Sellers and marketers promoting anti-aging products, mole removal products, wart removal products, or weight loss products
This FTC enforcement action against DERMAdoctor shows that companies cannot make "clinically proven" claims about anti-aging, mole removal, wart removal, or weight loss products without solid scientific evidence to back them up. The settlement requires marketers to have reliable, competent evidence before making these kinds of health and beauty claims.
Requirements
Do not claim products are "clinically proven" without scientific evidence
Health and beauty claims (anti-aging, mole/wart removal, weight loss) must be supported by reliable, competent evidence
Avoid making unsubstantiated efficacy claims in advertising
Why it matters
The FTC actively enforces against deceptive health and beauty claims; violations can result in settlements, fines, and requirement to stop selling the product or reformulate advertising.
Online retailers and sellers using customer reviews to promote products, particularly in fashion and apparel
This is an FTC enforcement action against Fashion Nova for deceiving consumers with fake or manipulated product reviews. The company was ordered to refund affected customers and stop using deceptive review practices.
Requirements
Do not post, publish, or promote fake, fraudulent, or manipulated customer reviews
Do not incentivize customers to leave positive reviews without clear disclosure
Companies and sellers making anti-aging claims for cosmetics and skincare products
The FTC took legal action against L'Oréal USA for making false advertising claims that their anti-aging cosmetics were "clinically proven" when adequate scientific evidence did not support those claims. This case established that companies cannot use clinical proof claims without substantiation.
Requirements
Do not claim products are "clinically proven" without reliable, adequate scientific evidence to back up the claim
All efficacy claims must be truthfully substantiated before advertising
Marketing claims must not mislead consumers about the level of proof or testing behind the product
Why it matters
Using unsubstantiated "clinically proven" claims exposes you to FTC enforcement action, fines, and forced removal of misleading listings.
Creators posting promotional content about beauty and skincare products on TikTok
TikTok requires beauty and skincare creators to make accurate product claims that match the product listing page and avoid exaggeration, edited filters that fake results, and medical claims. You can only use disclaimers when showing before-and-after comparisons or discussing result timelines—not to cover up false claims. Focus on authentic personal experience and visible product application in your videos.
Requirements
Product claims must match the product listing page and packaging
Disclaimers allowed only for before-and-after results or result timelines; not permitted for medical claims
Do not use beauty filters that exaggerate product effects or demonstrate on intimate body parts
Avoid claims that skincare can cure/prevent medical conditions (eczema, depression, ADHD)
Why it matters
Violating these rules risks content removal, account suspension, and loss of viewer trust; TikTok actively enforces accuracy standards in beauty content.
Creators producing content about beauty and skincare products on TikTok
When promoting beauty and skincare products, your claims must be truthful and based on what the product actually does. You can only use disclaimers in two specific cases: when showing before-and-after results or explaining how long results typically take. Do not use beauty filters during editing, as this can mislead viewers about the product's actual effects.
Requirements
Keep all product claims accurate and grounded in the actual product
Use disclaimers only when showing before-and-after results or stating how long results may take
Do not use disclaimers in any other context
Avoid using beauty filters in video editing
Why it matters
Misleading beauty and skincare claims can damage consumer trust, trigger platform enforcement action, and expose you to legal liability for false advertising.
