L’Oreal Warned by FDA About Claims of Anti-Aging Cream

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Beauty can be expensive to buy in a jar. When we do buy an anti-aging cream, we expect the manufacturer’s claims to be tested and true -- especially at $100 for a 0.5 to 1.7 ounce container.

L’Oreal was sent a warning letter from the Food and Drug Administration on Sept 7, 2012 to stop advertising their Lancome skin care products in a manner that made them sound like drugs.

According to CBSnews.com, Lancome describes the Genifique Repair, which costs $98 for a 1.7-ounce container, as "our first night care that boosts the activity of genes."

Lancome claims to have tested their product with “in vitro tests on genes” on their website.

The FDA letter addressed other Lancome products that make “medical” sounding claims such as their Absolue line that states “has been shown to improve the condition around the stem cells and stimulate cell regeneration to reconstruct skin to a denser quality.”

Absolue Eye Precious Cells Advanced Regenerating and Reconstructing Eye Cream costs $108 for 0.5 ounces.

The FDA stated in their letter that products that claim they can affect the structure or function of human cells renders them as behaving like drugs. This makes L’Oreal in violation with the Act that regulates how drugs are allowed to come to market.

Drugs can only gain FDA approval after going through an elaborate process of research and clinical trials, which takes years. Cosmetics are regulated less strictly than drugs because the FDA is only concerned with their safety, not effectiveness, Mayoclinic.com explained.

L’Oreal was warned to comply and take prompt action within 15 working days to revise their advertising or to inform the FDA as to why they feel they are not in violation.

Rebecca Caruso, a L'Oreal spokeswoman, responded by saying, "Lancome is committed to complying fully with all laws and regulatory standards."

L’Oreal was not the only company to receive a warning letter that they were in violation of the Act.

Adonia has several products that advertise cell regeneration and anti-inflammatory activity. Their product Athena 7 Minute Lift states it is “[A] safe and effective alternative to Botox®,” according to their letter from the FDA.

Mayoclinic.com stated that there are numerous cosmetic creams on the market that show some research that they improve the appearance of wrinkles. However these cosmetic products have not undergone the rigorous scientific research to prove benefits.

Buyers of cosmetics should not expect a “face lift in a bottle” for non-prescription creams, Mayoclinic.com went on to say. The price of the product does not have any relationship to effectiveness.

Expensive products that advertise the ability to reverse the hands of time may not be anymore effective than cheaper ones that have been around for years.

Sources:

L'Oreal receives warning letter from FDA over claims on anti-aging products. CBS news. Retrieved Sept. 24, 2012.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57511307-10391704/loreal-receives...

Wrinkle creams: Your guide to younger looking skin. Mayoclinic.com. Retrieved Sept. 24, 2012.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/wrinkle-creams/SN00010

FDA. Inspections, Compliance, Enforcement, and Criminal Investigations. Lancome 9/7/12 . Retrieved Sept. 24, 2012.
http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/2012/ucm31880...

FDA. Inspections, Compliance, Enforcement, and Criminal Investigations. Greek Island Labs 9/7/12. Retrieved Sept. 24, 2012.
http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/2012/ucm31880...

Lancome Paris. Retrieved Sept. 24, 2012.
http://www.lancome-usa.com/skincare-moisturizers/skincare-moisturizers,d...

Michele is an R.N. freelance writer with a special interest in woman’s healthcare and quality of care issues. Other articles by Michele are at www.helium.com/users/487540/show_articles

Edited by Jody Smith

Add a Comment1 Comments

phalane

I guess L'oreal knew very well that they were violating the regulating laws, but gambled on increasing their sales before reaction from FDA and others. And judging by their meekness in admitting their wrong doing, the gamble might have paid off. The fact they cannot change, however, is that they lied to the public!

October 3, 2012 - 11:15pm

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.