FDA reminds consumers to be wary of inappropriate cosmetic claims

In a recent Consumer Health Information update, the FDA reminded consumers that cosmetics that claim to mitigate a disease or a condition, such as acne or rosacea, would classify them under the FDA as a drug, not a cosmetic, making them subject to FDA review and approval before they can be marketed.

Cosmetics can make claims of cleansing the skin, enhancing beauty, promoting attractiveness and altering appearance. However, cosmetics companies cannot claim their products revive cells or increase collagen.

"Consumers need to know that these drug claims have not been proven to FDA when they are making a decision to purchase one of these products," Linda M. Katz, MD, MPH, director of FDA's Office of Cosmetics and Colors, said in the update.

Cosmetics that claim to diagnosis, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent a disease, or affect the structure or any function of the body are defined as a drug and subject to a stricter approval process, according to the update.

The FDA has followed-up on claims about cosmetic products for several years and has come across many unlawful claims on the Internet and product packaging. If a company fails to change its product claims, the FDA sends warning letters and can even remove a product from the market.

According to the update, although there are no simple answers regarding the right products to choose, in general, products that claim to cleanse or beautify tend to be regulated as cosmetics, whereas those that are intended to treat or prevent disease, or those that may affect the structure or function of the body, are classified as drugs. In certain cases, products can be classified as both cosmetics and drugs, such as in the case of anti-dandruff shampoo or antiperspirant deodorants.

Overall, consumers should remember to use their best judgement regarding the claims of a particular product.

"If a product seems too good to be true, it probably is," Katz said.

Reference: www.fda.gov.