin and carries other ingredients into a formula.
  • Functionalpentylene glycolA synthetic diol that carries other ingredients, keeps water in the skin, and helps preserve the formula
  • FunctionalethylhexylglycerinGlycerin derivative used to boost preservative activity and improve product feel
  • Functionalbutylene glycolSmall humectant and solvent that carries other ingredients and helps products feel lighter
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions
  • Functionalpropylene glycolA small humectant and solvent that helps water-based ingredients dissolve and stay put
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • Functionaltetrasodium edtaA chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working.

Not in the library yet (23): sorbitan stearate, polyhydroxystearic acid, tribehenin, polyurethane-62, polyglyceryl-4 isostearate, hexyl laurate, cetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethicone, aluminum stearate, panthenyl triacetate, ethyl linoleate, asiaticoside, asiatic acid, madecassic acid, alumina, olea europaea leaf extract, sorbitol/sebacic acid copolymer behenate, magnesium aluminum silicate, trideceth-6, oleyl alcohol, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, isostearic acid, polyquaternium-7, iron oxides.

The claims, checked

The SPF 40 broad-spectrum claim checks out clean: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the only actives, and that combination has a long track record against both UVA and UVB. Past that, the label starts leaning on branded names like 'Extremozyme' and phrases like 'supports optimal skin health' that don't map to any disclosed ingredient or specific study, so those stay unverifiable, not confirmed and not denied. The tint claim is real, just only for the Beige and Bronze shades. Reach for the translucent version and iron oxide isn't even in the bottle.

  • Supported“All-physical broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, SPF 40”Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are both present as the sole active filters, and that pairing is well documented for broad UVA/UVB coverage. This claim just holds.
  • Unverifiable“Antioxidant-rich formula with 'Extremozyme technology' for environmental defense”Tocopherol and olea europaea leaf extract are real antioxidants, no dispute. "Extremozyme," though, is a proprietary named blend with no disclosed ingredients and no concentration, so whatever extra environmental-defense claim gets stacked on top of the antioxidants has nothing behind it to check.
  • Partial“Water-resistant formula”The page claims water resistance without giving a duration, no 40-minute, no 80-minute, none of the standard testing categories. Plausible for a mineral formula, sure, but the claim as worded promises more precision than anything on this label discloses.
  • Partial“Supports optimal skin health”Glycerin, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, and panthenyl triacetate are genuine humectant and soothing ingredients. "Optimal skin health" is a much bigger promise than any single one of them has published evidence for, at whatever concentrations are in here.
  • Partial“PerfecTint technology enhances natural skin tone”Iron oxides genuinely provide light tint and some visible-light protection, and per our own ingredient record they show up only in the Beige/Bronze shades. So the claim holds, but only for the tinted versions, not for anyone reaching for the translucent formula.

List read from isclinical.com/extreme-protect-spf40.html. Claims read from iS Clinical's own product page for Extreme Protect SPF 40.

Copper peptide serum

goodAsterwood Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu) Firming Serum5 ingredients · 4 in the library
  • Moderatesodium hyaluronateA humectant that holds water at the surface.
  • Emergingcopper tripeptide-1The copper-bound signal peptide the repair claims are about.
  • Functionalpentylene glycolA synthetic diol that carries other ingredients, keeps water in the skin, and helps preserve the formula
  • Functionalsodium hydroxideAn alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust and hold a formula's pH

Not in the library yet (1): phenylpropanol.

The claims, checked

The formula does contain copper tripeptide-1 at a disclosed 0.10%, so "stimulates collagen production" and "firms" aren't pulled from thin air. They're just riding evidence that's still "emerging," not settled. Sodium hyaluronate at 1.5% backs the hydration part on much firmer ground. "Visibly fewer fine lines and wrinkles" and the general "backed by clinical studies" line both run past what's published or cited for this product. Say less, prove more.

  • Partial“Stimulates collagen production”Copper tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) at 0.10% is the right ingredient for this claim, no dispute. But the wound-healing literature and small cosmetic trials only suggest collagen support. Head-to-head evidence at this exact concentration is thin.
  • Partial“Visibly firms and hydrates skin”Sodium hyaluronate at 1.5% has moderate evidence for surface hydration, that half is fine. The firming half rides on the same emerging GHK-Cu data instead of any trial of this formula.
  • Unsupported“Visibly fewer fine lines and wrinkles”No study gets cited for this product, period. And the GHK-Cu literature on record as "emerging" doesn't establish a visible wrinkle-reduction effect at 0.10% either. Two strikes.
  • Unverifiable“Backed by clinical studies”"Backed by clinical studies," and not one of them gets named for this specific serum. There's no real citation here to check it against, just the phrase.

List read from Asterwood product page (asterwood.co), read 2026-08-01. Claims read from Asterwood product page (asterwood.co/products/copper-peptides-serum), read 2026-08-01.

betterThe Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum48 ingredients · 18 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Moderatesodium hyaluronateA humectant that holds water at the surface.
  • ModerateallantoinA soothing, skin-conditioning agent that calms irritation and helps the surface hold moisture
  • Emergingcopper tripeptide-1The copper-bound signal peptide the repair claims are about.
  • Functionalsodium hyaluronate crosspolymerA crosslinked form of hyaluronic acid used to build gel texture and film on skin
  • Functionalsodium pcaA salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, part of skin's natural moisturizing factor, used as a humectant.
  • Functionalcitric acidNaturally derived alpha hydroxy acid used mainly to set and hold a formula's pH.
  • Functionalsodium hydroxideAn alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust and hold a formula's pH
  • Functionalbutylene glycolSmall humectant and solvent that carries other ingredients and helps products feel lighter
  • Functionalpentylene glycolA synthetic diol that carries other ingredients, keeps water in the skin, and helps preserve the formula
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions
  • FunctionalcarbomerA synthetic polymer that thickens water phases and holds gels and lotions together
  • Functionalpolysorbate 20An emulsifier and solubilizer that helps oil-soluble ingredients like fragrance and essential oils disperse evenly in water-based formulas
  • Functionalsodium benzoateSodium salt of benzoic acid, used as a preservative to control microbial growth in the formula.
  • Functionalcaprylyl glycolA short-chain diol that conditions skin, holds moisture, and helps preservative systems work.
  • FunctionalethylhexylglycerinGlycerin derivative used to boost preservative activity and improve product feel
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • FunctionalchlorphenesinA preservative and antimicrobial that keeps formulas free of bacteria and fungi.

Not in the library yet (30): lactococcus ferment lysate, acetyl hexapeptide-8, pentapeptide-18, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-38, dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate, acetylarginyltryptophyl diphenylglycine, glycine, alanine, serine, valine, isoleucine, proline, threonine, histidine, phenylalanine, arginine, aspartic acid, trehalose, fructose, glucose, maltose, urea, pca, sodium lactate, hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin, sodium chloride, acacia senegal gum, dimethyl isosorbide.

The claims, checked

The one ingredient this product is named for, GHK-Cu copper peptide, has real literature behind it for collagen and elasticity support, and it's disclosed right there at 1%. Credit where it's due. The other four peptides in the blend, Matrixyl 3000, Matrixyl synthe'6, SYN-AKE, and a SNAP-8-type peptide, all carry their own separate research, but the brand won't say how much of each made it into this bottle, so "improves the appearance of fine lines" is asking the whole formula to cover ground only the copper peptide's evidence reaches. "Targets signs of aging associated with environmental stressors" and that glow-and-healthy-skin line aren't tied to any specific ingredient or mechanism at all. Nothing to check them against, because there's nothing there.

  • Partial“Improves the appearance of fine lines”Copper tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) has decades of wound-healing literature behind it pointing toward collagen support. Fine. But the brand won't disclose concentrations for the other four peptides in the blend, Matrixyl 3000, Matrixyl synthe'6, SYN-AKE, and a SNAP-8-type dipeptide, so the combined fine-line claim outruns what any single ingredient's evidence covers.
  • Partial“Supports skin elasticity, smoothness, and firmness”GHK-Cu is the one ingredient here with published support for elasticity and firmness. Head-to-head data against retinoids is thin, though, and the claim gets worded for the whole five-peptide formula, not just the one ingredient the evidence covers.
  • Unverifiable“Targets signs of aging associated with environmental stressors”No ingredient in the INCI list, no vitamin C, no other antioxidant, is specifically tied to environmental-stressor defense. There's simply no mechanism here to check this claim against.
  • Unverifiable“Delivers radiant, healthier-looking skin”This is subjective, glow-adjacent cosmetic language with no measurable endpoint. No study design was ever going to confirm or contradict it.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/the-ordinary-buffet-copper-peptides-1. Claims read from The Ordinary's own product page for Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum.

bestNIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum 1%23 ingredients · 9 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Emergingcopper tripeptide-1The copper-bound signal peptide the repair claims are about.
  • Functionalsodium hyaluronate crosspolymerA crosslinked form of hyaluronic acid used to build gel texture and film on skin
  • Functionalpentylene glycolA synthetic diol that carries other ingredients, keeps water in the skin, and helps preserve the formula
  • FunctionalethylhexylglycerinGlycerin derivative used to boost preservative activity and improve product feel
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions
  • Functionalcaprylyl glycolA short-chain diol that conditions skin, holds moisture, and helps preservative systems work.
  • FunctionalchlorphenesinA preservative and antimicrobial that keeps formulas free of bacteria and fungi.
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.

Not in the library yet (14): dimethyl isosorbide, ethoxydiglycol, myristoyl nonapeptide-3, copper lysinate/prolinate, zinc palmitoyl nonapeptide-14, decapeptide-22, oligopeptide-78, palmitoyl decapeptide-21, methylglucoside phosphate, hydrolyzed wheat protein, ppg-26-buteth-26, peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, glyceryl caprylate, phenylpropanol.

The claims, checked

The serum does carry copper tripeptide-1, the ingredient this whole repair story is about, so the core premise isn't invented from nothing. But the label leans hard on two proprietary complexes, Neodermyl and Renaissance Peptide Complex, with a specific '38% more compactness' figure that has no independent study anywhere behind it. Even the copper tripeptide-1 claims lean firmer than the literature supports, and that literature gets called 'emerging,' not settled.

  • Unverifiable“Targets all signs of skin aging indirectly, forming a foundation for skin health”This is a positioning statement, not a testable mechanism or outcome. No study on earth was ever going to confirm or deny it, because there's nothing here to test.
  • Partial“Copper Tripeptide-1 stimulates collagen, improves elasticity, and reduces wrinkles”The formula genuinely does contain copper tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu), and the wound-healing literature does point toward collagen support. But our own evidence entry grades this 'emerging,' with thin head-to-head data, well short of the confident wording the label is using.
  • Unverifiable“Neodermyl Complex boosts collagen I and III and elastin production”Neodermyl is a named proprietary complex with no disclosed concentration in the INCI list we verified, so there's no published dosing to check this claim against. There rarely is, with names like that.
  • Unverifiable“Renaissance Peptide Complex increases skin compactness by 38% in 4 weeks”That 38% figure traces to an in-house instrumental test on a proprietary blend, not a named, independently published study. A number with nowhere outside the brand's own building to be checked.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/niod-copper-amino-isolate-serum-1-00. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle. Claims read from NIOD product page copy, as reflected in the incidecoder listing (retailer/aggregator page, brand page unreachable this session).

Daily body lotion

goodCeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion23 ingredients · 15 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Moderateceramide npA lab-made lipid matching the skin's own ceramides, used to help rebuild the moisture barrier
  • Moderateceramide apA lab-made ceramide that mimics the skin's own barrier lipids in a moisturizer.
  • Moderateceramide eopA lab-made lipid that mimics skin's own ceramides, used to reinforce the moisture barrier
  • Functionalcaprylic/capric triglycerideA lightweight plant-derived oil that softens skin and carries other ingredients into a formula.
  • Functionalcetearyl alcoholA blend of cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohols that thickens and stabilizes creams and lotions.
  • Functionalcetyl alcoholA fatty alcohol from coconut or palm oil that thickens, emulsifies, and softens formulas.
  • FunctionalcarbomerA synthetic polymer that thickens water phases and holds gels and lotions together
  • FunctionaldimethiconeA silicone oil that coats skin, filling in texture and giving slip and a smooth after-feel
  • Functionalsodium lauroyl lactylateAnionic surfactant and emulsifier made from lactic acid and lauric acid, stabilizes formulas.
  • FunctionalcholesterolA naturally occurring lipid, added to restore and reinforce the skin's own barrier structure
  • Functionaltetrasodium edtaA chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working.
  • FunctionalphytosphingosineA naturally derived sphingoid lipid used to support and mimic skin barrier structure.
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions
  • Functionalpolysorbate 20An emulsifier and solubilizer that helps oil-soluble ingredients like fragrance and essential oils disperse evenly in water-based formulas

Not in the library yet (8): potassium phosphate, ceteareth-20, behentrimonium methosulfate, methylparaben, dipotassium phosphate, propylparaben, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate.

The claims, checked

The ceramide barrier claim holds up. Three ceramides plus cholesterol is exactly the combination the published barrier-repair studies test, no substitutions. The 48-hour hydration figure and the MVE "controlled release" story are harder to check, since neither the concentration nor the release data is public, so both of those ride on the brand's word alone. The hyaluronic acid "plump texture" line is real, just temporary: surface water, not a lasting change to skin structure.

  • Supported“Contains three ceramides that help restore the skin's protective barrier”Ceramide NP, ceramide AP, and ceramide EOP are all genuinely in the formula alongside cholesterol, matching the exact blend the published barrier-repair studies test. This claim earns its keep.
  • Unverifiable“Provides 48-hour hydration”The label doesn't disclose ceramide or humectant concentrations anywhere, and this specific 48-hour figure rests on brand-run testing that can't be independently checked against the ingredient list.
  • Unverifiable“MVE technology gives controlled release and all-day hydration”MVE is a proprietary delivery system, not an INCI ingredient, so its release behavior can't be checked against the disclosed formula or any independent published evidence. It's a name, not a number.
  • Partial“Hyaluronic acid helps give skin a smooth, plump texture”Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is a humectant that measurably improves surface hydration, genuinely. That plumping is water sitting at the surface, though, not a structural change, and it fades the moment you stop applying it.
  • Supported“Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, suitable for sensitive skin”The formula carries no added fragrance and none of the common comedogenic oils, which lines up with the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance this product holds.

Brand evidence: National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance (This seal reviews formulas for fragrance and known irritants for eczema-prone skin, which lines up with the sensitive-skin claim it's cited for.)

List read from www.cerave.com/skincare/moisturizers/daily-moisturizing-lotion. Claims read from CeraVe's own product page for Daily Moisturizing Lotion.

betterNecessaire The Body Lotion29 ingredients · 10 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • StrongniacinamideA well-tolerated multitasker: barrier lipids, tone, sebum.
  • EmergingtocopherolA fat-soluble vitamin E form added as an antioxidant, to protect oils in the formula and skin.
  • Functionalcaprylic/capric triglycerideA lightweight plant-derived oil that softens skin and carries other ingredients into a formula.
  • Functionalcetearyl alcoholA blend of cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohols that thickens and stabilizes creams and lotions.
  • Functionalglyceryl stearateA fatty acid ester of glycerin used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
  • FunctionalpropanediolA plant-derived or petro-derived diol used as a solvent, humectant, and penetration enhancer.
  • Functionalcaprylyl glycolA short-chain diol that conditions skin, holds moisture, and helps preservative systems work.
  • Functionalpalmitic acidA saturated fatty acid, naturally found in skin, used as an emollient and cleansing base.
  • Functionalstearic acidA waxy fatty acid used as an emulsifier, thickener, and opacifying agent in creams.

Not in the library yet (19): dicaprylyl carbonate, shea butter glycerides, simmondsia chinensis seed oil, cetearyl olivate, sorbitan olivate, palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminobutyroyl hydroxythreonine, palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminohydroxybutyrate, palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, sclerocarya birrea seed oil, caryodendron orinocense seed oil, limnanthes alba seed oil, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, caprylhydroxamic acid, t-butyl alcohol, oleic acid.

The claims, checked

The 2.5% niacinamide is disclosed at a concentration published research tested, so the strengthening claim tied to it holds up clean. The peptide complex is where the label starts outrunning what anyone can check: Necessaire calls it a "micro-dose" and never says how much, so there's no comparing it to the peptide studies that exist. The 48-hour moisture claim rests on a small brand-run panel measuring how skin felt, not an independent instrumental test, and that eczema association seal is about tolerability testing, not proof the lotion moisturizes or firms anything.

  • Partial“Moisturizes skin for 48 hours”The formula leans on humectants and occlusives, glycerin, shea butter glycerides, jojoba seed oil, that plausibly hold moisture, no argument there. That 48-hour figure comes from the brand's own small in-house panel, though, not an independent published trial.
  • Supported“2.5% niacinamide strengthens and firms skin”2.5% sits right inside the range used in published niacinamide trials showing barrier and texture benefits, and it's disclosed on the label. This one just checks out.
  • Unverifiable“Peptide complex firms and strengthens skin”The five peptides here, palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, and others, get described as a "micro-dose." Necessaire never says how micro. No concentration, no way to check it against the levels the published peptide studies used.
  • Supported“National Eczema Association Seal of Approval”The seal reflects a defined safety and tolerability testing protocol the association runs, and that matches exactly what the seal is meant to certify. It speaks to tolerability. It says nothing about whether the lotion moisturizes or firms.

Brand evidence: In-house panel study, 50 panelists, 2 weeks, third-party verified clinic, Q4 2021 (The panel recorded self-reported perception (percent of people who said skin felt moisturized, healthy, strengthened), not an instrumental measurement of moisture over 48 hours, so it backs the general feel claims better than the specific 48-hour figure.)

List read from www.necessaire.com/products/the-body-lotion. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle. Claims read from Necessaire product page (necessaire.com/products/the-body-lotion).

bestAugustinus Bader The Body Cream39 ingredients · 19 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • StrongniacinamideA well-tolerated multitasker: barrier lipids, tone, sebum.
  • Moderatecamellia sinensis leaf extractA green tea leaf extract added as a polyphenol-rich antioxidant to protect skin from oxidative stress.
  • Moderateceramide npA lab-made lipid matching the skin's own ceramides, used to help rebuild the moisture barrier
  • EmergingbisabololA chamomile-derived terpene alcohol added to calm and soothe irritated skin.
  • EmergingtocopherolA fat-soluble vitamin E form added as an antioxidant, to protect oils in the formula and skin.
  • Functionalglyceryl stearateA fatty acid ester of glycerin used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
  • Functionalcitric acidNaturally derived alpha hydroxy acid used mainly to set and hold a formula's pH.
  • FunctionalchlorphenesinA preservative and antimicrobial that keeps formulas free of bacteria and fungi.
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions
  • Functionalsodium benzoateSodium salt of benzoic acid, used as a preservative to control microbial growth in the formula.
  • Functionaltocopheryl acetateStable ester form of vitamin E, added as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent.
  • Functionalcaprylic/capric triglycerideA lightweight plant-derived oil that softens skin and carries other ingredients into a formula.
  • FunctionalmaltodextrinA starch-derived polysaccharide used as a film former, texture agent, and binder
  • Functionalsodium hydroxideAn alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust and hold a formula's pH
  • Functionalpentylene glycolA synthetic diol that carries other ingredients, keeps water in the skin, and helps preserve the formula
  • FunctionalsqualaneA saturated plant- or sugarcane-derived oil used as an emollient to soften and smooth skin.
  • FunctionalphospholipidsLipid molecules, often lecithin-derived, used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
  • Functionalpotassium sorbatePotassium salt of sorbic acid, used as a preservative to stop mold and yeast growth.

Not in the library yet (20): butyrospermum parkii shea butter, behenyl alcohol, dicaprylyl ether, lauryl laurate, myristyl myristate, polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, sodium stearoyl glutamate, xylitylglucoside, anhydroxylitol, xylitol, helianthus annuus sunflower seed oil, glucose, hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine, hydrolyzed rice protein, alanyl glutamine, arginine, brassica alba oil, oligopeptide-177, phenylalanine, sodium chloride.

The claims, checked

The moisturizing base here is solid. Shea butter, glycerin, squalane, and ceramide NP are well-established for softening and hydrating skin, full stop. The firming, toning, and cellulite claims lean on TFC8 and oligopeptide-177, both proprietary, both undisclosed in concentration, so "clinically proven" can't be checked against a single published thing. Niacinamide is in there too, and its usual evidence sits at 2 to 5 percent, but this label won't say where this formula lands.

  • Partial“Proven to intensely hydrate”Shea butter, glycerin, squalane, and ceramide NP genuinely form a real emollient and humectant base, and that supports hydration. "Proven," though, is doing a lot of lifting for the brand's own unpublished testing, not an independent study of this formula.
  • Unverifiable“Firms, tones, and smooths skin”The formula's only real skin-remodeling candidate is oligopeptide-177, buried inside the proprietary TFC8 complex, no disclosed concentration, no ingredient monograph anywhere to check it against.
  • Unsupported“Reduces the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks”Not one ingredient on this list, niacinamide, bisabolol, squalane, ceramide NP, has published evidence tied to cellulite or stretch marks. And the formula discloses no concentration for anything that might plausibly act there anyway.
  • Unverifiable“Powered by TFC8, the brand's Trigger Factor Complex”TFC8 is a proprietary blend with an undisclosed formula and an undisclosed concentration. Its contribution to anything on this label stays uncheckable against published evidence, because the brand made sure of that.

Brand evidence: No specific named study was reachable for The Body Cream (The brand's marketing references being clinically proven without naming a study we could locate or verify, so we cannot confirm the trial's design matches the claims it is used to support.)

List read from incidecoder.com/products/augustinus-bader-the-body-cream-3. Claims read from Retailer/ingredient-database listing (incidecoder product page); the brand's own site was unreachable.

Exfoliating loofah

betterFirst Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub 10% AHA30 ingredients · 16 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Moderatelactic acidAn alpha hydroxy acid that loosens the bonds between dead surface skin cells to exfoliate
  • Moderatecamellia sinensis leaf extractA green tea leaf extract added as a polyphenol-rich antioxidant to protect skin from oxidative stress.
  • EmergingtocopherolA fat-soluble vitamin E form added as an antioxidant, to protect oils in the formula and skin.
  • EmergingbisabololA chamomile-derived terpene alcohol added to calm and soothe irritated skin.
  • FunctionaldimethiconeA silicone oil that coats skin, filling in texture and giving slip and a smooth after-feel
  • Functionalstearic acidA waxy fatty acid used as an emulsifier, thickener, and opacifying agent in creams.
  • Functionalcetearyl alcoholA blend of cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohols that thickens and stabilizes creams and lotions.
  • Functionalsodium hydroxideAn alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust and hold a formula's pH
  • Functionalpalmitic acidA saturated fatty acid, naturally found in skin, used as an emollient and cleansing base.
  • Functionalc12-15 alkyl benzoateA lightweight ester emollient that smooths texture and helps other ingredients spread evenly
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • Functionalpotassium sorbatePotassium salt of sorbic acid, used as a preservative to stop mold and yeast growth.
  • Functionalsodium benzoateSodium salt of benzoic acid, used as a preservative to control microbial growth in the formula.
  • Functionaltetrasodium edtaA chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working.

Not in the library yet (14): pumice, glycolic acid, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sorbitol, colloidal oatmeal, chrysanthemum parthenium extract, glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, salix nigra bark extract, hydrogenated coconut acid, steareth-20, steareth-21, myristic acid, sodium isethionate, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate.

The claims, checked

The scrub pairs a 10% glycolic/lactic AHA blend with pumice, and that's a reasonable exfoliation combo on paper, lactic acid has real trial support for smoothing skin over weeks. The "92%" and "95%" numbers are the brand's own 10-day test of 38 people describing how their skin felt, not an independent or instrumented measurement, and nobody publishes what slice of that 10% is glycolic acid. "After just one use" is a bigger promise than the brand's own study measured and bigger than the lactic acid research supports, both track improvement over weeks, not a single scrub in the shower.

  • Partial“Reveals softer, smoother skin after just one use”Pumice plus a 10% glycolic/lactic AHA blend can absolutely smooth skin in one session, mechanically and chemically both. But the brand's own data is a 10-day test, not a single use, and the lactic acid evidence on file tracks gains building over 4 to 12 weeks. One use isn't the story anybody measured.
  • Partial“Designed to help reduce the appearance of keratosis pilaris”AHA exfoliation is a standard move against KP, and lactic acid has real trial support behind the smoothing. But neither the ingredient library nor the cited study is KP-specific, and nobody says what slice of that 10% blend is glycolic acid versus lactic.
  • Partial“92% of panelists with KP reported skin felt exceptionally smooth (10-day test)”This is the brand's own study, and yes, it backs the wording on the label. But it's 38 people, self-reported feel, no control group. That's a nice number, not exactly a landslide.
  • Partial“95% reported it got rid of dry, flaky skin”Same 38-person, 10-day self-report study as above. A real result for that particular panel, sure, but too small and too short to promise the same thing for everybody else.

Brand evidence: First Aid Beauty 10-day consumer perception test, 38 participants with KP (The study measures self-reported feel over 10 days of repeat use, which supports the 92%/95% panel statistics themselves but not the separate claim that results show after a single use.)

