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.
