09.12.12
Marketing departments beware! The US Food and Drug Administration is reading your labels. According to a Reuters report, FDA said Lancôme USA, a unit of L'Oréal, claimed some of its skin creams could "boost the activity of genes" or "stimulate cell regeneration" to reduce signs of aging.
Any product that is intended to affect the structure or function of the human body is classified as a drug, the FDA said, according to a warning letter posted on its website on Tuesday.
On its website, Lancôme describes the Genifique Repair cream, which costs $98 for a 1.7oz. container, as "our first night care that boosts the activity of genes." The company cites an in-vitro test on genes to back up the claim.
The FDA said failure to fix the advertising claims could lead to enforcement actions, such as seizure of the products and injunctions against their manufacturers and distributors.