List read from incidecoder.com/products/first-aid-beauty-mini-kp-bump-eraser-body-scrub-with-10-aha. Claims read from First Aid Beauty product page (firstaidbeauty.com).

Foot heel cream

goodO'Keeffe's Healthy Feet Foot Cream12 ingredients · 4 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • ModerateallantoinA soothing, skin-conditioning agent that calms irritation and helps the surface hold moisture
  • Functionalstearic acidA waxy fatty acid used as an emulsifier, thickener, and opacifying agent in creams.
  • Functionalsodium hydroxideAn alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust and hold a formula's pH

Not in the library yet (8): paraffin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, octyldodecyl stearate, diazolidinyl urea, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, acrylates/acrylamide copolymer, mineral oil, polysorbate 85.

The claims, checked

The moisture claims hold up, girl: glycerin pulls water in and the paraffin-mineral oil-stearic acid base locks it there, textbook occlusive-humectant chemistry, no notes. "Heals" and "repairs" cracked feet reach further than the ingredient list can carry, since there's no urea or acid exfoliant in here, the actives usually behind published cracked-heel results. The "few days" timeline rests on the brand's own before-and-after photos over two weeks, and a photo album is not a study reviewed by anybody outside the company.

  • Partial“Heals, relieves, and repairs extremely dry, cracked feet”Glycerin, paraffin, mineral oil, and stearic acid, that's a humectant-plus-occlusive combo that softens and seals, no argument. But there's no urea, no salicylic acid, no lactic acid, the exfoliating actives most published cracked-heel studies use. Allantoin's in there for mild soothing at an undisclosed amount, which gets you relief, not a repaired fissure.
  • Supported“Immediately increases the moisture content of your skin”Glycerin pulls water into skin on contact, full stop, it's one of the most studied humectants there is. The evidence backs this as a fast, measurable hydration effect. Supported, no notes.
  • Supported“Creates a protective layer that locks in moisture”Paraffin, mineral oil, and stearic acid are the classic occlusive trio, with a long record of cutting water loss through skin. This is textbook emollient mechanics, not a new trick anybody invented for this jar.
  • Unverifiable“Most people see improvement within a few days of regular use”The brand backs this up with before-and-after photos from a two-week home-use stretch, not a controlled or published trial. Photos aren't data, so the "few days" timeline stays unchecked against anything independent.

Brand evidence: O'Keeffe's before-and-after photo set, two-week home-use period, cream applied once daily and as needed (This is a company photo comparison, not a controlled or peer-reviewed study, so it cannot carry the weight of a clinical claim even though it is offered alongside one.)

List read from incidecoder.com/products/okeeffes-healthy-feet-foot-cream. Claims read from O'Keeffe's brand product page (okeeffescompany.com).

betterEucerin Advanced Repair Foot Cream26 ingredients · 10 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Moderateceramide npA lab-made lipid matching the skin's own ceramides, used to help rebuild the moisture barrier
  • Moderatelactic acidAn alpha hydroxy acid that loosens the bonds between dead surface skin cells to exfoliate
  • Functionalcetearyl alcoholA blend of cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohols that thickens and stabilizes creams and lotions.
  • Functionalglyceryl stearateA fatty acid ester of glycerin used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
  • Functionalsodium pcaA salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, part of skin's natural moisturizing factor, used as a humectant.
  • FunctionalcholesterolA naturally occurring lipid, added to restore and reinforce the skin's own barrier structure
  • FunctionaldimethiconeA silicone oil that coats skin, filling in texture and giving slip and a smooth after-feel
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • FunctionalcarbomerA synthetic polymer that thickens water phases and holds gels and lotions together

Not in the library yet (16): urea, caprylic-capric-triglyceride, octyldodecanol, hydrogenated coco-glycerides, ethylhexyl cocoate, sodium lactate, glyceryl stearate se, distarch phosphate, arginine hcl, glycine, alanine, carnitine, helianthus annuus seed oil, sorbitan stearate, sodium cetearyl sulfate, sodium chloride.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/eucerin-advanced-repair-foot-cream-2.

bestGehwol Med Lipidro Cream27 ingredients · 10 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • ModerateallantoinA soothing, skin-conditioning agent that calms irritation and helps the surface hold moisture
  • Functionalglyceryl stearateA fatty acid ester of glycerin used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
  • Functionalcetyl alcoholA fatty alcohol from coconut or palm oil that thickens, emulsifies, and softens formulas.
  • FunctionalchlorphenesinA preservative and antimicrobial that keeps formulas free of bacteria and fungi.
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • Functionalcaprylyl glycolA short-chain diol that conditions skin, holds moisture, and helps preservative systems work.
  • Functionalpropylene glycolA small humectant and solvent that helps water-based ingredients dissolve and stay put
  • Functionalcitric acidNaturally derived alpha hydroxy acid used mainly to set and hold a formula's pH.

Not in the library yet (17): urea, persea gratissima oil, polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, isopropyl palmitate, octyldodecanol, ppg-3 benzyl ether myristate, myristyl myristate, triethyl citrate, hydrolyzed algin, chlorella vulgaris extract, maris aqua, farnesol, hippophae rhamnoides extract, methylparaben, ethylparaben, bht, ascorbyl palmitate.

The claims, checked

The urea-for-dry-feet claim rests on real chemistry, girl. Urea draws in moisture and softens skin, that's not up for debate. What's missing is the number: no disclosed percentage means no way to tell if this cream is a light moisturizing dose or something stronger. "Prevents calluses" leans on that same missing number, so call it a hope, not a checked promise.

  • Partial“Intensive care for dry skin on the feet with urea”Urea really is a humectant and a mild keratolytic at cosmetic strength, no argument there. But this listing won't say what percentage is in the jar, so "intensive" is a word doing a lot of unverified lifting.
  • Unverifiable“Prevents calluses”Urea only softens calluses at higher percentages, 10 percent or more is where that effect shows up. And this product? No concentration disclosed anywhere. So "prevents calluses" is a promise with the receipts missing.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/gehwol-med-lipidro-cream. Claims read from retailer ingredient listing (incidecoder); the brand's own product page returned a 404 and could not be reached.

Gentle gel cleanser

goodLa Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser14 ingredients · 8 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • StrongniacinamideA well-tolerated multitasker: barrier lipids, tone, sebum.
  • Moderateceramide npA lab-made lipid matching the skin's own ceramides, used to help rebuild the moisture barrier
  • Functionalpropylene glycolA small humectant and solvent that helps water-based ingredients dissolve and stay put
  • Functionalsodium hydroxideAn alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust and hold a formula's pH
  • Functionaltetrasodium edtaA chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working.
  • Functionalcaprylyl glycolA short-chain diol that conditions skin, holds moisture, and helps preservative systems work.
  • Functionalcitric acidNaturally derived alpha hydroxy acid used mainly to set and hold a formula's pH.

Not in the library yet (6): coco-betaine, sodium cocoyl glycinate, peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate, sodium chloride, capryloyl glycine, acrylates copolymer.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/la-roche-posay-toleriane-purifying-foaming-cleanser. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle.

betterDermalogica Special Cleansing Gel24 ingredients · 8 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Functionalbutylene glycolSmall humectant and solvent that carries other ingredients and helps products feel lighter
  • Functionalcaprylyl glycolA short-chain diol that conditions skin, holds moisture, and helps preservative systems work.
  • FunctionalpropanediolA plant-derived or petro-derived diol used as a solvent, humectant, and penetration enhancer.
  • Functionalcitric acidNaturally derived alpha hydroxy acid used mainly to set and hold a formula's pH.
  • Functionaltetrasodium edtaA chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working.
  • Functionalsodium hydroxideAn alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust and hold a formula's pH
  • Functionalsodium benzoateSodium salt of benzoic acid, used as a preservative to control microbial growth in the formula.

Not in the library yet (16): sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, hydroxyethylcellulose, lavandula angustifolia oil, quillaja saponaria bark extract, citrus limon peel oil, melissa officinalis leaf extract, citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, cymbopogon nardus oil, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium cocoamphoacetate, hydroxyacetophenone, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, 12-hexanediol, o-cymen-5-ol, ppg-5-ceteth-20.

The claims, checked

The core formula backs up a basic cleansing job, girl: it foams, it lifts oil, and the milder cosurfactants take some of the edge off that sulfate-type lead ingredient. "Without stripping or drying" outruns what's on the label, and the citrus and citronella oils work directly against the "mild enough for every day" promise if you're prone to fragrance sensitivity. The soothing botanicals are real ingredients sitting at undisclosed amounts, not a tested claim you can hang your hat on.

  • Partial“Washes away impurities without stripping or drying”The lead surfactant here is sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, an anionic sulfate-type cleanser that can strip lipids all on its own. The milder co-surfactants riding along with it, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium cocoamphoacetate, soften that but don't erase it, and nobody's published data on this exact blend.
  • Unverifiable“Calming agents help soothe and purify skin”Lavender, melissa, and quillaja bark extract are sitting low on the ingredient list with no disclosed concentration in sight. So whatever soothing they're doing here can't be checked against any published dose-response evidence. Low on the list, low on proof.
  • Partial“Lightweight and mild enough to use every day”This formula is also carrying three essential oils, lemon, bergamot, citronella, plus o-cymen-5-ol, ingredients with a real track record for sensitization and photosensitivity in some users. "Mild enough for every day" holds for average skin. It does not hold for everybody.
  • Unverifiable“Suitable for normal, combination, and oily skin types”No skin-type-specific testing shows up anywhere on the brand page, and an ingredient list by itself can't confirm how this performs across normal, combination, or oily skin. That's a claim resting on nothing but confidence.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/dermalogica-special-cleansing-gel-4. Claims read from Dermalogica's own product page for Special Cleansing Gel.

bestSkinCeuticals Simply Clean Gel Cleanser17 ingredients · 8 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Functionalpentylene glycolA synthetic diol that carries other ingredients, keeps water in the skin, and helps preserve the formula
  • Functionalpropylene glycolA small humectant and solvent that helps water-based ingredients dissolve and stay put
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • Functionalsodium hydroxideAn alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust and hold a formula's pH
  • Functionaltetrasodium edtaA chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working.
  • FunctionallimoneneA citrus-derived terpene used as a fragrance ingredient and solvent in formulas
  • Functionalcitric acidNaturally derived alpha hydroxy acid used mainly to set and hold a formula's pH.

Not in the library yet (9): sodium cocoyl glycinate, coco-betaine, acrylates copolymer, sodium chloride, hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid, citrus aurantium dulcis oil, orange peel oil, aloe barbadensis leaf extract, chamomilla recutita extract.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/skinceuticals-simply-clean-gel.

Hyaluronic hydrator

goodThe Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B522 ingredients · 15 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Moderatesodium hyaluronateA humectant that holds water at the surface.
  • ModeratepanthenolAlcohol form of vitamin B5, used as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent.
  • EmergingtocopherolA fat-soluble vitamin E form added as an antioxidant, to protect oils in the formula and skin.
  • FunctionalpropanediolA plant-derived or petro-derived diol used as a solvent, humectant, and penetration enhancer.
  • Functionalpentylene glycolA synthetic diol that carries other ingredients, keeps water in the skin, and helps preserve the formula
  • Functionalsodium hyaluronate crosspolymerA crosslinked form of hyaluronic acid used to build gel texture and film on skin
  • FunctionallecithinA phospholipid mixture from soy, sunflower, or egg that emulsifies and softens skin feel
  • Functionalpolysorbate 20An emulsifier and solubilizer that helps oil-soluble ingredients like fragrance and essential oils disperse evenly in water-based formulas
  • Functionalcitric acidNaturally derived alpha hydroxy acid used mainly to set and hold a formula's pH.
  • Functionalsodium citrateSodium salt of citric acid, used to adjust and buffer a formula's pH and bind trace metals.
  • Functionalcaprylyl glycolA short-chain diol that conditions skin, holds moisture, and helps preservative systems work.
  • FunctionalethylhexylglycerinGlycerin derivative used to boost preservative activity and improve product feel
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • FunctionalchlorphenesinA preservative and antimicrobial that keeps formulas free of bacteria and fungi.

Not in the library yet (7): hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, sphingolipids, ahnfeltiopsis concinna extract, p-anisic acid, trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, ethoxydiglycol, hexylene glycol.

The claims, checked

The hyaluronic acid layering here is real, girl, three different molecular weights sit right there in the ingredient list, and that backs the multi-depth hydration story. "Plumps, Smooths" holds for the immediate humectant effect, but the label never breaks out how much of that 2% is which form, so the smoothing part reaches past what's disclosed. The B5 barrier claim leans on a mechanism that's genuinely documented elsewhere, just not at a stated concentration in this particular bottle. And there's no study to hold up here either way, because nothing confirms the brand publishes one for this exact serum in what we could reach.

  • Supported“Multiple forms and molecular weights of hyaluronic acid give multi-depth hydration”The formula lists sodium hyaluronate, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, and sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, three genuinely distinct molecular weights, and hyaluronic acid's humectant effect at the surface and mid-depth is about as well established as skincare science gets. Supported.
  • Partial“Plumps, Smooths”Immediate plumping from a hyaluronic acid and glycerin humectant film, well documented, no fight there. But that 2% figure covers several HA forms lumped together, not one, so a lasting smoothing effect at this exact split isn't something anybody's separately proven.
  • Partial“Vitamin B5 (panthenol) supports the skin's moisture barrier”Panthenol's barrier-repair evidence holds at roughly 1 to 5 percent, that's a real range with real research behind it. This product just won't say where its panthenol lands, so the claim rests on a dose nobody can confirm.
  • Unverifiable“Lightweight, non-sticky formula suited to all skin types”This is a sensory and tolerability claim, plain and simple, and there's no published comparative data behind it anywhere we could reach. You'll have to touch it yourself to know.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/the-ordinary-hyaluronic-acid-2-b5-hydrating-serum-2024-reformulation. Claims read from The Ordinary's site search listing for this product and its sibling formulation page; the direct product URL redirected to an unrelated listing, and the Sephora listing returned a blocked response.

betterThe INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum12 ingredients · 7 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Moderatesodium hyaluronateA humectant that holds water at the surface.
  • FunctionalpropanediolA plant-derived or petro-derived diol used as a solvent, humectant, and penetration enhancer.
  • Functionalbutylene glycolSmall humectant and solvent that carries other ingredients and helps products feel lighter
  • FunctionalcarbomerA synthetic polymer that thickens water phases and holds gels and lotions together
  • Functionalpolysorbate 20An emulsifier and solubilizer that helps oil-soluble ingredients like fragrance and essential oils disperse evenly in water-based formulas
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.

Not in the library yet (4): ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1.

The claims, checked

The hydration story here holds up, girl: sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid at a stated 2% multi-molecular blend are well-evidenced humectants, and the evidence library backs that part directly, no debate. "Firms" and "clinically proven" lean on a small, self-reported consumer study instead of instrumented measurement, so it reads as how skin felt to 22 people, not a measured mechanical change. The Matrixyl 3000 peptides are really in the formula. With no disclosed concentration, though, there's nothing to check the fine-line claim against.

  • Partial“Instantly hydrates, plumps & firms skin”Sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid are proven humectants, they hydrate, they visually plump, no argument. But that plumping is bound water sitting in your skin, not structural firming, and nothing else in this formula has published evidence for firming on its own.
  • Supported“2% Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid for hydration at multiple depths”The ingredient list shows both sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid, which lines up with a genuine multi-weight blend, and the evidence on hyaluronic acid backs reliable hydration improvement at typical serum concentrations. Supported, receipts included.
  • Partial“82% agreed skin felt firmer, smoother and more elastic after 4 weeks”This is a self-reported result from a small, 22-person consumer-use study, not an instrument measuring firmness or elasticity. It tells you how skin felt to 22 people. It does not tell you skin got more elastic.
  • Unverifiable“Contains Matrixyl 3000 Peptide that targets fine lines and supports firmer-looking skin”The ingredient list does confirm palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 and palmitoyl tripeptide-1, the peptides sold under the Matrixyl 3000 name, they're really in there. But the brand won't disclose their concentration in this serum, and there's no entry for these peptides in the evidence library to check the fine-line claim against.
  • Partial“Contributes to improved skin barrier by reducing water loss”Glycerin and the humectant base can plausibly cut water loss short-term, that's a believable mechanism. But the cited consumer study measured perception, not instrumented water loss, so the barrier claim is reaching past what anybody measured.

Brand evidence: INKEY List independent consumer-use study, n=22, 4 weeks (Self-reported agreement scores on feel and appearance, not an instrumented or dermatologist-graded measurement, so it backs a perception claim but not a firmness or barrier-repair claim as worded.)

List read from incidecoder.com/products/the-inkey-list-hyaluronic-acid-serum. Claims read from The INKEY List product page (theinkeylist.com).

bestSkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier31 ingredients · 15 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Moderatesodium hyaluronateA humectant that holds water at the surface.
  • ModerateadenosineA naturally occurring nucleoside used at low levels to target the look of fine lines
  • EmergingtocopherolA fat-soluble vitamin E form added as an antioxidant, to protect oils in the formula and skin.
  • Mixedalcohol denatA solvent that makes formulas feel weightless and dry fast.
  • FunctionaldimethiconeA silicone oil that coats skin, filling in texture and giving slip and a smooth after-feel
  • Functionalpropylene glycolA small humectant and solvent that helps water-based ingredients dissolve and stay put
  • Functionalsodium hydroxideAn alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust and hold a formula's pH
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • Functionalcaprylyl glycolA short-chain diol that conditions skin, holds moisture, and helps preservative systems work.
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions
  • Functionalacrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerA synthetic polymer that thickens formulas and holds oil and water together
  • Functionalcaprylic/capric triglycerideA lightweight plant-derived oil that softens skin and carries other ingredients into a formula.
  • Functionalpentylene glycolA synthetic diol that carries other ingredients, keeps water in the skin, and helps preserve the formula
  • FunctionallimoneneA citrus-derived terpene used as a fragrance ingredient and solvent in formulas

Not in the library yet (16): hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriol, polyglyceryl-4 caprate, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, lactobacillus/soybean ferment extract, polysilicone-11, capryloyl salicylic acid, octyldodecanol, bis-peg/ppg-16/16 peg/ppg-16/16 dimethicone, ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, peg-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate, trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, sodium acetylated hyaluronate, dextrin, oryza sativa extract, citrus nobilis peel oil, pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate.

List read from www.skinceuticals.com/hyaluronic-acid-intensifier.

Hydrating cream cleanser

goodCeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser23 ingredients · 18 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Moderateceramide npA lab-made lipid matching the skin's own ceramides, used to help rebuild the moisture barrier
  • Moderateceramide apA lab-made ceramide that mimics the skin's own barrier lipids in a moisturizer.
  • Moderateceramide eopA lab-made lipid that mimics skin's own ceramides, used to reinforce the moisture barrier
  • Moderatesodium hyaluronateA humectant that holds water at the surface.
  • EmergingtocopherolA fat-soluble vitamin E form added as an antioxidant, to protect oils in the formula and skin.
  • Functionalcetearyl alcoholA blend of cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohols that thickens and stabilizes creams and lotions.
  • FunctionalcarbomerA synthetic polymer that thickens water phases and holds gels and lotions together
  • Functionalglyceryl stearateA fatty acid ester of glycerin used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
  • Functionalsodium lauroyl lactylateAnionic surfactant and emulsifier made from lactic acid and lauric acid, stabilizes formulas.
  • FunctionalcholesterolA naturally occurring lipid, added to restore and reinforce the skin's own barrier structure
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • Functionaltetrasodium edtaA chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working.
  • FunctionalphytosphingosineA naturally derived sphingoid lipid used to support and mimic skin barrier structure.
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions
  • Functionalcetyl alcoholA fatty alcohol from coconut or palm oil that thickens, emulsifies, and softens formulas.
  • Functionalpolysorbate 20An emulsifier and solubilizer that helps oil-soluble ingredients like fragrance and essential oils disperse evenly in water-based formulas
  • FunctionalethylhexylglycerinGlycerin derivative used to boost preservative activity and improve product feel

Not in the library yet (5): peg-40 stearate, stearyl alcohol, potassium phosphate, behentrimonium methosulfate, dipotassium phosphate.

The claims, checked

The barrier claim lines up with what's in the jar, girl: three ceramides plus cholesterol match the lipid ratio that shows up in real barrier-repair studies. The gentle-cleansing language is a fair read of the surfactant choices, just not one backed by a study on this exact formula. "MVE Delivery Technology" and "non-comedogenic" are the two spots where the label reaches past anything checkable, both resting on proprietary or untested claims instead of published concentration data.

  • Supported“Helps restore and maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier”This formula pairs three ceramides, NP, AP, EOP, with cholesterol and phytosphingosine, the same lipid blend and rough concentration range that shows up in the barrier-repair trials on file. Supported, and the receipts match.
  • Partial“Washes away dirt and oil without stripping natural oils”The surfactants in here, sodium lauroyl lactylate, polysorbate 20, behentrimonium methosulfate, are mild, syndet-style agents built for a low-strip design. But nobody's published a test measuring oil retention on this specific formula, so that part stays a well-dressed assumption.
  • Unverifiable“Won't clog pores (non-comedogenic)”No comedogenicity testing shows up anywhere on the brand page, and nothing on the ingredient list is flagged as strongly comedogenic either. So the claim is plausible. It just isn't checked.
  • Unverifiable“MVE Delivery Technology gives controlled release for all-day hydration”MVE is a proprietary multivesicular emulsion system, and that's about all anyone outside the company can say about it, no disclosed concentration, no independent published data. So "all-day hydration" is a timeframe nobody outside that building can check.

List read from www.cerave.com/skincare/cleansers/hydrating-facial-cleanser. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle. Claims read from CeraVe brand product page (cerave.com/skincare/cleansers/hydrating-facial-cleanser).

betterPaula's Choice Skin Recovery Softening Cream Cleanser20 ingredients · 10 in the library
  • Functionalc12-15 alkyl benzoateA lightweight ester emollient that smooths texture and helps other ingredients spread evenly
  • Functionalpolysorbate 80Nonionic surfactant that helps oil and water phases blend and stay mixed.
  • Functionalacrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerA synthetic polymer that thickens formulas and holds oil and water together
  • Functionalbutylene glycolSmall humectant and solvent that carries other ingredients and helps products feel lighter
  • Functionaltetrasodium edtaA chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working.
  • Functionalsodium hydroxideAn alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust and hold a formula's pH
  • Functionalcaprylyl glycolA short-chain diol that conditions skin, holds moisture, and helps preservative systems work.
  • FunctionalethylhexylglycerinGlycerin derivative used to boost preservative activity and improve product feel
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • FunctionalchlorphenesinA preservative and antimicrobial that keeps formulas free of bacteria and fungi.

Not in the library yet (10): hydrogenated polydecene, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, glycine soja oil, laureth-4, cocamidopropyl betaine, chamomilla recutita matricaria flower extract, beta-glucan, paraffinum liquidum, peg-7 glyceryl cocoate, hexylene glycol.

The claims, checked

The alcohol-free and fragrance-free claims check out clean against the ingredient list, nothing in there contradicts them, girl. The makeup-removal claim lines up with a formula built from mild surfactants and emollient oils, a reasonable structure for that exact job. The "hydrating" and "dewy glow" language leans harder than the formula backs up: no glycerin, no hyaluronic acid, just butylene glycol and an undisclosed amount of beta-glucan doing all the moisture work.

  • Supported“Gently removes makeup without stripping skin of essential moisture”This formula pairs mild surfactants, disodium cocoamphodiacetate and cocamidopropyl betaine, with emollient oils, paraffinum liquidum, glycine soja oil, hydrogenated polydecene. That's the standard structure for a cream cleanser built to lift makeup without calling in the stronger detergents that strip your lipids. Supported, and it makes sense.
  • Partial“Hydrating ingredients replenish skin to keep a dewy beautiful glow”Butylene glycol and beta-glucan do give this formula some humectant and soothing function, that's real. But there's no glycerin, no hyaluronic acid, no headline hydrator anywhere in sight, and no disclosed concentration for the beta-glucan either. "Replenish" and "dewy glow" are reaching past what this ingredient list can carry.
  • Supported“Alcohol free”No denatured alcohol, no ethanol, nowhere on the ingredient list. Supported, done.
  • Supported“Fragrance and essential oil free”No fragrance, no parfum, no named essential oil anywhere on the label. Supported, straightforward, next.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/paulas-choice-skin-recovery-softening-cream-cleanser. Claims read from Product description aggregated on IncideCoder's listing page (Paula's Choice brand page itself could not be reached).

bestiS Clinical Cleansing Complex18 ingredients · 4 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Functionalpropylene glycolA small humectant and solvent that helps water-based ingredients dissolve and stay put
  • FunctionallecithinA phospholipid mixture from soy, sunflower, or egg that emulsifies and softens skin feel
  • Functionaltocopheryl acetateStable ester form of vitamin E, added as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent.

