How much do you pay attention to a product’s claims? Share!
It’s no secret that products in these parts live and die by the claims they make, and I’ve been looking at them for so long now that I really think brands should be held accountable for what they say (I would rather they made reasonable claims!).
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It’s an opinion. You can sway that research results any which way by altering the methods and materials.
I don’t pay attention to them much at all, unless they’re a really significant ingredient, packaging, or medium that competitors are not including. I think there ought to be a link to a clinical trial’s results (that are spelled out plain and simple) when it comes to anti aging products, chemical peels, yadda yadda.
So sick of the BS out there. “THIS EXTRACT WILL MAKE YOU LOOK LIKE A NEWBORN! BUY NOW!”
This is a big concern especially given the almost absurd prices of some of the products splashed all over beauty websites. I actually read the beauty brains blog and listen to their podcast. They are hilarious about the ridiculous claims made by companies. I’m glad you posted this topic because I’ve been learning so much recently about the science behind all of these products and honestly so much is smoke and mirrors.
You might know how I feel about this topic already, since we had that conversation about the Colourpop pigments and them being packaged and sold with eye shadows. It’s not so much the claims that are made, but how obviously they are presented (or if they try and hide it!) and if they market things in a misleading fashion or in misleading packaging. If something isn’t safe for the eyes, then don’t list it with a bunch of eye products! Or else get it tested yourself to find out if it’s eye safe or not. I don’t want to have to study the small print on teeny containers or do a web search every time I put on my makeup.
I agree with you that a product should live up to its claims. But the reality is that, products are always making claims they can’t live up to, so part of me just ignores it or I cut the claims in half. If they say “24 hour hydration”, I usually roll my eyes, but I expect at least 12 hours. Very few products really give you a “completely flawless airbrush finish” or we would all look like supermodels, so I kind of ignore that, I do expect it to have a lot of pigmentation and cover well without caking.
I absolutely pay attention to the claims — I write very lengthy reviews on my blog, and I figure that the final rating that I give it depends not only on its claims but how well those claims pan out.
The more over the top the claim, the less I expect from the product. I mean…don’t promise me the moon unless you’re going to deliver.
Not much at all. Sometimes I wonder if I should hold companies more accountable for what they claim but then I remind myself that’s YOUR job and you do it well hehe 🙂 Unless I’m using something that’s SO horrible I just have to read more about it to see what they’re saying it’s good for, I TRY to not pay attention to product claims. I like finding my own uses for something and for me, that means approaching everything with zero expectations of what it should or shouldn’t be doing.
In some cases, like with most skincare, I think you really shoudn’t listen completely to what anyone says – not a company, not a sales person, not even a reviewer. Learn your ingredients and test things for yourself to make up YOUR own mind. I’m a big advocate for the idea of bio-individuality. It’s real. We’re all different. Do what works best for you and let the rest go.
I’m not that fussed about product claims.
Unless they are meant to be waterproof.
I mean I don’t have that high expectations (does that sound bad).
Not much, because they are rarely as amazing as they claim. I rather listen to review etc, I always know I get an honest opinion on here for example! 🙂 Sometimes I listen, for example foundation, they can be matte or dewy, light of full coverage, and that’s usually true. With exceptions like Sheer Glow It’s medium coverage with a matte finish? But I already knew since I read a review! ha!
Yea I never believe the claims…that’s why I always look for reviews from people who used the product
Well, the claims are what pique my interest. But then the reviews are what either push me over the edge or make me rethink things.
I use them as a guide just to lead me in the right direction, but if something like skin care doesn’t magically take ten years off my face or foundation doesn’t stay matte for 24 hours, I’m not totally let down. I know there’s no way they can make that claim 100% true for everyone, so I kind of just let it go, unless the product is just absolutely terrible, in which case I never buy it again.
No, not unless it’s a product that needs to do something very specific (e.g. be hydrating on the lips, volumize hair, etc.) And even then, I generally pay more attention to reviews about whether the products perform as promised. Companies make claims that are so ridiculous and sometimes flat out impossible that it’s hard to believe anything they say. The only product I’ve ever come across that does exactly what the company claims is the Rimmel Provocalips line. The marketing says 16 hours, and the colour will not budge (unless you go at it with some serious makeup remover) for 16 hours. It’s one of those products that delivers on its promise a little too well…
Reasonable claims would be great and I would be able to trust a brand much more that used them. I refuse to buy anything ‘anti-aging’ or marketed to make women feel bad about themselves. Aging is normal and shouldn’t make us feel ashamed…if you take good care of your skin (spf, no smoking, keeping hydrated) you shouldn’t have to worry about premature aging.
Not only do these wild claims (particularly the ones concerning aging) insult our collective intelligence but they also smack of misogyny. Women are the targets of this crap 99% of the time and it’s not right. Same goes for the dieting industry. I wish more women were able to recognize these awful messages for what they are and not support the companies that prey on their insecurities. I do have hope that this will slowly change as consumers become more & more informed, but there will always be people looking for a miracle I suppose.
Amen!
Take them as a wild reference… With a grain of salt. But yes, think they should be held accountable so they stop that.
I ignore claims completely and rely on reviews and feedback. Many claims are entirely laughable for the most part; I almost expect them to be ridiculous. Aside: I find my blood pressure goes through the ceiling and I resent the ‘healthy’ food claims on pre-packaged garbage food so much more.
I feel that way about skincare. I absolutely cringe when I see a skincare product, and even cosmetic products that are applied to a large portion of the face, that claim to have all these “good for you” ingredients, then when I read the list, I see…petroleum byproducts! First of all, the “good” stuff can’t penetrate the skin and be effective, and the actual amount of “good” stuff is abysmally miniscule. Yet, these products cost a small fortune, while bargain brands seem to be omitting these entirely…
Yeah I agree. Brands should be held accountable for their over the top claims. Afterall their unrealistic claims are what attract a normal buyer. As a beauty blogger I have lost faith in the claims they make!!
