FDA Warns L'Oreal To Stop Exaggerating Youthful Benefits

We don't believe that only L'Oreal should be scolded for its overly-exaggerated claims about its skin care products that turn back time. But--the largest cosmetics company is being warned to STOP advertising its anti-aging items with words that sound like the creams and serums are as powerful as drugs.

And Lancome appears to be hit the hardest with its skin care claims of "boost(ing) the activity of genes" or "stimulate(ing) cell regeneration". Yeah, right.

Well, we see those exaggerated fountain of youth promises from just about EVERY skin care and cosmetics companies around---from Avon to Olay, to Perricone, and so on.

It's difficult to figure out how much is TRUE, and how much is not about a skin care or cosmetic product that promises all these wonderful benefits.

L'Oreal responded in this way:

"We are aware of FDA's letter to Lancome and will respond to their regulatory concerns in a timely manner," a L'oreal spokeswoman said.

We do believe that many incredibly good things can help one's skin, and the advances in beauty science have come a long way. But to completely ERASE wrinkles, scars and permanently lift skin is a big stretch.

Even prescription Retin-A and Renova cannot do all those things, but these skin care drugs at least, minimize the fine lines and DO stimulate collagen production and increase cell turnover. But it's a slow process and you have to use a prescription skin care product forever to maintain results.

So, no easy path to the fountain of youth. And skin care companies that offer over-the-counter products with huge promises should all be taken to task, and scolded for photoshopping and using the complexions of very young models as proof of a product's efficacy.

By the way...Here are a couple of products mentioned in the warning letter, dated September 7:
Genifique Repair Youth Activating Night Cream
Absolue Eye Precious Cells Advanced Regenerating and Reconstructing Eye Cream.

On its website, Lancome describes Genifique Repair cream as "our first night care that boosts the activity of genes." The magical cream costs $98 for a 1.7-ounce.