Not in the library yet (14): disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, cocamidopropyl betaine, peg-30 glyceryl cocoate, carboxymethylcellulose, salix alba bark extract, saccharum officinarum extract, camellia oleifera leaf extract, chamomilla recutita flower extract, asiaticoside, madecassic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, retinyl palmitate, dmdm hydantoin, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate.

The claims, checked

The cleanser's mild surfactant system backs the basic promise of washing without stripping, and the glycerin earns some credit for softness, fine. The pore-refining and impurity claims lean on willow bark extract at a concentration the label never states, in a formula that only touches your skin for a rinse, so "visibly refines the appearance of pores" is asking more of this ingredient than the evidence, at any dose, supports.

  • Partial“Thoroughly cleanses the skin without over-drying”The surfactant base, cocamidopropyl betaine and disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, is a genuinely mild combination, the kind built for low-strip cleansing. But nobody's published data on this finished formula measures dryness or barrier loss. Believable, not proven.
  • Unverifiable“Helps improve the look of surface impurities for a clearer-looking complexion”Salix alba bark extract carries salicin, a precursor with some BHA-like activity, that part's real chemistry. But the label gives no concentration, and this washes off in seconds, so the dose can't be checked against any published range at all.
  • Unsupported“Visibly refines the appearance of pores”The pore and comedone evidence on file sits with free salicylic acid at 0.5% to 2%, and it has to stay on your skin to work. This formula has willow bark extract at an undisclosed, probably much lower concentration, and it rinses off. That's a different product than the one being sold to you.
  • Partial“Smooths and softens the skin's texture”Glycerin is a well-evidenced humectant for texture and softness, no question. But in a rinse-off cleanser, it's barely on your skin before it's down the drain, so the effect here is smaller than what the leave-on glycerin studies show.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/is-clinical-cleansing-complex. Claims read from iS Clinical's own product page for Cleansing Complex.

Hydrating mask

goodLa Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense Mask21 ingredients · 16 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Moderatesodium hyaluronateA humectant that holds water at the surface.
  • Mixedalcohol denatA solvent that makes formulas feel weightless and dry fast.
  • No evidenceparfumAn undisclosed blend; the single word can stand for dozens of compounds.
  • FunctionaldimethiconeA silicone oil that coats skin, filling in texture and giving slip and a smooth after-feel
  • Functionalbutyrospermum parkii butterFat pressed from shea tree nuts, used as an emollient and thickener for texture and softening.
  • Functionalglyceryl stearateA fatty acid ester of glycerin used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
  • Functionalcetyl alcoholA fatty alcohol from coconut or palm oil that thickens, emulsifies, and softens formulas.
  • Functionalpeg-100 stearateA waxy emulsifier that blends oil and water phases into a stable cream or lotion
  • Functionalpolysorbate 60A nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer that lets oil and water phases mix in a formula.
  • FunctionalcarbomerA synthetic polymer that thickens water phases and holds gels and lotions together
  • FunctionaltriethanolamineAn alkaline pH adjuster that also helps emulsify oil and water in a formula
  • Functionaltetrasodium edtaA chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working.
  • Functionalcaprylyl glycolA short-chain diol that conditions skin, holds moisture, and helps preservative systems work.
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions
  • Functionaltocopheryl acetateStable ester form of vitamin E, added as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent.

Not in the library yet (5): paraffinum liquidum, nylon-12, dimethiconol, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, ci 42090.

The claims, checked

The hydration story mostly holds up, girl: this mask leans on real humectants and emollients that plump skin short-term, and hyaluronic acid earns its spot on the label fair and square. The "fragrance-free" claim does not survive contact with the ingredient list, which names parfum right out in the open. The thermal spring water and "non-comedogenic" claims can't be checked against what's disclosed, so they sit in wait-and-see territory instead of confirmed.

  • Supported“High performance hydration that plumps the complexion”This formula pairs humectants, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, with occlusives and emollients, dimethicone, dimethiconol, shea butter, paraffinum liquidum, cetyl alcohol. That combination has a well established record for short-term plumping and water retention. Supported, plain and simple.
  • Supported“Hyaluronic acid fragments infuse and retain water in the skin”Sodium hyaluronate and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid are both right there on the ingredient list, and low-molecular-weight HA fragments are documented humectants for surface hydration. Supported, no debate.
  • Unverifiable“Thermal Spring Water gives antioxidant benefits that soothe skin”The declared ingredient list shows plain aqua, not La Roche-Posay's usual thermal spring water declaration. No concentration, no published antioxidant data for this product anywhere, so there's nothing to check this claim against.
  • Unsupported“Fragrance-free”Parfum is sitting right there on the product's own ingredient list. That is the exact opposite of fragrance-free. Not hot.
  • Unverifiable“Non-comedogenic”No published comedogenicity testing for this specific mask turned up anywhere, and the formula does carry shea butter and mineral oil, ingredients where comedogenicity is debated and depends entirely on how much is in there.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/la-roche-posay-hydraphase-intense-masque-soothing-rehydrating-mask. Claims read from Retailer/ingredient-database listing (incidecoder product page); La Roche-Posay's own brand page returned a 403 and could not be reached.

betterSummer Fridays Jet Lag Mask36 ingredients · 26 in the library
  • StrongniacinamideA well-tolerated multitasker: barrier lipids, tone, sebum.
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Moderatesodium hyaluronateA humectant that holds water at the surface.
  • Moderateceramide eopA lab-made lipid that mimics skin's own ceramides, used to reinforce the moisture barrier
  • Moderateceramide npA lab-made lipid matching the skin's own ceramides, used to help rebuild the moisture barrier
  • Moderateceramide apA lab-made ceramide that mimics the skin's own barrier lipids in a moisturizer.
  • ModerateallantoinA soothing, skin-conditioning agent that calms irritation and helps the surface hold moisture
  • ModeratepanthenolAlcohol form of vitamin B5, used as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent.
  • EmergingbisabololA chamomile-derived terpene alcohol added to calm and soothe irritated skin.
  • EmergingtocopherolA fat-soluble vitamin E form added as an antioxidant, to protect oils in the formula and skin.
  • Functionalcaprylic/capric triglycerideA lightweight plant-derived oil that softens skin and carries other ingredients into a formula.
  • Functionalcetearyl alcoholA blend of cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohols that thickens and stabilizes creams and lotions.
  • Functionalpentylene glycolA synthetic diol that carries other ingredients, keeps water in the skin, and helps preserve the formula
  • Functionalhydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA synthetic polymer that thickens water phases and stabilizes emulsions without added surfactant.
  • Functionalglyceryl stearateA fatty acid ester of glycerin used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
  • Functionaltocopheryl acetateStable ester form of vitamin E, added as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent.
  • FunctionalphytosphingosineA naturally derived sphingoid lipid used to support and mimic skin barrier structure.
  • FunctionalethylhexylglycerinGlycerin derivative used to boost preservative activity and improve product feel
  • Functionalpolysorbate 60A nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer that lets oil and water phases mix in a formula.
  • Functionalsodium hydroxideAn alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust and hold a formula's pH
  • FunctionalcholesterolA naturally occurring lipid, added to restore and reinforce the skin's own barrier structure
  • Functionalsodium lauroyl lactylateAnionic surfactant and emulsifier made from lactic acid and lauric acid, stabilizes formulas.
  • FunctionalcarbomerA synthetic polymer that thickens water phases and holds gels and lotions together
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions
  • Functionalpeg-100 stearateA waxy emulsifier that blends oil and water phases into a stable cream or lotion
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.

Not in the library yet (10): capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer, diheptyl succinate, butyrospermum parkii shea butter unsaponifiables, sorbitan stearate, aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate, physalis angulata extract, castanea sativa chestnut seed extract, tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, cucumis sativus cucumber fruit extract, sorbitan isostearate.

The claims, checked

The core hydration promise holds up, girl: glycerin, hyaluronate, and a three-ceramide blend are exactly the kind of formula the evidence expects to hydrate. That "100% saw an increase" figure comes from a small self-report survey, not a measured before-and-after test, so it reads like a satisfaction score dressed up as proof. The niacinamide and "skin soothing complex" claims lean on ingredients with real evidence behind them, but Summer Fridays doesn't publish concentrations, so nobody outside the company can confirm the doses match the studies being cited.

  • Supported“Delivers deep, nourishing hydration to dull, depleted skin”Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and three ceramide types, EOP, NP, AP, sit high enough on this ingredient list to do something, and the evidence backs humectant-plus-ceramide-barrier formulas for measurable hydration gains. Supported, and it earns it.
  • Partial“100% saw increased moisturization and hydration 8 hours after use”This is a 33-person self-report survey, not an instrument measuring anything. It shows what people felt eight hours later, not a measured hydration change. "100%" sounds bigger than 33 people in a room.
  • Unverifiable“Niacinamide reduces fine lines and pores for a brighter, more even tone”Niacinamide sits early on the ingredient list, which is a good sign, but the label never discloses a percentage. The evidence for fine lines and tone runs at 2% to 5%, and without a number here, there's nothing to check that range against.
  • Partial“Skin soothing complex (allantoin, bisabolol, panthenol, cucumber) soothes skin”Panthenol has solid concentration-range evidence behind it for barrier support, that part holds. Bisabolol's soothing data comes from thinner, shorter trials near 0.5%, run by the ingredient suppliers themselves, and this formula won't say what concentration it's using.

Brand evidence: Summer Fridays in-house consumer perception study, 33 participants ages 25 to 55 (Self-reported softness, smoothness, and texture ratings at 8 hours are being used to back a hydration claim; the study measures perception, not an instrumental hydration or barrier metric.)

List read from summerfridays.com/products/jet-lag-mask. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle. Claims read from Summer Fridays brand product page (summerfridays.com/products/jet-lag-mask).

bestSkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Masque13 ingredients · 9 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Moderatesodium hyaluronateA humectant that holds water at the surface.
  • ModeratepanthenolAlcohol form of vitamin B5, used as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent.
  • FunctionaltriethanolamineAn alkaline pH adjuster that also helps emulsify oil and water in a formula
  • FunctionalcarbomerA synthetic polymer that thickens water phases and holds gels and lotions together
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • Functionalsodium benzoateSodium salt of benzoic acid, used as a preservative to control microbial growth in the formula.
  • Functionalsodium pcaA salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, part of skin's natural moisturizing factor, used as a humectant.
  • Functionaltetrasodium edtaA chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working.

Not in the library yet (4): calcium pantothenate, urea, trehalose, polyquaternium-51.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/skinceuticals-b5-mask.

Hydrating toner

goodThayers Alcohol-Free Hydrating Milk Toner18 ingredients · 13 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Moderatesodium hyaluronateA humectant that holds water at the surface.
  • Functionalcitric acidNaturally derived alpha hydroxy acid used mainly to set and hold a formula's pH.
  • Functionalpotassium hydroxideA strong alkali used in small amounts to set a formula's pH or convert fatty acids into soap
  • Functionalacrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerA synthetic polymer that thickens formulas and holds oil and water together
  • Functionalglyceryl stearateA fatty acid ester of glycerin used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
  • Functionalpolysorbate 20An emulsifier and solubilizer that helps oil-soluble ingredients like fragrance and essential oils disperse evenly in water-based formulas
  • Functionalbenzoic acidA preservative and pH adjuster that keeps microbes from growing in the formula
  • Functionalcaprylyl glycolA short-chain diol that conditions skin, holds moisture, and helps preservative systems work.
  • FunctionalethylhexylglycerinGlycerin derivative used to boost preservative activity and improve product feel
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • Functionalpotassium sorbatePotassium salt of sorbic acid, used as a preservative to stop mold and yeast growth.
  • Functionalsodium benzoateSodium salt of benzoic acid, used as a preservative to control microbial growth in the formula.

Not in the library yet (5): tremella fuciformis polysaccharide, sambucus nigra flower water, coco-glucoside, glyceryl oleate, glycol distearate.

The claims, checked

The hydration claims lean on real humectants, girl: glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and tremella polysaccharide all hold water at the skin surface, so a toner built this way should feel more hydrating than a plain water-based one. The specific numbers behind "48-hour hydration" and the "35% instant" boost come from Thayers' own testing, not an outside study anybody could check, so the mechanism is real even if the figures aren't confirmed. "Strengthens skin barrier" reaches past the formula: there's no ceramide, no niacinamide, no barrier-repair ingredient here, just hydration supporting barrier function from a distance. The alcohol-free and fragrance-free claims check out clean against the ingredient list, no notes there.

  • Partial“48-hour hydration, tested, with a 35% instant moisture boost”Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and tremella polysaccharide are real humectants, they hold water at the skin surface, that's not in question. But the 48-hour figure and that 35% number come from the brand's own in-house testing, not a published independent study, and no concentrations are disclosed anywhere.
  • Partial“Removes impurities and strengthens the skin barrier”Coco-glucoside is a mild surfactant that can lift residual impurities off skin, fine. But this formula has no ceramide, no fatty acid, no niacinamide-type barrier-repair ingredient anywhere. The hydration from glycerin and hyaluronate supports barrier function at a distance. It doesn't strengthen it directly.
  • Supported“Free from drying alcohols”No denatured alcohol, no volatile drying alcohol anywhere on the ingredient list. This is a water-based formula with glycerin doing the main humectant work. Supported, easy call.
  • Supported“Fragrance-free”No fragrance, no parfum on the ingredient list, and the sambucus nigra flower water in there is a botanical extract, not a fragrance ingredient in disguise. Supported.
  • Unverifiable“98% naturally derived”Checking this one means seeing the brand's raw-material sourcing data, and that's not public. A published ingredient list alone can't confirm what share is naturally derived, so 98% stays a number nobody outside the building can verify.

List read from www.thayers.com/shop-all/toners/hydrating-milky-toner/12-oz. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle. Claims read from Thayers brand product page (thayers.com).

betterPaula's Choice Enriched Calming Toner27 ingredients · 16 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • StrongniacinamideA well-tolerated multitasker: barrier lipids, tone, sebum.
  • Moderatesodium hyaluronateA humectant that holds water at the surface.
  • ModeratepanthenolAlcohol form of vitamin B5, used as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent.
  • ModerateallantoinA soothing, skin-conditioning agent that calms irritation and helps the surface hold moisture
  • EmergingtocopherolA fat-soluble vitamin E form added as an antioxidant, to protect oils in the formula and skin.
  • FunctionalcyclopentasiloxaneA volatile silicone that spreads product evenly and leaves a silky, non-greasy finish
  • Functionalbutylene glycolSmall humectant and solvent that carries other ingredients and helps products feel lighter
  • Functionaltocopheryl acetateStable ester form of vitamin E, added as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent.
  • FunctionalphospholipidsLipid molecules, often lecithin-derived, used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
  • Functionalcaprylic/capric triglycerideA lightweight plant-derived oil that softens skin and carries other ingredients into a formula.
  • Functionaltetrasodium edtaA chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working.
  • Functionalsodium benzoateSodium salt of benzoic acid, used as a preservative to control microbial growth in the formula.
  • FunctionalchlorphenesinA preservative and antimicrobial that keeps formulas free of bacteria and fungi.
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • Functionalbenzoic acidA preservative and pH adjuster that keeps microbes from growing in the formula

Not in the library yet (11): glycereth-26, dimethiconol, oenothera biennis oil, borago officinalis seed oil, ascorbyl palmitate, superoxide dismutase, peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, myristamidopropyl pg-dimonium chloride phosphate, laureth-4, laureth-23, sorbic acid.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/paulas-choice-skin-recovery-enriched-calming-toner.

bestTatcha The Essence Plumping Skin Softener7 ingredients · 3 in the library
  • FunctionalpropanediolA plant-derived or petro-derived diol used as a solvent, humectant, and penetration enhancer.
  • FunctionalethylhexylglycerinGlycerin derivative used to boost preservative activity and improve product feel
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.

Not in the library yet (4): saccharomyces/camellia sinensis leaf/cladosiphon okamuranus/rice ferment filtrate, soy amino acids, yeast extract, sodium dilauramidoglutamide lysine.

The claims, checked

The ingredient list here is short and simple, girl: a fermented algae-rice-green tea complex, propanediol, soy amino acids, and yeast extract, no free hyaluronic acid or glycerin anywhere on it. Green tea's antioxidant reputation has real backing, but at an undisclosed concentration inside a blended ferment, so "plumping" and "antiaging" land as reasonable but oversold for what's disclosed. The "98.7 percent pure" figure and the claim that it makes other products "work better" can't be checked against anything published. Cute number. No formula to match it to.

  • Unverifiable“98.7 percent pure antiaging Japanese superfoods”This formula is a short eight-ingredient list built around a proprietary ferment filtrate blend called Hadasei-3, and nobody publishes a breakdown of which fraction is the ferment complex versus water and everything else. So that "98.7 percent" number has no formula to check it against.
  • Partial“Plumps and hydrates skin”Propanediol and the algae-derived ferment filtrate can act as humectants, sure, that's real. But there's no free hyaluronic acid, no glycerin anywhere on this list, and the ferment complex carries no disclosed concentration. The plumping rests on ingredients with a modest hydrating role, not heavy hitters.
  • Partial“Green tea works as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory”Camellia sinensis leaf extract, green tea, has published support for antioxidant and mild anti-inflammatory effects around 1 to 5 percent standardized catechin content. Here, though, it's just one component fermented into the Hadasei-3 filtrate at an undisclosed share, so the claim is reaching past what the formula discloses.
  • Unverifiable“Makes the rest of a skincare routine work better”No published study on this formula tests whether it changes how well other products work after it, and nobody even specifies a mechanism for how that would happen. That's a promise floating on nothing.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/tatcha-the-essence-plumping-skin-softener. Claims read from Retailer/aggregator product copy (Incidecoder listing), brand's own product page was not reachable.

Ingrown hair treatment

goodTend Skin The Skin Care Solution7 ingredients · 4 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Functionalbutylene glycolSmall humectant and solvent that carries other ingredients and helps products feel lighter
  • FunctionalcyclopentasiloxaneA volatile silicone that spreads product evenly and leaves a silky, non-greasy finish
  • Functionalpolysorbate 80Nonionic surfactant that helps oil and water phases blend and stay mixed.

Not in the library yet (3): isopropyl alcohol, acetylsalicylic acid, diglycerin.

The claims, checked

The active here is acetylsalicylic acid, aspirin's own compound and a cousin of the salicylic acid the evidence rates well for pore and texture claims, girl. But Tend Skin doesn't print the concentration, so the ingrown hair and razor bump claims reach past what anybody can check. "Bye, bye ingrown hairs and razor bumps" is a big promise for a formula whose active dose isn't on the label anywhere. And the razor burn claim has no study behind it at all, brand or independent.

  • Partial“Reduces appearance of ingrown hairs”Acetylsalicylic acid is a BHA relative with a believable exfoliant and anti-inflammatory mechanism behind it. But the label won't disclose its concentration, and the dose-response evidence on file covers salicylic acid itself at 0.5% to 2%, not this specific ester. Close cousin, different receipts.
  • Partial“Reduces razor bumps after shaving or waxing”Same mechanism, same gap as the ingrown hair claim above: acetylsalicylic acid at an undisclosed concentration, plus isopropyl alcohol working as an antiseptic astringent. Nothing here is matched to a published concentration.
  • Unverifiable“Reduces razor burn on legs, underarms, bikini line, chin, neck, or face”No published trial on this formula's razor burn outcomes turned up anywhere, and isopropyl alcohol's job here is antiseptic and drying, not an ingredient with evidence for burn relief specifically. That's a long list of body parts for zero data.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/tend-skin-solution. Claims read from Tend Skin's own product page (tendskin.com).

betterFur Ingrown Concentrate14 ingredients · 3 in the library
  • EmergingtocopherolA fat-soluble vitamin E form added as an antioxidant, to protect oils in the formula and skin.
  • EmergingbisabololA chamomile-derived terpene alcohol added to calm and soothe irritated skin.
  • Functionalcaprylic/capric triglycerideA lightweight plant-derived oil that softens skin and carries other ingredients into a formula.

Not in the library yet (11): vitis vinifera seed oil, simmondsia chinensis seed oil, ricinus communis seed oil, carthamus tinctorius seed oil, prunus amygdalus dulcis oil, borago officinalis seed oil, oenothera biennis oil, calophyllum inophyllum seed oil, melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, lavandula angustifolia oil, salvia sclarea oil.

The claims, checked

This formula is an acid-free oil blend built around bisabolol and tea tree leaf oil, both with some published anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial support, so the soothing and softening story has a real basis, girl. Where the label reaches past the evidence is the word "heals" and the promise to stop ingrowns outright: no concentration disclosed for the active ingredients, and the percentages on the page come from a self-reported perception survey, not a clinical study. "Instant relief" isn't something the underlying ingredient research measures, no matter how the label says it. The acid-free claim itself is accurate, simple as that.

  • Partial“Heals ingrowns and smooths bumps”Bisabolol and melaleuca alternifolia, tea tree leaf oil, do have published anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity, and that fits reduced redness and bumps well enough. But neither concentration is disclosed here, and no published work anywhere shows this oil blend healing an existing ingrown hair.
  • Partial“Stops ingrowns without acids”No salicylic, no glycolic, no exfoliating acid anywhere on the ingredient list, so the acid-free part checks out clean. Stopping new ingrown hairs from forming in the first place? No cited study for this formula backs that up.
  • Unverifiable“95% agreed it soothes irritation caused by hair removal”This is a self-reported perception figure, not a controlled clinical study, and the bisabolol concentration that would drive a soothing effect is nowhere on the label. 95% of what exactly stays the question.
  • Unverifiable“86% agreed it softens skin and hair to help trapped hair surface”Believable, given the oil blend, jojoba, castor, safflower, and almond oils are all emollient and that's a real mechanism. But that 86% figure comes from an undisclosed in-house perception panel, not a published or independently reviewed trial.
  • Unsupported“Provides instant relief from redness and irritation”The bisabolol evidence on file describes short-term studies measuring change over a period of use. Not instant. And no timeframe data is cited for this product at all, so "instant" is a word this label invented on its own.

Brand evidence: In-house consumer perception survey (95%/90%/86% agreement figures cited on the product page) (This is a self-report panel about how the product felt to users, not a controlled or independently published study, and it doesn't report the concentration of any active ingredient.)

List read from incidecoder.com/products/fur-ingrown-concentrate. Claims read from Fur's own product page for Ingrown Concentrate (furyou.com).

bestPaula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA28 ingredients · 14 in the library
  • Strongsalicylic acidAn oil-soluble exfoliant that gets into the pore.
  • ModerateallantoinA soothing, skin-conditioning agent that calms irritation and helps the surface hold moisture
  • EmergingbisabololA chamomile-derived terpene alcohol added to calm and soothe irritated skin.
  • Functionalbutylene glycolSmall humectant and solvent that carries other ingredients and helps products feel lighter
  • Functionalcetyl alcoholA fatty alcohol from coconut or palm oil that thickens, emulsifies, and softens formulas.
  • FunctionaldimethiconeA silicone oil that coats skin, filling in texture and giving slip and a smooth after-feel
  • Functionaltocopheryl acetateStable ester form of vitamin E, added as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent.
  • FunctionalcyclopentasiloxaneA volatile silicone that spreads product evenly and leaves a silky, non-greasy finish
  • Functionaltetrasodium edtaA chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working.
  • Functionalsodium hydroxideAn alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust and hold a formula's pH
  • Functionalcaprylyl glycolA short-chain diol that conditions skin, holds moisture, and helps preservative systems work.
  • Functionalcaprylic/capric triglycerideA lightweight plant-derived oil that softens skin and carries other ingredients into a formula.
  • FunctionalethylhexylglycerinGlycerin derivative used to boost preservative activity and improve product feel
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.

Not in the library yet (14): ppg-14 butyl ether, chamomilla recutita flower extract, epilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem extract, camellia oleifera leaf extract, vanilla planifolia fruit extract, cyclohexasiloxane, dimethiconol, peg-40 stearate, sorbitan stearate, pvm/ma decadiene crosspolymer, polyacrylamide, c13-14 isoparaffin, laureth-7, hexylene glycol.

The claims, checked

The 2% salicylic acid backing this treatment sits right at the strength controlled trials have tested for smoother, less bumpy skin, girl, so the exfoliation claim holds up clean. "Radiant" is doing work the studies never signed up to measure. The alcohol-free claim checks out against the ingredient list, no argument there.

  • Supported“Gently exfoliates built-up layers of dead skin”Salicylic acid at 2%, right at the top of the OTC range, is exactly where controlled trials show comedone reduction and real texture improvement. Supported, no notes.
  • Partial“Reveals radiant, smooth skin underneath”Texture smoothing from 2% salicylic acid has real trial support behind it. "Radiant," though, is describing a glow the cited exfoliation evidence never measured. Smooth, yes. "Radiant" is a word doing its own thing.
  • Supported“Alcohol-free formula, gentle enough for regular use”The verified ingredient list has no denatured alcohol anywhere, which backs the alcohol-free claim outright. The humectants riding alongside it, butylene glycol and hexylene glycol, support the gentle-use framing too. Supported.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/paulas-choice-weightless-body-treatment-with-2-bha. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle. Claims read from IncideCoder product listing (brand product page and Ulta listing returned 404).