Never, most of the time I just read blog reviews to get a feel of what the product will be like 🙂
Well I do and I don’t! I really never believe the outrageous claims (like 1354% more volume) but I would note that to be a mascara that gives volume (or at least it should). I understand that its just part of their branding or attempt at hype and I also don’t think these companies expect most of their consumers to really expect some of their crazy claims.
Honestly, I rarely pay much attention to them lol. All companies are guilty of either over exaggerating claims or not accurately describing a formula. I think companies should dial back a little on all the marketing talk sometimes. Like I’m already positive a lipstick isn’t going to last 16 hours on me (or anyone for that matter) before I even try it. So why even make those kind of claims? It’s just silly lol
Yes, I do!
I do pay attention but I take it with a grain of salt. I think a lot of companies exaggerate the claims on their products and for the most part I don’t really believe the claim until I’ve tried it out.
I pay enough attention to read the actual reviews if a product sounds interesting. That said, I have sensitive skin and am unable to use so very good products due to irritation.
If I buy something on faith, I make certain I can afford to throw it away or get a refund.
Love Sephora’s samples to test also.I almost always try to chose skincare products at sign out.
I do believe they should be accountable for claims but it would also be difficult because of all the different skin types and environments.
I’m extremely skeptical of companys’ claims, especially when it comes to anti-aging products. If it’s makeup, I’ll believe in claims of being long wearing, waterproof, oil controlling, hydrating, non irritating, or non comedogenic. However, when a blush claims anti aging or sun protection properties, that’s when I call BS. You’d never be able to apply enough product (without looking like a clown) to achieve any positive benefits!
Not too much, especially mascaras.
Very important to me if it doesn’t work like it says it does I return it and write a review!
Here, here!
Nothing aggravates me more than hearing that a product will do something, only to find out it’s the complete opposite.
Case & point: Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation that claims to have “24 hour wear with transfer resistance”
Notjing could be further from the truth. Even after setting it with powder, every time you touch your face or something touches it, It rubs off.
Why couldn’t they just stick to their “full coverage & highly pigmented” claims, which are actually true & not go the extra untruthful mile.
They HAD to know that it was extremely sensitive to transfer, why on Earth would they make such a claim?!
Argh! Rant: complete (phew!)
If company claims their product will solve a problem I’m having, I will notice and want to investigate/try it out, but my mind tends to pass over and dismiss claims that sound overblown (in other words, most advertising/marketing claims). I still may be interested in a product if the color or texture appeals to me, but I tend to assume that marketing copy is usually exaggerated, at a minimum, if not completely overblown or downright misleading. Is that cynical? I guess so… When a company (usually a small one) takes pains to try to describe it products accurately, *that* will make me sit up, take notice, and want to find something they make that I want to try.
I pay attention, but take them with a grain of salt. Claims sometimes do influence me to try or buy, but I know a lot of products aren’t going to do what they promised. With some things, it doesn’t really matter. If I buy a lipstick that claims 12-hour wear, I don’t take it seriously, but if I love the lipstick anyway, I wouldn’t be too put out if I had to touch up after 4 hours. Skincare I’m pickier about. If a product is really awful, I just take it back (though I know in a lot of countries that’s not an option).
Research and samples help me avoid a lot of duds. Buyer beware.
i try not to, but i they might sink into the subconscious of my inner child, the part that believes in santa. i read that the korean FDA tests cosmetics, and i think that would be wonderful if some agency held them to their claims.
I pay little to no attention to product claims, just because unless I hear otherwise from a dependable third party source I automatically assume that the claims are pure marketing jibberish. And while in an ideal world I agree that cosmetics companies should be held accountable for not delivering on their promises, the practice is so wide spread that if I refused to buy products because of exaggeration in their marketing I may not have anything left to buy! Just because a product doesn’t lived up to its promises doesn’t mean it isn’t a good product, it just may not be the type of good product the company claims it to be. Which is why I make my purchasing decisions based on demonstrated performance rather than product promises, and whenever possible read multiple reviews for any big purchase I plan on making!
I definitely pay attention to their claims – and I am repeatedly disappointed : (
Many times that is the only info. I have to go on. Almost always, I will check for reviews on the product before I purchase it. I suppose the reviews more so than a product’s claims will lead me to a purchase.
This reminds me of a time I had a woman try to return a mascara when I worked in a drugstore because it hadn’t lengthened her lashes by 10 times or whatever! In the UK, we don’t take returns like in the US. If you’ve opened it, it’s yours now unless it is faulty. Pump doesn’t work faulty, not doesn’t live up to claims. There are signs on the make up aisle to say that as well. I had to explain that our return policy didn’t cover L’Oreal’s claims and she would have to take it up with L’Oreal :/
In case of skincare, no. I read the ingredients list instead. I find Paula’s Choice product reviews very informative, although I think that their claims about fragrance can be too over the top.
I case of foundation, yes. But only as far as to what kind of finish it has. Then I go and read reviews from users and look at photos.
It’s a vicious circle. Everybody makes out-of-this-world claims. If someone does not, who is going to buy that product? Marketing claims and price are the two ways to lure people into buying skincare. The higher the price, the more people will buy into the claims, especially after they’ve bought something. It’s not even placebo effect, because that is a real effect; it is escalation of commitment.
I sound very cynical, I know, but there is no way that any Chanel’s, La Prairie’s or any other luxury moisturiser does anything close to what it claims, while costing $$$$$.
I assume all claims are false until proven otherwise hahaha. I expect products to do their basic function i.e. a face wash should wash my face, but beyond that I’ll believe it when I see it.