0 FDA warns Lancôme that its wrinkle cream claims go too far

Lancme USA claims on its website that, among other things, its wrinkle and skin creams "boost the activity of genes and stimulate the production of youth proteins" and "improve the condition around the stem cells and stimulate cell regeneration." Not so fast, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in a letter posted last week to the agency's website.

It warned the cosmetic company that such claims imply that the products affect "the structure or function of the human body," and thus should be classified as drugs, not cosmetics. But the products were never approved as new drugs by the FDA, the agency said.

"The marketing of these products with these claims evidencing these intended uses violates the Act," the FDA stated in its letter, referring to section 201(g)(1)(C) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Some of the Lancme beauty products that the FDA says violate the act include: Gnifique Youth Activating Concentrate, Gnefique Eye Youth Activating Eye Concentrate, Gnefique Cream Serum Youth Activating Cream Serum, Gnifique Repair Youth Activating Night Cream, Absolue Precious Cells Advanced Regenerating and Reconstructing Cream SPF 15 Sunscreen, Absolue Eye Precious Cells Advanced Regenerating and Reconstructing Eye Cream, Absolue Night Precious Cells Advanced Regenerating and Reconstructing Night Cream, and Rnergie Microlift Eye R.A.R.E. Intense Repositioning Eye Lifter.

Lancme has until the end of the month to respond to the FDA's warning letter. "Failure to do so may result in enforcement action without further notice," states the FDA, adding that the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act authorizes injunctions against manufacturers and distributors of illegal products, as well as seizure of the products.

Our wrinkle cream buying guide includes information about wrinkle treatments offered by your doctor, and several tested products including Lancme Paris products. You can also consult our wrinkle serum and eye cream buying guides for more information, as well as 7 ways to prevent eye wrinkles.

Source:
Inspections, Compliance, Enforcement, and Criminal Investigations Lancome 9/7/12 [FDA]