Mineral sunscreen

goodCeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion45 ingredients · 31 in the library
  • Strongzinc oxideThe broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen filter.
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • StrongniacinamideA well-tolerated multitasker: barrier lipids, tone, sebum.
  • Moderateceramide npA lab-made lipid matching the skin's own ceramides, used to help rebuild the moisture barrier
  • Moderateceramide apA lab-made ceramide that mimics the skin's own barrier lipids in a moisturizer.
  • Moderateceramide eopA lab-made lipid that mimics skin's own ceramides, used to reinforce the moisture barrier
  • Moderatesodium hyaluronateA humectant that holds water at the surface.
  • ModeratepanthenolAlcohol form of vitamin B5, used as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent.
  • EmergingtocopherolA fat-soluble vitamin E form added as an antioxidant, to protect oils in the formula and skin.
  • Functionaltitanium dioxideA mineral pigment that scatters UV and visible light, used as a sunscreen filter and white opacifier
  • Functionalc12-15 alkyl benzoateA lightweight ester emollient that smooths texture and helps other ingredients spread evenly
  • FunctionaldimethiconeA silicone oil that coats skin, filling in texture and giving slip and a smooth after-feel
  • Functionalglyceryl stearateA fatty acid ester of glycerin used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
  • FunctionalpropanediolA plant-derived or petro-derived diol used as a solvent, humectant, and penetration enhancer.
  • Functionalstearic acidA waxy fatty acid used as an emulsifier, thickener, and opacifying agent in creams.
  • Functionalpeg-100 stearateA waxy emulsifier that blends oil and water phases into a stable cream or lotion
  • FunctionalcarbomerA synthetic polymer that thickens water phases and holds gels and lotions together
  • Functionalcetearyl alcoholA blend of cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohols that thickens and stabilizes creams and lotions.
  • Functionalsodium citrateSodium salt of citric acid, used to adjust and buffer a formula's pH and bind trace metals.
  • Functionalsodium lauroyl lactylateAnionic surfactant and emulsifier made from lactic acid and lauric acid, stabilizes formulas.
  • FunctionalcholesterolA naturally occurring lipid, added to restore and reinforce the skin's own barrier structure
  • Functionalpalmitic acidA saturated fatty acid, naturally found in skin, used as an emollient and cleansing base.
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • FunctionalchlorphenesinA preservative and antimicrobial that keeps formulas free of bacteria and fungi.
  • Functionalhydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA synthetic polymer that thickens water phases and stabilizes emulsions without added surfactant.
  • Functionalcaprylyl glycolA short-chain diol that conditions skin, holds moisture, and helps preservative systems work.
  • Functionalcitric acidNaturally derived alpha hydroxy acid used mainly to set and hold a formula's pH.
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions
  • FunctionalphytosphingosineA naturally derived sphingoid lipid used to support and mimic skin barrier structure.
  • Functionalpolysorbate 60A nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer that lets oil and water phases mix in a formula.
  • FunctionalethylhexylglycerinGlycerin derivative used to boost preservative activity and improve product feel

Not in the library yet (14): isododecane, styrene/acrylates copolymer, butyloctyl salicylate, dicaprylyl carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, sorbitan stearate, peg-8 laurate, sorbitan isostearate, ceteareth-20, triethoxycaprylylsilane, dimethiconol, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, myristic acid, polyhydroxystearic acid.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/cerave-hydrating-sunscreen-face-lotion-broad-spectrum-spf-50.

betterEltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 4122 ingredients · 8 in the library
  • Strongzinc oxideThe broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen filter.
  • EmergingbisabololA chamomile-derived terpene alcohol added to calm and soothe irritated skin.
  • EmergingtocopherolA fat-soluble vitamin E form added as an antioxidant, to protect oils in the formula and skin.
  • Functionaltitanium dioxideA mineral pigment that scatters UV and visible light, used as a sunscreen filter and white opacifier
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • Functionaltocopheryl acetateStable ester form of vitamin E, added as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent.
  • FunctionalethylhexylglycerinGlycerin derivative used to boost preservative activity and improve product feel
  • Functionalpolysorbate 20An emulsifier and solubilizer that helps oil-soluble ingredients like fragrance and essential oils disperse evenly in water-based formulas

Not in the library yet (14): isopropyl palmitate, ethylhexyl stearate, octyldodecyl neopentanoate, alumina, polyacrylate-13, hydrogen dimethicone, polyisobutene, hydrogenated polyisobutene, triethoxycaprylylsilane, oleth-3 phosphate, carnosine, sorbitan isostearate, zingiber officinale root extract, iron oxides.

The claims, checked

The core claim is solid: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide at these percentages genuinely back a broad-spectrum, all-mineral formula, no chemical filters sneaking in anywhere. The 'hypoallergenic' and redness-calming talk rides on bisabolol, which has real science behind it in small doses, except this formula won't say what dose it's using. Consider that claim a bonus, not a promise. The 40-minute water-resistance window is a regulated number, but the brand doesn't publish the test data behind it.

  • Supported“Broad Spectrum SPF 41, protects against UVA and UVB rays”Zinc oxide at 9.0%, titanium dioxide at 7.0%. That combo covers UVA and UVB both, and it's the standard formula chemists use to earn a broad-spectrum rating.
  • Supported“100% mineral, all-mineral active sunscreen”Check the actives: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, period. No avobenzone, no octinoxate, no chemical filters hiding anywhere on that ingredient list.
  • Partial“Formulated for sensitive skin, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic”Mineral actives and zero chemical filters do make for a calmer formula on paper. But bisabolol, the ingredient supposed to carry the calming claim, shows up with no disclosed percentage and a thin evidence base to begin with. 'Hypoallergenic' is a big word for an undisclosed trace amount.
  • Unverifiable“Withstands water and sweat, reapply after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating”Water-resistance numbers are FDA-regulated, tied to a test protocol, not a vibe. The product page hands you the 40-minute reapply window and nothing else: no test data, no receipts to back the number up.
  • Partial“Bisabolol helps calm skin and visibly reduce redness”Small studies do show bisabolol around 0.5% can knock down redness when it's paired with an irritant. But that trial base is thin and supplier-run, and it never even confirms an effect at the trace amounts most finished sunscreens use. This formula won't disclose its bisabolol percentage at all, so that redness claim is running on faith.

List read from eltamd.com/products/eltamd-uv-physical-broad-spectrum-spf-41. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle. Claims read from EltaMD's own product page for UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41.

bestSkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 5038 ingredients · 9 in the library
  • Strongzinc oxideThe broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen filter.
  • EmergingtocopherolA fat-soluble vitamin E form added as an antioxidant, to protect oils in the formula and skin.
  • Functionaltitanium dioxideA mineral pigment that scatters UV and visible light, used as a sunscreen filter and white opacifier
  • FunctionaldimethiconeA silicone oil that coats skin, filling in texture and giving slip and a smooth after-feel
  • Functionalc12-15 alkyl benzoateA lightweight ester emollient that smooths texture and helps other ingredients spread evenly
  • Functionalpentylene glycolA synthetic diol that carries other ingredients, keeps water in the skin, and helps preserve the formula
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • Functionalcaprylyl glycolA short-chain diol that conditions skin, holds moisture, and helps preservative systems work.
  • Functionalbenzoic acidA preservative and pH adjuster that keeps microbes from growing in the formula

Not in the library yet (29): isododecane, undecane, triethylhexanoin, isohexadecane, nylon-12, caprylyl methicone, butyloctyl salicylate, phenethyl benzoate, styrene/acrylates copolymer, silica, tridecane, dicaprylyl carbonate, dicaprylyl ether, talc, dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymer, aluminum stearate, peg-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, alumina, polyhydroxystearic acid, magnesium sulfate, iron oxides, peg-8 laurate, disteardimonium hectorite, triethoxycaprylylsilane, propylene carbonate, artemia extract, peg-9, disodium stearoyl glutamate, aluminum hydroxide.

The claims, checked

The mineral math is real: titanium dioxide and zinc oxide together land around 11%, plenty to back up broad-spectrum SPF 50. Fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, exactly as advertised, so the sensitive-skin pitch holds up too. That's hot. The 'universal tint' claim is where the story falls apart: one shade of iron oxide was never going to sit right on every skin tone, full stop. And the water-resistance number? Couldn't find it, because the brand's own page wouldn't even load.

  • Supported“Broad-spectrum SPF 50 mineral protection”Titanium dioxide at 6.0% plus zinc oxide at 4.98%. That's roughly 11% mineral filter, and both are proven broad-spectrum UV blockers at exactly these levels. The math checks out.
  • Supported“Formulated for dry, sensitive skin, fragrance and essential oil-free”Scan the ingredient list all you want: no fragrance, no essential oil, no drying alcohol anywhere in sight. Fragrance-free and alcohol-free, just like the retailer says. Receipts confirmed.
  • Partial“Sheer, universal tint that blends into skin without a white cast”Iron oxides are really in there, and yes, they cut the chalky white cast titanium dioxide and zinc oxide leave behind. But calling one single shade 'universal' is a stretch no formula can back up: skin tones are not one size. Nobody could even find a shade-match study to prove otherwise.
  • Unverifiable“Water-resistant sun protection”Nobody, not the retailer listing, not the ingredient database, put a number on how long this resists water. No duration, no way to check it.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/skinceuticals-physical-fusion-uv-defense-spf-50. Claims read from IncideCoder product and ingredient listing, with a Dermstore retailer search page (SkinCeuticals' own product page returned a 403 and could not be read).

Niacinamide serum

goodThe Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%11 ingredients · 5 in the library
  • StrongniacinamideA well-tolerated multitasker: barrier lipids, tone, sebum.
  • Functionalpentylene glycolA synthetic diol that carries other ingredients, keeps water in the skin, and helps preserve the formula
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • FunctionalchlorphenesinA preservative and antimicrobial that keeps formulas free of bacteria and fungi.

Not in the library yet (6): zinc pca, tamarindus indica seed gum, carrageenan, acacia senegal gum, cocoyl proline, ethoxydiglycol.

The claims, checked

Niacinamide and zinc PCA are both really in the bottle, so the ingredient list isn't lying to you. But the backing science for niacinamide sits at 2% to 5%, and this formula runs a full 10%, so the barrier, texture, and tone claims are real mechanisms stretched past the dose anyone tested. Zinc PCA's pore and sebum claim has even less going for it. No concentration-matched study exists anywhere. And that one named study everyone keeps citing, 35 people over 8 weeks, only checked whether the product clogs pores. Nothing about brightening or smoothing.

  • Partial“Strengthens the skin's moisture barrier”The barrier-boost evidence for niacinamide comes from trials at 2% to 5%. This formula runs at 10%, a dose nobody in those trials ever touched.
  • Partial“Improves the look of skin texture within 1 week”Texture improvements for niacinamide are documented at low doses, 2% to 5%, over courses longer than a week. This claim doubles the concentration and cuts the timeline down to one week. Both numbers outrun the trials being borrowed from.
  • Unverifiable“Reduces the appearance of pores and regulates excess sebum”Zinc PCA is really in there at 1%. But no published trial at that exact concentration exists anywhere in our evidence library, so this pore and sebum claim has nothing to check itself against.
  • Partial“Enhances brightness and targets dullness or uneven tone”The tone and brightness evidence behind niacinamide comes from 2% to 5% trials. This formula sits at 10% and just borrows that lower-dose research. It hasn't earned any research of its own.
  • Unverifiable“Non-comedogenic, tested in an 8-week clinical study”The brand points to an internal test, 35 subjects, 8 weeks, for the non-comedogenic claim. Doesn't name it. Doesn't publish it. Can't be checked as anything more than the brand's word.

Brand evidence: The Ordinary, internal clinical study, 35 subjects, 2x daily for 8 weeks (This study is cited only to support the non-comedogenic claim, not the brightening, texture, or pore claims it sits next to on the page.)

List read from incidecoder.com/products/the-ordinary-niacinamide-10-zinc-1. Claims read from The Ordinary's product page (theordinary.com).

betterPaula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster23 ingredients · 13 in the library
  • StrongniacinamideA well-tolerated multitasker: barrier lipids, tone, sebum.
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • ModerateallantoinA soothing, skin-conditioning agent that calms irritation and helps the surface hold moisture
  • ModeratepanthenolAlcohol form of vitamin B5, used as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent.
  • Functionalbutylene glycolSmall humectant and solvent that carries other ingredients and helps products feel lighter
  • FunctionallecithinA phospholipid mixture from soy, sunflower, or egg that emulsifies and softens skin feel
  • Functionalcitric acidNaturally derived alpha hydroxy acid used mainly to set and hold a formula's pH.
  • Functionalsodium citrateSodium salt of citric acid, used to adjust and buffer a formula's pH and bind trace metals.
  • Functionalsodium hydroxideAn alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust and hold a formula's pH
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions
  • Functionaltetrasodium edtaA chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working.
  • FunctionalethylhexylglycerinGlycerin derivative used to boost preservative activity and improve product feel
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.

Not in the library yet (10): acetyl glucosamine, ascorbyl glucoside, boerhavia diffusa root extract, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, ubiquinone, epigallocatechin gallate, beta-glucan, carnosine, genistein.

The claims, checked

This niacinamide sits at 10%, way past the 2% to 5% range every controlled trial used for tone and barrier claims. So the pore and post-breakout promises are borrowing evidence from a lower dose than what's in the bottle. 'Fights multiple signs of aging' leans on a pile of undisclosed-concentration extras with no study anywhere to its name. The calming, hydrating language names real ingredient categories, real chemistry, just not a single amount anyone could check against a study. Bold percentage, thin paper trail.

  • Partial“Visibly minimizes the look of enlarged pores”Niacinamide's really in the formula, sure, but at 10%, way above the 2% to 5% range the controlled trials used. Even in those lower-dose trials, pore appearance was a side note, not the headline finding. This concentration has nobody's study behind it.
  • Partial“Reduces the look of post-breakout marks”Niacinamide trials at 2% to 5% do show real improvement on hyperpigmentation, so the mechanism checks out. Nobody's published a word on the 10% dose sitting in this bottle, though, and the other actives helping out, ascorbyl glucoside, licorice root extract, won't say how much is in there either.
  • Unsupported“Fights multiple signs of aging and improves texture”'Fights multiple signs of aging' is doing a lot of heavy lifting for a claim built on niacinamide, panthenol, and a trio of antioxidants (ubiquinone, EGCG, genistein), all at concentrations nobody will name. No study anywhere covers this exact combination, at this exact dose. None.
  • Unverifiable“Calms and hydrates skin, restoring radiance”Allantoin, panthenol, beta-glucan, glycerin: a genuinely plausible soothing and hydrating lineup. Just don't ask what dose any of them are at, because the label won't tell you, and neither can this claim be checked against a number.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/paulas-choice-resist-10-niacinamide-booster. Claims read from Paula's Choice retailer/reference listing (IncideCoder product page), brand site product page unreachable this session.

bestSkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B331 ingredients · 12 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • StrongniacinamideA well-tolerated multitasker: barrier lipids, tone, sebum.
  • ModerateadenosineA naturally occurring nucleoside used at low levels to target the look of fine lines
  • EmergingtocopherolA fat-soluble vitamin E form added as an antioxidant, to protect oils in the formula and skin.
  • FunctionaldimethiconeA silicone oil that coats skin, filling in texture and giving slip and a smooth after-feel
  • FunctionalpropanediolA plant-derived or petro-derived diol used as a solvent, humectant, and penetration enhancer.
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • FunctionalchlorphenesinA preservative and antimicrobial that keeps formulas free of bacteria and fungi.
  • Functionalcaprylyl glycolA short-chain diol that conditions skin, holds moisture, and helps preservative systems work.
  • Functionalsodium citrateSodium salt of citric acid, used to adjust and buffer a formula's pH and bind trace metals.
  • Functionaltetrasodium edtaA chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working.
  • FunctionallimoneneA citrus-derived terpene used as a fragrance ingredient and solvent in formulas

Not in the library yet (19): dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymer, methylsilanol/silicate crosspolymer, sodium chloride, polymethylsilsesquioxane, microcrystalline cellulose, ci 77163, ethylhexyl hydroxystearate, peg-10 dimethicone, cellulose gum, laminaria digitata extract, dipropylene glycol, citrus aurantium amara flower oil, melaleuca viridiflora leaf oil, tetradecyl aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric urea trifluoroacetate, linalool, cymbopogon schoenanthus oil, magnesium chloride, citral, pelargonium graveolens flower oil.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/skinceuticals-metacell-renewal-b3. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle.

Oil free moisturizer

goodLa Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer23 ingredients · 13 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Strongsalicylic acidAn oil-soluble exfoliant that gets into the pore.
  • Mixedalcohol denatA solvent that makes formulas feel weightless and dry fast.
  • No evidenceparfumAn undisclosed blend; the single word can stand for dozens of compounds.
  • FunctionaldimethiconeA silicone oil that coats skin, filling in texture and giving slip and a smooth after-feel
  • Functionalbutylene glycolSmall humectant and solvent that carries other ingredients and helps products feel lighter
  • Functionalpeg-100 stearateA waxy emulsifier that blends oil and water phases into a stable cream or lotion
  • Functionalglyceryl stearateA fatty acid ester of glycerin used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
  • FunctionaltriethanolamineAn alkaline pH adjuster that also helps emulsify oil and water in a formula
  • Functionaltetrasodium edtaA chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working.
  • Functionalpentylene glycolA synthetic diol that carries other ingredients, keeps water in the skin, and helps preserve the formula
  • Functionalpolysorbate 80Nonionic surfactant that helps oil and water phases blend and stay mixed.
  • Functionalacrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerA synthetic polymer that thickens formulas and holds oil and water together

Not in the library yet (10): isocetyl stearate, silica, dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer, methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, cocamide mea, sarcosine, isohexadecane, perlite, capryloyl salicylic acid.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/la-roche-posay-effaclar-mat-2.

betterPaula's Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer34 ingredients · 22 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • StrongniacinamideA well-tolerated multitasker: barrier lipids, tone, sebum.
  • Moderateceramide npA lab-made lipid matching the skin's own ceramides, used to help rebuild the moisture barrier
  • Moderateceramide apA lab-made ceramide that mimics the skin's own barrier lipids in a moisturizer.
  • Moderateceramide eopA lab-made lipid that mimics skin's own ceramides, used to reinforce the moisture barrier
  • Moderatesodium hyaluronateA humectant that holds water at the surface.
  • ModeratepanthenolAlcohol form of vitamin B5, used as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent.
  • ModerateadenosineA naturally occurring nucleoside used at low levels to target the look of fine lines
  • Functionalcetearyl alcoholA blend of cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohols that thickens and stabilizes creams and lotions.
  • FunctionalpropanediolA plant-derived or petro-derived diol used as a solvent, humectant, and penetration enhancer.
  • Functionalglyceryl stearateA fatty acid ester of glycerin used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
  • Functionalpeg-100 stearateA waxy emulsifier that blends oil and water phases into a stable cream or lotion
  • FunctionalphytosphingosineA naturally derived sphingoid lipid used to support and mimic skin barrier structure.
  • FunctionalcholesterolA naturally occurring lipid, added to restore and reinforce the skin's own barrier structure
  • Functionalsodium pcaA salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, part of skin's natural moisturizing factor, used as a humectant.
  • FunctionallecithinA phospholipid mixture from soy, sunflower, or egg that emulsifies and softens skin feel
  • Functionalsodium lauroyl lactylateAnionic surfactant and emulsifier made from lactic acid and lauric acid, stabilizes formulas.
  • Functionalcitric acidNaturally derived alpha hydroxy acid used mainly to set and hold a formula's pH.
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions
  • FunctionalcarbomerA synthetic polymer that thickens water phases and holds gels and lotions together
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • FunctionalethylhexylglycerinGlycerin derivative used to boost preservative activity and improve product feel

Not in the library yet (12): ethyl macadamiate, triethylhexanoin, sodium acrylates copolymer, glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, hydrolyzed pumpkin seedcake, vaccinium angustifolium fruit extract, euterpe oleracea fruit extract, prunus serotina fruit extract, tripeptide-29, arginine, sodium gluconate, isohexadecane.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/paulas-choice-clear-oil-free-moisturizer.

bestSkinCeuticals Daily Moisture39 ingredients · 18 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • ModeratepanthenolAlcohol form of vitamin B5, used as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent.
  • ModerateallantoinA soothing, skin-conditioning agent that calms irritation and helps the surface hold moisture
  • Moderatesodium hyaluronateA humectant that holds water at the surface.
  • EmergingbisabololA chamomile-derived terpene alcohol added to calm and soothe irritated skin.
  • Functionalstearic acidA waxy fatty acid used as an emulsifier, thickener, and opacifying agent in creams.
  • Functionalpalmitic acidA saturated fatty acid, naturally found in skin, used as an emollient and cleansing base.
  • Functionalbutylene glycolSmall humectant and solvent that carries other ingredients and helps products feel lighter
  • FunctionalcyclopentasiloxaneA volatile silicone that spreads product evenly and leaves a silky, non-greasy finish
  • Functionaltocopheryl acetateStable ester form of vitamin E, added as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent.
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • Functionalpeg-100 stearateA waxy emulsifier that blends oil and water phases into a stable cream or lotion
  • Functionalglyceryl stearateA fatty acid ester of glycerin used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
  • FunctionalcarbomerA synthetic polymer that thickens water phases and holds gels and lotions together
  • Functionalpropylene glycolA small humectant and solvent that helps water-based ingredients dissolve and stay put
  • FunctionaltriethanolamineAn alkaline pH adjuster that also helps emulsify oil and water in a formula
  • Functionalpolysorbate 20An emulsifier and solubilizer that helps oil-soluble ingredients like fragrance and essential oils disperse evenly in water-based formulas
  • Functionaltetrasodium edtaA chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working.

Not in the library yet (21): cetyl palmitate, hypnea musciformis extract, glycol distearate, sargassum filipendula extract, glycine soja oil, sorbitol, gelidiella acerosa extract, hamamelis virginiana water, methylparaben, myristic acid, chamomilla recutita flower extract, butylparaben, cymbopogon schoenanthus extract, macrocystis pyrifera extract, hibiscus sabdariffa extract, ethylparaben, propylparaben, poterium officinale root extract, zingiber officinale root extract, cinnamomum cassia bark extract, cinnamal.

The claims, checked

The moisture and smooth-finish claims line up with the jar: glycerin, panthenol, and a volatile silicone all do exactly what they're described as doing. The 'high levels' of vitamin E and the whole sea algae story? No concentrations anywhere, so there's nothing to weigh those words against. And the 'free from parabens and silicones' claim falls apart the second you read the ingredient list, because both are sitting right there. Not hot.

  • Partial“Hydrates, nourishes, and helps reduce the appearance of pore size”Glycerin, sorbitol, panthenol, all sitting high enough on the list to hydrate. The pore-size shrinking, though? That's mostly cyclopentasiloxane laying down a temporary smoothing film, not any real, lasting change to your pores. Enjoy it while it lasts, because it doesn't.
  • Unsupported“High levels of pure vitamin E heal and protect”Tocopheryl acetate sits 11th out of 39 ingredients. That's a modest showing, not the 'high levels' this claim is bragging about. And it has to convert to free tocopherol in your skin to do anything as an antioxidant, a conversion that doesn't reliably happen. High levels of vitamin E this is not.
  • Unverifiable“Brazilian sea algae deliver proteins, amino acids, and essential minerals”Hypnea musciformis, sargassum filipendula, macrocystis pyrifera, yes, they're all really in the jar. No disclosed concentration for any of them, and no dedicated evidence entry in our library either. Sounds impressive. Can't be checked.
  • Unsupported“Free from parabens, mineral oils, and silicones”The ingredient list has four parabens sitting right in it, methylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, plus the silicone cyclopentasiloxane. That's not 'free from' anything. That's the opposite of this claim, in writing.
  • Supported“Leaves a smooth, non-greasy finish”Cyclopentasiloxane is a volatile silicone, it spreads into a thin film and evaporates, and that's the entire mechanism behind a smooth, non-greasy finish. This one's true.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/skinceuticals-daily-moisture. Claims read from Claims read from a retailer/ingredient-database listing (incidecoder.com product page copy); the brand's own site returned a 403 and could not be reached..

Peptide eye cream

goodThe Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum33 ingredients · 13 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • StrongniacinamideA well-tolerated multitasker: barrier lipids, tone, sebum.
  • Functionalbutylene glycolSmall humectant and solvent that carries other ingredients and helps products feel lighter
  • FunctionalpropanediolA plant-derived or petro-derived diol used as a solvent, humectant, and penetration enhancer.
  • Functionalpentylene glycolA synthetic diol that carries other ingredients, keeps water in the skin, and helps preserve the formula
  • FunctionalmaltodextrinA starch-derived polysaccharide used as a film former, texture agent, and binder
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions
  • Functionalcitric acidNaturally derived alpha hydroxy acid used mainly to set and hold a formula's pH.
  • Functionalsodium citrateSodium salt of citric acid, used to adjust and buffer a formula's pH and bind trace metals.
  • Functionalpolysorbate 20An emulsifier and solubilizer that helps oil-soluble ingredients like fragrance and essential oils disperse evenly in water-based formulas
  • FunctionalethylhexylglycerinGlycerin derivative used to boost preservative activity and improve product feel
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • FunctionalchlorphenesinA preservative and antimicrobial that keeps formulas free of bacteria and fungi.

Not in the library yet (20): dipropylene glycol, acetyl glucosamine, palmitoyl tripeptide-38, acetyl tetrapeptide-5, myristoyl nonapeptide-3, dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate, caffeine, epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside, gallyl glucoside, fraxinus excelsior bark extract, silanetriol, arginine, hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone, propyl gallate, hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin, hydroxyethylcellulose, glycolic acid, trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, dehydroacetic acid, benzyl alcohol.

The claims, checked

The wrinkle and brightness claims rest on mechanisms that are real, peptide signaling, niacinamide, both legitimate. But the label withholds every concentration that would let anyone check those claims against the dose the studies used. The puffiness and dark circle claims reach further than the bottle can back up: caffeine's dose goes undisclosed, and nothing in this formula has published evidence for dark circles specifically. The brand's own 4-week test is the main thing propping this up, and it's small, unpublished, and never independently checked.

  • Partial“Reduces the look of crow's feet and under-eye wrinkles”The brand's citing its own 4-week test on 48 people, not anything independently published. And the peptide blend doing the work, palmitoyl tripeptide-38, acetyl tetrapeptide-5, myristoyl nonapeptide-3, discloses no concentrations at all, so there's nothing to check against outside evidence.
  • Unverifiable“Reduces eye bags and puffiness”Caffeine's on the list, no disclosed concentration, and it sits low enough down that list that nobody could estimate a dose against the caffeine-and-puffiness literature even if they tried.
  • Unsupported“Reduces the look of dark circles”Dark circles come from pigment or blood vessels sitting close to the surface, mostly. None of this formula's actives, not the peptide blend, not niacinamide, not caffeine, have published evidence targeting either mechanism. This claim is reaching for something the formula was never built to do.
  • Partial“Leaves the eye area brighter and smoother”Niacinamide has strong, real evidence for brightening at 2% to 5%, and it sits high enough on this ingredient list to plausibly land in that range. Plausibly. The label just won't confirm the number.

Brand evidence: The Ordinary in-house test, 48 subjects, twice-daily use over 4 weeks (Short, small, and run by the brand rather than published in a peer-reviewed journal, so it supports a modest observation, not the broader anti-aging claim it is attached to.)

List read from theordinary.com/en-us/multi-peptide-eye-serum-100620.html. Claims read from The Ordinary's own product page.

betterThe INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream31 ingredients · 15 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Moderatesodium hyaluronateA humectant that holds water at the surface.
  • FunctionalpropanediolA plant-derived or petro-derived diol used as a solvent, humectant, and penetration enhancer.
  • Functionalcetyl alcoholA fatty alcohol from coconut or palm oil that thickens, emulsifies, and softens formulas.
  • Functionalhydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA synthetic polymer that thickens water phases and stabilizes emulsions without added surfactant.
  • FunctionalsqualaneA saturated plant- or sugarcane-derived oil used as an emollient to soften and smooth skin.
  • FunctionallecithinA phospholipid mixture from soy, sunflower, or egg that emulsifies and softens skin feel
  • FunctionalethylhexylglycerinGlycerin derivative used to boost preservative activity and improve product feel
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions
  • Functionalpolysorbate 60A nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer that lets oil and water phases mix in a formula.
  • Functionaltetrasodium edtaA chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working.
  • Functionalbutylene glycolSmall humectant and solvent that carries other ingredients and helps products feel lighter
  • FunctionalcarbomerA synthetic polymer that thickens water phases and holds gels and lotions together
  • Functionalpolysorbate 20An emulsifier and solubilizer that helps oil-soluble ingredients like fragrance and essential oils disperse evenly in water-based formulas
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.

Not in the library yet (16): dicaprylyl carbonate, polyglyceryl-6 distearate, jojoba esters, glyceryl dibehenate, albizia julibrissin bark extract, caffeine, polyglyceryl-3 beeswax, tribehenin, glycine soja extract, glyceryl behenate, glycolipids, glycine soja sterols, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, darutoside, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1.

The claims, checked

The caffeine and peptide combination here has a real mechanism behind it, modest, but real: caffeine helps with fluid retention, and Matrixyl-type peptides do have some collagen-signaling data on their side. Where the label gets ahead of itself is 'clinically proven,' a phrase carrying the weight of one 22-person in-house study instead of independent research, with a caffeine dose (0.3%) sitting on the low end of what the puffiness literature tests. The albizia extract's eye-fatigue claim has no independent evidence to point to either way, since nobody discloses a concentration. The hydration ingredients, glycerin, squalane, hyaluronic acid, are the one part of this formula that's earned its keep.

  • Partial“Clinically proven to reduce under-eye bags and dark circles from 1st use”Caffeine at 0.3% does have a real decongestant mechanism. But that concentration sits below what most published caffeine-and-puffiness studies test, and the only backing here is an in-house study of 22 people. Not peer-reviewed. Not independent.
  • Partial“Stimulates collagen production for firmer, smoother appearance”Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 and palmitoyl tripeptide-1, the Matrixyl 3000 pairing, do have data suggesting collagen signaling. That data comes from the cosmetic industry itself, though, and independent trials on this exact combination are thin on the ground. The mechanism is plausible. The confidence in the wording is not.
  • Unverifiable“Diminishes signs of eye fatigue for brighter eyes”Albizia julibrissin bark extract shows up with no disclosed concentration and no independent published evidence tying it to eye fatigue at all. There's simply nothing here to check this claim against, one way or the other.
  • Partial“Clinically proven to deliver instant hydration”Glycerin, squalane, hyaluronic acid, all well-established humectants that genuinely support hydration. But that 95% figure is a self-report from the same 22-person in-house study, not an instrumented skin measurement. People said they felt hydrated. Nobody measured it.

Brand evidence: INKEY List in-house study, 22 subjects, under dermatological and ophthalmological control (A single small in-house study is used to back four separate claims (puffiness, dark circles, texture, hydration). It is self-report percentages rather than instrumented before/after measurement, and the sample is too small to carry the certainty in 'clinically proven.')

List read from incidecoder.com/products/inkey-caffeine-eye-cream. Claims read from The INKEY List's own product page for the Caffeine Eye Cream.

bestDr Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum38 ingredients · 18 in the library
  • StrongretinolThe reference topical for photoaging, a vitamin A derivative.
  • Strongsalicylic acidAn oil-soluble exfoliant that gets into the pore.
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Moderatecamellia sinensis leaf extractA green tea leaf extract added as a polyphenol-rich antioxidant to protect skin from oxidative stress.
  • Moderatesodium hyaluronateA humectant that holds water at the surface.
  • ModeratepanthenolAlcohol form of vitamin B5, used as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent.
  • Functionalpropylene glycolA small humectant and solvent that helps water-based ingredients dissolve and stay put
  • FunctionallecithinA phospholipid mixture from soy, sunflower, or egg that emulsifies and softens skin feel
  • Functionalbutylene glycolSmall humectant and solvent that carries other ingredients and helps products feel lighter
  • Functionalcaprylic/capric triglycerideA lightweight plant-derived oil that softens skin and carries other ingredients into a formula.
  • Functionalpotassium hydroxideA strong alkali used in small amounts to set a formula's pH or convert fatty acids into soap
  • FunctionalmaltodextrinA starch-derived polysaccharide used as a film former, texture agent, and binder
  • Functionalpolysorbate 20An emulsifier and solubilizer that helps oil-soluble ingredients like fragrance and essential oils disperse evenly in water-based formulas
  • Functionalcitric acidNaturally derived alpha hydroxy acid used mainly to set and hold a formula's pH.
  • Functionalsodium citrateSodium salt of citric acid, used to adjust and buffer a formula's pH and bind trace metals.
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • Functionalsodium benzoateSodium salt of benzoic acid, used as a preservative to control microbial growth in the formula.
  • Functionalpotassium sorbatePotassium salt of sorbic acid, used as a preservative to stop mold and yeast growth.

Not in the library yet (20): ethoxydiglycol, bakuchiol, nephelium lappaceum leaf extract, ferulic acid, ubiquinone, quercetin, saccharide isomerate, centella asiatica extract, caffeine, salix alba bark extract, arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaf extract, morus alba bark extract, glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, potassium azeloyl diglycinate, glycolic acid, tetrapeptide-21, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, mandelic acid, pvm/ma decadiene crosspolymer, iron oxides ci 77491 ci 77492.

The claims, checked

The hydration promise is the one part of this that's fully true: this formula is loaded with humectants built to deliver an immediate, temporary plump. Everything else, the firming, the fine lines, the glow after one use, leans on the brand's own in-house percentages instead of a named, dosed study, and the retinol and bakuchiol blend won't say what concentration is in the jar. 'Clinically proven' means proven on this brand's own terms here, not measured against what's published on retinol. Cute number. No study to match it.

  • Partial“Clinically proven to visibly firm the eye area after 2 weeks”Retinol and bakuchiol both have real firming evidence behind them, at disclosed concentrations. This formula won't tell you the percentage of either one. So 'clinically proven' here is leaning on the brand's own in-house number, not a published, dosed study anyone else can check.
  • Partial“Clinically proven to significantly improve fine lines in 1 week”One week is fast, too fast for retinol to remodel skin and collagen. What's more likely doing the work in that timeframe is the hydrators, sodium hyaluronate, saccharide isomerate, glycerin, plumping fine lines temporarily. That's a very different mechanism than the one being implied.
  • Supported“Boosts hydration, with 87% seeing immediate hydration”Sodium hyaluronate, saccharide isomerate, glycerin, panthenol, phospholipids: that's a full lineup of humectants and lipids that would absolutely hydrate on contact. This one tracks.
  • Unverifiable“Clinically proven to boost radiance after just 1 use”Ferulic acid, quercetin, camellia sinensis, the antioxidants that would supposedly deliver that glow after one use, none of them come with a disclosed concentration. And the brand names no independent study behind this, just its own percentage. One use, zero proof.
  • Unverifiable“Visibly lifts and firms, reduces sagging”Tetrapeptide-21 is genuinely in the formula. But peptide firming evidence is thin even when the dose is known, and this product won't disclose a concentration for the peptide or the retinol blend behind the lift claim. Undisclosed twice over.

Brand evidence: Brand-reported in-house result: 91% saw an immediately softer, more supple, replenished eye area (No study name, sample, or design is published alongside the percentage, so it cannot be checked against the claim it supports.) · Brand-reported in-house result: 87% experienced immediate hydration (The hydration claim matches what the formula's humectant load would plausibly produce, even without a named published study.)

List read from incidecoder.com/products/dr-dennis-gross-skincare-advanced-retinol-ferulic-triple-correction-eye-serum. Claims read from Brand product page (drdennisgross.com).

Post shave balm

goodNivea Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm14 ingredients · 8 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • ModeratepanthenolAlcohol form of vitamin B5, used as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent.
  • No evidenceparfumAn undisclosed blend; the single word can stand for dozens of compounds.
  • Functionaltocopheryl acetateStable ester form of vitamin E, added as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent.
  • FunctionalmaltodextrinA starch-derived polysaccharide used as a film former, texture agent, and binder
  • Functionalsodium hydroxideAn alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust and hold a formula's pH
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • Functionalcitric acidNaturally derived alpha hydroxy acid used mainly to set and hold a formula's pH.

Not in the library yet (6): isopropyl palmitate, chamomilla recutita flower extract, tapioca starch, triceteareth-4 phosphate, pantolactone, piroctone olamine.

The claims, checked

The moisture claim and the paraben and alcohol-free claim both line up with what's in the formula, no notes there. The soothing claim reaches further than the ingredients alone can carry: chamomile and panthenol calm skin in general, but nothing here is dosed or tested for burning, micro cuts, or stubble itch specifically. 'Dermatologically tested' shows up on a lot of bottles, and without a named study behind it, there's still no way to weigh what it means on this one.

  • Supported“Moisturizes and helps protect skin from dryness”Glycerin sits second on the entire ingredient list, and panthenol plus tocopheryl acetate back it up right behind it. That combination has solid evidence for hydration and less water loss at normal use levels. Simple as that.
  • Partial“Soothes sensitive skin after shaving, easing burning, micro cuts, tightness, stubble itch”Chamomile extract and panthenol both have real, calming, barrier-supporting evidence behind them, genuinely. But the chamomile concentration is undisclosed, and nobody has tested this exact formula against shave-specific stuff like micro cuts or stubble itch. Calming, yes. Shave-specific, unproven.
  • Supported“Formulated without parabens and drying alcohols”The ingredient list carries zero paraben preservatives and zero denatured or ethyl alcohol. Phenoxyethanol handles preservation instead. Claim confirmed.
  • Unverifiable“Dermatologically tested on men with sensitive skin”This is an in-house testing claim with no study named anywhere. No design, no results, nothing to check the wording against. Take it or leave it.

List read from www.niveausa.com/products/sensitive-post-shave-balm-0721408130620079.html. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle. Claims read from Brand product page (niveausa.com).

betterProraso After Shave Balm Protective and Nourishing23 ingredients · 9 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • No evidenceparfumAn undisclosed blend; the single word can stand for dozens of compounds.
  • Functionaltocopheryl acetateStable ester form of vitamin E, added as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent.
  • Functionalacrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerA synthetic polymer that thickens formulas and holds oil and water together
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions
  • Functionalcaprylyl glycolA short-chain diol that conditions skin, holds moisture, and helps preservative systems work.
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • Functionalsodium hydroxideAn alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust and hold a formula's pH
  • FunctionallimoneneA citrus-derived terpene used as a fragrance ingredient and solvent in formulas

Not in the library yet (14): prunus amygdalus dulcis oil, oryza sativa starch, betaine, dodecane, butyrospermum parkii oil, santalum album oil, sodium cocoyl glutamate, benzyl alcohol, tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, coumarin, linalool, geraniol, citronellol, alpha-isomethyl ionone.

The claims, checked

The moisturizing claim is solid: glycerin plus shea and almond oil is a real, ingredient-backed way to soften skin after a shave, and this formula is genuinely alcohol-free. The 'thick beard' promise and the sandalwood-and-vitamin-E language both lean on ingredients at concentrations the label won't share, so neither part of that pitch can be checked against real evidence, only against what's plausible for the ingredient class in general. Solid base, vague extras.

  • Supported“Moisturizes and softens skin after shaving”Glycerin sits right near the top of the ingredient list doing its job as a humectant, backed up by shea oil and sweet almond oil as emollients. That's a textbook, proven approach to post-shave moisture. Nothing fancy, just works.
  • Supported“Alcohol-free formula”Denatured alcohol is nowhere on this ingredient list. Not a trace. The claim matches the formula exactly as declared.
  • Partial“Especially suited for thick beards / soothes irritation after shaving”The emollient and humectant base can plausibly ease post-shave dryness for anybody. But nothing in this formula, no anti-inflammatory actives at a stated concentration, is tied to any published evidence for thick beards specifically. That's a very specific claim for a very generic formula.
  • Unverifiable“Nourishing with sandalwood and vitamin E”Santalum album oil and tocopheryl acetate are both genuinely present. Their concentrations, though, are a mystery, and the retailer listing offers no study connecting this formula's sandalwood level to anything at all. Pretty words, no numbers.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/proraso-after-shave-balm-sandalwood. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle. Claims read from Retailer/ingredient listing (incidecoder product page); Proraso's own brand page would not load over this connection.

bestBaxter of California After Shave Balm27 ingredients · 15 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • ModerateallantoinA soothing, skin-conditioning agent that calms irritation and helps the surface hold moisture
  • No evidenceparfumAn undisclosed blend; the single word can stand for dozens of compounds.
  • FunctionalcyclopentasiloxaneA volatile silicone that spreads product evenly and leaves a silky, non-greasy finish
  • Functionalbutylene glycolSmall humectant and solvent that carries other ingredients and helps products feel lighter
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • Functionalpolysorbate 80Nonionic surfactant that helps oil and water phases blend and stay mixed.
  • Functionalacrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerA synthetic polymer that thickens formulas and holds oil and water together
  • FunctionaltriethanolamineAn alkaline pH adjuster that also helps emulsify oil and water in a formula
  • FunctionalethylhexylglycerinGlycerin derivative used to boost preservative activity and improve product feel
  • Functionaltetrasodium edtaA chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working.
  • FunctionallimoneneA citrus-derived terpene used as a fragrance ingredient and solvent in formulas
  • Functionalpotassium sorbatePotassium salt of sorbic acid, used as a preservative to stop mold and yeast growth.
  • Functionalsodium benzoateSodium salt of benzoic acid, used as a preservative to control microbial growth in the formula.
  • Functionalcitric acidNaturally derived alpha hydroxy acid used mainly to set and hold a formula's pH.

Not in the library yet (12): methyl gluceth-20, menthol, linalool, citral, benzophenone-4, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, peg-30 dipolyhydroxystearate, trideceth-6, geraniol, citronellol, coumarin, ci 42053.

List read from baxterofcalifornia.com/products/after-shave-balm.

Retinoid treatment

goodThe Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion31 ingredients · 14 in the library
  • Moderatelactic acidAn alpha hydroxy acid that loosens the bonds between dead surface skin cells to exfoliate
  • EmergingbisabololA chamomile-derived terpene alcohol added to calm and soothe irritated skin.
  • EmergingtocopherolA fat-soluble vitamin E form added as an antioxidant, to protect oils in the formula and skin.
  • FunctionalpropanediolA plant-derived or petro-derived diol used as a solvent, humectant, and penetration enhancer.
  • Functionalpentylene glycolA synthetic diol that carries other ingredients, keeps water in the skin, and helps preserve the formula
  • Functionalbutylene glycolSmall humectant and solvent that carries other ingredients and helps products feel lighter
  • FunctionalmaltodextrinA starch-derived polysaccharide used as a film former, texture agent, and binder
  • Functionalhydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA synthetic polymer that thickens water phases and stabilizes emulsions without added surfactant.
  • Functionalstearic acidA waxy fatty acid used as an emulsifier, thickener, and opacifying agent in creams.
  • Functionalpolysorbate 60A nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer that lets oil and water phases mix in a formula.
  • Functionalsodium hydroxideAn alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust and hold a formula's pH
  • FunctionalethylhexylglycerinGlycerin derivative used to boost preservative activity and improve product feel
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • FunctionalchlorphenesinA preservative and antimicrobial that keeps formulas free of bacteria and fungi.

Not in the library yet (17): coco-caprylate/caprate, hydroxyapatite, retinal, cetylhydroxyproline palmitamide, 4-t-butylcyclohexanol, hydroxyphenyl propamidobenzoic acid, ergothioneine, biosaccharide gum-1, brassica campestris sterols, zingiber officinale root extract, isohexadecane, hexyldecanol, caesalpinia spinosa gum, polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, isoceteth-20, ascorbyl palmitate, sodium lactate.

The claims, checked

The retinal-versus-retinol conversion story checks out completely: one less metabolic step is just biochemistry, not spin. The firming, dark spot, and wrinkle claims lean on real retinoid science, but the human trials behind that science mostly used retinaldehyde at 0.05 to 0.1 percent, and this emulsion runs at 0.2 percent, a strength nobody appears to have published a trial on yet. 'Boosts luminosity' is the softest claim in the bunch, all feeling, no measurement. That's the one word here doing more glowing than the ingredients can back up.

  • Partial“Rapidly firms and smooths skin”Retinaldehyde does have published firming data behind it. The split-face trials that produced that data used 0.05 to 0.1 percent, though, not the 0.2 percent sitting in this emulsion. Nobody has published a trial at this exact strength.
  • Partial“Noticeably reduces the appearance of dark spots”Retinoids as a class do improve hyperpigmentation through faster cell turnover, that mechanism is solid. Nobody's published the dose-response at 0.2 percent retinal specifically, though, so the size of the effect at this exact strength stays unverified.
  • Partial“Improves the look of lines and wrinkles”The wrinkle-reduction literature for retinaldehyde, Diridollou and colleagues among others, ran at roughly 0.05 percent over 4 to 6 months. That's well below the 0.2 percent in this emulsion. The mechanism is real. The wording claims more than that dose has earned.
  • Supported“One conversion step closer to the bioactive form of vitamin A than retinol, for more efficient delivery”This one's just biochemistry: retinaldehyde needs one oxidation step to become retinoic acid, retinol needs two, and skin metabolism research has that pathway locked down. True, and not even up for debate.
  • Unverifiable“Boosts luminosity for brighter, more even-looking skin”'Luminosity' is not a standard endpoint anywhere in the retinoid literature, and no concentration or study gets cited to check this wording against. It sounds lovely. It measures nothing.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/the-ordinary-retinal-0-2-emulsion. Claims read from The Ordinary's own product page for Retinal 0.2% Emulsion.

betterMedik8 Crystal Retinal 6 Serum40 ingredients · 14 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Moderatesodium hyaluronateA humectant that holds water at the surface.
  • Functionalcaprylic/capric triglycerideA lightweight plant-derived oil that softens skin and carries other ingredients into a formula.
  • Functionalcetearyl alcoholA blend of cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohols that thickens and stabilizes creams and lotions.
  • Functionaltocopheryl acetateStable ester form of vitamin E, added as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent.
  • FunctionalsqualaneA saturated plant- or sugarcane-derived oil used as an emollient to soften and smooth skin.
  • Functionalhydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA synthetic polymer that thickens water phases and stabilizes emulsions without added surfactant.
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • Functionalpentylene glycolA synthetic diol that carries other ingredients, keeps water in the skin, and helps preserve the formula
  • FunctionallecithinA phospholipid mixture from soy, sunflower, or egg that emulsifies and softens skin feel
  • Functionaltetrasodium edtaA chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working.
  • FunctionalethylhexylglycerinGlycerin derivative used to boost preservative activity and improve product feel
  • Functionalstearic acidA waxy fatty acid used as an emulsifier, thickener, and opacifying agent in creams.
  • Functionalpolysorbate 60A nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer that lets oil and water phases mix in a formula.

Not in the library yet (26): isododecane, cetearyl olivate, sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, cyclodextrin, sorbitan olivate, hydroxyacetophenone, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, rubus chamaemorus seed oil, daucus carota sativa seed oil, retinal, alumina, isostearic acid, sodium polyaspartate, polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate, lonicera japonica flower extract, lonicera caprifolium flower extract, polyhydroxystearic acid, sorbitan isostearate, bht, vanilla planifolia fruit extract, dipteryx odorata bean extract, coumarin, red 4, titanium dioxide/ci 77891.

The claims, checked

The core idea holds up: retinaldehyde is a legitimate retinoid, and 0.06% is a genuinely reasonable concentration for the ingredient. Where this label gets ahead of itself is in the specifics: the '7 days,' the '11x faster,' the wrinkle and firmness and pigmentation percentages, every single one of those traces back to one small, unpublished, brand-run study of 33 people. 'Clinically proven' is carrying a lot more weight here than one small study was ever built to hold.

  • Partial“Visibly smooths wrinkles and improves skin smoothness in as little as 7 days”Retinal at 0.06% is a real retinoid with a plausible mechanism, genuinely. But that '7 days' figure comes from the brand's own unpublished 12-week study, not independent literature, and independent literature generally shows retinoid effects building over 12-plus weeks, not one.
  • Partial“Brightens dark spots and reduces visible hyperpigmentation”That 20% figure traces straight back to the brand's own in-house study of 33 people, not a peer-reviewed trial at 0.06% retinaldehyde. The direction is credible. The size of the number is not independently confirmed by anybody.
  • Unsupported“Firms the appearance of skin”That 11% firmness increase comes from one place: the brand's own unpublished study. No independent trial on retinaldehyde at this concentration backs a firming claim at all.
  • Unverifiable“Retinal acts 11x faster than standard retinol”Retinaldehyde genuinely does skip one enzymatic conversion step compared to retinol on its way to retinoic acid. That part's real biochemistry. The specific '11x faster' number, though, has no independent published work behind it anywhere.
  • Partial“Gentle on skin, without irritation”Retinaldehyde is generally better tolerated than tretinoin, that much the literature backs up. But '100% felt it was gentle' is self-reported, from the brand's own short, unpublished study, not a controlled tolerability trial. People felt fine. That's not the same as measured.

Brand evidence: Medik8 in-house study, 33 participants, 12 weeks (unpublished, no journal or authors named) (This is the brand's own commissioned study, not a peer-reviewed trial, and it is used to back wrinkle, pigmentation, firmness, and speed-of-results claims all at once without published methodology to check any of them against.)

List read from incidecoder.com/products/medik8-crystal-retinal-6-3. Claims read from Medik8's own product page for Crystal Retinal 6, fetched directly.

bestDr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream63 ingredients · 24 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • StrongretinolThe reference topical for photoaging, a vitamin A derivative.
  • Moderatesodium hyaluronateA humectant that holds water at the surface.
  • ModerateadenosineA naturally occurring nucleoside used at low levels to target the look of fine lines
  • Moderatelactic acidAn alpha hydroxy acid that loosens the bonds between dead surface skin cells to exfoliate
  • EmergingtocopherolA fat-soluble vitamin E form added as an antioxidant, to protect oils in the formula and skin.
  • Functionalcetearyl alcoholA blend of cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohols that thickens and stabilizes creams and lotions.
  • Functionalbutyrospermum parkii butterFat pressed from shea tree nuts, used as an emollient and thickener for texture and softening.
  • FunctionaldimethiconeA silicone oil that coats skin, filling in texture and giving slip and a smooth after-feel
  • Functionalpropylene glycolA small humectant and solvent that helps water-based ingredients dissolve and stay put
  • Functionalcaprylic/capric triglycerideA lightweight plant-derived oil that softens skin and carries other ingredients into a formula.
  • Functionalcetyl alcoholA fatty alcohol from coconut or palm oil that thickens, emulsifies, and softens formulas.
  • FunctionalsqualaneA saturated plant- or sugarcane-derived oil used as an emollient to soften and smooth skin.
  • FunctionallecithinA phospholipid mixture from soy, sunflower, or egg that emulsifies and softens skin feel
  • Functionalsodium hyaluronate crosspolymerA crosslinked form of hyaluronic acid used to build gel texture and film on skin
  • Functionalpentylene glycolA synthetic diol that carries other ingredients, keeps water in the skin, and helps preserve the formula
  • FunctionalethylhexylglycerinGlycerin derivative used to boost preservative activity and improve product feel
  • Functionalbutylene glycolSmall humectant and solvent that carries other ingredients and helps products feel lighter
  • FunctionalmaltodextrinA starch-derived polysaccharide used as a film former, texture agent, and binder
  • Functionalcitric acidNaturally derived alpha hydroxy acid used mainly to set and hold a formula's pH.
  • Functionalsodium citrateSodium salt of citric acid, used to adjust and buffer a formula's pH and bind trace metals.
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • Functionalsodium benzoateSodium salt of benzoic acid, used as a preservative to control microbial growth in the formula.
  • Functionalpotassium sorbatePotassium salt of sorbic acid, used as a preservative to stop mold and yeast growth.

Not in the library yet (39): methyl glucose sesquistearate, diisostearyl malate, caprylyl caprylate/caprate, bakuchiol, ferulic acid, nephelium lappaceum leaf extract, oenothera biennis oil, ceramide ng, emblica officinalis fruit extract, silybum marianum extract, prunus amygdalus dulcis oil, jojoba esters, soy isoflavones, saccharide isomerate, hippophae rhamnoides fruit oil, centella asiatica extract, ursolic acid, camellia japonica seed oil, helianthus annuus seed oil, arnica montana flower extract, salix alba bark extract, pyrus malus fruit extract, hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, glycine soja oil, sodium acetylated hyaluronate, hydrolyzed soy protein, sodium stearoyl glutamate, tetrahydropiperine, polyglyceryl-4 oleate, ethylhexyl olivate, glyceryl stearate citrate, glyceryl caprylate, sodium acrylates copolymer, sodium phytate, ilomastat, citrus limon peel extract, citrus aurantium bergamia fruit extract, lavandula angustifolia flower/leaf/stem extract, benzyl alcohol.

The claims, checked

Retinol and ferulic acid together is a real, well-studied approach to fine lines. This product just won't say what percentage of retinol it's using, so there's no way to check the strength of the effect against the science. The '24 hours of hydration, backed by clinicals' line points to testing the brand never names, and that two-week result everyone's quoting comes from a consumer survey, not the kind of trial that backs retinol claims generally. The discoloration claim has the exact same undisclosed-concentration problem as the wrinkle claim. Good ingredient, girl, but where's the number?

  • Partial“Reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles”Retinol's really in the formula, and the mechanism behind it is well established, no argument there. What the brand won't say is the percentage, and the evidence ties this effect to 0.1% to 1% used for 12 weeks or more. Real ingredient, missing number.
  • Partial“Minimizes discoloration for a brighter complexion”Retinol does have published support for hyperpigmentation, at a disclosed concentration, which is exactly what this product won't give you. Same problem as the wrinkle claim, different word for it.
  • Unverifiable“24 hours of hydration, backed by clinicals”'Backed by clinicals' and then, nothing: no study name, no timeframe, no methodology. You can't check a claim against a citation that doesn't exist.
  • Unsupported“Visible skin improvement after two weeks of daily use”This comes from a consumer-perception survey, people saying how they felt, not a controlled trial measuring anything. And two weeks is far short of the 12-plus weeks the retinol evidence needs to show measurable change.

Brand evidence: Unnamed brand consumer study (two-week self-reported results) (The brand cites participant-reported improvement at two weeks without naming the study or its design; this does not match the 12-plus week timeframe that published retinol trials use.)

List read from incidecoder.com/products/dr-dennis-gross-advanced-retinol-ferulic-intense-wrinkle-cream-2. Claims read from Dr. Dennis Gross brand product page.

Self tanner

goodJergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer Medium to Tan29 ingredients · 12 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • EmergingtocopherolA fat-soluble vitamin E form added as an antioxidant, to protect oils in the formula and skin.
  • No evidenceparfumAn undisclosed blend; the single word can stand for dozens of compounds.
  • Functionalcetearyl alcoholA blend of cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohols that thickens and stabilizes creams and lotions.
  • FunctionaldimethiconeA silicone oil that coats skin, filling in texture and giving slip and a smooth after-feel
  • FunctionalcyclopentasiloxaneA volatile silicone that spreads product evenly and leaves a silky, non-greasy finish
  • Functionalstearic acidA waxy fatty acid used as an emulsifier, thickener, and opacifying agent in creams.
  • Functionalacrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerA synthetic polymer that thickens formulas and holds oil and water together
  • Functionalcitric acidNaturally derived alpha hydroxy acid used mainly to set and hold a formula's pH.
  • Functionaltetrasodium edtaA chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working.
  • Functionalsodium hydroxideAn alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust and hold a formula's pH
  • Functionaltitanium dioxideA mineral pigment that scatters UV and visible light, used as a sunscreen filter and white opacifier

Not in the library yet (17): petrolatum, mineral oil, ceteareth-20, glyceryl dilaurate, erythrulose, persea gratissima fruit extract, avena sativa meal extract, simmondsia chinensis seed extract, calendula officinalis flower extract, olea europaea fruit oil, methylparaben, propylparaben, dmdm hydantoin, bht, caramel, mica, dihydroxyacetone.

The claims, checked

The tanning mechanism here is not in question, not even a little. DHA and erythrulose are established actives with a real, documented track record for gradual, even color, and the moisturizing ingredients backing them up are just as real. What's missing is any disclosed concentration for either active, so 'deep' and 'streak-free' are words the brand picked, not numbers anyone can check. The botanical extracts sitting near the bottom of the list read like formulation dressing, there for the label copy, not doing the heavy lifting.

  • Partial“Delivers a deep, even, long-lasting tan without streaks”Erythrulose and dihydroxyacetone do have a well-documented mechanism for even color, reacting with the amino acids sitting on your skin's surface. The label won't disclose either concentration, though, and DHA lands dead last on the ingredient list, which usually means a low dose. Nobody's published a streak-free claim specific to this exact formula.
  • Supported“Gradual, buildable color with daily use”DHA and erythrulose develop color over hours and fade over days, which is exactly why daily reapplication builds depth gradually. Standard, published mechanism for both actives. This one's just true.
  • Supported“Moisturizes skin without causing dryness”Glycerin, petrolatum, mineral oil, dimethicone, tocopherol: a whole lineup of recognized emollients and humectants, completely separate from the tanning actives doing their own thing. The moisture claim stands on its own.
  • Unverifiable“Enriched with natural extracts (avocado, oat, calendula, olive oil)”Avocado, oat, calendula, and olive oil extracts are all really on the ingredient list. No concentrations disclosed for any of them, so what they're contributing to how this product feels or performs can't be checked against anything published.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/jergens-natural-glow-daily-moisturizer. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle. Claims read from Product description and ingredient breakdown on Incidecoder (brand site jergens.com and retailer listings on Target and Walmart were unreachable).

betterIsle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops Medium27 ingredients · 12 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Strongascorbic acidThe most-studied topical antioxidant, and the least stable.
  • Mixedalcohol denatA solvent that makes formulas feel weightless and dry fast.
  • No evidenceparfumAn undisclosed blend; the single word can stand for dozens of compounds.
  • Functionalpolysorbate 80Nonionic surfactant that helps oil and water phases blend and stay mixed.
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions
  • Functionalpropylene glycolA small humectant and solvent that helps water-based ingredients dissolve and stay put
  • Functionaltocopheryl acetateStable ester form of vitamin E, added as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent.
  • FunctionalpropanediolA plant-derived or petro-derived diol used as a solvent, humectant, and penetration enhancer.
  • FunctionalethylhexylglycerinGlycerin derivative used to boost preservative activity and improve product feel
  • Functionalsodium hydroxideAn alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust and hold a formula's pH
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.

Not in the library yet (15): dihydroxyacetone, erythrulose, tropaeolum majus flower/leaf/stem extract, aloe barbadensis extract, citrus grandis peel oil, cocos nucifera oil, eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, mentha piperita oil, persea gratissima oil, salvia hispanica seed oil, salvia officinalis oil, methoxyphenyl t-butylphenyl propanediol, agastache mexicana flower/leaf/stem extract, sodium metabisulfite, triethylene glycol.

The claims, checked

The tanning effect rests on dihydroxyacetone and erythrulose, both genuinely well-established actives, so the color part of this promise is real. The skin-tone and texture language reaches further than the formula can carry, since the plant oils and glycerin sit at undisclosed concentrations while the DHA color change does basically all of the visible work. 'Streak-free' and precise glow control come down to undisclosed percentages and how you apply it, not anything sitting on the ingredient list to verify.

  • Partial“Custom-made drops let you control the depth of your glow”Dihydroxyacetone and erythrulose are proven, established self-tanning actives, no argument there. Their concentrations are undisclosed, though, so how much control you get over your own glow isn't something anyone can check against a real number.
  • Partial“Addresses uneven skin tone, dullness, and uneven texture”The tan itself, from DHA and erythrulose, does visually even out tone, that part's real. The plant oils and glycerin that would improve texture sit at undisclosed concentrations, so anything beyond the color change stays unproven.
  • Partial“Hydrating self-tanner”Glycerin and aloe are established humectants, sure. But alcohol denat sits high on this ingredient list, and alcohol denat dries skin out. Add it up and the net hydration effect here is anyone's guess.
  • Unverifiable“Develops a natural, streak-free tan”DHA and erythrulose concentrations go undisclosed here, and streak evenness comes down to application method just as much as formula. There's no published evidence to check this claim against, streak-free or otherwise.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/isle-of-paradise-self-tanning-drops-medium. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle. Claims read from Isle of Paradise product description and ingredient list read via incidecoder (the brand's own site, Ulta, and Sephora were unreachable this session).

bestTan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops22 ingredients · 10 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Mixedalcohol denatA solvent that makes formulas feel weightless and dry fast.
  • No evidenceparfumAn undisclosed blend; the single word can stand for dozens of compounds.
  • Functionaltocopheryl acetateStable ester form of vitamin E, added as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent.
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions
  • Functionalpolysorbate 80Nonionic surfactant that helps oil and water phases blend and stay mixed.
  • FunctionallimoneneA citrus-derived terpene used as a fragrance ingredient and solvent in formulas
  • Functionalsodium hydroxideAn alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust and hold a formula's pH
  • Functionalbenzoic acidA preservative and pH adjuster that keeps microbes from growing in the formula
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.

Not in the library yet (11): dihydroxyacetone, erythrulose, rubus idaeus seed oil, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, hydrolyzed silk, caramel, geraniol, hexyl cinnamal, benzyl salicylate, butylphenyl methylpropional, dehydroacetic acid.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/tan-luxe-the-face-illuminating-self-tan-drops. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle.

Shave cream

goodCremo Original Concentrated Shave Cream23 ingredients · 9 in the library
  • ModerateallantoinA soothing, skin-conditioning agent that calms irritation and helps the surface hold moisture
  • No evidenceparfumAn undisclosed blend; the single word can stand for dozens of compounds.
  • Functionalstearic acidA waxy fatty acid used as an emulsifier, thickener, and opacifying agent in creams.
  • Functionalcetearyl alcoholA blend of cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohols that thickens and stabilizes creams and lotions.
  • FunctionallimoneneA citrus-derived terpene used as a fragrance ingredient and solvent in formulas
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • FunctionalethylhexylglycerinGlycerin derivative used to boost preservative activity and improve product feel
  • Functionaltitanium dioxideA mineral pigment that scatters UV and visible light, used as a sunscreen filter and white opacifier
  • Functionalcitric acidNaturally derived alpha hydroxy acid used mainly to set and hold a formula's pH.

Not in the library yet (14): sodium cocoyl isethionate, glycol distearate, macadamia ternifolia seed oil, polyether-1, hydroxypropyl guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, calendula officinalis flower extract, xylitol, citrus medica limonum fruit, carica papaya fruit extract, olea europaea leaf extract, linalool, bht, perfluoromethylcyclopentane.

The claims, checked

The slip and cushion in this cream come from a real fatty acid soap base, and that part of the glide claim tracks with how these formulas work, even without a named study behind Cremo's own words for it. Allantoin is doing real anti-irritant work in here, though Cremo won't say how much is in the tube, which keeps the razor burn claim from being fully checkable. The botanical lineup, calendula, aloe, papaya, olive leaf, reads more like a highlight reel than a set of active ingredients with evidence behind them, since not one of them shows up at a disclosed concentration or with a matching citation. 'Astonishingly smooth' describes a real sensory effect. It's just not a claim with a number behind it.

  • Unverifiable“"Unique molecules that become impossibly slick when mixed with water" for blade glide”Cremo names no molecules and discloses no concentrations behind this claim. The fatty acid soap base, stearic acid, glycol distearate, cetearyl alcohol, is a plausible lubricating system, sure, but it's a proprietary one with no published study anywhere to check it against. 'Impossibly slick' is a vibe, not a citation.
  • Partial“"Fighting nicks, razor burn and irritation"”Allantoin has real, controlled evidence for cutting irritation at the 0.1 to 2 percent range cosmetics typically use. This label just won't say what concentration is in the tube. Calendula and aloe sit further down the list too, with nothing like allantoin's evidence behind them for this specific use.
  • Unverifiable“"Astonishingly smooth skin"”'Astonishingly smooth' is a feeling, not a measurement. Macadamia oil, cetearyl alcohol, and stearic acid do support a smoother glide and finish, genuinely, but nobody has ever run a study measuring 'astonishing' against a baseline. Nobody could.
  • Partial“Botanical conditioning from calendula, aloe, papaya, and olive leaf extract”Calendula, aloe, papaya, olive leaf, all genuinely in the formula. Where they sit on the list, after the functional base, right before the preservative system, points to low concentrations, and not one of them carries the kind of concentration-matched evidence allantoin has. Real ingredients, supporting role only.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/cremo-shave-cream-classic. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle. Claims read from Cremo's own product page (cremocompany.com, Original Shave Cream).

betterProraso Shaving Cream Refreshing Eucalyptus Menthol18 ingredients · 7 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Moderatelactic acidAn alpha hydroxy acid that loosens the bonds between dead surface skin cells to exfoliate
  • No evidenceparfumAn undisclosed blend; the single word can stand for dozens of compounds.
  • Functionalstearic acidA waxy fatty acid used as an emulsifier, thickener, and opacifying agent in creams.
  • Functionalpotassium hydroxideA strong alkali used in small amounts to set a formula's pH or convert fatty acids into soap
  • Functionalsodium hydroxideAn alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust and hold a formula's pH
  • Functionaltetrasodium edtaA chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working.

Not in the library yet (11): cocos nucifera oil, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, menthol, camphor, eucalyptol, eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, sodium metasilicate, hydroxyethylcellulose, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, geraniol.

The claims, checked

The cooling claim holds up: menthol sits near the top of the ingredient list and its effect on skin is well established, textbook even. 'Tones and purifies' is harder to pin down since eucalyptus never gets a disclosed concentration, so there's no telling how much of that ingredient is doing real work versus just contributing scent. And 'every skin type' is a real stretch for a soap-based cream carrying both menthol and camphor, two actives that can sting on reactive or broken skin. Cool, yes. Universal, not quite.

  • Supported“Menthol helps cool, refresh, and revitalize skin”Menthol sits high on the ingredient list, ahead of both camphor and eucalyptol, and its cooling effect, activating the TRPM8 receptor, is well documented at normal cosmetic levels. That icy hit is real.
  • Unverifiable“Eucalyptus oil tones and purifies skin”Eucalyptus oil and eucalyptol are genuinely present, no disclosed concentration though, and 'tones and purifies' isn't even a defined, testable thing in cosmetic science to begin with. Pretty phrase. Not a real endpoint.
  • Partial“Suitable for every type of skin or beard”This is a soap-based formula, stearic acid, potassium and sodium hydroxide, carrying both menthol and camphor, two known irritants for sensitive or reactive skin. 'Every type of skin' is a big blanket for a high-pH soap cream packing cooling actives that can sting.
  • Supported“Alcohol-free”No denatured alcohol, no SD alcohol, anywhere on this list. It's a stearate soap cream through and through. Claim confirmed.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/proraso-shaving-cream-eucalyptus-menthol. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle. Claims read from Product description on Incidecoder's Proraso Shaving Cream Eucalyptus Menthol listing.

bestThe Art of Shaving Shaving Cream Sandalwood21 ingredients · 9 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • No evidenceparfumAn undisclosed blend; the single word can stand for dozens of compounds.
  • Functionalpalmitic acidA saturated fatty acid, naturally found in skin, used as an emollient and cleansing base.
  • Functionalstearic acidA waxy fatty acid used as an emulsifier, thickener, and opacifying agent in creams.
  • Functionalpotassium hydroxideA strong alkali used in small amounts to set a formula's pH or convert fatty acids into soap
  • FunctionaltriethanolamineAn alkaline pH adjuster that also helps emulsify oil and water in a formula
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • Functionalsodium hydroxideAn alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust and hold a formula's pH
  • Functionaltetrasodium edtaA chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working.

Not in the library yet (11): myristic acid, coconut acid, santalum spicatum wood oil, hexyl cinnamal, peg-4 laurate, peg-4 dilaurate, lauric acid, alpha-isomethyl ionone, coumarin, peg-4, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate.

The claims, checked

The lather claim holds up completely: the fatty-acid soap base and glycerin are exactly the chemistry that makes a shaving cream glide instead of scrape. The sensitive-skin and razor-burn promise runs straight into the formula's own fragrance allergens, hexyl cinnamal, alpha-isomethyl ionone, coumarin, sitting awkwardly next to a claim aimed at the most reactive skin in the room. The sandalwood and 'clinically tested' claims both hit the same wall: no concentration for the oil, no named study for the testing. Great lather, questionable promises.

  • Supported“Rich, nourishing lather that glides, not scrapes, for a closer shave”The fatty acid soap base, palmitic, myristic, stearic, lauric acid, neutralized with potassium hydroxide and triethanolamine, is the exact standard chemistry behind a dense, lubricating lather, and glycerin adds the slip on top. This is textbook shaving cream science, done right.
  • Supported“Enhanced hydration during the shave from glycerin”Glycerin is a well-established humectant, full stop, and it sits high enough on this ingredient list to be doing real hydration work, not just sitting in there as a trace afterthought.
  • Partial“Protects sensitive skin and prevents razor burn”The soap-and-glycerin base genuinely does cut friction. But this formula also carries fragrance plus three declared fragrance allergens, hexyl cinnamal, alpha-isomethyl ionone, coumarin, a common irritant trigger for exactly the sensitive skin this claim is talking to. Protecting sensitive skin while packing known allergens is a contradiction in one tube.
  • Unverifiable“Sandalwood oil nourishes dry skin”Sandalwood oil is genuinely on the ingredient list. No disclosed concentration, and it sits down near the fragrance end of the list, so there's no way to tell whether it's doing anything for your skin or just making the tub smell nice.
  • Unverifiable“Clinically and dermatologically tested”The brand puts this claim right on the product page and then names no study, links no study, for this specific shaving cream. Nothing to check it against.

List read from www.skinsafeproducts.com/the-art-of-shaving-shaving-cream-sandalwood-5-fl-oz. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle. Claims read from brand product page (theartofshaving.com/products/sandalwood-shaving-cream-5-oz).

Vitamin c serum

goodLa Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum28 ingredients · 14 in the library
  • Strongascorbic acidThe most-studied topical antioxidant, and the least stable.
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Strongsalicylic acidAn oil-soluble exfoliant that gets into the pore.
  • Moderatesodium hyaluronateA humectant that holds water at the surface.
  • ModerateadenosineA naturally occurring nucleoside used at low levels to target the look of fine lines
  • EmergingtocopherolA fat-soluble vitamin E form added as an antioxidant, to protect oils in the formula and skin.
  • Mixedalcohol denatA solvent that makes formulas feel weightless and dry fast.
  • No evidenceparfumAn undisclosed blend; the single word can stand for dozens of compounds.
  • Functionalpotassium hydroxideA strong alkali used in small amounts to set a formula's pH or convert fatty acids into soap
  • FunctionaldimethiconeA silicone oil that coats skin, filling in texture and giving slip and a smooth after-feel
  • Functionalpropylene glycolA small humectant and solvent that helps water-based ingredients dissolve and stay put
  • Functionaltetrasodium edtaA chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working.
  • Functionalcaprylyl glycolA short-chain diol that conditions skin, holds moisture, and helps preservative systems work.
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions

Not in the library yet (14): cyclohexasiloxane, polymethylsilsesquioxane, polysilicone-11, pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate, c13-14 isoparaffin, peg-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate, poloxamer 338, ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, laureth-7, acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, toluene sulfonic acid, polyacrylamide, bht.

The claims, checked

The vitamin C and hyaluronic acid claims track with what's in the bottle: ascorbic acid sits high on the list and hyaluronic acid shows up twice, both backing up real hydration and antioxidant support. The brightening and sunscreen-boosting claims lean on studies done at 10 to 20% L-ascorbic acid, and this product's own page wouldn't even load to confirm where it lands in that range. The 'exfoliates pores' claim on the sensitive-skin version reaches past what the formula can deliver: salicylic acid sits low enough on the list that it's there for a supporting cameo, not an exfoliation job.

  • Partial“Brightens skin and fades the look of dark spots and pigmentation”Ascorbic acid sits second on the ingredient list, right after water, which points to a real, meaningful concentration. The label just won't put a number on it. Brightening evidence comes from trials at 10 to 20% L-ascorbic acid at low pH, so this claim only holds up if the serum lands in that range, and there's no way to confirm it does.
  • Supported“Antioxidant protection against environmental damage”L-ascorbic acid, the active form of vitamin C, is a well-documented topical antioxidant, full stop, and its high placement on the ingredient list backs up a real, functional dose. This one checks out.
  • Unverifiable“Boosts the effectiveness of sunscreen worn over it”Vitamin C boosting sunscreen has real evidence behind it, in specific formulations at 10 to 20% L-ascorbic acid. Nothing on this product's public listings discloses an exact concentration or cites a study for this exact formula, though, so this claim can't be checked against the product in your hand.
  • Supported“Hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps skin”Sodium hyaluronate and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid are both in the formula, and hyaluronic acid's water-binding hydration effect is well established no matter the exact concentration. True, plain and simple.
  • Unsupported“Salicylic acid exfoliates and helps clear pores (Sensitive Skin variant)”Salicylic acid shows up near the bottom of the ingredient list, after xanthan gum and stabilizers, which means a low concentration unlikely to exfoliate anything. Salicylic acid needs a real dose to work as a beta hydroxy acid. This dose reads more like a guest appearance.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/la-roche-posay-pure-vitamin-c. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle. Claims read from La Roche-Posay's own product page returned 403 and its site search also returned 403, so claims here come from the product's INCI list and INCIDecoder's ingredient breakdown for this product, cross-checked against our ingredient library.

betterNaturium Vitamin C Complex Face Serum34 ingredients · 15 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Strongascorbic acidThe most-studied topical antioxidant, and the least stable.
  • Moderatesodium hyaluronateA humectant that holds water at the surface.
  • FunctionalpropanediolA plant-derived or petro-derived diol used as a solvent, humectant, and penetration enhancer.
  • FunctionalcarbomerA synthetic polymer that thickens water phases and holds gels and lotions together
  • Functionaltocopheryl acetateStable ester form of vitamin E, added as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent.
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • Functionalcaprylyl glycolA short-chain diol that conditions skin, holds moisture, and helps preservative systems work.
  • Functionalcitric acidNaturally derived alpha hydroxy acid used mainly to set and hold a formula's pH.
  • Functionalsodium hydroxideAn alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust and hold a formula's pH
  • Functionalpotassium sorbatePotassium salt of sorbic acid, used as a preservative to stop mold and yeast growth.
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions
  • Functionalbenzoic acidA preservative and pH adjuster that keeps microbes from growing in the formula
  • Functionalsodium benzoateSodium salt of benzoic acid, used as a preservative to control microbial growth in the formula.
  • Functionalpolysorbate 60A nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer that lets oil and water phases mix in a formula.

Not in the library yet (19): sodium ascorbyl phosphate, glutathione, ananas sativus fruit extract, carica papaya fruit extract, mangifera indica fruit extract, terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract, pleiogynium timoriense fruit extract, podocarpus elatus fruit extract, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, hydroxyethylcellulose, beta-glucan, hexylene glycol, sorbitol, algin, sorbic acid, 12-hexanediol, disodium phosphate, gold, sodium phosphate.

The claims, checked

The hydration claim holds up: glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and aloe sit high enough on the ingredient list to earn 'instantly hydrates' fair and square. The brightening, anti-aging, and antioxidant claims lean on real ingredients, ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, glutathione, but this page never once says at what concentration, and 'clinically proven' points to a study with no name and no publication anywhere. Real ingredients, invisible numbers.

  • Partial“Helps skin look more radiant and bright”Ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbyl phosphate are both genuinely present, and low-pH L-ascorbic acid does have real evidence for brightening. This page just won't disclose a concentration for either form, so there's no way to check this formula's strength against the range that's been tested.
  • Partial“Clinically proven to improve fine lines and wrinkles in 4 weeks”The brand cites an internal 8-week study, unnamed, unpublished, and doesn't disclose a vitamin C concentration either. So this claim rests on a mechanism, antioxidant support, collagen signaling, that's plausible in general but not checkable against this formula.
  • Partial“Helps defend skin from environmental stressors”Ascorbic acid and glutathione are both established antioxidants, so the mechanism holds. But undisclosed concentrations for both means the antioxidant load in this serum can't be matched to the doses the supporting research used.
  • Supported“Instantly hydrates skin”Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, aloe, all sitting near the top of the ingredient list, and these humectants are well established for immediate surface hydration. This one's just true.

Brand evidence: Unnamed 8-week internal clinical study referenced on the product page (The study is not named or linked, and the page gives no vitamin C concentration, so the claimed design cannot be checked against the formula it is used to sell.)

List read from naturium.com/products/vitamin-c-complex-serum. Claims read from Naturium brand product page (naturium.com/products/vitamin-c-complex-serum).

bestSkinCeuticals C E Ferulic11 ingredients · 8 in the library
  • Strongascorbic acidThe most-studied topical antioxidant, and the least stable.
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • ModeratepanthenolAlcohol form of vitamin B5, used as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent.
  • Moderatesodium hyaluronateA humectant that holds water at the surface.
  • EmergingtocopherolA fat-soluble vitamin E form added as an antioxidant, to protect oils in the formula and skin.
  • Functionalpropylene glycolA small humectant and solvent that helps water-based ingredients dissolve and stay put
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • FunctionaltriethanolamineAn alkaline pH adjuster that also helps emulsify oil and water in a formula

Not in the library yet (3): ethoxydiglycol, laureth-23, ferulic acid.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/skinceuticals-c-e-ferulic. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle.

Womens body razor

betterBillie Razor Starter Kit7 ingredients · 3 in the library
  • EmergingtocopherolA fat-soluble vitamin E form added as an antioxidant, to protect oils in the formula and skin.
  • Functionalbutyrospermum parkii butterFat pressed from shea tree nuts, used as an emollient and thickener for texture and softening.
  • FunctionalmaltodextrinA starch-derived polysaccharide used as a film former, texture agent, and binder

Not in the library yet (4): charcoal powder, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, cyclodextrin, polyethylene glycol.

The claims, checked

Both claims on record for this razor are about what's left out of the moisturizing strip, not what it does for your skin, and the ingredient list backs up both: no alcohol denat, no parfum, no essential oil. There's no clinical or performance claim here to weigh against a study, this is a formulation check, plain and simple. Billie's own product page wouldn't load, so this comes from a third-party ingredient database instead of the brand's page directly. Two claims, two receipts, nothing fancy.

  • Supported“Alcohol Free”The moisturizing strip's ingredient list has no alcohol denat, no drying alcohol of any kind. The claim matches the formula exactly as worded.
  • Supported“Fragrance and Essential Oil Free”No parfum, no essential oil, anywhere on the strip's ingredient list. Exactly what this claim needs to be true, and it is.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/billie-razor. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle. Claims read from IncideCoder ingredient listing for the Billie razor moisturizing strip (mybillie.com returned a 403, Target and Ulta listings were unreachable).

The brands with their own page

dermalogica-cleansing-gelDermalogica Special Cleansing Gel24 ingredients · 8 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Functionalbutylene glycolSmall humectant and solvent that carries other ingredients and helps products feel lighter
  • Functionalcaprylyl glycolA short-chain diol that conditions skin, holds moisture, and helps preservative systems work.
  • FunctionalpropanediolA plant-derived or petro-derived diol used as a solvent, humectant, and penetration enhancer.
  • Functionalcitric acidNaturally derived alpha hydroxy acid used mainly to set and hold a formula's pH.
  • Functionaltetrasodium edtaA chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working.
  • Functionalsodium hydroxideAn alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust and hold a formula's pH
  • Functionalsodium benzoateSodium salt of benzoic acid, used as a preservative to control microbial growth in the formula.

Not in the library yet (16): sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, hydroxyethylcellulose, lavandula angustifolia oil, quillaja saponaria bark extract, citrus limon peel oil, melissa officinalis leaf extract, citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, cymbopogon nardus oil, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium cocoamphoacetate, hydroxyacetophenone, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, 12-hexanediol, o-cymen-5-ol, ppg-5-ceteth-20.

The claims, checked

The gel washes clean without the harsh feel of soap. The surfactant choices back that up, no argument. The "toxins" language and the soothing claims for lavender and melissa extract outrun what the ingredient list shows, since neither concentration gets disclosed. And if you're prone to fragrance sensitivity, the citrus and bergamot oils here are worth clocking before you buy the "all skin types" line.

  • Partial“Soap-free gel cleanses without stripping or disturbing moisture balance”The mild surfactant blend, sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, cocamidopropyl betaine, does support gentle cleansing. But this formula also carries five fragrance oils, bergamot and citronella among them, and those are known contact irritants. That cuts hard against a blanket non-stripping claim.
  • Unsupported“Quillaja Saponaria gently rinses away toxins and debris”Quillaja saponaria bark extract is a real saponin-based foaming agent with a documented cleansing role. "Toxins" is not a defined skin target, though, full stop, and no published work ties this extract to removing them.
  • Unverifiable“Calming Balm Mint and Lavender extracts soothe the skin”Melissa officinalis leaf extract and lavandula angustifolia oil both sit low on the ingredient list with no disclosed concentration. Whether either one reaches a soothing dose in this formula is anyone's guess.
  • Partial“Lightweight and mild enough for daily use on all skin types”The surfactant system is mild enough for frequent use, that part's fine. But citrus peel and bergamot oils are recognized sensitizers and photosensitizers, plainly, so "all skin types" overstates the fit for reactive or sensitized skin.

List read from www.dermalogica.com/products/special-cleansing-gel. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle. Claims read from Dermalogica product page copy.

dermalogica-microfoliantDermalogica Daily Microfoliant27 ingredients · 7 in the library
  • Strongsalicylic acidAn oil-soluble exfoliant that gets into the pore.
  • ModerateallantoinA soothing, skin-conditioning agent that calms irritation and helps the surface hold moisture
  • Moderatecamellia sinensis leaf extractA green tea leaf extract added as a polyphenol-rich antioxidant to protect skin from oxidative stress.
  • EmergingtocopherolA fat-soluble vitamin E form added as an antioxidant, to protect oils in the formula and skin.
  • FunctionalmaltodextrinA starch-derived polysaccharide used as a film former, texture agent, and binder
  • FunctionallimoneneA citrus-derived terpene used as a fragrance ingredient and solvent in formulas
  • Functionalcitric acidNaturally derived alpha hydroxy acid used mainly to set and hold a formula's pH.

Not in the library yet (20): microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium oxide, sodium cocoyl isethionate, colloidal oatmeal, disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate, sodium lauroyl glutamate, oryza sativa bran extract, oryza sativa starch, coconut acid, papain, ginkgo biloba leaf extract, glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, pca, populus tremuloides bark extract, cyclodextrin, sodium isethionate, lauryl methacrylate/glycol dimethacrylate crosspolymer, 4-terpineol, citrus paradisi peel oil, sodium dehydroacetate.

The claims, checked

This formula does carry real exfoliants. Papain and salicylic acid both show up on the ingredient list, so the basic exfoliation story holds up fine. The brightening and dark-spot claims lean on rice bran's phytic acid, which likely sits at a trace amount here, so that part is reaching past what's disclosed. The product page name-drops "scientific journal citations" without naming a single study or showing what concentration was tested, which leaves the daily-use and sensitive-skin claims hard to check against this exact formula.

  • Partial“Exfoliates, smooths, and brightens skin via enzymatic and chemical action”Papain and salicylic acid are both genuinely real exfoliants, both right there on the INCI list. What's missing is the salicylic acid concentration, and the published evidence for that kind of exfoliation sits at 0.5% to 2%, a range this label never confirms it's in.
  • Unverifiable“Reduces blackhead appearance and clears pores”Salicylic acid supports comedone reduction at 0.5% to 2% in controlled trials, that part is solid science. This product just won't state its concentration, so there's nothing to check the claim against.
  • Unsupported“Brightens skin and minimizes dark spot appearance after 1 to 4 weeks”This one rests on phytic acid, carried in oryza sativa (rice) bran extract, and that ingredient sits low enough on the list that its concentration is likely trace, well below what the brightening studies used.
  • Partial“Gentle enough for daily use on sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin”Colloidal oatmeal and allantoin are calming ingredients with a real basis behind them, sure. But daily use of an enzyme-plus-salicylic-acid exfoliant is a stronger routine than most sensitive-skin protocols call for in the literature, and the brand publishes no tolerability data specific to this formula.

List read from www.dermalogica.com/products/daily-microfoliant. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle. Claims read from Dermalogica's own product page for Daily Microfoliant.

dermalogica-spf50Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 5056 ingredients · 21 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • Moderatecamellia sinensis leaf extractA green tea leaf extract added as a polyphenol-rich antioxidant to protect skin from oxidative stress.
  • Moderatesodium hyaluronateA humectant that holds water at the surface.
  • Functionalbutylene glycolSmall humectant and solvent that carries other ingredients and helps products feel lighter
  • Functionalc12-15 alkyl benzoateA lightweight ester emollient that smooths texture and helps other ingredients spread evenly
  • FunctionalcyclopentasiloxaneA volatile silicone that spreads product evenly and leaves a silky, non-greasy finish
  • FunctionaldimethiconeA silicone oil that coats skin, filling in texture and giving slip and a smooth after-feel
  • FunctionallecithinA phospholipid mixture from soy, sunflower, or egg that emulsifies and softens skin feel
  • Functionaltocopheryl acetateStable ester form of vitamin E, added as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent.
  • FunctionalsqualaneA saturated plant- or sugarcane-derived oil used as an emollient to soften and smooth skin.
  • Functionalcaprylic/capric triglycerideA lightweight plant-derived oil that softens skin and carries other ingredients into a formula.
  • Functionalcetearyl alcoholA blend of cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohols that thickens and stabilizes creams and lotions.
  • Functionalstearic acidA waxy fatty acid used as an emulsifier, thickener, and opacifying agent in creams.
  • Functionalhydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA synthetic polymer that thickens water phases and stabilizes emulsions without added surfactant.
  • Functionalpolysorbate 80Nonionic surfactant that helps oil and water phases blend and stay mixed.
  • Functionalpolysorbate 60A nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer that lets oil and water phases mix in a formula.
  • Functionaltetrasodium edtaA chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working.
  • FunctionalethylhexylglycerinGlycerin derivative used to boost preservative activity and improve product feel
  • FunctionallimoneneA citrus-derived terpene used as a fragrance ingredient and solvent in formulas
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • Functionaltitanium dioxideA mineral pigment that scatters UV and visible light, used as a sunscreen filter and white opacifier

Not in the library yet (35): ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, carthamus tinctorius oleosomes, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, dimethyl capramide, palmitoyl tripeptide-5, aniba rosodora wood extract, rose flower oil, pelargonium graveolens flower oil, helianthus annuus seed oil, eugenia caryophyllus leaf oil, citrus medica limonum peel oil, saccharomyces cerevisiae extract, citrus medica limonum peel extract, laminaria digitata extract, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, eugenia caryophyllus flower oil, glucosamine hcl, arginine/lysine polypeptide, polysilicone-11, glycine soja protein, 12-hexanediol, ceteareth-20, sodium polyacrylate, sodium acrylates copolymer, decyl glucoside, urea, galactoarabinan, glyceryl polyacrylate, aminomethyl propanol, linalool, eugenol, geraniol, citronellol, benzyl benzoate, citral.

The claims, checked

The SPF50 broad-spectrum claim holds up because it has to. That's a regulated, tested number, not a brand's opinion of itself. The hydration promise checks out too, against a normal glycerin-squalane-hyaluronate base. The peptide claim rests on an ingredient with real research behind it, but Dermalogica won't say how much made it into the jar, so "helps improve the appearance of photoaged skin" is asking for more trust than you can verify. The white tea antioxidant line is the shakiest of the bunch: green tea extract needs a certain concentration range to do what the studies show, and where this one sits on the ingredient list suggests the formula falls short.

  • Supported“Broad Spectrum SPF50 provides critical protection against UV light”This formula carries ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane as its UV filters, and SPF50 broad-spectrum is a tested, regulated claim under the FDA sunscreen monograph. Not a guess. A regulated number.
  • Unverifiable“Unique polypeptide blend helps improve the appearance of photoaged skin”Palmitoyl tripeptide-5 does sit in the ingredient list, and that peptide family has published work behind it on collagen signaling. The brand just won't disclose a concentration, so as worded, there's no dose to check this claim against.
  • Partial“White Tea provides antioxidant protection against free radicals”Camellia sinensis leaf extract is present, and controlled studies do show antioxidant effects at roughly 1 to 5 percent standardized extract. Here, though, it sits well down the ingredient list, after the silicones, the oils, several other actives, which points to a concentration below what those studies used.
  • Supported“Provides long-lasting hydration”Glycerin, squalane, sodium hyaluronate, all present in the upper half of the ingredient list. That's a standard humectant-emollient combination with well-established hydration effects at typical use levels. This one just works.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/dermalogica-dynamic-skin-recovery-spf-50-moisturizer. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle. Claims read from Dermalogica's own product page for Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50.

el-double-wearEstee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup22 ingredients · 6 in the library
  • FunctionalcyclopentasiloxaneA volatile silicone that spreads product evenly and leaves a silky, non-greasy finish
  • Functionalbutylene glycolSmall humectant and solvent that carries other ingredients and helps products feel lighter
  • Functionaltocopheryl acetateStable ester form of vitamin E, added as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent.
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • Functionaltitanium dioxideA mineral pigment that scatters UV and visible light, used as a sunscreen filter and white opacifier

Not in the library yet (16): trimethylsiloxysilicate, peg/ppg-18/18 dimethicone, tribehenin, polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, magnesium sulfate, polymethylsilsesquioxane, methicone, laureth-7, alumina, sodium dehydroacetate, disteardimonium hectorite, cellulose gum, propylene carbonate, pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, iron oxides, mica.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/estee-lauder-double-wear-stay-in-place-makeup.

hauslabs-foundationHaus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation46 ingredients · 7 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • EmergingtocopherolA fat-soluble vitamin E form added as an antioxidant, to protect oils in the formula and skin.
  • Mixedalcohol denatA solvent that makes formulas feel weightless and dry fast.
  • Functionalbutylene glycolSmall humectant and solvent that carries other ingredients and helps products feel lighter
  • FunctionalsqualaneA saturated plant- or sugarcane-derived oil used as an emollient to soften and smooth skin.
  • Functionalcaprylyl glycolA short-chain diol that conditions skin, holds moisture, and helps preservative systems work.
  • FunctionalethylhexylglycerinGlycerin derivative used to boost preservative activity and improve product feel

Not in the library yet (39): diphenylsiloxy phenyl trimethicone, phenyl trimethicone, caprylyl methicone, trimethylsiloxysilicate, propylene glycol dibenzoate, isododecane, methyl trimethicone, lauryl polyglyceryl-3 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, c13-15 alkane, polymethylsilsesquioxane, polyglyceryl-3 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, acrylates/polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate copolymer, sorbitan sesquioleate, disteardimonium hectorite, 12-hexanediol, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-10, arnica montana flower extract, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, pseudozyma epicola/camellia sinensis seed oil ferment extract filtrate, pseudozyma epicola/apricot kernel oil/olive fruit oil/sweet almond oil/sunflower seed oil/licorice root extract ferment extract filtrate, pseudozyma epicola/apricot kernel oil/olive fruit oil/sunflower seed oil/sweet almond oil/angelica gigas/lithospermum erythrorhizon root, solanum lycopersicum fruit extract, dunaliella salina extract, hedychium coronarium root extract, althaea rosea flower extract, taraxacum officinale extract, perilla ocymoides leaf extract, panax notoginseng extract, glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, chamomilla recutita extract, centella asiatica extract, pseudozyma epicola/sunflower seed oil ferment extract filtrate, magnesium sulfate, polypropylsilsesquioxane, acrylates/dimethicone copolymer, triethoxycaprylylsilane, dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, ci 77491, ci 77499.

The claims, checked

The ingredient list backs up the general shape of the claim. This formula really does carry actives like hyaluronic acid, squalane, a palmitoyl peptide, and fermented arnica alongside its silicones and pigments. What it can't back up is the size of any benefit, because none of them come with a stated percentage, and a foundation worn over skin for a day is not the same delivery context as a leave-on serum. Coverage and finish are subjective by nature, and no ingredient list or study was ever going to settle those anyway.

  • Unverifiable“Medium, buildable coverage with a naturally luminous, second-skin finish”This is a wear-feel claim about pigment load and film-forming silicones, trimethylsiloxysilicate, polymethylsilsesquioxane, and no ingredient list or published study is built to confirm or deny how a foundation feels on a face.
  • Partial“Skincare-infused, clean formulation powered by fermented Arnica”Arnica montana flower extract and several pseudozyma epicola ferment filtrates are genuinely present, so the fermented-arnica story is at least built from real ingredients. No concentration is disclosed for any of them, though, so the strength of any skin benefit can't be checked against evidence.
  • Partial“20+ skincare ingredients support skin while wearing makeup”The list does include recognized skin-supportive ingredients: hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, squalane, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-10, tocopherol, several plant extracts, consistent with ingredients.ts entries for squalane and hyaluronic acid. All real. All sitting well down the list with no disclosed percentages, though, so their contribution in a foundation you wear for a day and then wash off is likely small.

List read from incidecoder.com/products/haus-labs-triclone-skin-tech-foundation. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle. Claims read from Haus Labs brand product page (hauslabs.com).

oneskin-bodyOneSkin OS-01 BODY44 ingredients · 18 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • StrongniacinamideA well-tolerated multitasker: barrier lipids, tone, sebum.
  • ModeratepanthenolAlcohol form of vitamin B5, used as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent.
  • ModerateallantoinA soothing, skin-conditioning agent that calms irritation and helps the surface hold moisture
  • Moderateceramide npA lab-made lipid matching the skin's own ceramides, used to help rebuild the moisture barrier
  • FunctionalsqualaneA saturated plant- or sugarcane-derived oil used as an emollient to soften and smooth skin.
  • Functionaltocopheryl acetateStable ester form of vitamin E, added as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent.
  • Functionalsodium hyaluronate crosspolymerA crosslinked form of hyaluronic acid used to build gel texture and film on skin
  • FunctionallecithinA phospholipid mixture from soy, sunflower, or egg that emulsifies and softens skin feel
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions
  • Functionalpolysorbate 80Nonionic surfactant that helps oil and water phases blend and stay mixed.
  • Functionalcaprylyl glycolA short-chain diol that conditions skin, holds moisture, and helps preservative systems work.
  • Functionalcitric acidNaturally derived alpha hydroxy acid used mainly to set and hold a formula's pH.
  • Functionalsodium citrateSodium salt of citric acid, used to adjust and buffer a formula's pH and bind trace metals.
  • Functionalpentylene glycolA synthetic diol that carries other ingredients, keeps water in the skin, and helps preserve the formula
  • Functionalpotassium sorbatePotassium salt of sorbic acid, used as a preservative to stop mold and yeast growth.
  • FunctionalethylhexylglycerinGlycerin derivative used to boost preservative activity and improve product feel
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.

Not in the library yet (25): limnanthes alba seed oil, sorbitan olivate, avena sativa kernel oil, prunus domestica seed oil, saccharide isomerate, cetearyl olivate, mangifera indica seed butter, tremella fuciformis extract, decapeptide-52, asiaticoside, centella asiatica extract, anadenanthera colubrina bark extract, lepidium sativum sprout extract, genistein, bentonite, cetyl palmitate, sorbitan palmitate, polyglyceryl-10 laurate, polyglyceryl-6 oleate, sorbitan oleate, glyceryl caprylate, alcohol, sorbic acid, caprylhydroxamic acid, tetrasodium glutamate diacetate.

The claims, checked

The hydration and barrier numbers here come from OneSkin's own testing, and the ingredient list does have real humectants and barrier-support actives behind them, so the general direction is plausible even if the exact percentages aren't independently checkable. The bigger stretch is 'reverse biological age': that claim traces back to OneSkin's facial peptide study, and this bottle is a body formula, going on different skin entirely. The OS-01 peptide, decapeptide-52, doesn't get a disclosed concentration here either, which is a good chunk of why the crepey-skin and firmness claims can't be verified in either direction.

  • Partial“Improves skin texture, appearance, and hydration (93%/70%/70% reported)”Those percentages come from a self-reported consumer-perception survey, not an instrumented, controlled trial, so hold that thought. The formula does carry known humectants, glycerin, panthenol, sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, that plausibly support hydration, so the direction isn't wrong. The precision is just borrowed.
  • Partial“Strengthens the skin barrier by up to +41%”That +41% figure comes from OneSkin's own testing, no published methodology, no peer review, nothing to check it against. Decapeptide-52 isn't listed with a concentration either, so the number can't be tied to a dose.
  • Partial“OS-01 peptide is scientifically proven to reverse skin's biological age”The published epigenetic-clock work behind this claim tested a facial OS-01 formulation on facial skin. This is the BODY product, on body skin. The mechanism is real. The claim, worded for this exact SKU, is not what got tested.
  • Unverifiable“Addresses thin, crepey skin for a firmer look and feel”No disclosed decapeptide-52 concentration, no cited published study on epidermal thickening from this body formula specifically. There's simply nothing public to check this claim against.

Brand evidence: OneSkin consumer-perception survey (93% hydration, 70% appearance, 70% texture) (Self-reported outcomes without a disclosed placebo arm or peer-reviewed writeup; supports a general impression, not the specific percentages as proof.) · OneSkin epigenetic skin-age study behind the 'senescence blocking' claim (The study underlying the biological-age claim used a facial OS-01 formulation on facial skin; it is being used to sell a body product with a different formulation and application site.)

List read from www.oneskin.co/products/os-01-body-topical-supplement. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle. Claims read from OneSkin OS-01 BODY product page (oneskin.co).

oneskin-faceOneSkin OS-01 FACE30 ingredients · 12 in the library
  • StrongglycerinThe workhorse humectant almost everything is built on.
  • StrongniacinamideA well-tolerated multitasker: barrier lipids, tone, sebum.
  • Moderatesodium hyaluronateA humectant that holds water at the surface.
  • ModerateallantoinA soothing, skin-conditioning agent that calms irritation and helps the surface hold moisture
  • EmergingtocopherolA fat-soluble vitamin E form added as an antioxidant, to protect oils in the formula and skin.
  • FunctionalsqualaneA saturated plant- or sugarcane-derived oil used as an emollient to soften and smooth skin.
  • Functionalsodium hyaluronate crosspolymerA crosslinked form of hyaluronic acid used to build gel texture and film on skin
  • Functionaltocopheryl acetateStable ester form of vitamin E, added as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent.
  • Functionalxanthan gumA fermentation-derived polysaccharide that thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions
  • Functionalpotassium sorbatePotassium salt of sorbic acid, used as a preservative to stop mold and yeast growth.
  • FunctionalphenoxyethanolA preservative that keeps water-based formulas free of bacteria and mold over time.
  • Functionalcaprylyl glycolA short-chain diol that conditions skin, holds moisture, and helps preservative systems work.

Not in the library yet (17): calycophyllum spruceanum bark oleic extract, sorbitan olivate, cetearyl olivate, carapa guianensis seed oil, vitis vinifera seed oil, pentaclethra macroloba seed oil, rosa canina fruit oil, prunus domestica seed oil, caprylhydroxamic acid, glyceryl caprylate, decapeptide-52, bentonite, cellulose, cetyl palmitate, sorbitan palmitate, sorbic acid, tetrasodium glutamate diacetate.

The claims, checked

The hydration, elasticity, and smoothness claims line up with a real clinical trial OneSkin ran on this product, so give them that. The firmness claim holds on the numbers but leans on a mechanism, senescent cells switching off, that was shown in lab and ex vivo skin models, not in that same trial. "The only peptide scientifically proven to reverse skin aging at the cellular level" borrows all its weight from those lab studies while claiming something bigger and more absolute than any single study, on this product or anywhere else, could ever carry. And decapeptide-52's concentration in this formula? Still not disclosed.

  • Supported“Boosts hydration, elasticity, and barrier function”This formula carries hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, and squalane for hydration, and the brand's own clinical trial (Zonari 2024) reported 90% of participants with improved elasticity. This one's earned.
  • Partial“Switches off collagen-degrading cells, helping skin stay firm”The clinical trial reported 96% improvement in firmness, real number, real trial. The senescent-cell mechanism behind that wording, though, comes from separate lab and ex vivo human skin model work (Zonari 2023), not from anything measured during the clinical trial itself.
  • Supported“Enhances skin tone and texture, helping skin look and feel smooth”The clinical trial (Zonari 2024) reported 100% of participants with improved smoothness. That's the claim, word for word, matched.
  • Unsupported“The only peptide scientifically proven to reverse skin aging at the cellular level”"The only" is a superlative no single study can establish, that's just how superlatives work. The senescence-reversal data behind it comes from lab and ex vivo human skin models (Zonari 2023), not from decapeptide-52 doing anything in living skin during this product's own clinical trial. That's a reach dressed up as a result.

Brand evidence: Zonari et al., J Cosmet Dermatol 2024, double-blind vehicle-controlled clinical trial of OS-01 peptide (This is the study behind the firmness, elasticity, and smoothness percentages, and it was run on the product.) · Zonari et al., npj Aging 2023, senotherapeutic peptide reduces senescence burden in human skin models (Shows senescence reduction in lab and ex vivo skin models, not in living skin treated with the finished FACE product, so it overreaches when used to back the "reverse skin aging at the cellular level" claim.)

List read from incidecoder.com/products/one-skin-os-01-face-topical-supplement. Retailer copy only; not checked against the bottle. Claims read from OneSkin's own product and science pages (oneskin.co).

The devices and tools, checked

No ingredient list to read, so these cards check the claims instead: what the brand promises against what the published evidence for this kind of device shows.

Derma roller

betterStackedSkincare Micro-Roller 0.25mm4 claims checked

The 0.2mm needles on this roller sit exactly in the range published research ties to better serum absorption, so the delivery claim holds up fine. The firmness and fine-line claims lean on collagen-induction studies that used much longer needles, typically 0.5mm and up, so those promises are reaching well past what a 0.2mm depth has ever been shown to do. "Skin renewal" is just language on a label with no study behind it, in either direction.

  • Partial“Improves the appearance of skin texture and firmness”Microneedling does have published support for texture and firmness, genuinely. But almost all of that evidence comes from devices at 0.5mm or longer, built for collagen induction. This tool's needles are 0.2mm. That's a depth built for product penetration, not the wound-healing response those studies measured.
  • Unsupported“Softens the look of fine lines and uneven tone over time”Fine-line and tone improvement in the published literature ties to needle depths of 0.5mm to 1.5mm, the range that triggers a collagen-induction response. At 0.2mm, this device sits well below that. The mechanism the claim leans on is simply not what this tool does.
  • Supported“Enhances the performance of skincare applied after use”Shallow microchannels at 0.2mm to 0.3mm are exactly the depth range the transdermal delivery studies use, and increased serum penetration after fine-needle rolling is a reasonably well-documented effect. This one holds.
  • Unverifiable“Supports visible skin renewal with consistent use”"Skin renewal" is not a defined clinical endpoint, and the brand cites no study to attach the phrase to. Pretty words, nothing underneath.

Claims read from StackedSkincare brand product page (Microneedling Face Tool).

Dermaplaning tool

goodSchick Hydro Silk Touch-Up Dermaplaning Tool4 claims checked

This is a single-blade facial razor, plain and simple, and the razor-mechanics claims (fine hair, shaped brows) hold up because that's just what a blade does, no debate needed. "Gently exfoliating" is technically true but oversells what a few passes with a handheld razor gets you next to a dermaplaning treatment. No brand studies, no independent safety data on the micro-guard blades anywhere we looked, so those stay unverifiable, not confirmed.

  • Supported“Shapes eyebrows, removes fine hairs, and smooths skin”A single blade removes vellus hair and the top layer of dead skin the second it touches you. That's just what razors do, girl. Nobody needs a clinical trial to confirm a blade cuts hair.
  • Partial“Smooths skin by gently exfoliating”It does remove surface dead skin, sure. But it's only skimming the very top layer, and it fades fast next to what people picture from a professional treatment, the kind that uses a longer blade and a controlled angle this handheld micro-guard razor just isn't built to match.
  • Unverifiable“Micro-guard blades protect skin during use”There's no published cut-rate or safety data anywhere on this specific guard design, none that the retailer listing offers up. It's a reasonable safety feature in theory, but nobody's independently measured whether it works.
  • Unverifiable“Touch-ups are quick, easy, and portable for use anywhere”This one's about convenience, not what it does to your skin, so there's no evidence body to hold it up against. You either find it quick and portable or you don't.

Claims read from Ulta retailer product listing (brand page not reachable). Retailer copy only.

betterStackedSkincare Dermaplaning Tool4 claims checked

The blade does exactly what it says, girl: a sharp edge at a shallow angle takes off dead skin and fine facial hair, and that's the entire reason skin looks smoother and brighter right after. "Professional-level" and the absorption claim are reaching past what a blade and an angle can prove, since neither comes with a study, just the mechanical logic of shaving off a top layer. And there's no ingredient list to size up here, because the tool is the whole claim.

  • Supported“Removes dead skin cells and peach fuzz from the skin's surface”A surgical steel blade at a shallow angle shaves the stratum corneum and vellus hair right off, dead skin and peach fuzz, gone. That's mechanical, not a formula pulling tricks behind the scenes. Supported, and it's not close.
  • Partial“Improves texture, brightness, and overall skin clarity”Skin does look smoother and catch more light right after you shave off dead cells and fine hair, that part's real. But how long it lasts and how it plays across skin types, the brand says nothing. So the size of this improvement stays anyone's guess.
  • Unverifiable“Skincare absorbs more effectively afterward”Clear off the top layer of dead skin and sure, your serums have less to fight through on the way in. But nobody ran a penetration or absorption study on this specific tool, so that's a theory standing in for a verdict.
  • Partial“Professional-level dermaplaning at home”A 45-degree angle and surgical stainless steel, fine, that's the same basic mechanics an esthetician works with. But professional dermaplaning is also technique, blade length, and skin prep, and a pamphlet in a box can't hand you a decade of practice.

Claims read from Brand product page (stackedskincare.com/products/dermaplaning-at-home-kit).

bestDERMAFLASH LUXE+ Advanced Dermaplaning Device4 claims checked

The core promise here, an instant smoother finish from removing peach fuzz and surface skin, holds up because that's just what a sonic dermaplaning blade does. The anti-aging language about fine lines and dark spots leans on the brand's own panel instead of outside research, and dermaplaning only ever works on the skin's surface, so that part of the label is running ahead of what the device can do long-term. The "clinically proven" line about hair not growing back thicker does line up with what dermatologists generally say, though the citation behind it is the brand's own consumer survey, not a study built to test regrowth.

  • Supported“Safely removes peach fuzz and exfoliates dead skin for instantly smoother, glowing skin”The MicroFine Edges blade with its safety cage is standard dermaplaning mechanics, and mechanically removing vellus hair and the stratum corneum reliably gives an immediate, smoother look. This is just what the tool does.
  • Partial“Clinically proven hair will not grow back thicker or faster”Dermatology literature broadly backs this up: shaving or blading hair doesn't change its thickness or growth rate. But the brand's own cited evidence here is an in-house perception panel, not a study designed to measure regrowth over time.
  • Partial“Improves the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots with consistent use”The 97% and 94% figures come from the brand's own 4-week instrumental analysis panel, not an independent peer-reviewed trial. Dermaplaning only reaches the epidermis to begin with, so any effect on wrinkles or spots is surface-level and likely temporary.
  • Unverifiable“Works for all ages, skin tones, and skin types, including sensitive skin”No published breakdown by skin tone or sensitivity gets cited alongside this claim, and the Gentle setting is a design feature, not evidence of tested safety across every group the label lists.

Brand evidence: DERMAFLASH in-house consumer perception and instrumental analysis panel (1 use and 4 weeks) (Self-reported agreement rates and an unpublished instrumental readout are used to back anti-aging language the panel wasn't designed to establish independently.)

Claims read from Brand product page, dermaflash.com/products/dermaflash-luxe-plus.

Exfoliating loofah

goodEcoTools Exfoliating Bath Loofah4 claims checked

The lather claim is the one thing here that's just true of any mesh pouf on earth, no study required, no debate. Everything else leans on words like "glow" and "supple" that don't point to anything measurable, and the brand won't even say what the netting's made of or how coarse it is, so there's no spec to weigh against exfoliation research. This is a bath accessory doing an ordinary mechanical job in a skincare costume it hasn't earned.

  • Unverifiable“Sweeps away dry, dull patches for a deep, all-over clean”Mesh netting scrubbing off loose surface skin, sure, that part's just friction doing its job. But the brand won't say the mesh density, the grit, or how much pressure you're supposed to use, and nobody's studied this exact pouf. So "deep, all-over clean" is a vibe, not a verdict.
  • Supported“Creates a rich lather”A netted pouf whipping up more lather from your body wash is just what mesh does to soap and air. You can watch it happen in the shower. Nobody needs a lab coat for this one.
  • Unsupported“Achieve a smooth, supple glow”Skin looking smoother right after you scrub off dead cells, fine, that tracks short-term. But "glow" and "supple" are outcome words with nothing behind them, no measurement, no citation, and mesh exfoliation alone has zero published evidence for a lasting change in how supple your skin is.
  • Unverifiable“Gentle, cruelty-free bath accessory”Cruelty-free is about animal testing status, and that's not something you can confirm from product page copy alone. And "gentle"? Nobody defines the threshold or names a test. Take it on faith or don't.

Claims read from EcoTools brand product page for the Exfoliating EcoPouf Bath Sponge (closest match to the loofah listing; ecotools.com/collections/bath-sponges-loofahs). Retailer copy only.

Gua sha

goodBAIMEI Rose Quartz Gua Sha Facial Tool4 claims checked

This is a smooth stone for facial massage, girl, and nothing published ties rose quartz specifically to any skin outcome. "Puffiness" and "tension" track a real short-term effect of massage itself, here for a few hours and then gone, not something that builds over time. "Sculpts and lifts" asks more of a handheld stone than it can deliver: no mechanism, no study, nothing showing a lasting contour change. Not hot.

  • Partial“Reduces puffiness around the face”A smooth stone moving surface fluid short-term, sure, that's believable. But no published trial tests this specific tool, and any de-puffing you see packs up and leaves, it's not a lasting reduction.
  • Partial“Relieves facial tension”Massage is a believable mechanism for a brief sense of relaxation in your facial muscles. But there's no published study of a rose quartz gua sha tool measuring tension relief specifically, so how big the effect is and how long it lasts is anybody's guess.
  • Unsupported“Sculpts and lifts facial contours”There is no published evidence, anywhere, that stone massage changes facial structure or produces a lasting lift. Whatever you're seeing is a temporary blood-flow flush, and it's gone within hours.
  • Unverifiable“Natural rose quartz, cool to the touch”This is a material description, not a skin-benefit claim. Rose quartz being cool to the touch is just a property of the stone itself, not something any skin study is ever going to measure.

Claims read from Amazon listing (BAIMEI IcyMe Natural Rose Quartz Gua Sha Facial Sculpt Massage Tool). Retailer copy only.

betterMount Lai De-Puffing Rose Quartz Gua Sha4 claims checked

The de-puffing and lymphatic language tracks a real mechanism, girl: light stroking can nudge surface fluid and offer temporary tension relief. But the brand never says how hard or how long to use the tool, so the size of that effect isn't checkable against anything. The jump to "impurities," "sculpted," and "defined contours" asks a smooth stone to do a lot more than massage can deliver. No brand studies cited for this tool, none at all.

  • Partial“Helps reduce the look of puffiness”A smooth stone moving surface fluid around can absolutely take down puffiness short-term, that's real. But it's temporary, and the brand won't say how much pressure, how many strokes, or how long a session, so there's no way to check the claim at the size they're selling it.
  • Partial“Gently promotes lymphatic drainage, releasing impurities and enhancing nutrient absorption”Light stroking can nudge superficial lymph flow along, that part's the real mechanism at work here. But "releasing impurities" and "enhancing nutrient absorption" are detox and metabolic effects, and manual lymphatic massage has never been shown to produce either one.
  • Unsupported“Supports a more sculpted-looking appearance and more defined facial contours”No published evidence anywhere shows a handheld gua sha tool changing facial bone or fat structure. Any "contouring" you see is fluid shift and warm skin, and that fades within hours. It is not a lasting definition change, and it was never going to be.
  • Unverifiable“Glides effortlessly across skin, targeting deep tension and fascia adhesions”Fascia release from an external tool is a plausible mechanism, sure, but the brand names no fascia-specific study to back it up. And rose quartz composition and edge geometry? Not addressed by any published gua sha research anywhere.

Claims read from Brand product page, mountlai.com/products/the-rose-quartz-gua-sha-tool.

bestWildling Empress Stone Gua Sha5 claims checked

The massage part of this holds up in a general sense, girl: working a smooth stone across your face can ease muscle tension and move fluid, the way any facial massage does. The specific promises, a lifted and sculpted face, smoother wrinkles, plumper skin, lean on an in-house percentage survey with no visible methodology behind it, so they're reaching past what's been shown. The stone-energy, ultrasound, and infrared language sits outside any evidence anywhere. Not hot.

  • Partial“Lifts, sculpts, and depuffs the face”Manual gua sha massage can absolutely depuff you short-term, moving fluid around does that. A lasting lift or sculpt, though? No published, controlled study of this tool shows that sticking around.
  • Unsupported“Plumps skin and minimizes wrinkles”That '95% saw smoother, less visible wrinkles' figure is the brand's own, and it comes with no disclosed methodology, no sample size, nothing to check it against. And no independent study of Bian stone gua sha on wrinkle depth exists anywhere, full stop.
  • Partial“Relieves facial and jaw tension”Massage relieving muscle tension is well documented, that's real massage-therapy research talking. But none of it is specific to this stone or to facial gua sha technique, it's borrowed credibility.
  • Partial“Promotes lymphatic drainage”Manual lymphatic drainage massage does have some research behind it, sure. But nobody has studied gua sha strokes with this specific stone for a lymphatic effect on the face. That gap doesn't close itself.
  • Unsupported“Bian stone emits energy, ultrasound pulsations, and far-infrared waves for anti-aging benefits”No published evidence, anywhere, supports a stone emitting 'energy,' measurable ultrasound pulsations, or far-infrared waves off a hand-held mineral tool. This is a rock, girl. It doesn't broadcast.

Brand evidence: Wildling in-house results (95% lifted, 98% sculpted, 95% smoother wrinkles, 97% firmer/plumper, cited at 2 weeks) (No methodology, sample size, or controls are published on the page, so the percentages can't be matched against the wrinkle and lift claims they're used to support.)

Claims read from Brand product page, wildling.com/products/empressstone.

IPL hair removal

bestNood The Flasher 2.0 IPL4 claims checked

The device's own numbers, 4.5 J/cm2 fluence across a 510-1200 nm broadband spectrum, sit right in the range published IPL research treats as hair reduction, not removal, girl. "Permanently removes hair" reaches past that: the accurate word for this technology is reduction, and regrowth is normal, even expected. The 92% figure has no visible study behind it, so it reads as a number standing in for evidence. "Pain-free" leaves out that comfort and results both depend on skin tone and hair color, limits IPL devices are well known to run into.

  • Unsupported“Permanently removes hair”IPL at 510-1200 nm and 4.5 J/cm2 is broadband light hair reduction, and that's the exact term dermatology literature and FDA clearances use for this technology: permanent hair reduction, not removal. Regrowth over time is expected and documented, even after a full course. Not hot.
  • Unverifiable“92% reduction in hair regrowth after 8 weeks”No independently published study for this specific device and protocol shows up anywhere on the page. That 92% appears to come from an in-house test with no visible sample size, no comparator, no peer review. A number with no paperwork behind it.
  • Partial“Pain-free, long-lasting results”IPL hair removal is generally tolerable at low-to-moderate fluence, sure. But comfort depends on your skin tone and hair color, and IPL devices flat out don't work on light or gray hair. "Pain-free" and "long-lasting" don't hold for every single person this device is being marketed to.
  • Unverifiable“FDA-cleared”The page claims FDA clearance but names no 510(k) number, and there's no way here to check the FDA database directly against this specific model. Claims are free. Numbers cost something.

Brand evidence: In-house 8-week reduction test (92% reduction figure) (Cited to support a general hair-reduction claim but no methodology, sample size, or independent review is published alongside it, so it cannot be weighed against the claim as worded.)

Claims read from Brand product page (trynood.com/products/the-flasher-2).

Mens razor

goodGillette Mach3 Razor4 claims checked

The blade layout and skin guard are real, checkable features of the razor itself, girl, so that part of the label holds up without a fight. The softer promises, the lubrication strip protecting against redness, refills lasting a set number of shaves, lean on believable mechanics instead of any published measurement, so they land as reasonable, not proven.

  • Supported“3 blades progressively positioned to cut hair gradually closer”This describes the razor's blade geometry, and you can check it by looking at the thing, no study required. Supported, case closed.
  • Partial“Lubrication strip glides to help protect your skin from redness”Lubricating strips do cut blade drag, that's a real mechanism and nobody's arguing otherwise. But Gillette doesn't publish a study tying this specific strip to reduced redness, so the protective claim is reaching past the disclosed evidence.
  • Partial“Microfin skin guard stretches the skin and prepares hair to be cut”Pre-stretching skin ahead of a blade is a believable mechanical effect, sure. But no published comparison shows this guard measurably improving closeness or cutting irritation next to a razor without it.
  • Unverifiable“Each refill lasts up to 15 comfortable shaves”Blade life depends on hair coarseness, shave frequency, and technique, all things that vary shave to shave. And Gillette gives no methodology anywhere for how that 15-shave figure got measured.

Claims read from Gillette brand product page (gillette.com Mach3 razor/refills).

bestHenson Shaving AL13 Aluminum Double Edge Safety Razor4 claims checked

The build claims hold up on paper, girl: aluminum machined at an aerospace shop, a blade clamped at a fixed angle, no springs, no moving head. What doesn't hold up is the number doing all the heavy lifting, that "77% less razor burn" line, since the page names no study and no method behind it anywhere. The single-blade, fixed-angle design is a real mechanism for less drag than a multi-blade cartridge, just not one this page proves at the scale the number is selling.

  • Unverifiable“Machined to aerospace tolerances as tight as 12.7 micrometers”This manufacturing spec comes straight from the brand's own aerospace facility, and nobody's published an independent measurement or third-party audit alongside it. Impressive number. Self-graded homework.
  • Unsupported“Reduces razor burn by 77% compared to multi-blade razors, per clinical testing”No study name, no sample size, no methodology published anywhere on the page. That 77% figure has no real trial to check it against. Not hot.
  • Partial“Fixed 30-degree blade angle means less tugging, pulling, and irritation”A single, rigidly clamped blade with the flex removed is a believable mechanism for less drag, that tracks mechanically. But the page offers no published comparison isolating angle rigidity from that unnamed 77% burn claim sitting right next to it.
  • Unverifiable“Buy once, use for life”Aluminum construction with a scratch-resistant anodized finish does support a long service life, that's just what the material does. But no wear-testing data, no warranty study, backs up a lifetime timeframe specifically.

Brand evidence: Unnamed internal razor-burn comparison ("clinical testing," no study name or design published) (Used to sell the 77% razor burn reduction claim, but with no methodology or comparison group detail available to check the claim against the design.)

Claims read from Henson Shaving brand product page (hensonshaving.com/products/henson-al13-in-aircraft-aluminum).

Red light therapy

goodProject E Beauty LED Face Mask 7-Color Light Therapy4 claims checked

The core idea here, that red and infrared light can genuinely change skin at the right wavelength and dose, is real and has real published support behind it. What's missing is this mask's own numbers: no stated wavelength, no irradiance, no session time for this specific 7-color unit, so there's no way to line its light up against the studies backing 'red light therapy' as a phrase. Even the brand's own blog copy admits single-wavelength devices deliver the strongest results, which reads like a quiet confession that spreading seven colors across one mask spreads the light thinner than the studies it's selling on. Bold mask. Thin receipts.

  • Partial“7-color LED photon therapy addresses multiple skin concerns in one mask”Red and near-infrared light do have published evidence for real skin effects. What this brand won't disclose is the wavelength or irradiance for any of the 7 colors individually, so there's no way to check this claim color by color. Seven colors, zero specifics.
  • Unverifiable“Red light supports collagen and reduces fine lines”Published red-light-and-collagen trials always specify a wavelength, somewhere around 630 to 660nm, and a dose. This brand's page states neither number for this mask. No numbers means no way to match this device to the studies it's borrowing credibility from.
  • Unverifiable“Blue light helps with acne-prone skin”Blue light acne studies live and die on wavelength, around 415nm, and session count. None of that is disclosed for this mask. Zero protocol details means zero way to match this claim to a real study.
  • Partial“Infrared light provides deeper skin rejuvenation”The brand's own blog copy says single-wavelength infrared masks go deeper than 7-color systems like this one. Read between the lines and that means this mask's infrared output is a side feature, not the concentrated dose the studies it's leaning on used.

Claims read from Project E Beauty search results and blog copy (product page unreachable after repeated attempts). Retailer copy only.

betterCurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask4 claims checked

The core mechanism holds up: red and near-infrared light at these wavelengths have real published evidence behind collagen stimulation and wrinkle reduction. Where this label gets ahead of itself is the timeline, that '4 weeks' claim is shorter than the brand's own 8-week study, and the pigmentation and brightening claims, which are standing on thinner evidence than the wrinkle and firmness numbers next to them. The '30% wrinkle reduction' and '57% plumpness' figures both trace back to one company-funded test with 35 people, not independent peer-reviewed research. And that '10x faster' serum claim? Not hot, mostly because there's no data behind it at all.

  • Partial“Red 633nm light boosts collagen, reducing fine lines and wrinkles”633nm sits right in the red-light range with real, published collagen and wrinkle-reduction evidence behind it. The specific percentage the brand's citing, though, comes from one company-commissioned test, SGS, 35 people, not independent peer-reviewed literature. Real wavelength. Borrowed number.
  • Partial“Near-infrared 830nm and 1072nm firm, tighten, and brighten skin”830nm lands inside the 800 to 850nm band that's been studied for firmness and elasticity gains. 'Brighten' is a different story: pigmentation effects have thinner published support than firmness does, and 1072nm barely shows up in the independent literature at all. Two wavelengths, two very different paper trails.
  • Unsupported“Visible results in as little as 4 weeks”The brand's own cited study ran 56 days. That's 8 weeks, not 4. The '4 weeks' on the label is doing math the brand's own test never did.
  • Unverifiable“Results up to 10x faster when combined with the brand's Green Tea Serum”A specific '10x faster' multiplier needs a specific study behind it. There isn't one published or cited anywhere on this product page. Ten times faster than what, exactly, nobody says.

Brand evidence: SGS independent testing, 56 days, 35 subjects (Design matches the wrinkle-volume and elasticity claims it backs (forehead and crow's feet wrinkle volume, elasticity, hydration), but it is a single manufacturer-commissioned test with a small sample, not an independently published peer-reviewed trial, despite the 'independent' label.)

Claims read from CurrentBody's own product page (currentbody.com).

Womens body razor

goodGillette Venus Venus Smooth Razor5 claims checked

The blade count and lubricating strip are real, checkable specs, and a strip cutting down on drag is a genuinely plausible way to reduce irritation. Words like 'flawless control' and 'cost-effective' outrun anything the brand backs up with a number. This is a straightforward razor dressed in the usual big adjectives, not a device with any published performance testing behind it. Nice grip. No data.

  • Unverifiable“3 ultra-sharp blades for a quick and close shave”Blade count and sharpness are real, measurable specs. But this brand publishes no independent closeness study for this exact model, and three blades alone doesn't prove anything about how close a shave gets.
  • Partial“Lubricating strip helps protect skin from shave irritation”Lubricating strips do reduce blade drag and can lower nick and irritation risk, a mechanism general shaving research backs up. This brand just won't disclose the strip's formula or cite a single study on this specific cartridge.
  • Unverifiable“Comfortable, close shave”Comfort is subjective by nature, and no published data ties this specific blade geometry to any measured comfort outcome. Feels nice. Proves nothing.
  • Unsupported“Durable, no-slip grip gives flawless control”Handle grip does affect control, that part's real. 'Flawless' is a promise no razor on earth can guarantee, and no evidence measures control outcomes for this specific handle anyway.
  • Unverifiable“Cost-effective choice compared to disposable razors”Whether a refillable system saves you money comes down to refill price and how often you replace them, and the brand page hands over neither number.

Claims read from Gillette Venus brand product page (gillettevenus.com, Smooth Razor).

An ingredient the library has not written up yet is listed as unknown rather than guessed at. The library grows in reviewed batches, ordered by how often an ingredient appears on this shelf.